The Arizona Memorial is definitely worth the time. It is a very moving experience. The Visitor Center has a lot of memorabilia, and a fantastic movie of the history and attack on Pearl Harbor.
Then you board a boat and motor out to the memorial itself, a structure built above the sunken ship. There are pictures and diagrams to show you what you're looking at, as you look down at the ship under the water, including an oil slick still rising from somewhere in the ship. The names of all the sailors onboard are etched into a wall. Very often, there are wreaths or notes or other tributes left by family members, military or non-military visitors.
The whole experience gives you a great understanding of what happened, why, where, and why we owe so much to those who served, and continue to serve today.
I'll add my nod for being well worth the wait. It is a fantastic tribute to all of the people who were involved in that fateful day. The movie was very informative and the memorial was extremely moving. Such a serene and beautiful setting for such horror to have occured. If you have time, take in the punch bowl as well. It is the cemetary over-looking the harbor. Best wishes!
It's definitely worth the time. You could spend a entire day at the Arizona, Mighty Mo & Bowfin sub. btw- If you go there on your own you'll have to rent a locker for you camera bag & such but if you go on a tour they'll let you keep it on the bus. No bags of any kind (even fanny packs) are allowed at the Arizona or on the Bowfin sub.
I am a Canadian who was so very moved by the wonderful Arizona memorial.Definitley worth the wait. I felt its awe the moment I arrived at the dock to board the naval ship that transported us to it. It is a tribute that is so moving. I can't describe its spell.You need to experience it.
Thank you for that wise advise!
