Explore the USS Arizona Today Virtual Reality Experience

If you’re planning a trip to Oahu and want a modern, respectful glimpse into the history of Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Today Virtual Reality Experience might just surprise you. This short, 15-minute tour is designed to give visitors a different perspective—one that combines technology with reverence for a site that’s etched into America’s collective memory. While it doesn’t replace the traditional visit to the Arizona Memorial, it offers a fascinating, immersive look beneath the surface that’s otherwise inaccessible.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this experience are its affordable price point and the way it brings history to life in a deeply visual and respectful manner. For just $6.99, you get a virtual trip down to see the Arizona resting on the harbor floor, including details like the ship’s guns and remnants of the survivors’ interments. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the experience is quite brief, meaning it’s more of a supplement rather than a substitute for the full Pearl Harbor visit, especially if you’re eager for a comprehensive tour.

This virtual reality experience is best suited for visitors with an interest in history, tech-savvy travelers looking for innovative ways to learn, or those who may have mobility issues that prevent them from visiting the actual site. It’s also a good choice for families or groups wanting to maximize their time at Pearl Harbor with a quick, engaging stop.

Key Points

• Innovative technology makes this a unique way to explore the USS Arizona.
• Affordable pricing offers great value for a virtual experience.
• Short duration (about 15 minutes) makes it easy to fit into your day.
• Pre-booking or standby options for the boat tickets at Pearl Harbor are necessary but separate.
• Respectful and educational, with detailed views of the ship’s resting place.
• Accessibility includes helpful staff and a mobile ticket system.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This virtual reality tour is designed to make you feel like you’re peering underwater at the USS Arizona, but it’s important to note what you get—and don’t get. For $6.99, you’ll receive a virtual experience on a headset, led by a helpful team member who will explain how to use it. It’s a standalone attraction that doesn’t include the Boat Ticket to the USS Arizona Memorial, which must be reserved separately through recreation.gov for a $1 fee per person. Alternatively, you can queue for free standby tickets upon arrival, but these are limited.

The virtual tour is a complementary experience—it offers an up-close look at what lies beneath the waterline of the Arizona, including the ship’s vast guns and the interred remains of some crew members. The visual detail is designed to evoke a sense of what it might have been like to see the ship as it rests today—an enduring war grave and symbol of sacrifice.

Location and Logistics

The experience begins at the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center, located at 1 Arizona Memorial Place in Honolulu. It operates daily from 7 am to 5 pm, making it accessible for most travelers planning a day at Pearl Harbor. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Since the tour is limited to 30 travelers maximum, it offers a relatively intimate setting. You’ll want to arrive prepared with your mobile ticket and to reserve your boat ticket in advance if you plan to visit the actual Arizona Memorial. This is especially important because the boat ticket is not included in the VR experience. The visitor center has a no-bag policy, with baggage storage available nearby, which is helpful to remember if you’re carrying larger items.

The Virtual Reality Experience: What You’ll See

Once you put on the headset, you’re transported underwater, right to the site where the USS Arizona lies. The 3D visuals are surprisingly detailed: you can see the massive guns that never fired in battle, the ship’s deck, and the rusted, submerged hull that’s become a war grave. The experience emphasizes the solemnity of the site, with visuals that are respectful and educational.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on what few visitors can say they have seen. You’re offered a glimpse beneath the waterline, observing the ship’s interior structure and remnants of history that are otherwise off-limits. For many, the most powerful aspect is seeing the interred remains of survivors and the ship’s guns, which serve as poignant reminders of the event’s gravity.

Authenticity and Educational Value

While the virtual reality setup doesn’t replace the emotional impact of visiting the actual memorial, it offers a visual and educational supplement. The experience is designed to be respectful and informative, providing context about why the USS Arizona is considered a war grave.

Visitors have noted that the VR tour adds a new layer of understanding. One review mentions, “Seeing the ship’s guns and wreckage in such detail was a moving experience that brought history to life.” Another highlights how the visuals help visualize what the ship looked like in its resting state, adding depth to their understanding of the site.

The experience is a great way to educate yourself in a short, impactful session, especially if you have limited time or mobility constraints that prevent full physical exploration.

Pricing and Value

At just under $7, this tour offers excellent value for those interested in history and technology. While it’s a short experience, the immersive visuals and the chance to see the Arizona underwater make it a worthwhile addition to your Pearl Harbor visit.

Comparatively, traditional tours that include boat tickets and full excursions can cost much more and take several hours. This virtual experience offers a cost-effective way to get a closer look, especially if combined with a full visit to the memorial or a guided tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This virtual tour is ideal for history buffs, technology enthusiasts, and families wanting an efficient, engaging way to learn about Pearl Harbor. It’s also suited for visitors with mobility issues or those who prefer a more controlled, indoor experience. It’s particularly helpful if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful glimpse of the Arizona.

Limitations and Considerations

Despite its strengths, there are some limitations. The 15-minute duration means it’s not a comprehensive exploration—more of an introduction than a full tour. It also requires advance booking for the boat tickets if you want to see the memorial itself, as these are not included. Weather can sometimes impact the availability, but the VR experience is indoors, so it’s unaffected by climate.

Travelers who are expecting a virtual substitute for a full visit may find it lacks the emotional depth of walking the memorial or hearing a guide’s storytelling. It’s best viewed as a complement to the physical site rather than a replacement.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Experience For?

If you’re interested in history, technology, or both, and want a respectful, visually engaging introduction to the USS Arizona, this virtual reality tour is a clever, affordable option. It’s especially good for those who are short on time, have physical limitations, or simply want to add a unique element to their Pearl Harbor visit.

While it doesn’t include the physical boat ride or the full memorial experience, it provides a powerful visual perspective that can deepen your understanding of what the ship and its crew endured. For less than the price of a coffee, you get a memorable, informative glimpse into one of America’s most iconic wartime sites.

FAQs

Is this virtual reality experience suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and it’s a family-friendly way to introduce younger visitors to Pearl Harbor’s history.

Do I need to reserve the VR experience in advance?
It’s recommended, especially since the experience is limited to 30 travelers at a time. You can also join the free standby queue when you arrive.

Does the virtual tour include a visit to the actual USS Arizona Memorial?
No, it’s a virtual experience and does not include the boat ticket or the full memorial visit. You’ll need to reserve that separately.

How long does the VR experience last?
Approximately 15 minutes.

Is the virtual reality experience accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
While the VR experience itself is indoors and accessible, the overall Pearl Harbor site has policies about bag sizes and movement, so check local info if mobility is a concern.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing is fine. The experience is held indoors, so no special gear is needed besides the headset provided.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if the weather is bad?
The VR experience is indoors, so weather doesn’t affect it. However, other parts of your Pearl Harbor visit might be impacted.

Does the experience include any guided commentary?
Yes, a helpful team member will explain how to use the headset and will provide context during the experience.

Is this experience available year-round?
Yes, it runs daily from February 14, 2025, through October 7, 2026, with limited holiday closures.

This virtual reality tour offers an innovative, respectful way to connect with the history of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a cost-effective, engaging, and educational addition to their visit—providing a new perspective on a historic site that continues to resonate today.