The USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials at Pearl Harbor are often overshadowed by the USS Arizona Memorial, yet they hold stories just as moving and essential to understanding December 7, 1941. Both are located on Ford Island, an active U.S. military base, which means access is more restricted. For civilian visitors, the only way to see them is by joining the Ford Island Bus Tour, a guided program organized by the National Park Service in cooperation with the U.S. Navy.
This article provides everything you need to know before booking, from tour logistics and costs to insider tips that will help you plan your visit.
While the USS Arizona Memorial honors the single greatest loss of life at Pearl Harbor, the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah memorials tell lesser-known stories of bravery and sacrifice.
Visiting both memorials gives you a more complete picture of the events of December 7th, beyond the better-known Arizona.
Because Ford Island is an active base, private vehicles and pedestrians are not permitted. Access is strictly controlled, and only those with Active Duty Military ID can enter independently. For everyone else, the Ford Island Bus Tour is the gateway.
The tour does not include the USS Arizona Memorial program, and it overlaps with the late afternoon Arizona departures (2:30, 3:00, 3:30 p.m.), so visitors must plan accordingly.
Because of the small group size, reservations fill quickly, especially during peak visitor seasons (winter holidays and summer). Booking early is strongly advised.
Reservations are mandatory and handled exclusively through Recreation.gov
Occasionally, tours are canceled due to Navy security needs. The National Park Service makes every effort to notify visitors as early as possible, but last-minute changes can occur. Because the $1 reservation fee is managed by Recreation.gov, it is non-refundable even if a program is canceled.
For those who cannot join the bus program, there is a digital alternative. The National Park Service, Pacific Historic Parks, and CyArk created a 3D Virtual Tour of the USS Utah Memorial. Using advanced 3D data of both the wreck and the above-water memorial, the experience combines historic photos, sound clips, survivor interviews, and ranger interpretation. This online resource allows worldwide access to the memorial’s history and is an excellent option for those unable to visit in person.
If you cannot secure a reservation, there are still many Pearl Harbor sites accessible without military escort:
Together, these alternatives provide a full day’s worth of history and exploration.
The USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials are essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Pearl Harbor beyond the Arizona Memorial. Space is limited, so reserve your spot in advance through Recreation.gov to secure your opportunity.