Have you ever visited Pearl Harbor and pulled into the parking lot for the USS Arizona Memorial only to discover that there are dozens of tour buses offloading people? I have and what usually happens is that you learn that you have a considerable wait - often an hour or more - to take the tour of the Memorial. In some cases, you learn that no tickets are available at all for the day.

It has long been one of the most common complaints of travelers to Oahu - especially first time visitors. But, that frustration is now about to end.

The National Park Service has announced its new reservation program for individuals and groups for the USS Arizona Memorial. Starting February 16, 2012, ticket reservations for the free 75-minute tour of the USS Arizona Memorial will be available online at www.Recreation.gov.

In addition, online reservations will be available for the official WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument audio tour and the new Passport to Pearl Harbor, which includes entry into the Pacific Aviation Museum, the USS Bowfin and the USS Missouri.

Paul DePrey, Superintendent of WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument explained the reasons behind the new ticketing policy. "For almost 50 years, tours to the USS Arizona Memorial have been offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We experience many days throughout the year that all tickets are distributed by the early morning hours. We hope this new service will enhance the visitor experience by giving individuals and groups the option to make reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial tour, the audio tour and the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. The National Park Service will continue to offer first-come, first-service tickets throughout the day for those individuals who do not have reservations."

Reservations can be made in a three-month period, and there is a non-refundable reservation fee of $1.50 per ticket. Reservations and changes can be made through the website or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tour tickets must be picked up at least one hour before tour time at the National Park Service Tickets and Information desk at the new Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Individuals and families may reserve up to nine tickets at a time, and group reservations up to 65 guests will also be available.

You can learn more about visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, as well as the the Pacific Aviation Museum, the USS Bowfin and the USS Missouri, in our feature Before You Visit Pearl Harbor.

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