The USS Battleship Missouri Memorial is one of the most significant and revered sites in Hawaii. Located at Pearl Harbor, it offers visitors a glimpse into the United States’ involvement in World War II. They’ll also have an opportunity to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during this conflict. The memorial stands on the exact spot where Japan officially surrendered on September 2nd 1945, thus ending World War II. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and audio tours that provide more insight into what happened all those years ago. Let’s get into this article and have a unique look back at the nation’s past and experience Hawaiian culture first hand.
Highlights
- The USS Battleship Missouri was both the last American battleship to be constructed and decommissioned.
- The Japanese surrendered on the Missouri’s deck, which ended the Second World War.
- Having once been a formidable force to be reckoned with, the huge ship now watches over Pearl Harbor in peace.
- Guests can learn from interactive exhibits, audio tours, special ceremonies, and special programs to honor those who served in World War II.
- General admission applies and ticket prices vary by age groups.
- This is a great activity to learn more about Hawaii’s history.
History
The Pearl Harbor – USS Battleship Missouri Memorial or “Mighty Mo,” is a historic landmark and museum located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. It is a massive, impressive ship that weighs more than 58,000 tons. It is just under 900 feet long from bow to stern. The USS Missouri saw action throughout WWII, taking part in numerous battles and engagements. It was the final American battleship to be constructed and retired. One of her famous 50-year career’s most stunning moments was the Japanese surrender on the Missouri’s deck, which ended the Second World War. It was then decommissioned until it was reactivated in 1986 for service in Operation Desert Storm. However, the USS Missouri still had one more task to finish. The Missouri returned to Pearl Harbor’s historic waters on December 7, 1991. This to mark the attack on the Hawaiian Islands’ fiftieth anniversary.
The Missouri’s leadership and crew prepared for the challenging task of putting the famous battleship into retirement after completing her final mission. After years of diligent community work, the Battleship Missouri returned to service on January 29, 1999. The purpose is to stand as the focal point of the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Today, it is a living museum dedicated to honoring those who served during WWII. It’s an iconic battleship full of stories from the past that continue to shape our present day world view.
Battleship Missouri Memorial Exhibits and Tours
When you visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial, you’ll get to experience an interactive and educational journey through wartime history. The 35-minute guided tours will take you to interactive exhibits at the museum. See firsthand what life on board a battleship was like and witness artifacts from battles. Meanwhile, audio tours will provide insight into daily routines and other activities that took place on board during wartime. This gives you an immersive experience as you explore different sections of the ship. You can listen to interesting facts about famous battles on each deck. This leaves with a greater understanding of how the vessels played a significant role in U.S. military strategy during WWII.
You don’t need to worry about empty stomachs because the battleship offers food trucks and food stores. There are also special tickets for self-guided tours if you wish to see the restricted areas of the battleship. So whether it’s your first visit or your fifth visit, there is always something new to discover when you explore Pearl Harbor – USS Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Tips When Visiting
When visiting the Battleship Missouri, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make your experience more enjoyable.
- It is highly recommended that you plan for a full day if you would like to explore in-depth as this is a busy tourist site.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes since there will be lots of walking involved.
- Be sure to bring a camera or smartphone to capture photos of the memorial and other attractions located nearby.
- Book tickets online prior to visiting the memorial to save time and ensure access during peak hours.
- Take advantage of the interactive exhibits and audio tours.
- Pay close attention to any special ceremonies or events being held as they offer an opportunity to honor our veterans from WWII.
- Be aware of safety protocols. Avoid touching any artifacts on display and keeping personal items secure while touring the ship.
How to Get to Pearl Harbor - USS Battleship Missouri Memorial
To get to the Missouri memorial, you can drive using rental cars or private transportation. It takes about 30-45 minutes to get to Pearl Harbor depending on traffic and where you start from. Due to its location on Ford Island, the Battleship Missouri can only be reached by authorized vehicles, which depart every 15 minutes. With a proper ID, military personnel and contractors have direct access to Ford Island.
HawaiiActivties.com offers guided tours to Battleship Missouri. These tours offer pick-up and drop-off for easier access to the site. Daytime hours for the Battleship Missouri Memorial are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. On the day of the visit, the Battleship has a 3:00 p.m. last entry time.
Daytime hours for the Battleship Missouri Memorial are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. On the day of the visit, the Battleship has a 3:00 p.m. last entry time
Frequently Asked Questions
The USS Battleship Missouri Memorial is a historical landmark located at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. It commemorates the location where Japan officially surrendered and ended the war on September 2, 1945. This memorial features interactive exhibits and audio tours that provide visitors with an immersive experience about life aboard a battleship.
The Missouri was armed with nine massive 16-inch guns, 20 five-inch guns, 80 40mm anti-aircraft guns, and 49 20mm anti-aircraft guns. The Iowa-class battleships were the most potent type of battleships. The 16″/50 caliber Mark 7 guns of the Mighty Mo could fire missiles weighing 1,900 and 2,700 pounds up to 24 miles away.
The USS Battleship Missouri was launched in 1944 and went into service in June 1945, just three months before Japan’s official surrender. During its time in service, it saw action in both WWII and several major conflicts during the Cold War era.
At Pearl Harbor – USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, visitors can explore interactive exhibits which feature artifacts from war-time vessels and life aboard them, as well as audio tours that tell stories from veterans who served on board this famous battleship.
Yes, admission fees apply to visit Pearl Harbor – USS Battleship Missouri Memorial with rates varying based on age group. General Admission is $34.99 for adults and $17.49 for children ages 4-12.
Yes, visitors should be aware of some safety protocols while touring this memorial such as avoiding touching any artifacts on display and keeping personal items secure while walking around different sections of the ship.
Yes! Before leaving, make sure you stop by the gift shop so you can take home some souvenirs or purchase educational materials related to WW2 history such as books or DVDs about life onboard this historic vessel or artwork depicting battles fought across the Pacific theater during WWII.
Ready for Your Battleship Missouri Tour?
The USS Battleship Missouri Memorial is an important part of American history. It is a must-see attraction while visiting Hawaii. The memorial pays tribute to the iconic vessel , which was moored in Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack. Book your tours ahead of time. Explore this sprawling battleship and gain insights about its significance in history.
