USS Arizona Memorial

Clearly, the most famous war memorial in Hawaii is the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. This Memorial straddles the sunken hull of the battleship USS Arizona and commemorates December 7, 1941, the day of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Since its dedication in 1962 and designation as part of the National Park Service system in 1980, the Memorial marks the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives when the ship was sunk. This tragically represents over half of the American casualties on that fateful day.

A visit begins at the Visitor’s Center, where you are assigned to a group for the Memorial visit. When called, you will first watch an emotionally impactful film that discusses the events leading up to the attack. Afterwards, you will board a navy tender, which takes you to the USS Arizona Memorial. During the journey, a narrative tape recounts the happenings of that day as you pass the sites of other ships affected in the attack, leading you to the Memorial.

The atmosphere at the USS Arizona Memorial is deeply solemn. The silence and the sight of the wall inscribed with the names of the brave men remind you of the sacrifices they made. You may notice fuel still leaking from the ship, more than 70 years later, while buoys mark its outlines. Such reflections evoke feelings of both sadness and pride for those who valiantly served their country.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

The battleship USS Missouri, often referred to as “Mighty Mo”, proudly rests on Battleship Row in Pearl Harbor. This iconic ship has served in several major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Gulf War.

The Memorial is a non-profit organization, relying entirely on private funding as it is not part of the U.S. National Park system located next to the USS Arizona Memorial. Therefore, an entry fee is required to cover operational costs.

Visitors can choose from a variety of ticket options, including packages that allow entry to all three Pearl Harbor Historic Sites: the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Each of these locations showcases significant aspects of history and are worth visiting.

We highly recommend participating in a guided tour on the Battleship Missouri, which are led by experienced retired military veterans.

It is fitting that these two storied ships, which symbolize the beginning and conclusion of World War II, now share their history at Pearl Harbor.

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater

Located on the island of O`ahu is the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater, also known as Puowaina, translating to “Hill of Sacrifice”. This historic site is believed to house an ancient heiau and was used for the resting of kapu breakers in the past. Today, Punchbowl is a sacred resting place housing the remains of over 38,000 soldiers, many of whom lost their lives in the Pacific during World War II.

Visitors will find 115 acres dedicated to honoring these fallen heroes, marked by plaques and the occasional lei from loved ones. The cemetery features a prominent memorial, displaying the names of over 26,000 Americans listed as missing in action, with additional areas now commemorating those lost in the Vietnam War.

The stunning monument, established in 1966, showcases a statue of a woman representing peace, overlooking the grounds. Surrounding her are walls etched with maps of several vital Pacific campaigns, creating a sense of reverence for those represented here.

Within this sacred ground is an interdenominational chapel, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of those honored.

Hale’iwa War Memorial

While the USS Arizona and Punchbowl memorials are among the most recognized on O`ahu, other equally important sites also exist. The Korean War and Vietnam Memorials, located on the grounds of the Iolani Palace in Honolulu, honor the soldiers from Hawaii who made the ultimate sacrifice during these conflicts.

Additionally, you can find the Hale’iwa War Memorial at Hale’iwa Beach Park on the North Shore. This site, previously chosen for its beach beauty, features a magnificent white obelisk honoring those from the Waialua-Kahuku area who lost their lives in recent wars. The names of heroes from World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War are carved on each side of the obelisk, providing a meaningful tribute to their sacrifices for peace.