Will be going to Hawaii end of July, some of want to see Pearl Harbor others don't, is it worth the four hours to see the monument??
Is that the shortest tour?
Thanks for any help.

If you get there about 30 minutes before they open, it should only take a couple of hours to see the Arizona, brief movie and museum. You can skip the museum unless you're with a tour group.
Is it worth it? Depends on what you like to do. I'd prefer to see the Manoa Falls rainforest (amazing!) and snorkeling in Hanauma Bay (get there early before the fish get scared off).

Jef,

I'm not exactly Mr. Patriotic, so I had fairly low expectations when I went to see the Arizona Memorial. It was AWESOME! I can't believe that it actually took 4 hours, though. We bought our tickets, sat through a video presentation showing real footage of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, were taken out to the Arizona on a little boat run by the US Navy, spent about 30 minutes on the memorial, and then took the little boat back. Seems like all of that actually took about 1/2 that time. It is really quite an impressive sight to stand above a sunken U.S. Navy ship, knowing that there are over 1,000 dead American sailors below, with the names of all Americans lost memorialized on the Memorial. I thought it was well worth the time, and so did everyone from my group of friends who went to see it.

I think it is worth the time - but it won't take 4 hours. Get there first thing in the morning and you won't have to wait. Also - go to the Cemetary of the Pacific - also an awesome, sobering site (with a beautiful view of Diamond Head and Waikiki)

I was there in April and 2 years ago as well. I thought it was extremely moving (both times!). If people in your group don't want to go, they could walk across
the street to the Aloha Stadium and go to the open air flea market (this is only on certain days.. Wednesday and Saturday I think) and run around there for a while.

The red carpet premier for the movie "Pearl Harbor" is tonight and the theatre opening next weekend.
I think this is going to generate tremendous interest in the memorial, so do plan on getting there first thing in the morning. I've taken many visitors there (ranging from anti-war fanatics to retired WWII vets) and all are always impressed. Likewise Punchbowl cemetary (National Cemetary of the Pacific). It has a great lookout over Honolulu, and beautiful murals covering the battles in the pacific.

GO EARLY! It is well worth the time. All Americans should go if they have the chance.

We took our teenage boys and a 10 year old in 1998 and they were all incredibly moved. WWII took place during a time and era that they couldn't really relate to.....until they stood there. Incredibly moving. To travel to Hawaii and not experience it would truly be a loss. Also, do take the time to listen to the Pearl Harbor survivor speak. My 13 year old listened to him twice.

I went there on a school trip. It did take a long time but it was definitely worth it. We actually had the chance to meet a WWII survivor and took pictures with him. I was very interesting! Have fun.

Jolie