HONOLULU, Hawaii — A solemn moment in world history will be honored once again in Honolulu. According to a press release by the Battleship Missouri Memorial Association, the museum ship anchored in Pearl Harbor will mark the 80th anniversary of the official end of World War II on Sept. 2 with a public ceremony that brings together 25 World War II veterans, active-duty service members, local residents and visiting travelers.
Why Pearl Harbor Marks Sept. 2
The morning of Sept. 2, 1945, on the deck of USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Allied and Japanese representatives signed the Instrument of Surrender, closing the deadliest conflict in modern history. Today that same battleship, permanently moored on Ford Island, serves as both floating museum and memorial. Each year staff members commemorate the date, but milestone anniversaries draw larger crowds. This year’s 80th observance is expected to be the most ambitious since the 75th edition in 2020, the association said.
Program Highlights and Schedule
The release outlines a roughly 90-minute ceremony that starts at 8 a.m. Hawai‘i Standard Time. The program will feature:
- A color guard made up of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam personnel.
- A rifle salute for fallen service members.
- Patriotic music performed by the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Band.
- A remembrance prayer delivered by Fleet Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. [Not specified in release].
- Keynote reflections from a senior U.S. Indo-Pacific Command leader.
- A wreath-laying on the exact teak deck where Allied signatures were penned in 1945.
One special moment will pair living witnesses to history with young midshipmen. According to the association’s executive director, “Seeing generations stand side by side on that deck drives home just how fragile peace can be.”
Visitor Logistics: Getting Onto Ford Island
Ford Island sits within an active U.S. Navy installation, so civilian access is controlled. Guests holding ceremony tickets will board free shuttles from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center beginning at 6 a.m. Security screening is similar to airport standards: no bags larger than a small clutch, photo ID required for everyone older than 16, and bottled water only. Parking around the visitor center fills quickly; rideshare drop-off lanes are available. Travelers staying in Waikīkī should budget at least 45 minutes by car to reach the shuttle loading area during the morning rush. The city’s TheBus Route 20 also stops at the visitor center every 30–40 minutes.
Ticketing
Admission to the ceremony itself is complimentary, but seating is limited. The release directs travelers to reserve spots in advance through the Battleship Missouri Memorial website. Stand-by lines will open after 7:30 a.m. if space remains.
How to Deepen the Experience
Combine Memorials for a Full-Day History Tour
Many visitors choose to pair the USS Missouri with the USS Arizona Memorial, the submarine USS Bowfin and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Each site operates separately, so check operating hours before planning a circuit. The Missouri typically closes at 5 p.m., giving ample time for afternoon exploration after the ceremony.
Guided Tours Worth Considering
Three docent-led options add context to the steel giant:
- Main Deck Tour — included with general admission and perfect for families.
- The Heart of the Missouri Tour — a two-hour trek into engine rooms and galleys.
- Captain’s Tour — limited to small groups, with access to the flag bridge and captain’s cabin.
Historic Context for Travelers
World War II formally ended 80 years ago, yet its echoes shape modern Hawai‘i. O‘ahu’s multi-ethnic identity, military presence and even tourism infrastructure grew from wartime necessities. Standing on the Missouri’s teak planks, visitors find themselves within sight of the Arizona Memorial, linking America’s entry into the war on Dec. 7, 1941, and its conclusion on Sept. 2, 1945. The battleship itself fought in major Pacific engagements, saw action again in Korea and the Gulf War, and finally arrived in Pearl Harbor in 1998 to begin a new life as a museum. Volunteers ranging from retired admirals to high-school history buffs now interpret the vessel for roughly half a million guests per year [Not specified in release].
Moment of Silence and Bell Tolling
At precisely 8:06 a.m.—the time the surrender ceremony began in 1945—the ship’s original bell will toll eight times, known at sea as “eight bells,” signaling the end of a watch and, symbolically, the end of global conflict. Attendees will be asked to stand for a minute of silence as Navy helicopters perform a “missing-man” flyover.
Tips for Travelers
- Arrive early. The first shuttle runs at 6 a.m., and sunrise over the Ko‘olau Range is worth the early wake-up.
- Dress respectfully. Uniformed personnel will be in full service dress, and visitors are encouraged to avoid beachwear.
- Pack light. Bags larger than 1.5 liters in volume will be turned away at security.
- Stay hydrated. Late-summer humidity in Honolulu can approach 80 percent.
- Allow wiggle room for flights. HNL’s afternoon departures are busy on holiday weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a military ID?
No. Civilian travelers only need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, handheld cameras and phones are welcome, though tripods require prior approval. Drone use is prohibited anywhere on Ford Island.
How accessible is the ship?
Ramps connect the pier to the main deck, and elevators serve certain interior spaces. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Beyond the Ceremony: Exploring O‘ahu’s Wartime Sites
Pearl Harbor anchors a larger network of historic points across the island:
- Fort Derussy in Waikīkī houses the U.S. Army Museum of Hawai‘i.
- At Punchbowl Crater, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific honors more than 53,000 veterans.
- Kaupo Bay’s military pillboxes offer panoramic coastal hikes.
Where to Stay
Resorts in Waikīkī remain the most popular choice, but travelers seeking quieter nights can consider Ko Olina’s lagoon-side properties or boutique hotels in downtown Honolulu. Most major brands offer military discounts; inquire when booking.
Dining With a View
For a post-ceremony meal, Restaurant 604 sits just outside the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, dishing out loco moco and fresh-catch poke. Those willing to drive 15 minutes into Kaka‘ako can sample Honolulu’s craft-brew scene at Aloha Beer Company or Maui Brewing Co.’s expansive taproom.
The Takeaway
Whether you are a history buff, a family introducing children to living heroes, or a global traveler seeking deeper understanding, the 80th anniversary ceremony at Pearl Harbor offers a rare opportunity to stand precisely where world leaders closed one chapter and opened another. Sharing deck space with 25 World War II veterans underscores a simple truth: the chance to hear personal accounts from “the greatest generation” is fading, making this year’s commemoration a bucket-list experience. Plan ahead, show respect and arrive early, and you will leave Ford Island with more than photographs—you will carry a firsthand connection to a pivotal moment that shaped the modern world. — Source: Battleship Missouri Memorial Association press release
