USS Arizona Commander's Multimedia Narrated Tour
Quick Details
- Duration: 60 to 90 Minutes
- Availability: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Languages: Available in English
*In addition, this tour will even translate the National Park Service’s 23-minute movie documentary into the visitor’s language.
Adult
$20
$11
Child
$15
$7
I’m excited to share my experience with the USS Arizona Commander’s Multimedia Narrated Tour, located at 1 Arizona Memorial Rd, Honolulu, HI 96818. This is an official National Park Service Tour that brings the history of Pearl Harbor to life through a unique multimedia experience.
eadership in History: Explore the USS Arizona with the Commander's Narration
The USS Arizona Memorial is the number one visited destination in Hawaii, and it’s easy to see why. Millions of visitors flock to this stunning site each year to witness where World War II began for the United States on December 7th, 1941.
This self-guided multimedia tour lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, making it a perfect choice for those wanting an in-depth understanding of Pearl Harbor’s history. It’s highly recommended for all visitors who wish to gain a deeper insight into the events that shaped the Pacific during and after the war.
What makes this tour truly special is the narration by the famous actress Jamie Lee Curtis, along with insights from Pearl Harbor Survivors and National Park Service historians. This fascinating tour features key stops that illuminate the events of that fateful day.
As you explore, Jamie Lee Curtis will guide you through the Visitor Center’s two world-class museums. The tour also includes narration aboard the USS Arizona Memorial for those who have purchased tickets. Additionally, it takes you along the shoreline for the incredible “Path of Attack Tour,” where you’ll hear and see firsthand accounts from actual USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor Survivors as they share their stories and retrace the significant events of December 7, 1941.
Videos of veterans and National Park Rangers sharing their personal narratives enrich the experience. You’ll also have access to the USS Arizona Memorial library photos, giving you a comprehensive view of the history surrounding this iconic memorial.
To learn more about this immersive experience, be sure to check out a short video on the Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Center.
How to Obtain Boat Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial
To get boat tickets, visit Recreation.gov or call toll-free (US/Canada) at 1-877-444-6777. Tickets cost $1.00 each, and the National Park Service releases them as follows:
- First Round: Available 8 weeks in advance
- Second Round: Available one day in advance at 3 p.m. Hawaii Time
Shop for Official USS Arizona Memorial Gear
Prepare for your visit by purchasing official merchandise! Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Gift Shop and use promo code “advance” for a 15% discount (the discount does not apply to flags and Harley Davidson items). Proceeds support park maintenance and preservation.
Tour Reservations Department
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Hawaii Standard Time)
- Phone: 808.954.8759 or toll-free (US/Canada) 1-866-332-1941
- Email: tours@pacifichistoricparks.org
For group discounts for adults and students, please email Tours@PacificHistoricParks.org.
Before booking your tour, keep these important details in mind:
- The Commander’s Tour does not include boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial, and they are not required to participate in this multimedia experience.
- To secure your boat tickets, visit the National Park Service website at Recreation.gov or call toll-free at 1-877-444-6777. The tickets cost $1.00 each.
- The National Park Service releases tickets in two rounds: the first round is available eight weeks in advance, and the second round is released one day in advance at 3 p.m. Hawaii Time.
- Park gates open at 7 a.m., so be sure to plan your visit accordingly!
To enhance your experience, make sure to shop in advance for official USS Arizona Memorial gear.
- Languages Offered: The tour is available in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, French, German, and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse audience.
- Parking: $7 daily parking is available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, located conveniently at 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818.
USS Arizona Memorial Boat Ticket NOT INCLUDED
However, this program DOES NOT include the boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial. Please visit the USS Arizona Memorial tour to reserve those tickets.
When To Arrive
You can start the Pearl Harbor Multimedia and Virtual Reality Tours any time after 7:00 am. However, start early enough to reach every stop before the park closes at 5:00 pm. If you have boat tickets, please pick up your multimedia tour smartphone before checking into the boat if you have tickets as it has content that may be viewed on the USS Arizona Memorial.
Accessibility
The visitor center has reserved accessible parking near the entrance. In addition, the restrooms, theaters, exhibit galleries, bookstore, information desks, drinking fountains, Navy shuttle boats, and the USS Arizona Memorial are all fully accessible to visitors in wheelchairs or scooters. However, walking the distance between facilities may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. In addition, several benches throughout the site give you places to rest. Please note: The visitor center does not offer wheelchairs to the public. Please use assistive devices with care; walkers with wheels have caused accidents when used as wheelchairs. Also, stay hydrated in the tropical climate.
For hearing-impaired visitors, the park fully captions all films in English. Furthermore, there is an induction loop for use with hearing aids in the theater. Visually impaired visitors will find signage in braille in addition to tactile models of various interpretive resources throughout the site. Braille booklets regarding Pearl Harbor are also available at the information desk.
Bags are Prohibited
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center does not allow bags. However, the National Park Service may allow clear, see-through stadium bags and bags that contain medical devices or medication. Of course, you can always bring cameras, cell phones, and wallets. For a fee, you can also store your bags in the storage facility near the visitor center entrance. Additionally, the park’s website offers more information.
Weather/Cancellations
The park may cancel or modify the Pearl Harbor National Memorial program because of high winds and other safety concerns.
Parking
In addition, please plan for traffic and allow time to find parking in one of the nearby parking lots located within walking distance of the visitor center. Taxi cabs and ride-share companies must follow parking lot signage, as well as all pickup and drop-off protocols.
Dress Code
Please remember that you are visiting a site of tremendous loss of life in service to our country. Military visitors to the memorial are within the bounds of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, so Navy personnel enforce the military regulations on dress. Per the Pacific Commander, military visitors in uniform are required to dress in Class B or better in order to gain access to the USS Arizona Memorial. However, the memorial does not allow battle dress uniform, though you can wear it throughout the visitor center and at sites on Ford Island. Military visitors are welcome to wear civilian clothes when they visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the multimedia tour suitable for children?
A: Absolutely! The USS Arizona Commander’s Multimedia Narrated Tour is engaging for visitors of all ages, though younger children may need parental guidance to fully grasp the historical context.
Q: How long is the multimedia experience?
A: The entire multimedia tour lasts 60 to 90 minutes, offering a comprehensive overview of Pearl Harbor’s history.
Q: Are there any health restrictions for participating in the tour?
A: Generally, the tour is safe for most individuals. However, if you have any health concerns, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before participating.
Q: Can I take photos during the tour?
A: You can generally take photos in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and during the multimedia experience, but it’s important to respect the memorial’s solemn atmosphere.
Q: What happens if I miss my scheduled time for the multimedia tour?
A: It’s essential to arrive on time. If you miss your time slot, you may need to reschedule, depending on availability.
Cancellations and Changes
Life can be unpredictable, and if you find yourself needing to cancel your tour, here’s what you should know:
- Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid any cancellation fees.
- To cancel or modify your reservation, contact the Tour Reservations Department directly via phone or email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the USS Arizona Commander's Multimedia Narrated Tour include?
The tour includes a multimedia narration by the USS Arizona Commander and an immersive VR adventure, providing a detailed and engaging experience of the historic site.
How long does the USS Arizona Commander's Multimedia Narrated Tour last and what is the schedule?
The tour lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, allowing guests ample time to explore and absorb the history with the narrated content and VR experience.
Who is the USS Arizona Commander's Multimedia Narrated Tour suitable for?
This tour is suitable for adults and children, with no special fitness or experience level required, making it accessible for most visitors interested in history and multimedia tours.
What should I bring or wear for the USS Arizona Commander's Multimedia Narrated Tour?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour involves some walking and outdoor time; bringing a hat and water is also advisable.
How do I book tickets and where is the meeting point for the USS Arizona Commander's Multimedia Narrated Tour?
Tickets can be purchased in advance online to skip the lines, and the meeting point is at the USS Arizona Memorial visitor center in Pearl Harbor.