Is this as moving an experience as people say? Is there a boat directly to the memorial?Do you actually go on the ship?

Yes, we visited there in '92 and for us it was a very moving experience--we were part of a hand full of people who around were alive that day, most other visitors were not. Go to the National Park early in the day or you might not get a ticket. They were sold out by noon the day we went, and that was in July. Unless it has changed, that is the ONLY way you can board the Memorial that is built over the Arizona. Other tours go go around the Memorial, but did not allow you to board the Memorial, unless that has changed. Buy a lei and throw it over the side once aboard.

Ditto on "it's as moving as they say"; I didn't expect to find it moving, but I did. And one small, additional note: the National Park tours let you go to the Memorial, but you do NOT get to even touch the Arizona itself. That was intentional when the memorial was built.

I found it emotionally very moving and powerful, and fascinating. Yhe documentary that is shown in the theatre (before you board the launch) is excellent. The memorial is a"must-see" --perhaps even more so for the people who weren't alive in 1941.

Definately! My sids and I went and they totally enjoyed it too. Ages 6 & 13. Try to get there early to spend a leisurely time. The survivors that speak are compelling. You can't actually touch anything, it's under the sea but historians say it is slowly crumbling and next time you have the opportunity it may be gone.

Assume you are talking about the USS Arizona Memorial - there are many things at Pearl Harbor. Make sure and go EARLY - they open the doors at 8AM but the line starts forming about 7 AM. The earlier you go, the more likely you will get on one of the earlier ferry boats to the memorial. You start with a short film then get on the ferry to the actual memorial. Once you get back, you can then wander the grounds as long as you like. If you wait till 9 or so to even get in line, it may be 2-3 hours before you even get on the ferry over. Another mundane reason to go early, is that after 9 AM, it will be nearly impossible to get a place to park in the small parking lot at the National Park.

Once you tour the memorial, right next door is a WWII submarine [USS Bowfin] that you can tour. It is a paid admission thing, but it is pretty interesting and within walking distance. You can leave your car parked at the National Park lot and just walk.

I definitely agree on the Arizona Memorial..moving, exceptional, well maintained & handled by US Navy. Exhibits are plentiful, if you have to wait, you can enjoy them..if you don't have to wait for movie, make sure to visit the exhibits.
Also found the Bowfin well worth admission...lots of exhibits there that should interest you. Aloha, Linda

Yes, Pearl Harbor is very moving. First you watch a movie about the attack, then you ride a little boat over to the Arizona and a "monument" has been made over top of it so you look through the glass bottom and see the Arizona. I have never seen anything like it. No one says a word, it is very quiet, except the occasional screaming child. It is very moving. Don't miss it if you go to Oahu.