Hawaiian Fun Island Drives - USS Arizona Memorial
On December 7, 1941 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. 2,390 lives were lost, the Pacific fleet was severely set back and for the United States, it was our entry into World War II.
While on Oahu, one can drive to the USS Arizona Memorial. The memorial spans the mid-portion of the once proud battleship. Standing above the viewing glass with the names of the sailors lost that day beside you, it is hard not to contemplate what it must have been like that day and the sacrifices made for the continued freedoms that we enjoy today. Not what I would classify as a “fun” drive but one that will leave you with a deep appreciation of what happened that day and is well worth the time and effort to complete.
The Arizona Memorial is located at:
1 Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818-3145
For pre-recorded information, you can call (808)422-0561
Admission is FREE
The park is open seven days a week from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
The tour starts with a brief presentation from a Park Ranger or sometimes, a Pearl Harbor survivor. This is followed by a 23 minute film on the attack. After the film ends, you stroll down to the boat landing where a Navy shuttle is waiting to take you to the memorial.
If you are starting out from the Waikiki area, the trip is about 11 miles (depending on exactly where you start out from) and will take you about 18 to 20 minutes. Expect traffic most hours of the day. Let’s say you are starting out from Ala Moana Blvd in Waikiki (if you are coming from Honolulu or the airport, you can pick up the directions from Highway 1):
- Start out by heading Southeast on Ala Moana Blvd
- Turn left onto Ena Road - continue for.2 miles,
- Turn left onto Kalakaua Ave – continue for.8 miles
- Turn left again onto South Beretania Street – continue for.4 miles
- Turn right onto Piikoi Street – continue for.1 miles
- Turn left onto Lunalilo Street – continue for.2 miles
- The road will gently head to the left and here you will jump onto the ramp and merge onto Interstate Highway 1 heading West – follow this for 6.8 miles
- While on Highway 1, keep your eyes open for the USS Arizona/Stadium exit, #15A. Note: do NOT take the Pearl Harbor exit. This is a common mistake.
- Merge onto Kamehameha Highway 99 via exit #15A going towards the Arizona Memorial / Stadium – continue for 1.6 miles
- Take a gentle left onto Arizona Memorial Place -.1 miles
- At the base of the hill, turn right and you will find the parking lot on your left. They do ask that you park before unloading.
Like this article? Add it to your favorite social bookmarks.
