Visiting Oahu anytime soon? I’ve got some bad news for you. Arizona Memorial Repairs are taking longer than originally anticipated, delaying it re-opening by months.
In May of last year, the Arizona Memorial closed indefinitely. The reason? An immense onslaught of visitors causing significant wear and tear to the Memorial’s dock in the form of cracks. While initially thought to be minor, the cracks ended up being far worse than originally thought, necesitating an emergency closure.
Extended Closure
Unexpected complexities of the repairs are the culprit of the delays according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Further, Hawaii News Now reports that the National Park Service has yet to award a contract for the repairs. They’re now expecting a contract award to happen in March, the original completion estimate. As a result, there are concerns now that repairs will last into the summer. And if that happens, it means the most visited site on Oahu will have remained closed for over a year.
What to do in the Meantime
If you’re going to be on Oahu in the next few months, you’re probably wondering what happens now. Well, as was the case when the Memorial first closed, your reservations are still valid. However, instead of riding the ferry to the Memorial, you’ll get a close-up cruise near it instead. Should you choose not to keep your reservation, though, the $1.50 reservation fee is not refundable. Admission, by the way, is always free, so don’t let tour companies let you think otherwise.
While the continued closure of the Arizona Memorial is a bummer, there are still many things to do and see at Pearl Harbor. All other sites remain open, after all, and include the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park., the USS Oklahoma Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Arizona Memorial Repairs Taking Longer, Final Thoughts
I’m hoping the National Park Service can get the Arizona Memorial back open quickly once repairs begin. After all, the revered site and grave for 900 sailors usually hosts between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors per day.
Our visit to JBPHH last July we weren’t told of the damage and closure until we were in line for the ferry. At the time they told us that one of the ferry boats had run into the dock and broken something, that it wasn’t safe for people to visit. But they ran the ferry anyway, sweet views of the Midway.
If I were going back I’d do the Bowfin sub and then go tour the MIdway. I’d love to see the Utah as well…
Seems like they should’ve told you about the change earlier, but I’m glad things worked out for you in the end. Haven’t been to the Bowfin since grade school, but I remember enjoying it! Should totally check it out when (not if) you return to Oahu. Thanks for reading! Aloha.