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USS Arizona Memorial
Rating Details »
Categories: Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Museums [Edit]
1 Arizona Memorial PlaceHonolulu, HI 96818
(808) 422-0561
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
80 reviews for USS Arizona Memorial
Great place to pay your respects and learn some history about Pearl Harbor. I went on a Monday around 1130 am and walk right up to the ticket booth...no line at all. We were given free tickets to view the movie showing at 12 so we walk around a bit and bought some water. The movie is outdated but touching and does a good job of explaining what lead up to the fateful day. We then boarded The Navy operated vessel and were taken out the memorial site. My one and only huge complaint was the utter disrespect I observe from one tour group. They were loud and refused to follow the directions of the Park Ranger on board. Upon arrival to the site these tourist were pushy, loud and taking pictures at inappropriate times. Anyway, they pretty much ruined the experience for me and my husband.
However, the memorial is touching and interesting. Note that visitor center is under construction until 2010 so some of the features may be out of place or missing but the memorial itself is unaffected.
Just came back from visiting the USS Arizona Memorial.
Remembering our fallen heroes who died for our freedom.....is inspiring, empowering and memorable. We are truly blessed to live in a land where we can be free! Thank you...........
My son said it the best: "These men were awesome!"
I feel awful not giving this place a higher rating but I think it's appropriate. Going out to the USS Arizona memorial is free which is nice. Your ticket is first come, first serve so if you go on a busy day you might be waiting a long time for your chance to see the memorial. That didn't happen to me but I could see how it's likely to happen.
Before taking a Navy operated boat to the memorial you watch a video on the events that led up to Pearl Harbor attacks. It has real footage of the attacks and the like. The movie is quite powerful and it's interesting to watch footage of the harbor full of burning boats and then walk out into the harbor and take a boat across it.
The actual memorial itself is interesting but compared to a lot of memorials I've visited across the country it's not very moving. Once out there there's a wall of the names of the men forever on duty with their ship, which is moving. However being able to just see bits of the boat above water and with no more history or description on the bridge of the memorial itself makes it feel like something is missing.
Maybe it was just the group of people visiting that day which seemed to affect the emotion you'd expect to have but I don't think it was the sole reason.
It's definitely still worth your time to visit and I think people should but don't expect an extremely emotional or even sullen experience.
What a great experience.
We decided to visit this place early to avoid the crowds. We arrived at 8:30 am but the earliest ticket we got was the 9:30.
You are first escorted into a theater to watch a short clip on the attack. All the pictures and clips are real...no reenactments. The video was amazing and very powerful. Made me emotional.
Afterwards, you are escorted to a boat to take you to the USS Arizona. Aboard the memorial, you can see parts of the underwater ship...it's very moving to think of all the soldiers whose graves are beneath you.
I'm so glad we came here. We were about to do something else but we're so glad we got a chance to see history.
Side note: When you arrive, you are not allowed to take any bags aboard with you on the memorial. Not even a diaper bag or camera bag. They have a check in place where you can pay a few bucks to store your bags...but I think you should just store it in your trunk..there's a security guard that walks around the parking lot.
Also, we were confused about the tickets. The ticket to the USS Arizona Memorial is FREE!! The other tickets are for the museum and they are NOT FREE.
Worth seeing to contemplate the past.
Of the many places I visited in Hawaii, none was more moving than my experience at the USS ARIZONA Memorial. I saw it daily on my drive to work - saw it from Ford Island as well. But none of that feels like what you experience when you are actually on it. It was so touching I could only go there once in two and a half years on Oahu.
People come from all over the world to visit Hawaii and millions come to visit this gravesite and memorial where WWII began. The very silence and reverence among those who tour the museum and ferry out to the memorial display the gravity of what one feels at a place such as this.
Sure, vacationing in Hawaii means luaus, visiting Diamond Head, Waikiki, beaches, surfing, etc. But a visit to the ARIZONA Memorial is a must among top things and places to visit if you want to understand modern Hawaiian and American history. Also, you can take a visit over to the USS MISSOURI on the same day as it's on a pier next to Battleship Row - the site where WWII ended.
There is a lot a great advice about when to get to the Memorial and what to do when you go in these various reviews. Take a look and make your choices. To me, must do's include:
- Watch the film! You'll get a better understanding of the full scope of the attack on Oahu on 07 DEC 1941. It was a full attack on the island, not just Pearl Harbor.
- Explore the museum! This will greatly enhance your experience and appreciation of the site.
- Visit the USS OKLAHOMA Memorial nearby. This memorial was completed after I left the island but from the pictures of seen of it, it is a worthy remembrance site for the crew of the ship that capsized during the attack.
- Ferry to the Memorial and take pictures. But look closely at everything you see: the oil that still surfaces from below, the names on the wall, the spot that marks the bow of the ship in the distance pointing to the USS MISSOURI, etc.
The etc. means you'll fill in your own blanks of what mostly moves you during your visit. Fact is, you will be moved at this MUST VISIT site on the beautiful island of Oahu.
Recommend: HIGHEST
It's free, so that's cool. A must see, since the bombing of Pearl Harbor is such an important part of American history.
We made the mistake of paying $14/person for the Pacific Aviation Museum which is a complete waste of time and money.
If you don't have to carry a bag, don't. My girlfriend brought her purse and had to pay $3 to check it in before we could enter.
My Ratings:
Quality - 5 Stars
Price - 5 Stars
Location - 5 Stars
Service - 5 Star
My Opinion/Story:
There are several places to visit in Oahu but this is a MUST SEE. It was definitely an eerie yet peaceful place to visit. The memorial is beautiful and well kept. The actual USS Arizonal Memorial was simple yet you feel very solemn. You see and hear about what happened during the attack on Pearl Harbor but you really can't feel it until you've visited the memorial. It's really important to pay homage to the soldiers who died. Visiting the memorial is a very sobering experience and despite feeling sad, we're glad we were able to visit and appreciate the sacrifices of our soldiers, past and present.
There isn't a lot you can say about the USS Arizona Memorial beyond "it is amazing", so I'll just leave a few tips.
- Go early. We got there at 7:45 and had to wait until our tour at 9:15 am.
- Leave the bags at home. Check the website for all the "what you can and cannot bring" rules.
- Bring a good camera with a lot of memory space.
- Not sure you need the audio guided tour. Then again I majored in history in school and knew what I was getting into. All the little museums do a great job of telling you what is what and the video is very informative.
Just do it... it is free and something everyone should see. As each generation dies we are losing history. Memorials like this remind us of were we came from and what we have done. We arrived at 10:30 and were granted free tickets to the 1:00 show. During that time we had to wait were able to go the Missouri and back.
Fyi's~
* The do not allow backpacks, purses, etc. at the memorial or all of the other tourist stuff on site. They will check them for a $fee- just leave the stuff in the car
* You can bring in cameras, cell phones, and things in your pocket (ie wallet)
* Parking is free- there are multiple lots
* Last tour = 3:30pm- I am sure the tickets to this show are given out much earlier in the day
It wasn't until I watched a Band of Brothers Marathon that realized how fascinating war history was and that I enjoyed learning about it. The bf and I came here on the 4th of July after going to Aloha Stadium Swap Meet.
Like others have said you should either pack lightly or bring the $2 you'll need to store your stuff in a "locker". The "locker" are just shelves that they put your stuff on so I wasn't really sure why I was paying for this service since I didn't feel safe with my stuff there. Anywho we were actually surprised that it wasn't as busy but we had to wait about 45 minutes before we could see the movie. We walked around and observed the missiles and read about much of the history. I did appreciate that admission was free and that we were able to see Pearl Harbor survivors. My bf's dad was in the Navy during Vietnam and he got him a really awesome coffee mug that was a replica of what was used on the ships.
Overall I am glad we had the experience of going and see a part of history.
This place is very moving and really-a must to visit when in Oahu.
So basically, we got there really early around 8:30 am to get free tickets. The time slot that we got was for 10:30am I believe the tickets are first come first serve. So prepare to come early!
Free parking.
They didn't let me bring my tote so I brought my wallet, camera and phone and left my tote in our rental.
While waiting for our tour, we visited a small food stall that sells hotdogs, chili, chips, drinks, salads, etc... and they also have a gift store.
We also walked around the plaza by the tickets area where they have plaques honoring each USS ship that were destroyed along with the names of each military personnel.
The video that they show prior to the memorial was from what I understand, was real footage.
A short boat ride took us to the memorial. The memorial was built atop the fallen ship and you can still see oil spurting from it. The wall of names of the fallen was quite an experience and really-you just want to have a moment of silence.
This experience was a great way to honor our WWII heroes.
This place Was actually cooler than I thought. It's not a super fun place but what do you expect it is a memmorial. But, for a memmorial it def had a bunch of cool historic things to look at and I don't even like history.
Got there at around 830am and closest tickets were for 10. It was fine. Get your tickets at the USS Bowfin then look around. There is a small hot dog vendor with snacks. There are cool missels and guns to read about and take pictures with. You can pay extra and take an audio tour of a real WWII submarine. Lot of places to take pictures even in front of palm trees and stuff.
For the tickets you watch about a 30 min movie recapping pearl harbor then go on a mini boat ride to the USS Arizona Memmorial. Get dropped off get to look around and take pictures for about 15 min. And that's it.
Quick tip:
-Tickets for movie and boat are free.
-Viewing subs cost money but highly rec doing the $10 one at least.
-No bags, purses, camera bags are allowed inside. You can store them for $2
I def thought it was cool for how cheap everything was. Worth going and I def reccommend checking it out.
This one is free so no whining about the cost. This is a very sombering experience. You get a 23 minute history movie lesson narrated by Stockard Channing. Then a quick 5 minute boat ride to the memorial. You spend about 10 min on the memorial before they take you back.
NOTE: for good pics of Oahu sit on right side going. Try to sit on the end going/coming for good pic opportunities.
You just need to do it. Especially if you want to learn more about the sacrifices so many made in World War II to keep our country safe and free.
Great introductory film and several fascinating exhibits in the museum. I guarantee the memorial will tug at your heartstrings.
Free parking, free admission and free boat ride. A couple little reminders:
- they do NOT allow daypacks in the memorial. Leave those in your car.
- the last tour starts at 3:30pm.
I've been here twice now, each time that I've come to visit Oahu. And each visit to the memorial hasn't failed to move me. My father was actually a WWII veteran, so I have a unique perspective and appreciation for what these people sacrificed so we can enjoy our freedom today. Admission into the memorial is free, but they encourage donations as it helps to maintain this historic landmark.
There is museum you can browse through while waiting for your appointed time to ride over to the USS Arizona. Before you head out on the boat ride to the memorial, you enter a theater and watch a brief segment about the history of the Pearl Harbor attack. It is well edited, albeit a bit, nationalistic, but never fails to get me all choked up. The video certainly accomplishes what it set out to do, that is, put everyone in a somber mood and in the correct mindset before stepping foot on the floating grave which is the USS Arizona.
If you're ever in Oahu, you must visit. It will definitely make you take a step back and say "damn" and give a deep appreciation for all we take for granted.
I rate this a five mostly because of the architecture. The memorial to the USS Arizona looked freakin awesome! And the atmosphere was very memorial-like. I was with a group that brought a survivor of the USS Oklahoma, and that was touching to watch as he put a wreath down for the men who died in the Arizona.
As a tourist place, get ready to have a very odd and sad atmosphere get tossed your way. If you plan to go out to the USS Missouri, plan to leave anything you can't carry in your pockets at home. The Missouri is still located within the Pearl Harbor military base, so don't complain when they aren't the most logical and hospitable people you've ever dealt with. Still, the whole thing is worth a look.
I think its very important to come here when you visit Hawai'i because it is part of the history. You cannot appreciate Hawaii without understanding what happened here. My fiance said that coming here was too sad and put a damper on his vacation however, I would argue otherwise. Though we left sad, we left with a deeper understanding and appreciation...
I wasn't sure how to rate this... cause I don't want to seem like I don't care about American history.
You definately have to come by here once in your lifetime to experience and see history right in front of you.
I wouldn't reccommend going more than once unless you enjoy waiting 3-4 hours to actually see the memorial (for 15-20 minutes) itself. I reccommend showing up pretty early (I mean like an hour or so before the tours start) if you want to avoid the wait I had experienced. So take lots of pictures you're first time.
Everything is basically free: parking. admission. boat ride. museum.
What's not free?: Headsets to explain the artifacts in the musuem and memorial. snacks. memorabilia.
Like pretty much everyone else has said: If you're in Oahu, you MUST stop by this place.
It's a very significant part of history, and I've always felt that we need to know where we've been in order to know where we're going. I went on a tour here, and it was great to see so much history and be able to learn and experience everything that happened here. We were able to ride on a ferry to visit Pearl Harbor! So fascinating. One little tidbit, on the way back to shore the tour guide or driver or whatever didn't stop in time and our boat cracked part of the wooden planks. LOL.
They had plenty of neat artifacts like models of ships and planes. They had a bunch of historical video documentaries. Of course, they had your typical tourist store where you can get all your little touristy goodies.
Please stop by this place and learn something about our history. It's hard to put into words the experiences you gather once you've visited this place. You can watch all the documentaries on TV or read all the articles on the 'net you want, but nothing beats actually coming here and seeing it all for yourself.
Chris W. wrote:
"...while it was horrible what happened in Pearl Harbor, it was a military target in a time of war. What does the US do? Bomb the hook out of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (civilian targets) with an atomic bomb?!!! "
The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was NOT a knee jerk reaction by America in response to Pearl Harbor. America was engaged in a fierce battle with Japan for nearly four years before the President finally decided to use atomic weapons.
As American soldiers approached closer and closer towards Japan for a land invasion, taking over island by island with BRUTAL fighting, the President had to make a difficult choice: Do we invade Japan the old fashioned way or do we drop the bomb? If America had continued to battle Japan in a conventional war, there would have massive casualties on BOTH sides. Japan's Bushido code of 'fighting to the end' would not have allowed their warriors to surrender easily and probably would have EXTENDED the war another year or two. Thus, the President decided the best way to minimize American casualties and the end the war quickly was to use atomic bombs.
Now, I am in no way minimizing the horrors of Nagasaki and HIroshima, but as tragic as the bombs effects were, the amount of casualties from a conventional war would have almost as devastating and there would have been far more casualties on the American side, perhaps in the hundreds of thousands.
Next time, learn your history better. For those who do not are doomed to repeat it as the famous saying goes.
Oh, let's not forget that after the war, the U.S. help rebuild Japan rather than subjecting them to steep war reparations. Last time I checked, Japan is the second largest economy in the world. They're not doing too bad, eh?
Javier C. is the ONLY yelper from Honolulu that reviewed this place, and now, Love S.
That's disturbing, out of 38 reviews.
It's Veterans Day, not Memorial Day but none the less, a time to honor and reflect upon our troops and veterans of war.
Yes, I hate to say this but I've never been here. Not even on a school excursion. I guess it's like if you're from New York, you don't go to the Statue of Liberty, or if you're from San Francisco, you don't go to Coit Tower and so forth.
Reading all these reviews, I will have to pay this place a visit. Well not pay, it's FREE.
Happy Veterans Day! Bring the troops home, Obama!
Another Holiday to BBQ at Alamoana Beach.
Thank you Veterans.
.................................................. ...........................................UPDATE. .BELOW............................................ ........................................
Aww, my bad I found another yelper with a review from Kapolei,
Jayson S. okay, so that's 2 yelpers but he worked here, he doesn't count. Still tragic, cmon kama'aina where u at?
What an appropriate time to visit during Veterans' Day. A sunny, but mild day. It wasn't crowded as I expected, so we only waited a half hour before our number was called for the next tour. They had some elementary and junior high kids from the Junior Marines participating in some special Veterans' Day Ceremony.
Since my daughter was going to be out of school for a few days while we're here on Oahu, her teacher requested that she journal and write a report on where she visited. She already did Washington DC, and she did Bunker Hill Monument in Boston. In keeping with the US history theme, this an appropriate topic.
While we were waiting for our tour, I took the my older daughter aside and walked into the museum. I wanted to give her a quick background on what she will be seeing, and why this memorial is so important in American history. Also wanted to emphasize how many lives were lost, and why it was important to remember them, and how America was changed after the WWII Museum itself has a displays describing the circumstances leading up to the attack, models of the Arizona and the carrier Akagi, and some artifacts preserved from the attack.
The tour begins with a docent, who is a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, introducing himself, where he is from, and where was during the attack. It's followed by a film narrated by Stockard Channing, describing the events and circumstances leading to the attack, and a brief mention of the Battle of Midway. After this film, visitors are boarded onto a boat to the memorial itself. These boats are manned by sailors in their dress whites.
Watching my daughter looking around, taking pictures, and asking questions, on what she saw was precious.
For myself, the Memorial was humbling. So many lives lost, so many lives were changed. Early in my professional career, I was a civilian working for the Navy, located on a Naval air station. Since then, I have the upmost respect for those men and women who serve in the armed services. Being in the service, they'll need to travel anywhere around the world on a moments notice, away from family and loved ones. And give their lives when called. Such sacrifice. Seeing those names listed in the Memorial, reminded me of this.
I love to visit Hawaii, but viewing this Memorial reminds me of those who have given me privilege of being able to travel where I please.
This experience was heart-stopping. I cannot imagine going to Honolulu and not doing it. I think that it should be a requirement for all American citizens to go.
It is free for anyone and you take a ticket to begin the tour. They start out by having you watch a documentary of that fateful day that Pearl Harbor was struck...it definitely puts you in a serious mindset but also shows actual footage of the day, which is absolutely heart-breaking. Tears will form in your eyes, no matter who you are.
Once the movie is complete, they ask that once out to the Memorial that you remain quiet. They take you out via a boat and then you file through the Memorial where there are names of every person who died in the USS Arizona. The story of the day is in the monument and you can still see the oil leaking. It is amazing and painful.
I was in awe the entire day. It was absolutely one of the best things we did when we visited Hawaii and I definitely think it's Unamerican if one skips it on a visit.
Take lots of photos and remember, you are here and have freedom b/c of the men and women who died at Pearl Harbor. Absolutely incredible. Don't miss it.
I have been coming here for 30 years. Take a moment and thank those who gave their lives for their country. God Bless America
A must for any visitor to Hawaii!! Very moving and sobering experience as you view history frozen in time. Reading about Pearl Harbor and actually visiting are two different things. A simple reminder of those who gave their lives for the freedoms we sometimes take for granted today and the great cost of War.
I think visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is a must when visiting the island. I have visited twice once on a visit to Honolulu with my family and a second time on my honeymoon with my husband. There is no fee to visit the memorial; donations are greatly appreciated as they maintain the facility as well as the staffing I assume.
They have become strict on items you can take along with you. There are storage facilities upon entering where you can take your items. I say just leave them in the trunk of your car.
This tour is well worth it and it gives you an insight on our history, it's very touching and interesting at that. You watch a documentary on actual events that occurred on December 7, 1941, and then you are taken outside to a dock where a tour boat takes you across onto the USS Arizona Memorial where the USS Arizona sits below you along with the thousands of men/women who dedicated there lives to fight for our country... To this day you can still see bubbles come up of oil and rust.
A moment of silence for the fallen...
We couldnt see as much as we wanted regarding the sunken ships but just to think so many men lost their lives was incredible. It is a very moving monument as long as you respect and realize the effects that took place. If you cant do that then dont waste your time in going. Allow at a minimum of a half day.
If you're visiting Oahu, you Must visit the USS Arizona Memorial.
It's a living history monument, emotionally overwhelming (be prepared to cry). There is a long wait (you have to take a number which gives you a group tour time), but so worth the tour.
All the time I've spent on Oahu, and I've never visited the Arizona Memorial.
I was so glad that I finally made the time to visit. It truly was a moving experience - something I won't forget.
Getting the audio tour for $5 is really worth it, there's so much more information on the audio program than you will get just walking around on your own without it.
Being at the actual memorial, over the Arizona, was such a somber experience. To look at that wall of names and realize the huge loss of life - brothers, fathers, sons. To know that below you is their final resting place - you can't help but take all of it in and contemplate the tragedy of it all.
I left with a renewed sense of profound appreciation for our veterans and soldiers - the sacrifice they made for me and for all of us. It was a very moving experience.
My suggestion to anyone planning on going: get there EARLY - we're talking before 7am - the wait can be really long if you get there too late in the morning. We arrived around 7am and were on the 5th boat out to the memorial. Oh yeah, and DO get the audio tour...worth the $5!
This place is a MUST for all first-time visitors to Oahu.
I recommend getting there extra early (say around 7 or 8 am) to secure your timed tickets for the boat ride to the memorial. This is a very popular tourist attraction because of its nature and because it's free.
Something you should see if you visit Oahu. This is my second time visiting to honor the dead and I always get teary-eyed as I read about the many people who died on December 7, 1941.
Due to heightened security measures, you're not allowed to bring in any type of holder or article that offers concealment (i.e.: purse, camera case, diaper bag, etc) into the memorial (there are storage facilities for a fee). There's plenty of free parking and admission to enter is free. If you'd like a narrated headset that's $5. After entering, you get a ticket to board the memorial, but until it's your time, there's plenty of Pearl Harbor regalia to view and read about.
Once your ticket number has been called, you watch a film and then are ushered to the boat which will take you to the memorial. That whole process is about 75 min.
Once on the USS Arizona, you have plenty of time to take pictures, pay your respects and think back (if you want to) what it was like on that fateful day.
The USS Arizona Memorial is a must see if making a trip out to Oahu. Although I never fought in the military, I give my true respects to those that gave up their life.
Taking a trip to the memorial can be emotional because veterans are always talked about coming back to visit their fallen fellow sailors and just knowing that many of them died helpless just leaves you stricken with sadness.
The memorial is very popular and if you decide to come visit, you will have to wait in a long longgggggggg line. Upon entering the memorial you will receieve a group ticket, that ticket is your boarding pass basically to the memorial site which you have to take a ferry out to. The cost to see the memorial is free, well not really it's paid for by the tax payers of the US. Before you make a trip out to the sunken ship you will have to watch a short film and then you will be escorted onto the ship where it will take you to the memorial site. While at the site, please pay your respects to those that have fallen and keep talking to a whisper if you have to say something at all.
After visiting the site, there is a pretty awesome museum where you can read up more on the history and you can support the memorial by purchasing memorabilia.
Amendment:
I *so^ disagree with the sentiment, thoughts, and indeed, tone of Young's review. I know my history. And I also think that the US used excessive force on civilians and then interned Japanese Americans after that. And I value free speech and a just recounting of history. Political discussions should be that and not a back and forth tit for tat on reviews. I stand by opinions as I respect yours.
_____
I was reading through Love's most excellent and awesome reviews and came across her review of this place. And thought I would rant.
The only thing about the USS Arizona memorial - nothing to do with Love's review, mind you, just a random rant. I too salute our troops and want them home. (and you are right... I have never been there either, nor has my son on school trips - though his Hawaiian Navy Grandpa took him!) is that, while it was horrible what happened in Pearl Harbor, it was a military target in a time of war. What does the US do? Bomb the hook out of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (civilian targets) with an atomic bomb?!!! Gag. I get frustrated with Americans bemoaning Pearl Harbor (which was horrible, not excusing it) but glossing over our just brutal reaction. I would love to see a Hiroshima/Nagasaki memorial at Pearl Harbor. Then I would feel we were looking at our history more fairly.
Again Love, not anything with your review, but it just reminded me...so I thought I would rant.
This is definitely a memorial every American should visit at
least once in their lifetime. It is a very somber experience and
you'll be glad you did. Looking down at the ship you can't help
but start to cry.
Good for your history knowledge. Short and quick trip. They have strict rules about what you can bring in past the security check point.
A very moving experience. I just wish some of the others there at the Memorial realized that they were in fact visiting a cemetery and kept their laughter and joking to a minimum. I'm constantly amazed at how many people are totally unaware of where they are...
My friend and I got there just after 9 and were lucky to get some of the last tickets for the 10:15 tour. We wandered around the museum and bookstore, and chatted with some of the survivors. They wanted to know who our husbands were, and when we told them we were single they offered to find some for us. Ha! The museum is great, and gives you a sense of what life was like on the Arizona before the war.
Unfortunately for us, there was a power surge just as we were going inside the theater, so we weren't able to watch the movie before going out to the Memorial. For this I had to endure the bitching of the people behind us, as if this were the fault of the friendly Park Service people.
I am very glad I came here, and got a chance to pay my respects.
Generally, not ADA friendly. My friend, who travels in a wheelchair, is a history buff and really wanted to see the USS Arizona Memorial. Since it's not often that we end up in Hawaii, we hopped in our car and made the drive out to the Memorial.
The visit started well. The gentleman at the front desk was friendly and informative. He told us exactly where to wait in order for my friend to be seated first in the handicap accessible sections of the theater.
But after the movie, the two female National Park Service workers who led us to our seats were no where to be found. Because he was in a wheelchair, we could not get down the flight of stairs to the door that led to the boat. We had to find our own way out of the theater to the boat that would take us to the monument.
While on the boat, the two marines charged with monitoring the visitors ignored us. We were the last to board a full, crowded boat and the last to disembark. We had to figure everything out ourselves while a boat load of people stared at us like we were part of the side show.
Unbeknownst to us, a good Samaritan got up and spoke to the marines. She told them that she worked for Easter Seals and was offended by their lack of regard for those with special needs. Afterwards, I wouldn't say the servicemen were nice or friendly, but they did allow my friend to disembark first. When we said thank you, they did not respond. Baby steps, right?
Thank goodness for this good Samaritan. Her willingness to step up for a person who could not help himself... for a complete stranger even... reminds me that there are still good people in this world!
Definitely add this to your TO DO list.
It's a must see.
Very somber place to be. The informational videos and self guide history is great information.
I can't stress enough to donate even though the tour is free.
I was here almost three years ago, and security was a huge deal. So follow all the rules, and you'll be okay.
It's a nice place to reflect. Keep in mind all the young men who were sleeping, or just waking up.
It's a very beautiful place to visit as well. Imagine seeing this place back when it was a very active site.
I'd give a thumbs down for younger kids. I'd recommend 6 & up, because they can somewhat grasp what this place is about.
Feel free to roam, and check out the landscape. The open areas where the palm trees are swaying in the gentle ocean breeze...
Great place to visit.
