Go early

Who let the dogs out? Moi.

So - up early again and can't go back to sleep.

FYI - The US "Navy" boat tour is the only one that actually can stop/dock at the USS Arizona. You go through a short film at the museum and then on to the tour. As suggested - best to go early, as they are free? - but on a first come first serve basis.

see: http://www.pacifichistoricparks.org/pearl-harbor-hawaii.php?gclid=COe8-Mex57MCFSmCQgodh0YAzA

Try to explain to your sons why this memorial matters and help them to understand respectful behavior around the burial places of heroes. I am sure you have already done this yourself, but many young people have not had the advantage of parents who care about their learning manners and customs, and you see them (and their parents) wearing unsuitable clothes and wearing hats in places that deserve more respect.

Ackislander, no worries on the respect part. My sons will be fine. We are fortunate to have three boys who have developed a love of history. They have read 4 or 5 books on Pearl Harbor and WWII already (geared to their 9 year old age level) and are very interested in seeing the Memorial. We have been already but are flying to Oahu from the Big Island where we are spending a week just so they can visit the Memorial. Wondering if we should do Punchbowl too?

I know going early makes the most sense. I want to lock in tickets now to make it easier when we get there. Just wondering what else to do that day. Thinking of checking out of our hotel, go to Pearl Harbor for several hours and then what? Need to burn off a lot of energy before getting on the plane for the overnight flight back to the midwest. Hike Diamond Head? Head to the North Shore?

Since you can get tickets online now, that makes it so much easier.

You mention Diamond Head. We loved doing that. I would do that first thing in the morning while it is cooler and before the crowds hit. Then do Pearl Harbor after that, then drive around the island from there.

This would allow you to check out of your hotel after doing Diamond Head, thus leaving your bags there. I would also check and see if they would allow you to leave your bags there all day, picking them up before you head to the airport.

At Pearl Harbor, be sure to allow time for the Bowfin, the submarine there. Also, there are lockers near the Bowfin to store purses, backpacks, etc since you cannot take those on the USS Arizona. I can't remember if smaller purses are allowed, but I am sure the website will have current info when you reserve your timeslot. Just wanted to give you a heads up on it in case. We went a couple years ago and I know things change and I don't want you to just rely on outdated info.

You might also checkout Punchbowl, the National Cemetary of the Pacific. We took our kids there, so it is fine, and there are some great views too for if they lose interest.

Double check directly with the number on the webpage - but not sure you can make reservations for the US Navy Boat tour -which IMO is the best - as this is from their website:

"Scheduled tours vary due to visitation, but generally begin every 15 minutes from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. The tour programs are free and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy summer and winter holiday periods, it is highly recommended that you arrive at the Visitor Center as early as possible as, often times, all tickets are given away before 12 noon."


As for what else to do - from Pearl - you have a jump on driving up to the North Shore - and I would also recommend snorkeling at Hanauma Bay - but also recommend going early there to beat the crowds, for the best visibility. You can rent snorkeling gear from Snorkel Bob's or other companies.

http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/information.htm

@Tomsd, it appears that you can make reservations for everything ahead of time which is what I am trying to do today. There are various tour options but they all seem to include a 20 minute introductory film and the boat ride out to the Memorial. You can add on Audio tours, a fuller tour of the entire site (Bowfin,etc), Mid lock, Battleship Row, Missouri, etc. I think the more basic tour would be best for us given the boys' ages.

I worry that if we visit too late in the day, parking will be just a nightmare.

Thanks for the advice!

You can make reservations online. Just be sure that you do in advance as far as you can plan. We (in Oct.) only looked on the website the day before we wanted to go. All tours were filled and we had to wait an extra day.

Even if you don't go on either the Bowfin or Missouri (we didn't), there are torpedoes and missiles displayed around the area.

Thanks to both of you for the info - as I couldn't readily find from the webpage how to make reservations online.

My friend and his son just went very early - and were in the first group - and they really liked the Navy Boat video/museum - which they went through before going out to visit the USS Arizona.

OK - under FAQ:

Q. Can I reserve tickets?

A. Yes. You may reserve tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial with a non-refundable fee of $1.50 per ticket. To book your reservation or for more details visit Recreation.gov.

I went to the USS Arizona Memorial and took a tour of the USS Missouri. This was in Sept a few years ago and I went in the afternonn. There was no line but I did have to wait for the boat to the memorial. I was in the last bus that day coming back from the Missouri and was too late to visit the subs.

I loved the tour of the USS Missouri. IIRC, it was the Ensign's Tour. The guide was knowledgeable and humorous and it was one of the best site tours I've ever taken anywhere.

We went several years ago. It was a memorable trip. We arrived early and made sure we were not carrying backpacks or anything like that. I am guessing that you still need to be thoughtful about what you are bringing with you (no pocket knives or like gadgets) just as you would at the airport. I remember that there were some vehicle break ins in the parking lot (this was a LONG time ago) so we were mindful not leave anything in plain sight (which is hard when you have rented a jeep!). I think you are wise to go early so that you can utilize the balance of the day as is mentioned above.

Believe what they say that you cannot take ANY purse/backpack, etc to the Arizona.

Agree that a tour of the USS Missouri is very interesting, seeing crew quarters, the spot where the surrender was signed, etc. I know the ship was having maintenance done; check to see if it is available now.

The displays in the visitors center are also worth some time.

I was at Pearl Harbour over the summer with my family. I had reserved tickets via the recreation.gov website and it was really easy. We went at around 9am and didn't have an issue with parking. Yes, they do not allow any bags at all, so I made note of that and on that day we left all our stuff in the hotel room safe and wore clothing with a lot of pockets for our camera and wallets etc. We had a great time, and there was a LOT to see, even if we only did the Arizona memorial and not the other ships or submarines. We probably spent a total of 3 hours there. Highly recommend to go earlier than your ticket time in order to view the exhibits...you can also visit them after you visit the memorial but it's nice to do it beforehand. Enjoy your trip!!

Thanks for all the advice. In the end, I booked tickets for the day we fly in from the Big Island. Will go straight to Pearl Harbor from the airport. I know parking will be crazy but it seems like the best option.

Try to also do the tour of the Missouri, your boys will love it.

You can make reservations online now for the free USS Arizona Memorial tickets. There is a service charge of $1.50 each if you make reservations.

No need to stand in line anymore.

www.recreation.gov

Use the search: Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

Then under Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, click on: Check Availability

When that page comes up, there will be 4 choices.

First one is Historic Pearl Harbor Tour

Scroll down

Second one is USS Arizona Memorial Tour (this is the one you want)

Scroll down

Third one is USS Arizona Memorial with Audio Tour (this is the one you want if you want headphones)

Scroll down

Fourth one is Passport to Pearl Harbor - This will give you one full day to visit all four museums including USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, USS Bowfin & Pacific Aviation Museum

You do need to pick up your tickets at the visitors center at least one hour before your tour starts.

Yes, you should also visit National Cemetery of the Pacific.

Lots of info on this page:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g29222-c159119/Oahu:Hawaii:National.Cemetery.Of.The.Pacific.html