As of January 2025, admission to the USS Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii is $37.99 for adults and $18.99 for children aged 4–12, but they can sell out months in advance. If you aren’t planning months in advance you can buy tickets here, prices are $39.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 4–12. This ticket gives you the option to either join a 35-minute guided tour or explore the ship at your own pace.
USS Missouri Memorial Hours
The USS Missouri Memorial is open every day from 8 AM to 4 PM (closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day). On-site amenities include a gift shop, restrooms, a food truck, and a shave ice stand.
Directions to USS Missouri Memorial
You must take the USS Arizona Memorial Ferry from the Pearl Harbor Vistor Center to get to the USS Missouri Memorial which is located on Ford Island. It is also located next to the lesser known USS Oklahoma Memorial.
The History of the USS Battleship Missouri
The USS Missouri, affectionately nicknamed the “Mighty Mo,” is one of the most celebrated battleships in American naval history. Commissioned on June 11, 1944, this Iowa-class battleship played a pivotal role during World War II and beyond. Designed for speed, power, and endurance, the USS Missouri was an engineering marvel of its time, boasting nine 16-inch guns and a top speed of 33 knots. Her presence symbolized American strength and determination during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history.
The USS Missouri entered World War II at a crucial juncture. By early 1945, the United States was preparing for the final push in the Pacific theater. The ship provided critical firepower during the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, bombarding enemy positions and supporting ground forces. However, the Missouri’s most famous moment came on September 2, 1945, when it hosted the formal surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay. This historic event marked the end of the war and solidified the ship’s place in history as a symbol of peace and victory.
Following World War II, the USS Missouri continued to serve with distinction. During the Korean War, she provided artillery support for United Nations forces, demonstrating the enduring value of battleships in modern warfare. Despite the advent of newer technologies, the Missouri’s versatility and firepower kept her relevant. She was decommissioned in 1955 but was later modernized and returned to service in the 1980s as part of President Reagan’s naval expansion, participating in operations such as Desert Storm in the early 1990s.
In 1992, the USS Missouri was finally decommissioned for the last time. Six years later, she found a permanent home at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where she serves as a floating museum and memorial. Positioned near the USS Arizona Memorial, the Missouri represents the beginning and end of the United States’ involvement in World War II. Together, these two ships tell a powerful story of sacrifice, resilience, and triumph.
The nickname “Mighty Mo” underscores the ship’s formidable presence and reputation. Sailors and admirers alike were struck by her sheer size and power, as well as her ability to endure the challenges of war. Over the decades, the Missouri has become a beloved symbol of American naval heritage, inspiring generations to learn about and honor the sacrifices made during times of conflict.
Today, the USS Missouri remains a popular tourist destination at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, drawing visitors from around the world to explore her decks and learn about her storied past. Guided tours provide insights into life aboard a battleship, from the cramped quarters of the crew to the towering main guns that once roared in battle. As the “Mighty Mo” continues her mission as a museum, she ensures that the legacy of those who served aboard her lives on, bridging the past with the present.
Passport to Pearl Harbor
For a more immersive experience of the Pearl Harbor Memorial, consider purchasing the Passport to Pearl Harbor for $99.99 (prices as of January 2025). This pass provides admission to the USS Missouri, USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. It also includes an audio tour of the visitor center and a virtual reality experience.