located in pearl city, approximately a 15 minute drive away from waikiki, it is a state sanctioned and national memorial to honor the lives of the soldiers killed on december 7, 1941, marking the entrance of the americans to WW2.
the entry, visit, and ride to the memorial is free.
no purses or bags are allowed on the premises, so you can rent a locker or better yet, lock valuables in the trunk. you'll want to bring along a camera and ensure you have plenty of sunscreen. inside there is a cafeteria which serves kickass hotdogs, icecream, soup, salad, and cold drinks by vending machines. there are 2 different gift shops as well as plenty of washrooms (totally important if you are like me, a frequent pisser).
you'll be given a card resembling a bookmark with a time stamped on it. the time stamp indicates the time at which you'll board the ferry to the memorial. it's a quick 2 minute boat ride to ford island where the arizona was stationed. they ask that you turn off your cell phones and pagers and proceed in silence, as you will be floating over the grave of over 1000 soldiers. they let them rest in the harbour, which is eerie, yet very moving.
while you wait, feel free to browse the gift shops for unique ww2 souvenirs, books, videos, etc, and wander around the exhibits. they have a few guns and turrets from various subs and ships in the yard.
When your turn is called to see the memorial, assemble in the gathering circle and wait for instructions. as mentioned, it's decorum to turn off cell phones and speak quietly. of course there were plenty of morons there with small children, which adds to the aggravation, but if you can possibly tune them out, do.
while on the memorial, take note of the smoke stacks still sticking out of the water:
the uss arizona has been leaking oil ever since the attack. nothing has been done about it, as it is said that each drop of oil represents a tear for every soldier lost on december 7, 1941. they have nicknamed each drop of oil "tears of the sun". the way the oil reflects off the water and sunlight is beautiful and moving.
while on the memorial, read the names of the lost, look at the mighty mo behind you, and appreciate your freedom.
i'd say this trip is well worth a few hours out of your day.
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