pearl harbour visit

Passport to Pearl Harbor 

See everything pearl harbor has to offer with the passport to pearl harbor. one historic location, four very distinct destinations, each as compelling as the next and none that you'd want to miss. adult (ages 13+) - $89.99 child (ages 4-12) - $44.99, ticket includes: ​, visitor center self-guided multimedia tour, pearl harbor virtual reality center, ​ pacific fleet submarine museum general admission , battleship missouri memorial general admission, pearl harbor aviation museum general admission .

PASSPORTS DO NOT INCLUDE RESERVATIONS TO THE USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL. Please visit the National Park Service website at  recreation.gov  to reserve tickets.

Multimedia Tour

Virtual reality center.

Adult (A ges 13+) - $20.99 ​

Child (Ages 4-12) - $16.99

This package includes an Unlimited  Multimedia Tour and one Virtual Reality Experience.

General Admission  

Adult (Ages 13+) - $21.99 ​

Child (Ages 4-12) - $12.99

Audio tour included with General Admission ticket.

Adult (Ages 13+) - $34.99 ​

Child (Ages 4-12) - $17.49

Add-O n Tours

(Must include General Admission or Passport)

Captai n 's Tour 

Adult (Ages 13+) - $30.00 ​

Child (Ages 10-12) - $30.00

Chief En gine er’s Tour

Child (Age s 10-12) - $30.00

Adult (Ages 13+) - $25.99 ​

Child (Ages 4-12) - $14.99

Add- On Tours

Top of the Tower

Add-On to General Admission - $19.99 ​

Individual Ticket - $34.99

Fighter Ace 360 Flight Simulator 

Purchased On-Site

• Inter-Island Tours
• Compare Tours
• Private Tours
• Visiting Pearl Harbor
• USS Arizona Memorial
• Battleship Missouri Memorial
• The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
• USS Oklahoma Memorial
• Aviation Museum
• Transportation
• Attack Timeline
• Heroes & Survivors

Pearl Harbor Tickets and Tours

A moving journey through history.

Plan Your Visit

Need help choosing the right tour for you, popular tours & tickets.

Remember Pearl Harbor Tour from Waikiki

The Remember Pearl Harbor Tour is the perfect way to see the important Pearl Harbor sites– the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri even if you are limited on time.

The Complete Pearl Harbor Tour Experience With Lunch

Experience the complete Pearl Harbor tour, the most comprehensive WWII Heroes Adventure Tour. See all the top sights with hot lunch and transport included from Waikiki.

Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour from Waikiki

Visit Pearl Harbor including USS Arizona Memorial boat tickets with transportation provided on an open air trolley!

Official Passport to Pearl Harbor

The Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket is a complete self-guided tour at the Pearl Harbor historic sites that you can do at your own pace.

Tours vs. Tickets

Learn about the history of pearl harbor, the history.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pearl Harbor National Memorial, a unit of the National Park Service, offers visitors a place to connect with national, international, and personal histories of World War II in the Pacific, ranging from events leading to the December 7, 1941, attack on O’ahu, to continued peace and reconciliation. The memorial is a “place of remembrance and contemplation of the nature of war and the sacrifices of those who lost their lives during the Pacific War.” Pearl Harbor National Memorial is adjacent to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and includes the mostly open-air Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, two-world class museums, is home to the USS Arizona Memorial, along with the USS Utah, and the USS Oklahoma Memorials (located on Ford Island), the shipwrecks; submerged resources; mooring quays F6 North and South, F7 North and South, and F8 North and South; the six Chief Petty Officer Bungalows; and other historic and archeological sites that are tangible features of Battleship Row and the Pearl Harbor environs.

Park Information

Free admission to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which includes two museums and the park grounds is open to the public, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week (closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). 

No purses, handbags, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, or other items that offer concealment are allowed in the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Allowable items include wallets, cameras, cellular phones, and bottled water. Medicine can be brought into the park in a clear bag. Baby carriages and wheelchairs are permitted. Bag storage is available outside the main gate for a fee of $6.00 per bag and $10 per luggage. Parking fee is $7/day.

Pearl Harbor Narrated Multimedia Tours

Multimedia Tours. Narrated by actress Jamie Lee Curtis, real WWII Veterans, Pearl Harbor Survivors, and National Park Service historians. Customize your tour to your schedule. Our basic Chief’s Tour has 15 stops while the Commander’s Tour has 23 and the Captain’s Tour has all 28 stops so you can select the indepthness of the experience you want and have time for…. To save more and increase your fun checkout the Deluxe Combo and or the Admiral’s VIP Tours

Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Theater 

The Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Theater via virtual reality technology has four (4) exciting VR adventures that include “Skies Over Pearl”, “Air Raid Pearl Harbor”, “Walking the Deck of the USS Arizona Before the Attack," and “Experience the USS Arizona Memorial". All equipment is provided, with VR staff available to assist you. 

Visit Our Book Store

For that special souvenir, hat, book, or the perfect gift for family and friends, don’t forget to visit the bookstore and gift shop just inside the entrance. The staff are very warm and helpful, and the proceeds for sales go towards our educational programs, remembrance ceremonies and preservation efforts of the park. So when you make any purchase you are helping us preserve this very important history for future generations.

Visit the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials

If you want to see the USS Oklahom a and USS Utah Memorials on Ford Island and do not have an Active-Duty Military ID, you must reserve seat/s for the Ford Island Bus Tour, as these sites are located on Ford Island, an active-duty military base. This program is fully guided and escorted by National Park Service Rangers in careful coordination with the United States Navy. Reservations are required for this time and capacity dependent program. Plan your visit by reviewing our Ford Island Bus Tour page. This program departs from and returns to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. National Park Service facilitated Ford Island Bus Tours are running (weather and safety permitting) as of May 4, 2022. However, base security concerns may necessitate the cancellation of programs, every effort will be made to notify the public in a timely manner although they may still occur on short notice.

Visiting Pearl Harbor: Everything You Need To Know

By Hawaii.com Team

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. (Photo: Star-Advertiser)

In the early morning hours of December 7, 1941, the world was forever changed when the Japanese launched a surprise air attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor Naval Base near Honolulu, Hawaii.

Following the assault from hundreds of Japanese fighter planes, nearly 20 American naval vessels and at least 300 airplanes were damaged or destroyed.

Far more devastating is the 2,400 American lives lost, including civilians, and another 1,000 wounded, making it one of the most defining moments in U.S. history.

In fact, the attack was the catalyst that catapulted the U.S. into World War II. The following day, acting President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan, thus changing the balance of power in the world and cementing the United States’ status as a global superpower.

Now, visitors from all over the world journey to Pearl Harbor to commemorate that fateful day and remember fallen comrades.

Plan Ahead to Visit Pearl Harbor

Even though many decades have passed since the attack on Pearl Harbor, the naval base remains the most visited site on the island of Oahu. Guests visiting Pearl Harbor can explore many memorials, exhibits, and other historic venues.

When organizing your Pearl Harbor tours, make sure you plan ahead, and early, as tours sell out fast.

Read up ahead of time on how to get your tickets to Pearl Harbor .

Also, if you are staying on Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, you can still make a visit to Pearl Harbor easily fit into your itinerary by booking a Pearl Harbor day tour that includes flight, transportation, and entrance ticket.

Things to See at Pearl Harbor

Inside the USS Arizona Memorial. (Photo: Star-Advertiser)

USS Arizona Memorial

Still found bobbing within the waters of Pearl Harbor, alongside its modern-day models, is the USS Arizona —- one of seven battleships tied up along what is known as “Battleship Row”.

Visitors to the accompanying USS Arizona Memorial will get a unique glimpse into one of the most important and pivotal moments in American history via rare memorabilia, photographs, documents, and other visuals and mixed media covering the time period spanning this integral era of US history.

Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

Visitors may also walk through the USS Bowfin Submarine , docked in Pearl Harbor, to get an intriguing glimpse into what combat submarine life was really like.

Visitors will board the submarine and are invited on a self-guided, narrated tour using a Walkman-style cassette recorder keyed to stops throughout the submarine.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

The USS Battleship Missouri secured its place in history as the site of Japan’s unconditional surrender to the United States, thus bringing an end to World War II, when the formal papers were signed on the deck of the battleship on Sept. 2, 1945.

Visitors can still visit the ship today, as it remains intact and bobbing along the harbor.

USS Oklahoma Memorial

The U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial is dedicated to the 415 sailors and 14 Marines who lost their lives when the USS Oklahoma sank during the 1941 strike on Pearl Harbor.

The names of those sailors and Marines are engraved in black granite on 429 individual white marble columns, each of which is 7 feet tall and weighs 120 pounds.

Visitors view large planes inside the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor. (Photo: Star-Advertiser)

Pacific Aviation Museum

Known as “America’s Aviation Battlefield,” the Pacific Aviation Museum provides visitors with a stunning visual narrative of aviation’s role in the history of the Pacific.

The Museum is home to two WWII era hangars, which survived the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Ford Island Control Tower.

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Hours

Pearl Harbor is open every day of the year except New Year’s Day (January 1), Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day (December 25).

Operating hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit the National Park Service website for additional information.

How to Get to Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

Those planning to visit Pearl Harbor can do so by bus or by car.

If you are coming by bus, a good starting point would be to depart from Waikiki or the Ala Moana Shopping Center and catch a public bus, which will take you straight to the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center (just confirm with the driver when boarding to be sure/safe, and to know when to get off)!

For more information and the full bus schedule and operating stops/locations, visit thebus.org .

If you’re traveling by car, the trip typically takes about 45 minutes by car and over an hour by bus from Waikiki.

Traffic will factor heavily into your drive time, so use a maps app to check on traffic and road conditions for the date and time you intend to visit Pearl Harbor. The address to plug in is: 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818.

Parking fees were added in April of 2023, at a cost of $7 per day.

Things to Do on Oahu

Battleship Missouri At Pearl Harbor

Celebrate Music, Life and Giving Back at the Kokua Festival

Kakaʻako: Honolulu’s Urban Lifestyle Neighborhood

Road Trip: Drive Around Oahu in a Day

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DESTINATION: WWII

A World War II Travel Blog

Visiting Pearl Harbor: 22 Things You Need to Know First + Helpful Tips

Last Updated: January 6, 2024 //  by  Ashley Smith Leave a Comment

Visiting Pearl Harbor is a must for any visitor to Hawaii , whether you’re a history buff or not. Being the location of Japan’s attack on the United States Navy that essentially triggered World War II for the U.S., this is one of the most historically significant sites in the entire country. But what is “Pearl Harbor” and what all does visiting Pearl Harbor entail?

This post will cover all of that and more. If you’re searching for how to visit Pearl Harbor, what all there is to see and do here, and pick up some super helpful tips along the way, you’re in the right place. I’ve visited Pearl Harbor multiple times, most recently in August 2023. Let me make visiting Pearl Harbor as easy as possible for you!

Table of Contents

Why visit Pearl Harbor?

As one of the most historic locales in America (and the world actually), visiting Pearl Harbor should be on every Oahu itinerary . Japan’s attack on the U.S. Navy here on December 7, 1941 was the event that launched the United States into World War II . (And we all know what happened next.)

Beyond the significance of that , the attack in and of itself remains one of the most tragic events in U.S. history. Japanese attackers killed 2,403 American Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and civilians in an attack that lasted just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Of those, 1,177 died aboard the USS Arizona after the battleship was hit by four bombs, exploded, and sank to the bottom of the harbor with its crew trapped inside.

So why should you prioritize visiting Pearl Harbor on your next visit to Hawaii? That’s easy:

• Visiting a place you’ve read/heard so much about your entire life adds an entirely new dimension and appreciation to the history . (The way books and movies can’t.)
• To keep the lessons of the Pearl Harbor attack alive ; that whole “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” thing.
• To honor this massive loss of life and the many, many more who risked theirs so that we could live in a world free of tyranny.

You should also consider some of the interesting WWII hikes on Oahu while you’re here to check out some of the former pillboxes and other defense remains around the island. If hiking isn’t your thing, check out these other great WWII sites on the island.

Visiting Pearl Harbor: How to Prepare

The Pearl Harbor attack was an extremely complex event—one I’ve studied in depth as a World War II historian. To try to simplify it here would do both you and the history a great injustice. (Plus, chances are I would get wildly carried away.)

Instead, take a look at this list of Pearl Harbor books I’ve put together and choose one (or a few) that sounds the most interesting to you. If you’d rather wait to learn until you get there, that’s fine too. You already know enough to be interested, and if that’s enough to get you here, then that’s plenty. So, let’s get to planning your Pearl Harbor visit!

Visiting Pearl Harbor: Map of sites

This map contains all the sites listed in this post, including all the Pearl Harbor memorials and museums plus where to eat in the area. To save: Click on the star ⭑ next to the map’s title to save in your Google Maps. To use: When you get there, open Google Maps on your phone, click “Saved” at the bottom, then click “Maps.”

What actually constitutes “visiting Pearl Harbor?”

Well, I guess the first thing you need to know about visiting Pearl Harbor is that…

1. “Pearl Harbor” is not just one thing.

Visiting Pearl Harbor isn’t as simple as just showing up to a single museum or historical site. That’s because “Pearl Harbor” isn’t just one thing; it’s actually a handful of different sites that relate to the Pearl Harbor attack .

Many of these sites are run by the National Park Service and are collectively known as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial . There are also some additional privately-run sites that make up “Pearl Harbor.” As such, visiting Pearl Harbor can actually entail visiting any or all of the following sites: (Click on each one for more information, or skip to the list of things you need to know for visiting Pearl Harbor.)

• Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
• USS Arizona Memorial
• Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (USS Bowfin Museum)
• Battleship Missouri
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Other Ford Island sites

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center will be your first stop when visiting Pearl Harbor. This open-air complex of buildings contains a museum, a ticket and information booth, restrooms, a book store/gift shop, baggage storage, film theater, a virtual reality center, a handful of various memorials and art pieces, and a short walking trail with historical information panels.

This is also where you’ll catch the boat to the USS Arizona memorial and the shuttle bus to the other sites over on Ford Island.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is run by the National Park Service and there will be park rangers on site to answer any questions you might have. Regardless of how interested in history you are, at the very least you should check this place out.

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Information:

• Hours : 7 days a week from 7:00am – 5:00pm
• Closed : Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
• Admission : Free
• Parking : $7/day
• How long to budget : 2 hours
• More information : nps.gov/perl

The USS Arizona Memorial is the small white building that sits on the water over the ruins of the sunken battleship. This is what most people think of when they imagine visiting “Pearl Harbor.”

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is a solemn but meaningful experience as you learn about and pay your respects to the 1,177 men who died (and still rest) here. If you visit only one Pearl Harbor site, it should be this one.

How to get to the USS Arizona Memorial

The only way to access the USS Arizona Memorial is by boat —provided and operated by the U.S. Navy (but managed by the National Park Service). Each visit includes a brief introduction, a short boat ride to the memorial, 15 minutes aboard the memorial, and then another quick ride back to the Visitor Center.

Some websites will tell you that a visit to the Arizona also includes an introductory film . And while there is a 23-minute film you can watch beforehand, you don’t need a USS Arizona ticket in order to see it. You can do this with or without a reservation to take the boat over. (And you should definitely do this!) Films start at the :15 and :45 minute mark of each hour, all day.

How to get USS Arizona Memorial tickets

Tickets to visit the USS Arizona Memorial are free* but require advance reservations due to capacity limitations. (Big demand, small memorial) To reserve your USS Arizona tickets, head over to recreation.gov . (You’ll need to start an account if you don’t already have one.)

* Admission to the USS Arizona Memorial is free, but there’s a $1 “reservation fee” on the online platform that’s mandatory for making reservations. Whatever. And parking is $7. For more on all the Pearl Harbor ticket costs and fees (plus a bunch of ways to save money) see my full post in that link!

Tickets can be reserved up to 8 weeks (56 days) in advance. However, if you don’t tend to plan ahead that far, they do release additional tickets every day at 3:00pm (HST) for the following day. For example, tickets for tomorrow (Sunday, Nov 5) will be released today (Saturday, Nov 4) at 3:00pm Hawaii time (9:00pm Eastern).  

This is how I reserved my ticket in August, and they sold out for the next day within a few minutes. I’m just saying, if you plan to go this route, you better be on it . There are no walk-up tickets or day-of releases.

USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Information:

• Hours : Daily from 8:00am – 3:30pm, boats leave every 15 minutes
• Closed : Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and in bad weather/high winds
• Admission : Free-ish
• Parking : $7/day at the Visitor Center
• How long to budget : 2 hours – though the actual boat ride and memorial visit last just 45 minutes, they recommend you plan to arrive early to ensure you can find parking and get checked in with plenty of time. If you miss the boat, there are no do-overs.

• Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

Next door to the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center is the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, sometimes referred to as the Bowfin Museum. If you want to learn more about submarine warfare while visiting Pearl Harbor, this is the place for you.

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum includes an indoor museum, outdoor artifacts and information panels, a waterfront memorial, a restaurant, a gift shop, and restrooms. But the star of the show here is the USS Bowfin —a World War II fleet submarine.

With a combined 4,000 artifacts, the indoor museum and outdoor areas are great at painting some interesting pictures of naval warfare during World War II. You can look through a submarine periscope and even inside a Japanese Kaiten! (A manned torpedo, basically the underwater version of a kamikaze plane, which I’ve never seen anywhere else before.)

But definitely spend a good chunk of your time here aboard the Bowfin. You can tour the entire 312-foot interior as well as walk all along the top. And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll see a sea turtle eating barnacles off the side like I did. (It’s the small things.)

The USS Bowfin didn’t enter service until 1942 so it wasn’t actually present during the Pearl Harbor attack. However, it was launched on December 7 to mark the 1-year anniversary of the attack. During its wartime service in the Pacific, it sank over 30 enemy vessels and damaged 7 others, earning it the nickname “ Pearl Harbor Avenger. ”

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Visitor Information

Despite its location, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is not one of the sites operated by the National Park Service. Separate admission is required.

• Hours : Daily from 7:00am – 5:00pm
• Closed : Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day
• Admission : Adults : $21.99 general / $16.99 military and Hawaii residents / free for active military in uniform. Children (4-12) : $12.99 general / $8.99 military and Hawaii residents. Children under 4 : Free, but not permitted on the submarine. Self-guided audio tours are included with admission.
• More information : Bowfin.org

The USS Missouri is a battleship that not only saw service in WWII but also served as the location of the surrender ceremony that ended the war . It was here that American and Japanese officials met to finalize Japan’s surrender documents on September 2, 1945.

The Missouri was decommissioned in 1955, brought back into service in 1986, decommissioned for good in 1992, and eventually parked here at Battleship Row in Pearl Harbor so we could all take tours of her and be utterly amazed.

In addition to the main surrender deck, you can also tour most of the ship all on your own . You’ll see things like the maze of sleeping quarters, medical rooms, officers’ rooms and lounges, mess halls, and tons more on multiple ship decks. There are also a number of informative exhibits throughout the ship.

On the main deck, you can see the damage done by a kamikaze plane that hit the ship in April 1945, the spot where the surrender ceremony took place, and the absolutely massive guns this thing used to fire.

But first, I highly recommend starting your visit with one of the free tours that’s included with your admission —they’re fantastic!

Battleship Missouri Visitor Information

• Hours : Daily from 8:00am to 4:00pm
• Admission : Adult : $34.99 general / $26.74 military. Children (4-12): $17.99 / Children under 4: Free
• Parking : $7/day at the Visitor Center, then you’ll have to take the shuttle bus here
• Need to know : Battleship Missouri is partially accessible to wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments. See their accessibility info here .
• More information : ussmissouri.org

Also read : Why U.S. battleship museums are the best museums!

Also over on Ford Island is the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum which contains an incredible collection of World War II aircraft (and more). You can see a Japanese Zero, hang out in historic Hangar 79, tour the Bob Hope exhibit (one of my favorite parts actually), and even try out the 360° flight simulator in case you weren’t too keen on keeping your lunch down.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Visitor Information

• Hours : Daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm
• Admission : Adults: $25.99 / Children (4-12): $14.99 / Children under 4: Free
• Parking : $7 at the Visitor Center (then shuttle bus), or free at the museum if you have military access to get onto Ford Island.
• How long to budget : 1-2 hours
• More information : pearlharboraviationmuseum.org

Beyond the five main “attractions” here, there are a handful of other sites worth checking out when visiting Pearl Harbor. These include:

• USS Oklahoma memorial – Another battleship that was sunk in the Pearl Harbor attack on which 429 Sailors and Marines lost their lives. More information here .
• USS Utah memorial – Yet another battleship that was sunk that day, killing 58 men. More information here .
• Ford Island Historical Trail – History-focused walking trail around Ford Island where you can see homes where the officers were living during the attacks, the scars of Japanese strafing, bomb craters, and other significant sites and memorials related to the Pearl Harbor attack. More information here .

Need to know: In order to see the Ford Island sites when visiting Pearl Harbor you’ll need to either have military access or a reservation for the special Ford Island tour (more on that below).

Things to know before visiting Pearl Harbor

I totally understand if you already feel like visiting Pearl Harbor is about as complex as the event itself. But it doesn’t have to be! Now that you know what actually constitutes “Pearl Harbor,” here are the rest of the most important things to keep in mind when planning your visit.

2. Visiting Pearl Harbor can be whatever you want it to be.

As I mentioned, “Pearl Harbor” isn’t just one site; it’s a collection of sites. But that doesn’t mean you have to visit them all. You should definitely plan on visiting Pearl Harbor while you’re in Hawaii, but that will mean something different for everyone .

On my first visit in 2007, I visited only the Visitor Center, the USS Arizona memorial, and the Battleship Missouri in about half a day. On my most recent visit in 2023, I visited all of the 8 sites mentioned above over two days.

If the history really interests you , it’s definitely worth setting aside a couple of days in your Oahu itinerary to visit all the sites. It’ll be a long couple of days, but totally worth it. Otherwise, you can simply pick and choose which museums you want to see.

If you’re only casually interested in the history but still want to say you’ve visited Pearl Harbor, at the very least you should check out the Visitor Center and take the boat ride to the Arizona memorial.

3. Pearl Harbor is still an active military base.

Pearl Harbor’s use as a military installation didn’t end with the attack in 1941; it’s just that today it’s known as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam —a mashup of the U.S. Air Force’s Hickam Air Force Base and the U.S. Navy’s Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

Because Pearl Harbor is still an active military base, you will need military access (or know someone who does who is willing to escort you) in order to visit some of the historical sites.

In case you’re wondering–no, I don’t have military access myself. But, my gracious friends in the Navy who live on Oahu were happy to show me around Ford Island.

4. Some of the Pearl Harbor sites are off-limits to civilians.

Visiting Pearl Harbor as a civilian means some of the sites will be off limits to you . These include (but are not limited to) some of the ones located on Ford Island. However, there are a few here that you are still allowed to visit, with conditions .

Visiting Pearl Harbor as a civilian

If you’re not an active military member and/or do not have military access, here’s what visiting Pearl Harbor looks like for you:

• Pearl Harbor Visitor enter – No restrictions
• USS Arizona Memorial – No restrictions (other than you have to take the NPS-provided boat over; you can’t drive your own boat up to the memorial)
• Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum – No restrictions
• Battleship Missouri – Must park at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and take the shuttle bus to the battleship on Ford Island. No leaving the battleship premises. You must return to the Visitor Center via the shuttle bus.
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum – Must park at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and take the shuttle bus to the museum on Ford Island. No leaving the museum premises. You must return to the Visitor Center via the shuttle bus.
• USS Oklahoma memorial – You can walk from the Battleship Missouri to the Oklahoma memorial which is right outside the entrance. You must arrive and return via the Visitor Center shuttle bus.
• USS Utah memorial – Must have military access or a reservation for the Ford Island Bus Tour.
• Ford Island Historical Trail – Must have military access or a reservation for the Ford Island Bus Tour.

Visiting Pearl Harbor as active-duty military

If you’re an active member of the military with military access, you’ll be able to visit any and all of the Pearl Harbor sites without any restrictions. (Just don’t forget your ID, obviously.) You’ll be able to drive right over the Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island and park for free in front of both the Battleship Missouri/Oklahoma memorial and the Aviation Museum. You won’t need to take the shuttle bus anywhere.

You’ll also be able to drive over to the USS Utah memorial, park your car, and freely explore the Ford Island Historical Trail without restriction.

And I can’t say this enough, but thank you for your service !

5. Here are the discounts available for military/veterans.

If you’re active-duty or retired military, there are a handful of discounts available to you while visiting Pearl Harbor. Here’s where you can save some cash:

• Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum – Reduced admission for military ($16.99 instead of $21.99) in-person only. Military personnel in uniform get in for free.
• Battleship Missouri –  $10.70 off admission for active duty or retired military (+ everyone else in your party) and veterans (but only you). In-person only.
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum – Reduced admission for military ($21.39 instead of $25.99 for adults and $10.69 instead of $14.99 for children), in-person only. Military membership discounts also available.
• Hangar Café – The restaurant inside the Aviation Museum offers discounts to active military and DOD employees.
• Pearl Harbor Visitor Center gift shop – 10% discount for active-duty military personnel and veterans.

6. You must take the shuttle bus to certain sites.

Even though some of the stuff you’ll do when visiting Pearl Harbor is located on Ford Island—the active military base— you’ll still be able to go as a civilian . In order to visit sites like the Battleship Missouri, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the USS Oklahoma memorial, you’ll need to take the (free) shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

This bus makes 3 stops only:

They depart from the Visitor Center every day, every 15 minutes or so from 8:00am to 5:00pm. I don’t know what happens if you miss the last shuttle back to the Visitor Center and you get trapped on the military base, so just don’t do it.

The ride from the Visitor Center to the Missouri takes about 10 minutes, from there to the Aviation Museum less than 5 minutes, and then about another 10 minutes to get back to the Visitor Center. But, waiting for the bus, waiting for everyone to get on and off the bus, etc. will still add considerable time to your itinerary. Plan accordingly if you have a reservation somewhere at a certain time.

If you don’t have military access and you want to visit either of those two museums, this is the only way you can get there . I repeat, you cannot drive yourself to Ford Island.

7. The Ford Island Bus Tour is a loophole for civilians.

If you don’t have military access but would still like to check out the Pearl Harbor sites on Ford Island, there’s still a way around that ! Enter: the Ford Island Bus Tour . (This is not the same thing as the free shuttle between the Visitor Center and Ford Island.)

I actually found out about this cool offer after I returned from my trip. It’s fairly new and, I guess, still not very well promoted.

The Ford Island Bus Tour is operated by the National Park Service and takes civilians (or really just anybody who wants to take it) over to the military access-only Ford Island sites. You’ll visit:

• USS Oklahoma memorial
• USS Utah memorial
• Six historic officer bungalows

This is a fully guided, 90-minute tour during which you’ll hear the interesting stories of the two battleships as well as what it was like living on Pearl Harbor before and during the attack. You must have a reservation in order to take this tour.

Ford Island Bus Tour Visitor Information

• Hours : The tour is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:15pm – 5:00pm
• Closed : Every other day of the week, and I’m assuming also Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day if they fall on a Mon, Wed, or Friday.
• Admission : Free, but requires a $1 reservation fee on recreation.gov
• How long to budget : The tour itself lasts 90 minutes, but they recommend you arrive an hour before your start time in order to park, check in, use the restroom, etc.
• More information : nps.gov

8. Some Pearl Harbor sites are free; some are not.

If you skipped the section above that described each of the different Pearl Harbor sites, then you missed this very important information: Some of the Pearl Harbor sites are free, and some are not. This is because some are operated by the National Park Service while others are privately operated.

Free Pearl Harbor sites

When visiting Pearl Harbor, these are the sites that offer free admission:

• USS Arizona memorial
• Ford Island Bus Tour
• USS Utah memorial – military access required if not on the bus tour
• Pearl Harbor Historical Trail – military access required

The boat to the Arizona and the shuttle bus from the Visitor Center to the sites on Ford Island are free services. The USS Arizona documentary film and the museum at the Visitor Center are also free.

Keep in mind that while admission is free, you still have to pay the $1 fee to reserve your ticket and $7 per day for parking at the Visitor Center.

Pearl Harbor sites that you have to pay for

These are the sites that charge admission when visiting Pearl Harbor:

These paid sites don’t require reservations, but you’ll still have to pay the $7 parking fee at the Visitor Center. (If you have military access and can drive yourself to Ford Island, you can park at the Battleship Missouri and the Aviation Museum for free.) The virtual reality programs at the Visitor Center are paid experiences as well.

However, these paid sites do include some “free” things:

• The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum provides a free audio guide.
• Battleship Missouri admission includes a free 35-minute guided tour.
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum includes a free audio tour.

9. Pearl Harbor tours are not what they seem

It makes sense that you might want to book a Pearl Harbor tour for your visit. But, you should know right now that Pearl Harbor tours are basically scams. They charge you incredible amounts of money to visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and the USS Arizona Memorial… that are already free!

I can really go on about this because it irks me so much, but instead, read this post about it: Don’t Book a Pearl Harbor Tour Until You Read This! (Buyer Beware!)

10. Want to save some money? Do this…

Depending on the size of your group, visiting Pearl Harbor can get really expensive really fast. But there are a few creative ways that can help you save a little bit of money. (And in a destination like Hawaii, every dollar counts!)

I cover all of this in my post on how much everything at Pearl Harbor costs and how you can save money. I’ll give you a brief rundown here, but that link has ALL the details (and even math formulas if you like that sort of thing). All my best Pearl Harbor money advice is in that post!

Buy a membership instead of a one-time ticket

Depending on the size of your group, you could actually save money if only one of you purchases a membership instead of a one-time admission . Both the Battleship Missouri and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum include discounts for guests or free guest passes that could end up saving you a lot. Get all the details and my entire price breakdown here.

Pass on the Passport

The Passport to Pearl Harbor you see advertised a lot does not save you money. It includes admission to the three paid museums, an audio tour, and a virtual reality “experience.” But the passport actually costs more than if you bought the three museum tickets individually.

The only bonus is the multimedia programs but, not only are they unnecessary, the reviews of them are terrible. It’s clearly just a way to get you to commit to all three museums. Get all the details and my entire price breakdown here.

Consider an Oahu GoCity pass instead

The Oahu GoCity pass is an all-inclusive sightseeing pass that covers all the most popular attractions and activities on the island of Oahu. It covers all three paid Pearl Harbor museums plus other stuff like luaus, snorkeling excursions, catamaran cruises, and more.

And this one actually saves you lots of money! (And if it somehow doesn’t, they will literally refund you the difference.) It’s a no-risk purchase, really. I get these sightseeing passes all the time and love them. Get all the details on the Oahu GoCity pass here .

11. You MUST make reservations for certain sites.

When planning to visit Pearl Harbor, it’s important to remember that certain Pearl Harbor sites require advance reservations . This mostly has to do with capacity limitations. (Small boat + big demand.)

The Pearl Harbor sites you need to make reservations for are:

• The Top of the Tower tour at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (but not for the museum itself)

At all other Pearl Harbor sites you’re free to walk up and enter as you wish, no reservations required.

USS Arizona Memorial reservations

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial sees almost 2 million visitors a year , and almost all of them take the boat ride to the Arizona Memorial. Don’t forget to reserve your tickets as soon as you can. (You’ll need to create an account on Recreation.gov if you don’t already have one.) Make Arizona reservations here .

Reservations can be made up to 8 weeks (56 days) in advance, and they fill up fast. For last minute planners, they do release additional tickets every day at 3:00pm (HST) for the following day. For instance, tickets for Sunday, Nov 5 will be released on Saturday, Nov 4 at 3:00pm Hawaii time (9:00pm EST).

This is how I reserved my ticket in August, and they sold out for the next day within a few minutes. So, if this is your plan, be sure to be online at 3:00pm (HST) on the dot. Make your Recreation.gov account beforehand so you’ll be ready to go. There are no walk-up tickets or same-day releases.

Ford Island Bus Tour reservations

These tours max out at 25 people each, with just one tour a day on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Space is super limited here so be sure to make your reservation as soon as tickets are released if you have your heart set on this tour.

Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance and you’ll need a Recreation.gov account to make one. On the reservation page, click on a tour date on the calendar and it’ll show you when tickets for that date will be released. Make bus tour reservations here .

Top of the Tower reservations

The new Top of the Tower tour at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (which I’ll talk more about in a minute) is not included in your general museum admission and does require a separate reservation. (Nor is admission to the museum included if you book a Tower tour.) However, you can save money by booking your Tower tour as an “add-on” when you pay for museum admission. Make Tower reservations here .

Reservations can be made anytime, for as far into the future as their online calendar will go. (I stopped looking after I reached a whole year in advance.) Space is limited—only 120 tickets per day—but I booked my tour just the day before and I had lots of spots to choose from. If there’s a certain time slot you want/need, make your reservation ASAP. Otherwise, this is one you don’t need to stress about.

12. The Top of the Tower tour is fantastic!

Now that you’re wondering what the Top of the Tower tour is , let me share this little secret. In 2022, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum opened the Ford Island Control Tower to visitors. This tower survived the Pearl Harbor attack and served a variety of purposes after the war. You can now book a spot on the museum’s Top of the Tower tour where you’ll get to see all of Pearl Harbor from an epic aerial view .

You’ll be able to go out on the exterior viewing platform and see all of Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, and the surrounding landscapes from up there. All the battleships and memorials, and then some.

Your guide will then detail the events of the Pearl Harbor attack in such a way that you can actually see (in your mind) the Japanese fighter planes zooming past you. You’ll get the best possible handle on exactly how it all played out, who came from where, and more. This is, by far, the best way to learn about the attack while visiting Pearl Harbor.

These tours are capped at 14 people total with 12 tour times throughout the day. (I chose the second to last tour of the day and I was the only one! My “private” tour was incredible.)

You must make reservations for this tour. It’s not included with admission to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, nor is museum admission included with a tour. You can book the tour on its own if that’s all you want to see, or as an “add-on” to your museum visit.

I loved my tour so much I wrote a whole post about it! Check out my post on why the Top of the Tower tour is so awesome plus all the important stuff you need to know about it.

Top of the Tower tour visitor information

• Hours : Daily from 9:40am – 4:20pm
• Admission : Just the Tower tour: $34.99 each for both adults and children / As an add-on: $19.99 + museum admission
• Parking : $7 at the Visitor Center, then you must take the shuttle bus (or free on-site if you have military access)
• How long to budget : Tours last about 40 minutes, but add another 1-2 hours if you want to visit the museum as well.

13. The boat to the USS Arizona can be canceled without warning.

The National Park Service/U.S. Navy boat is the only way you can visit the USS Arizona memorial. It’s a short ride and, most of the time, there aren’t any issues. However, it can be canceled at the last minute due to high winds.

There’s nothing you can do about this, obviously, and you can only predict it up to a point. But knowing that this is a possibility helps you manage your expectations . You probably won’t have any problems on your Arizona visit, but just know that high wind cancelations are possible.

(And maybe don’t leave this memorial a 1-star review if it does get canceled; they’re just trying to keep you alive and safe.)

14. Pearl Harbor has a No Bag policy.

While visiting Pearl Harbor you’ll have to comply with their No Bag policy. Basically, no purses, diaper bags, fanny packs, backpacks, etc. are allowed. However, there are a few exceptions:

• This applies to bags that “offer concealment.” So, your clear bag should be good to go.
• Smaller bags are allowed as long as they measure less than 1.5” x 2.25” x 5.5”. At the entrance there will be a guard with an example. Your bag has to be smaller than that. (See pictured)
• Water bottles are allowed, even if they aren’t clear.

For my visit, I made sure to wear shorts with pockets and I kept my ID, credit card, and chapstick in the microfiber bag that came with my sunglasses. I also carried in my steel water bottle . Next time, I’ll bring a small clear purse though so I can bring my sunscreen along with me. ( Something like this , so I don’t have to keep going to my car to reapply.)

Bag storage at Pearl Harbor

Should you forget this rule, if they feel your bag is too big, and/or if you’re coming straight from the airport, Pearl Harbor does offer bag storage (even luggage). This is located at the Visitor Center and costs $7 per bag (smaller) and $10 per larger bag/luggage.

15. Know where to eat at Pearl Harbor.

The Pearl Harbor museums and memorials are somewhat spread out and not in that convenient of a location in the first place. But even though you’re pretty out of the way as far as the rest of Honolulu is concerned, you’ll still need to eat while visiting Pearl Harbor.

However, there are a handful of restaurants, cafes, and concession stands available to you in and around the historic sites. Knowing where these are can help you plan out your day at the sites which can also save you lots of time and money.

Check out my post here on Where to Eat Near Pearl Harbor which has all the details : the full list of places to eat, where to find them, links to their menus, some helpful food and drink tips, and more.

16. Get a head start with these books.

Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor is so much more than what it appears to be on the surface. In fact, I actually find this to be one of the most nuanced and interesting historical events once you dig into it. Get a head start on all the stuff you’re going to learn in Hawaii by reading a book or two on the events of December 7, 1941.

I’ve put together a list of some of the best books on Pearl Harbor that has something for every kind of audience (in that link). It includes memoirs, historical fiction, children’s books, books that explain the details of the attack, and those that examine all the stuff that led up to it.

I’ve included my personal favorites (as a recent graduate with a master’s degree in World War II Studies) and even a little bit of commentary.

17. Most of Pearl Harbor is fully exposed.

The fact that most of the Pearl Harbor sites you’re going to visit are fully exposed is one of the key things to know when visiting Pearl Harbor. I mean it–this is CRITICAL.

While the museums are indoors, most of the stuff you’ll want to see is outdoors… in the scorching Pacific sun and heat. My advice: prepare for this like your life depends on it. I did see someone at the Visitor Center (probably in her 20s) being carted off by paramedics after suffering heat stroke.

When visiting Pearl Harbor, definitely plan to:

• Wear high-SPF sunscreen and reapply as often as you can. (And make sure it’s reef-safe as per Hawaii regulations. I use Badger sunscreens .) And don’t forget your ears, the back of your neck, the tops of your feet, and any exposed parts of your scalp.
• Wear a sun hat , or baseball cap, or even one of these . (Everyone will be jealous.)
• Bring an umbrella for sun protection if you don’t want to wear a hat.
• Bring a small portable fan to stay as cool as possible.
• Cover your body – Wear long pants and long sleeves in light materials and colors.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and prevent headaches from squinting all day. Polarized is the way to go.
• Drink tons and tons of water all day long. Bring your own refillable water bottle and fill up at the water fountains at all the sites. You can even go the extra mile (like I do) and add some Liquid IV to it for some electrolyte replenishment.
• Rest when you need to. Don’t overexert yourself; there are plenty of ways to escape the sun. The indoor museums (Bowfin, Aviation) are air conditioned. The shuttle bus is air conditioned. You can find shade everywhere.

18. Wear good solid shoes.

I know this is Hawaii and all, but flip-flops are not ideal while visiting Pearl Harbor . Besides doing a ton of walking, you’ll also be climbing up and down steps on battleships, submarines, and buses; and walking around on boats and gangplanks (possibly wet ones).

I wore my Teva sandals with all-around straps. (Similar brands like Chacos and Keens are great options too! All three of these brands are also available on Amazon .) Most other visitors wore something similar or just went with comfortable sneakers.  

19. Bring tissues.

Make sure to save enough room in your tiny little bag for some tissues while visiting Pearl Harbor. Obviously , you’ll feel all the emotions here given its tragic history. But really, nothing can prepare you for the 23-minute film on the USS Arizona or even the 5-minute explanation from the park rangers before you board the boat to the memorial. Seriously, within 5 minutes of us sitting down the whole room was wiping their faces on their shirts.

20. The Pearl Harbor gift shop is weird.

You’re not wrong, the Pearl Harbor gift shop is… weird. First of all is the fact that a place like this even has a gift shop. “Here’s the gift I got you, from that place where 2,403 people were killed.” But it’s the items in the shop that will really make you think.

I visit WWII sites all over the world and many of them do have some sort of “gift shop.” Though, they’re most often referred to as “book” shops and sell mostly books on related topics. T-shirts are standard at most places too.

But the Pearl Harbor gift shop also sells things like toys, cartoon-ish stickers of the memorial and ship anchor, and—brace yourself—an entire line of Hello Kitty/Pearl Harbor merchandise . Is it weird to see a Japanese icon dressed as Rosie the Riveter , symbol of American WWII home front efforts? Yes. Or how about a Japanese icon dressed as a U.S. Navy sailor? YES! They have their rationale behind this, but I can’t help but feel icky when I see it.

It’s also worth noting that the Pearl Harbor gift shop is not part of the National Park Service site. Instead, the gift shop is operated by an independent organization known as Pacific Historic Parks. However, this is still a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps fund educational programs at the park. So at least there’s that.

21. Visit the U.S. Army Museum before visiting Pearl Harbor.

The museum at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is fine for learning about the events of the Pearl Harbor attack. But… the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is much better ! I highly recommend going here first.

In my opinion, this museum does a much better/clearer job of presenting the facts surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack including the lead-up to it/why Japan attacked and what happened afterwards/as a result. There are also more physical artifacts here, while the Visitor Center museum is mostly informational panels and photos.

The real drawback to the Visitor Center museum is that it just gets so crowded (and hot). This makes it hard to see/read much of the information, and there’s no real flow so it’s easy to get out of order and confused. It’s not an ideal learning environment at all.

The U.S. Army Museum, on the other hand, is going to be mostly empty when you go so you can take your time reading all the info and looking at all the artifacts. Plus, it’s dark and air conditioned. There won’t be sweaty people bumping into you.

The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is free to visit and located in Honolulu , just minutes from Waikiki. There’s a parking lot directly across the street and they validate parking. If you’re looking to actually learn more about the Pearl Harbor attack and see some cool artifacts, visit this museum first!

U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii visitor information

• Hours : Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00am – 5:00pm
• Closed : Sundays, Mondays, federal holidays, and the Tuesdays following federal holidays if they fall on a Monday
• Parking : Parking is across the street at the Hale Koa Saratoga lot. The museum validates parking so remember to take your ticket with you. After validation, parking will cost $4 for the first hour and $3 for each additional hour.
• How long to budget : I concentrated on just the WWII stuff and I was back in my car in time to pay just $4. But if you want to explore the whole thing/all of Hawaii’s military history, budget for 1.5-2 hours.
• More information : hiarmymuseumsoc.org

22. Make sure your kids are ready for Pearl Harbor

When considering whether to visit Pearl Harbor with kids, there’s much to think about. I discuss this in depth in my post on visiting WWII sites with kids and I highly recommend you read that first.

The Pearl Harbor sites welcome children of all ages. There are even programs for children here like the National Park Service Junior Ranger program. They can even get their National Park Passports stamped at all the sites. (Who am I kidding, I totally have one of these!)

There are two main things to consider here:

• How well do you think your child(ren) can handle the material?
• Can your child(ren) behave appropriately in such a serious memorial space?

Thankfully, I haven’t seen any rambunctious children running amok here the way I have at many other WWII sites , but it’s still a very important thing to consider before visiting Pearl Harbor.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Pearl Harbor

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Pearl Harbor:

Does Pearl Harbor have a dress code?

No, there’s no official dress code for visiting Pearl Harbor. However, it’s important to remember this is a place of tragedy and you’ll be visiting both memorials and graveyards.

Dress respectfully. Don’t wear anything offensive or inappropriate. If you’re unsure if what you plan to wear is offensive or inappropriate, then just don’t.

Can you just how up to Pearl Harbor?

Yes and no. You will need advance reservations for:

• Top of the Tower tour at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

You do not need reservations for / You are free to just show up to:

• USS Utah memorial and Ford Island Historic Trail (if you have military access)

How much time do you need to see Pearl Harbor?

Pearl Harbor is not just one thing; it’s actually a collection of many individual sites. How long it takes to see Pearl Harbor is going to be different for everyone. You can “see Pearl Harbor” in a half day, or over two full days, depending on your preferences.

For just visiting the Visitor Center and the USS Arizona memorial (the two most popular sites), it will take around 3 hours. If you also plan to visit the Battleship Missouri, add another 2 hours. (And so on.)

Where do you park for visiting Pearl Harbor?

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center has a couple of large parking lots. You’ll park here to visit almost all of the Pearl Harbor sites, even the ones on Ford Island (that you’ll take a shuttle bus to from here). Put “Pearl Harbor National Memorial” or “1 Arizona Memorial Place” into your GPS, otherwise you might end up on the military base.

Parking is $7/day and you have to pay it online when you arrive. There will be signs posted around the parking lots with instructions on how to pay with your phone. (Yes, it’s annoying.)

Where to stay for visiting Pearl Harbor

This island of Oahu does not lack in fantastic places to stay, the most popular of which is going to be Waikiki. (There aren’t a lot of hotel options near Pearl Harbor, and definitely not any decent ones.) Here are some great Waikiki options for your trip:

• Sheraton Waikiki – My personal favorite place to stay in Waikiki. Gorgeous views, great amenities, walking distance to everywhere in Waikiki.
• Wayfinder Waikiki – A hidden gem outside the main Waikiki tourist area.
• Prince Waikiki – On the marina, gorgeous property with great views, lots of dining options.

Aloha and have a great time exploring Pearl Harbor! As always, if you have any questions at all feel free to ask them in the comment section below.

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a World War II historian and travel expert who has visited 33 countries. She specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas with a focus on World War II museums, memorials, battlefields, and other sites of interest. Originally from Memphis, TN, she currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline commanders.

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How to Visit Pearl Harbor: Scheduling, Tickets, and Must-See Monuments

Are you planning a trip to oahu and considering visiting pearl harbor find out exactly how to visit pearl harbor and all the historical sites, this guide to how to visit pearl harbor on oahu was written by marcie cheung (a hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog ..

Pearl Harbor is a special place in Hawaii with a big story to tell.

Many years ago, during World War II, a major event happened here that changed America’s history: The Attack on Pearl Harbor.

This spot reminds us of brave people and important lessons from the past.

If you want to visit Pearl Harbor and really understand its story, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. That way, you can make the most of your time there and truly appreciate what it stands for.

Why trust my insights? My numerous trips (over 40!) to Hawaii have given me a rare depth of knowledge about the islands.

I’ve visited Pearl Harbor many times over the years and it’s always a moving experience.

Let’s dive into how you can make your first trip to Pearl Harbor memorable and meaningful!

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Scheduling Your Visit to Pearl Harbor

Planning a trip to Pearl Harbor? Let’s pick the perfect time! The best months to go are during spring ( March to May ) or fall ( September to November ).

During these times, the weather is great, and there aren’t too many tourists.

If you want to avoid big crowds, it’s a good idea to visit on weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Mornings, right after opening, are usually the quietest.

Now, how long should you stay?

To see everything and really understand the history, it’s best to set aside a whole day . There’s a lot to explore and learn.

By spending the day, you can take your time at each site and get the most out of your visit.

How to Reserve Tickets for Pearl Harbor

Are you wondering how to get tickets for Pearl Harbor? Don’t worry; it’s pretty easy!

There are two main ways to grab them. First, you can buy them online before you go. This is super handy because you can plan ahead and make sure you get the tickets you want.

Or, if you’re more of a last-minute planner, you can grab it right there at Pearl Harbor when you arrive.

Now, let’s talk about the cost. Prices can vary depending on what you want to see.

There are different attractions like the USS Arizona Memorial , USS Missouri Battleship , the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum , and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum . Each has its own ticket price.

Tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial are FREE if you get them in person. However, they have a limited amount and they usually get snapped up quickly.

However, you can pay $1 and reserve them online .

But here’s a tip: If you want to see multiple spots, consider getting a combination package . These packages bundle several attractions together at a discounted price.

Not only do you save some money, but you also get a richer experience of Pearl Harbor’s history!

What are the Best Pearl Harbor Tours?

Passport to pearl harbor self-guided tour.

If you want to see all the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites at your own pace, this is definitely the Pearl Harbor tour you’ll want to do.

It’s what I always book when we visit Pearl Harbor because we rent a car and like to go at our own pace.

It provides tickets for the USS Battleship Missouri, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. You’ll need to make your USS Arizona Memorial reservations directly through the NPS. Check the latest rates and availability .

Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour from Waikiki

If you’re staying in Waikiki and aren’t renting a car, I suggest booking this tour because it will pick you up from your Waikiki hotel.

It includes tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Battleship Missouri, and the WWII Valor in the Pacific Monument. Plus, you’ll get a driving tour of Honolulu. Check the latest rates and availability .

Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour from Ko Olina

If you’re staying in Ko Olina (that’s where Disney Aulani Resort is) and don’t have a car, you might want to book this tour because it will pick you up right from your resort.

Like the Waikiki tour, it includes tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Battleship Missouri, and the WWII Valor in the Pacific Monument. Plus, you’ll get a driving tour of Honolulu. Check the latest rates and availability .

Ford Island Bus Tour

Want to see the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials on Ford Island? If you don’t have a Military ID, you’ll need to get a spot on the Ford Island Bus Tour.

Why? Ford Island is a working military base, so we need to make sure visitors are guided safely.

This tour is led by park rangers who know lots about Pearl Harbor. They team up with the US Navy to make sure everything goes smoothly.

So, what’s in it for you? A cool bus ride from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to Ford Island. There, you’ll get to see some special spots that not everyone visits.

The whole trip takes about 90 minutes and is full of neat stories and sights. It’s like getting a VIP pass to some hidden treasures at Pearl Harbor! Make reservations HERE .

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center: Your Starting Point!

Before you dive into the history of Pearl Harbor, there’s one place you should definitely start: the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center . Think of it like the front door to all the amazing stuff you’re about to explore!

So, what’s at the Visitor Center? A lot!

First, there are cool exhibits. They have pictures, artifacts, and stories that give you a sneak peek of Pearl Harbor’s past. It’s like a mini-museum that sets the stage for everything else you’ll see.

Information Desk

Then there’s a super helpful information desk. If you’ve got questions (like where to go first or how to find a restroom), the friendly folks here have answers. They’re like your personal tour guides, ready to help!

Want to grab a souvenir or maybe a book? The gift shop has loads of neat things you can take home. There’s everything from t-shirts to model ships, so you can remember your visit long after you leave.

But the best part of the Visitor Center? The feeling. It’s a place that welcomes you, teaches you, and gets you excited for your Pearl Harbor adventure.

It’s also a spot to relax, grab a snack, or sit on a bench and soak in the views of the harbor.

Tip: Don’t rush through the Visitor Center! Spend some time here. Check out the exhibits, chat with the staff, and maybe even watch a short film they show. It’s the perfect way to kick off your Pearl Harbor experience!

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is home to many historical sites, but the USS Arizona Memorial stands out as one of the most touching.

It’s not just a place on a map; it’s a place that tells a deep story of bravery, loss, and remembrance.

The USS Arizona Memorial is the most well-known spot at Pearl Harbor.

It’s built directly over the final resting place of the USS Arizona ship, which was tragically sunk during the 1941 attack.

The sailors and marines on board that day are still within the ship, making this memorial incredibly significant.

Now, to get to the memorial, you’ll hop on a boat ride. As the boat gently moves across the harbor, you might feel a mix of excitement and reflection.

The water around you holds so much history, and soon, you’ll be floating right above a part of it.

As you approach, you’ll notice a stunning white structure that seems to float gracefully on the water. That’s the USS Arizona Memorial.

Once inside, it’s almost like the world goes quiet. The atmosphere is calm, peaceful, and you can sense the reverence of the place.

You might feel a lump in your throat or even shed a tear thinking about the events of that fateful day and the brave souls who were there.

Tip: When you’re on the memorial, try to find a quiet spot and just listen. Often, there’ll be a guide or park ranger sharing stories about the ship, the attack, and the people involved. These tales can bring history to life, making your visit even more impactful.

In the end, the USS Arizona Memorial is more than just a tourist spot; it’s a place of reflection and honor.

When you visit, take a moment to pay respects, think about the stories, and appreciate the sacrifices made for freedom.

Other Must-See Monuments and Attractions

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial has a lot more to offer in addition to the USS Arizona Memorial.

There’s the USS Battleship Missouri, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (formerly the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum).

USS Battleship Missouri

This huge ship has a big history! It’s where World War II officially ended. You can take a tour, walk the decks, and see where the surrender documents were signed.

We usually like to take a photo on the deck in front of the giant cannons because it really puts things in perspective!

One of the most fascinating exhibits inside the USS Battleship Missouri is Divine Wind: Kamikaze and the Battle for the Pacific .

It’s a huge display of letters written by Japanese kamikaze pilots before they did their mission at Pearl Harbor and it’s a perspective that we don’t normally hear about when learning about WWII.

Tip: Wear comfy shoes because there’s a lot to explore on this massive ship!

There’s also a place to get grab-and-go food if you need to refuel. We always stop here to get fresh Dole Whip. It’s the perfect way to cool down after walking around the USS Battleship Missouri in direct sunlight.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

If you love planes, this is your spot. The museum has old warplanes and tells stories about the pilots who flew them. There are hands-on exhibits and even a flight simulator!

Outside of the main museum area, there’s a cool stand-alone exhibit about Bob Hope. There’s also a separate hangar where you can see the actual bullet holes from the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Tip: Ask questions. The staff here know a ton and can share some awesome facts!

There’s also a sit-down restaurant inside the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum that has fun, retro paintings on the wall. And the food is classic American stuff like burgers and fries.

One of the newest things to do at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is climb up the Ford Island Control Tower. You’ll take an elevator up a few floors and then climb up the spiral staircase to the observation deck.

The views from the top are really cool!

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (formerly the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum)

Have you ever daydreamed about being on a real submarine? Dive into history at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum!

This isn’t just any submarine – it’s a window to World War II.

Climbing inside, you’ll see exactly how sailors lived and worked during those intense times. It’s like hopping in a time machine!

Walking through the narrow hallways and tiny rooms, you’ll be amazed at how sailors managed in such close quarters.

But a quick heads-up: Watch your head! Submarines weren’t built for tall folks, so there are low ceilings and tight spots.

While exploring cool spots like the Bowfin is super fun, remember this isn’t just about the ‘wow’ factor. It’s about the stories of bravery and sacrifice from years ago.

So, as you wander through, take a moment to think about the heroes who once stood where you stand.

What to Wear to Pearl Harbor

It’s really important to remember that many people lost their lives at Pearl Harbor and it’s a place to pay your respects to the fallen soldiers.

This means you should skip the flip-flops and beach attire and wear something a bit more respectful. My husband usually wears an Aloha shirt and I usually wear a long dress or lightweight pants.

Military Visitors

Military visitors to the memorial are within the bounds of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and military regulations relating to military dress are enforced by Navy personnel.

According to COMNAVREG Hawaii Instruction 1020.2N, military visitors in uniform are required to dress in Class B or better in order to gain access to the USS Arizona Memorial.

Battle dress uniform is not allowed on the memorial, though it is allowed throughout the visitor center and at sites on Ford Island. However, military visitors are welcome to wear civilian attire when visiting.

Logistics of Visiting Pearl Harbor

So you’re ready to dive into the history of Pearl Harbor? Great! But first, let’s figure out some of the practical stuff so your trip goes smoothly.

Getting to Pearl Harbor

Public transport.

If you’re staying in Honolulu, there’s a public bus that goes directly to Pearl Harbor. It’s affordable and convenient, but remember to check the schedule !

Driving yourself? It’s pretty easy to get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki . There’s a big parking lot right outside the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and guess what? It’s free! But try to come early to grab a good spot.

Do not take the “Hickam AFB / Pearl Harbor” exit. This will take you to the active military base, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, not to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Many tour companies offer trips to Pearl Harbor. This can be a great choice because they handle all the driving, and often, the guide will share fun facts on the way! THIS is the tour that I recommend .

What You Can (and Can’t) Bring to Pearl Harbor

No big bags.

Bags bigger than 1.5″ X 2.25″ X 5.5″ aren’t allowed. This includes things like purses, backpacks, and camera bags. You are allowed to bring in clear bags like THIS ONE if you need to.

Bag Storage

Near the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center entrance, there’s a place to store your bags for a small fee. You can use this same storage for all the Pearl Harbor sites you visit.

Just remember, Pearl Harbor is very serious about safety, so all the rules are there to protect everyone. We always store our bags here.

Food & Drinks

You can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to the area, but you’ll need to carry them in your hands if you won’t have a bag.

Inside the museums, theaters, and on certain ships and the USS Arizona Memorial, you can only have water.

And a quick tip? Please take all trash with you when you leave to help keep the place clean.

Medical Bags

If you have a health condition and need a special bag, you’ll need to tell security. They’ll check the bag to make sure it only has the medical stuff you need.

The final decision is up to the Park Security Rangers, so give yourself some extra time for this.

On-Site Stuff

Where to eat at pearl harbor.

Feeling hungry? There’s a snack shop near the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center with sandwiches, drinks, and more. You can enjoy your meal while looking out over the harbor.

Laniakea Café at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is a casual restaurant with a menu of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and island favorites. There is also a kids’ menu and a selection of sides and beverages.

There’s also a snack shop outside the USS Battleship Missouri with lunch items and Dole Whip.

There are also lots of places to eat near Pearl Harbor if you want more options.

Yep, there are clean bathrooms available for when nature calls. There are options near all the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.

Accessibility

Pearl Harbor is wheelchair-friendly, and they’ve thought about visitors with other needs too. If you have special requirements, just ask a staff member for help.

Things to Remember

There are a few rules to keep the place respectful and safe. Big bags or backpacks aren’t allowed, so leave them in your car or at your hotel.

Also, remember this is a place of remembrance. It’s a good idea to keep things quiet and respectful.

Making the Most of Your Visit to Pearl Harbor

Ready to explore Pearl Harbor? Here’s how to make sure your visit is both fun and meaningful!

Guided vs. Self-Guided Tours

Guided pearl harbor tours.

With a guide, you get to hear stories and facts that you might miss on your own. The guide can answer questions and show you special spots. The downside? You have to stick to their schedule.

Self-Guided Tours

If you like to explore at your own pace, this might be for you. You can spend as much time as you want at each place. But remember, you’ll need to do some extra homework to know what you’re looking at.

Prep with Some Reading

Want to understand things better? It’s a great idea to read up before your visit. There are lots of books and websites about Pearl Harbor.

You’ll get to know the stories behind the places you’ll see, which makes everything more interesting.

Chat with Veterans or Docents

If you see any veterans (people who served in the military) or docents (trained guides) around, don’t be shy! Say hello and ask them questions.

They have personal stories and insights that can make your visit extra special. Imagine hearing about Pearl Harbor from someone who was actually there!

In the end, whether you go with a guide, read a bunch of books, or chat with veterans, the most important thing is to be curious.

Ask questions, imagine what it was like back then, and remember the stories of bravery and sacrifice. That’s how you make your Pearl Harbor visit truly unforgettable.

How to Visit Pearl Harbor FAQs

The main Pearl Harbor Historic Sites include USS Arizona Memorial, USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (formerly USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park), Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the USS Utah Memorial.

While you can just show up, it’s highly recommended to reserve tickets in advance, especially for the USS Arizona Memorial, due to its popularity.

Reservations aren’t mandatory but are strongly recommended for the USS Arizona Memorial and other popular sites to ensure you get a spot.

The USS Arizona Memorial is free. Other attractions have varying prices. It’s best to check the official website for the most current pricing.

Yes, you can walk around the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and some of the surrounding sites. However, some memorials like the USS Arizona require a boat ride, which is part of a free tour.

The USS Arizona Memorial boat ride is approximately 15 minutes each way.

The USS Oklahoma Memorial is on Ford Island. If you don’t have military access, you’ll need to take an official tour or shuttle to visit.

Like the USS Oklahoma, the USS Utah Memorial is on Ford Island. Visitors without military access will need an official tour or shuttle.

Over 1.8 million visitors come to Pearl Harbor annually.

Parking at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is free.

While there isn’t a strict dress code, visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully given that Pearl Harbor is a historical site commemorating those who lost their lives. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Entrance to the visitor center and tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial program are already free, so there is no need for an ID or National Park Service pass at Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial Wrap-Up

Visiting Pearl Harbor is more than just a trip; it’s a journey back in time. This place holds deep stories of bravery and sacrifice.

As you walk through and see the memorials, you’ll feel the weight of history. Every corner, every exhibit, speaks of moments that changed our world.

When you come, bring not just your camera but also a heart of respect. Take a moment to think about the heroes of the past. It’s important to approach this place with thoughtfulness, remembering the lives touched by the events here.

A visit to Pearl Harbor isn’t just about seeing sights; it’s about feeling and understanding the stories of our past.

So, as you plan your trip, come ready to learn, reflect, and honor the memories that echo throughout this sacred place.

Looking for more Pearl Harbor travel resources? Check out how to get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki Beach !

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Visitor Center Official Multimedia Tour (23 Stops)

Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tours

The Multimedia Narrated Tour tickets are good for the entire day between 7 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the day of your reservation. 

There is a reason why the USS Arizona Memorial is the number one visited destination in Hawaii. Millions of visitors from all over the world come to this majestic setting to see where World War II began for the United States on December 7th, 1941. 

This incredible self-guided, multimedia-narrated 30-60 min Tour is highly recommended to all visitors who desire a more engaging and enriching Pearl Harbor experience. 

Hosted by the famous actress Jamie Lee Curtis, Pearl Harbor Survivors, and the National Park Service historians, this fascinating Narrated Tour has numerous historical stops and brings to life the events that changed the Pacific and the world forever. 

Jamie Lee Curtis will guide and narrate for you through the Visitor Center’s two world-class museums, with narration aboard the USS Arizona Memorial and then along the shoreline for the incredible "Path of Attack Tour.” Hear and see firsthand stories from actual USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor Survivors as they retell their stories and retrace the events of Dec 7, 1941.  

No escorted tours are allowed at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, so these NPS-approved multimedia tours are the Only OFFICIAL Tours of the park. 

Please check in with your confirmation at our USS Arizona Memorial Tour desk, located in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center courtyard. 

This self-guided multimedia narrated tour begins upon check-in and is available in 9 languages. English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Italian and Russian. This tour will translate the National Park Service’s 23-minute movie documentary into the visitor’s language. (Tour is also available in Russian and Italian but does not translate the movie).  

The Audio Tours DO NOT include National Park Service boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial or movie. Please visit https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16 to reserve those tickets.

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

This program DOES NOT include the movie/boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial. Please visit https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16

Please check in with us at our USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour desk, located in the courtyard of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. 

Strollers are allowed in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, but not in the theater. You will be able to leave your stroller by the entrance of the theater and pick it up at the end of your program. Please keep in mind that this means you will have to hold your child for the duration of the program (about an hour and 15 minutes).

We have restrooms located throughout the visitor center. Please keep in mind that there are NO public restrooms on the USS Arizona Memorial. Please plan accordingly.

Other than clear bottled water, there is NO food or drinks allowed in the theater, on the shuttle boats, or at the USS Arizona Memorial. However, food and drinks are allowed at the visitor center, which has a small snack shop with sandwiches and drinks. The nearby Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum has a lunch truck. There is a restaurant at the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the USS Missouri Battleship has a lunch truck. There are also many restaurants a short drive away from the visitor center.

While cameras, water bottles, wallets, and other small items can be brought on site, no bags (or other items that offer concealment) are allowed at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. However, there is a bag storage facility, located at the Pacific Fleet Submarine shuttle bus stop, where you can store your belongings for a fee of $6 per bag.

Visitors are reminded that they are visiting a site of tremendous loss of life in service to our country. Military visitors to the memorial are within the bounds of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and military regulations relating to military dress are enforced by Navy personnel. Per the Pacific Commander, military visitors in uniform are required to dress in Class B or better in order to gain access to the USS Arizona Memorial. Battle dress uniform is not allowed on the memorial, though it is allowed throughout the visitor center and at sites on Ford Island. Military visitors are welcome to wear civilian clothes when they visit.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center has reserved accessible parking in the front parking lot. The restrooms, theater, exhibit galleries, bookstore, information desks, drinking fountains, Navy shuttle boats, and USS Arizona Memorial are all fully-accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.

There are also many locations throughout the park for visitors to sit and rest. Please keep in mind that there is no seating at the memorial.

For visitors with hearing impairments, the documentary shown in the theater is fully-captioned (in English).There is an induction loop for use with hearing aids. Visually-impaired visitors will find signage in braille in addition to tactile models of various interpretive resources throughout the site.

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Visiting The Pearl Harbor Memorial: How To Get There, When To Go, And What To See

• Hawaii Travel

One of the most infamous historic sites that Oahu has to offer is Pearl Harbor, the site where Japan’s surprise attack took place on December 7 th 1941 which initiated the United States’ entrance into to the second World War. Though still an active military base, the site is composed of several historic sites and memorials that serve to educate the public on events of that devastating morning and to commemorate the thousands of people who lost their lives. The following guide provides an insight in what to expect upon visiting one of the country’s most striking WWII memorials.

Quick Facts

• The 10 square mile body of water was once fed by streams from the Waianae and Koolau mountains which created a once rich ecosystem of sea life
• Named after the pearl oysters that were once abundant in the lagoon harbor
• Originally named Wai Momi (waters of pearl) by early Hawaiian’s who regarded it as home to the shark goddess, Ka’ahupahau
• The harbor was acquired by the United States in 1887 to be used as a coaling and repair station
• The United States opted to construct a naval base in 1899 and is still in use today

Historic Sites

Pearl harbor visitor center.

The starting point of the experience is comprised of information booths, ticket counters, a shop and two free museums. There is a strict bag policy and all bags must be stored in a locker prior to entry for $5 per bag, the lines for storing bags can be long so it is wise to bring only what is necessary (keys, wallet, phone etc.).

As the site is a memorial where many people lost their lives, dressing appropriately is also important to show others courtesy and respect (no bathing suits). The Pearl Harbor visitor center offers an insight into both the road that led to WWII as well as the attack on Pearl Harbor itself. The former gives a detailed account of the events that unfolded across the globe that led to worldwide conflict from 1939 to 1945 which was by far the deadliest in human history.

The second museum is focused on the details of the attack on the U.S. naval base by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service and the subsequent declaration of war on Japan by United States Congress. Audio tours are available in 9 different languages.

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

After a recent renovation, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum reopened in 2021 with a host of new features such as a new range of photos and video as well educational kiosks and a mock submarine experience. A number of galleries will take you through the history of U.S. submarine development and it also includes the USS Bowfin, a decommissioned submarine that is on display. The museum itself as well as access to the USS Bowfin costs an additional fee of $21.99 but is worth it for any submarine enthusiasts. An hour should be allocated to the portion of the experience to get the most out of it.

USS Arizona Memorial

The memorial marks the resting place of the 1,177 sailors and marines who were killed onboard the USS Arizona battleship in the attack on December 7 th 1941. The experience takes 45 minutes which includes a navy operated shuttle boat to the memorial and time to experience the memorial itself, a 23-minute film is also shown in a theater either before or after visiting the memorial and gives an overview on the events that led to the attack. A $1 service fee is required for each reserved ticket and can be done online.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

This is located on Ford Island, a small islet in the middle of Pearl Harbor and is separate from other museums open to the public and is accessible via a designated public shuttle from the visitor center that leaves every 15 minutes. The museum is made up if two aircraft hangars which were subject to attack by the Japanese and houses a number of aviation exhibits and relics from the war in the Pacific. You will learn of personal stories that have been shared as well as the U.S. response to the Japanese attack and the Pacific battles that followed. Admission to this museum costs up to $26 for adults.

USS Missouri Memorial

Also located on Ford Island, the USS Missouri battleship offers and uplifting finale to the Pearl Harbor experience. It is the location of the Japanese surrender in September 1945 and serves as and inspirational and educational monument. At nearly 60,000 tons in weight and 900 ft in length, it is a must see for any naval admirers. Tickets cost $29.99 and can be purchased online or at the visitor center.

Getting to Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor can be reached by car or by bus from the Waikiki area. It is a 35 minute journey by car from Waikiki and parking is free at the visitor center but it can fill up quickly so it’s best to arrive before noon for the best chance of getting a parking spot. Ensure ‘Pearl Harbor visitor center; is entered into your driving app to avoid being directed to the active military base. The visitor center can also be reached by bus from Waikiki via bus numbers 20 or 42 and takes a little over an hour to arrive after boarding.

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How to Visit Pearl Harbor On Your Own (Without a Tour!)

When I returned from my visit to Oahu, Hawaii, one of the main questions I was asked by my friends and family was, “ Were you able to visit Pearl Harbor on your own, or did you have to be part of a tour group?” … I swear I must have answered this question at least a dozen times in the months following my return back home. I didn’t book through a tour company. Rather, I decided to visit Pearl Harbor on my own. 

Considering the amount of times I was asked about this following my trip, I felt it was important to outline exactly how you, too, can visit Pearl Harbor without booking a tour. From the logistics of the planning process to some of the benefits of visiting solo without a tour, this post outlines everything you might need to know before spending time at this historic memorial site.

Without further ado, here is exactly why I recommend doing this experience solo and how to visit Pearl Harbor on your own without a tour company.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a commission. Thank you!

Table of Contents

How to Visit Pearl Harbor Without a Tour

Pick a day to visit pearl harbor.

The very first thing I recommend determining in your planning process if you’re hoping to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour is to figure out which day during your trip to dedicate to the site. For us, it was an all day experience. I don’t recommend trying to fit in another activity or excursion on the day of your Pearl Harbor visit.

Make USS Arizona Memorial Reservations and purchase add-on tickets

Once you’ve determined which day of your trip you’re planning to dedicate to the Pearl Harbor site, make reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial and purchase your tickets to the additional experiences available onsite .

Reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial become available 8-weeks prior to the program date you’re looking to book at 3pm Hawaii Standard Time. You’ll need to look at your calendar and count backward 8-weeks prior to the day you’d like to visit Pearl Harbor to determine when reservations become available for your specific trip. If you missed the 8-week window and there are no reservations available, don’t worry! That is what happened to us since we booked our entire trip last minute.

You can also attempt to make a reservation for the USS Arizona Memorial the day prior to your intended visit. Remaining reservations are put on the recreation.gov website at 3pm Hawaii Standard Time the day prior, and they go fast. Be logged into your account and ready to go by 3pm to have the best shot at scoring a reservation.

If all else fails, you can simply use the standby line to get a spot on the boat leaving from the Visitor Center to the USS Arizona Memorial. That’s what we did, and we didn’t wait at all! However, I’ve heard other stories from people who waited several hours and some who waited that never made it on a boat at all due to the volume of visitors that day.

You can also purchase tickets to additional experiences like the Battleship Missouri or the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum online in advance or in-person the day of your visit.

Leave your backpack at the hotel

There is a strict bag policy enforced at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Specifically, visitors cannot bring in bags that offer concealment such as purses, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera bags, or luggage larger than 1.5″ X 2.25″ X 5.5″.

Clear bags (such as those you’d bring to stadiums or sporting events) are permitted, as are clutches and wallets measuring 1.5″ X 2.25″ X 5.5″ or less.

If you need ideas or inspiration on what type of clear bag to purchase, here are some great options on Amazon !

If you accidentally brought a bag along with you, or need it for your activities before/after your visit–don’t worry! There is a baggage storage facility just outside the entrance to the memorial site. However, it is not complimentary and it will require you to pay a fee per bag stowed.

For more information about the specifics of the bag policy, you can reference the official rules here .

Commonly Asked Questions

Where is pearl harbor located.

Pearl Harbor is located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, roughly 10 miles west of the city of Honolulu.

Did you know that Pearl Harbor is the largest natural harbor in that state of Hawaii, as well as the number one visitor destination on Oahu 1 ?! Pearl Harbor is still an active military base (technically known as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam), but it’s also a National Historic Landmark that visitors can visit year-round.

The address for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is:  1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818

How far away from Waikiki Beach is Pearl Harbor?

Pearl Harbor is roughly a 25-30 minute drive from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. It’s very easy to drive there on your own via Highway 201 or Highway 1. You can also order a Lyft or Uber from your Waikiki Beach hotel, or organize transportation with your hotel concierge.

It’s doable to enjoy the beach in the morning and then head to Pearl Harbor after breakfast. I would recommend going to Pearl Harbor earlier rather than later, though, to maximize your time at the site.

Do you need a car to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour?

Technically, no. We visited Waikiki Beach for a long weekend and we simply ordered an Uber from our hotel to Pearl Harbor! It was very easy getting there and back via Uber, as the ride sharing app has a strong presence in Honolulu and surrounding areas.

Ride fares may vary based on day of the week, time of day, holidays, and other factors. We left our hotel around 9:30am on a Sunday, and our Uber ride to Pearl Harbor from our hotel on Waikiki Beach cost $41. Obviously, this is a bit pricey for a one-way fare but it was totally worth it for us because it was one of the main things we wanted to do while in Honolulu. Plus, my partner and I were traveling together so we simply split the total fare in half, which made it slightly less expensive per person.

Regardless, the price of our Uber was still less expensive than booking a tour. We also wanted to have the freedom to go at our own pace, and we didn’t necessarily want to be restricted to a specific pick-up or drop-off point (which is usually required with booking a tour).

Just know that if you do decide to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour, you will be responsible for organizing your own transportation! For us, this was actually preferable and we didn’t mind ordering Ubers!

Can you visit Ford Island without a tour?

The general public does not have access to Ford Island, unless you purchase a ticket to one of the two sites located on Ford Island, or purchase tickets for the Ford Island Bus Tour.

The two sites (Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum) are accessible via shuttle bus from the Visitor Center. The shuttle bus leaves roughly every 15 minutes, and the final shuttle of the day back to the Visitor Center leaves promptly at 5pm from the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

You can also visit Ford Island and the USS Utah Memorial and the USS Oklahoma Memorial by booking a spot on the Ford Island Bus Tour. Limited to 25 people, the Ford Island Bus Tour program runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:15 – 5 p.m. However, it is important to note that since Ford Island is an active duty military site, tours may get cancelled on short notice due to security concerns.

Reservations are required to join the Ford Island Bus Tour. To make a reservation for the Ford Island Bus Tour, visit recreation.gov , or visit the booking site directly on the location page through recreation.gov here . Note that there is a $1 per person reservation fee to book this experience.

You can only access Ford Island directly if you have a valid military ID or contractors’ permit 2 . To visit Ford Island otherwise, you must purchase tickets to one of the three above-mentioned experiences with an official shuttle bus from the Visitor Center. Personal vehicles are not permitted on Ford Island.

Things to Know Before You Visit Pearl Harbor

What is the historical significance of pearl harbor.

Before you visit Pearl Harbor, it’s important to learn about the events that took place there in 1941 (and the months preceding and following the attack). This will allow you to better understand why the events at Pearl Harbor are so historically significant prior to your visit.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese orchestrated a surprise aerial attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This was a defining moment that propelled the United States into WWII and left a lasting impact on the homefront, as well. The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in mass loss of life and extensive damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Today, the site is a designated historic site and memorial managed by The National Park Service. It is also still an active military installation and is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy. 

How much does it cost to visit Pearl Harbor?

There are no entrance fees to visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or the USS Arizona Memorial. However, there are fees associated with some of the additional add-on experiences within the area of the Pearl Harbor Historic Site.

Considering the main historic site and memorial are both free to visit, this is a great option for those traveling on a budget or even those who might not have a whole day to dedicate to seeing everything at Pearl Harbor. 

Aside from add-on experiences at the site, the main cost associated with a trip to Pearl Harbor is the transportation. With a tour, your transportation is likely included. However… Uber and Lyft are also available on the island and might be more convenient for you depending on your timing and travel plans.

If you’re renting a car, there is also parking at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for a $7/day fee. The main benefit of organized tours to Pearl Harbor is usually the transportation to and from, but I argue that it’s worth just skipping out on the pricey tour and ordering an Uber or renting a car for the day. You’ll have more flexibility and agency to explore Pearl Harbor at your own pace.

Speaking of car rentals, I’d highly recommend renting a car if you’re planning to spend more than 3 days on Oahu. We didn’t rent a car during our trip, but we’d surely rent a car if we visit again.

There are a variety of car rental services available online and at the airport. I’d recommend using Discover Cars to find affordable vehicle rentals. Discover Cars is an awesome resource for comparing prices of car rentals across multiple brands and websites, and you can also book your rental directly through them for the best rate. Many of the cars available through Discover Cars are eligible for pick up at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) .

In terms on the additional experiences available for purchase at Pearl Harbor, there are a handful to choose from: 

• USS Bowfin (Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum)
• USS Missouri (Battleship Missouri Memorial)
• Pacific Aviation Museum
• Audio Tours and Guided Tours

We personally chose to explore the USS Missouri and USS Bowfin for an added cost. You can book these tickets online in advance, or simply purchase them when you arrive. 

There are also audio tours available for visitors to purchase. The price of the audio tour compared to the price of booking a tour online is significantly cheaper. I chose not to do either and I still felt satisfied with the amount of information and history I learned during my 7-hour visit. However, I’ve heard that the audio tours are great. Apparently, the audio tour is narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis!

Can you visit Pearl Harbor without a reservation?

Yes! You do not need a reservation to access the main visitor area, museum, or USS Arizona Memorial. It is advised to make reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial in advance, though my partner and I did not make reservations and we were still able to visit the memorial without any issues. We didn’t even wait in line–we were able to walk directly into the amphitheater and find a seat for the ranger-led discussion prior to boarding the boat out to the memorial. Considering we visited during Memorial Day weekend, we were pretty surprised about not waiting in line. This could have been a “one-off” situation, so make reservations in advance if you’re worried about long wait times being an issue.

You also don’t need to worry about making advanced reservations for any of the additional experiences offered. We purchased tickets to the USS Bowfin and USS Missouri half-way through our visit after we spent time at the main visitor site and paid our respects at the USS Arizona Memorial. There was no hassle in purchasing tickets and we did so swiftly at one of the several ticket windows near the main entrance. 

How long does it take to visit Pearl Harbor?

To explore the main visitor area, museum, and USS Arizona Memorial, I recommend no less than 3 hours. Could you see it all in less than that? Possibly. But if it’s your first time visiting Pearl Harbor, I suggest you take the time to read all of the information in the museum and throughout the site. I also recommend giving yourself time to process everything fully while you’re there. It’s a lot of information and the details of the event will likely weigh on you during (and after) your visit. There are benches throughout the site to sit and reflect, as well as to pay your respects to those who were impacted by the attack and the events that followed.

We spent a full day at Pearl Harbor–roughly about 7 hours. That being said, we spent most of our time exploring the USS Missouri and USS Bowfin /Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. I’d say we spent 3-ish hours at the main (free) portion of the site, and then 4-ish hours exploring the additional experiences (paid). 

How early should you arrive at Pearl Harbor? 

This is totally up to you based on how long you expect your visit to last. If you’re planning to stick strictly to the main site, I recommend visiting no later than 1pm. If you’re planning to do any add-on experiences, I suggest arriving as early as possible to allow yourself plenty of time to go at your own pace. Also, arriving in the morning helps you beat the midday heat! 

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center opens at 7am and USS Arizona Memorial timed programs and boat rides begin at 8am, weather permitting. 

Benefits of Visiting Pearl Harbor Solo

• Flexibility in choosing schedule and pace

Cost-effectiveness compared to tour prices

Personal reflection time, avoiding large crowds for a more intimate visit, freedom to customize your experience.

Visiting Pearl Harbor on your own without a guided tour offers several benefits that can enhance your overall experience. 

I’ll dive into the specifics of each reason you should visit solo below, and detail how these benefits positively impacted my own personal experience during my visit to Pearl Harbor in May 2023.

Flexibility in choosing your own schedule and pace

Visiting Pearl Harbor independently allows you the freedom to plan your own itinerary and explore the museum and additional highlights at your own pace. 

With tour groups, there are usually set meeting times for the group to convene. Constantly tracking the time to make sure you don’t miss the group meeting or tour bus can hinder your overall experience. 

By visiting Pearl Harbor solo, you can spend more time on areas that interest you the most and delve deeper into each of the exhibits. Plus, you’ll also have the flexibility to adjust your schedule based on your preferences, ensuring a more personalized and impactful experience.

Personally, I spent a lot of time reading the wall placards and informational texts throughout the museum and additional exhibits during my visit to Pearl Harbor. There is also a video detailing the attack, and it’s incredibly intense but worth a watch while you’re walking around the Road to War museum.

Everyone reads and interprets information at varying paces, and I knew I wanted to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour so that I could take all the time I wanted without feeling pressured to race through the experience.

By visiting independently, you also have more control over your time management. You can arrive early to avoid long queues, plan your visit during quieter periods to maximize your experience, and allocate more time to areas that captivate your interest. This level of control over your itinerary enables you to make the most of your visit and ensure a more fulfilling experience.

Opting for a self-guided visit can be more cost-effective compared to joining a guided tour. While tour packages often include transportation, meals, and guided services, they can be relatively expensive. 

Speaking from personal experience, visiting Hawaii can be very expensive. Honolulu and Waikiki, especially. We spent more money in Hawaii during our long-weekend getaway than I spent on a week-long trip to Paris! I’m not an extreme budget traveler by any means (I like to splurge here and there), but I do prefer to maximize every dollar when I can. 

There is an added cost of visiting the additional museums and exhibits at the Pearl Harbor site, so be sure to factor this into your budget when comparing the cost of a solo visit to a group tour. In my own experience and research, visiting solo still proved less expensive than visiting with a tour group. 

By planning your own Pearl Harbor itinerary, you have the opportunity to find more affordable transportation options, such as public buses or ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber, and also choose dining options that fit your budget.

Pearl Harbor is a popular tourist destination, and guided tour groups can sometimes be large and crowded. Choosing to explore independently allows you to avoid the crowds and experience a quieter, more intimate visit. You can immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere of the memorial and take time for personal reflection without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

I sometimes get annoyed when I’m engulfed in large crowds because I can’t always hear or see the tour guide. Due to the sensitive nature of the content covered in the museums and exhibitions, I knew I wanted to absorb everything in a quiet, respectful way without impacting anyone else’s experience. 

Plus, even without a tour group you will still have access to knowledgeable staff and volunteers who can answer any questions you might have while visiting. I encourage you to ask questions and hear stories from park volunteers, as their insights can help provide you with further context for understanding the importance of the events at Pearl Harbor. 

With a self-guided visit, you have the freedom to tailor your experience to your specific interests. You can spend extra time at the exhibits that resonate with you, dive deeper into historical details, and follow your curiosity without being bound by a predetermined itinerary. This level of flexibility empowers you to create a unique and memorable experience that aligns with your personal connection to the historical significance of Pearl Harbor.

For me, I was specifically interested in exploring every nook and cranny of the USS Missouri and doing more independent research about the significant historical events that took place onboard (such as the Surrender Ceremony that marked the end of World War II in 1945). 

It was pretty epic to sit aboard the USS Missouri and read through historical documents I searched up on my phone that detailed key events the ship was a part of… That was a very surreal experience for me, and I don’t think I would have had that same opportunity to invest such a significant amount of time in learning about and exploring the ship independently if I would have been on a guided, timed tour. 

Exploring Pearl Harbor independently allows you to have ample time for personal reflection. Visiting solo without a tour group also gives you time and privacy to pay your respects at the memorial sites. 

From my experience, I found that I needed time between each exhibit and memorial site to fully process my thoughts and feelings. If I wouldn’t have allowed myself time to process my emotions in the moment, my experience likely wouldn’t have been as intense or impactful. Visiting independently allowed me more time and opportunity to foster a more profound connection with the site.

Concluding Thoughts and Remarks

Visiting Pearl Harbor on your own without a guided tour offers flexibility, cost savings, the opportunity for personalization, and a deeper connection to the site’s historical significance. 

It allows you to navigate the attractions at your own pace, avoiding large tour groups, and tailoring your visit to your specific interests. Embrace the opportunity to learn, reflect, and create a memorable experience that honors the sacrifices made at Pearl Harbor.

Interested in checking out some other posts from my blog? Here are some of my other articles for you to enjoy while you’re here:

• Solo Trip to San Diego: 8 Things to Do Alone in San Diego
• Things to Do This Fall in Seattle
• Cafe Beignet vs. Cafe Du Monde: Who Has the Best New Orleans Beignets?

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Great info thanks for sharing the self guided tour

Pearl Harbour has been on my bucket list for a long time! This post makes me want to go even more

We all know the history of Pearl Harbour and how it got USA to join WW II. I like your idea of DIY, more personal tour of Pearl Harbour that give one a chance to reflect on these historical monuments / events.

Very thorough guide on visiting Pearl Harbor without a tour. I think that’s what I would do too. It allows you to take in the somber atmosphere at your own speed rather than rushing through. Good to know it’s budget friendly too.

I love how in-depth this guide is on how to travel solo to Pearl Harbor without a tour company. I personally love exploring on my own so I can have more flexibility in deciding what I want to do and see. Thanks for sharing all your personal recommendations!

This is a really great and useful guide! It seems very simple to travel to Pearl Harbor and pretty cheap. Also, $7 for a full day’s parking is really good! I always prefer travelling without a guide, you can explore more on your own and in your own time.

It’s also pretty easy to reach Pearl Harbor by bus from Waikiki and a lot cheaper than an Uber.

Absolutely! For anyone thinking about taking public transit, the #20 and #42 buses go from Waikiki and the Ala Moana Center to Pearl Harbor! Great tip, Jane.

Great information here on how to visit Pearl Harbor. I’d like to visit someday, and I had no idea how big it was! I always thought it was just the memorial and the museum. Your post is also very helpful for anyone who can’t decide between a tour or not.

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How to Visit Pearl Harbor on Your Own (No Tour Needed!)

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Visiting Pearl Harbor is a fascinating and enriching experience that should not be missed during your trip to Oahu. Commemorating the horrific events of December 7, 1941 , the memorial and its accompanying museums provide a unique look at one of the most pivotal moments in American history. 

While many people choose to visit Pearl Harbor with an organized tour , you can also visit the site on your own. However, doing so requires a bit of planning and preparation, as there are certain attractions that need to be reserved far in advance.

If you’re trying to figure out how to visit Pearl Harbor on your own, then you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. In this article, we’ll share an overview of what you can see during your visit, how to secure reservations, as well as a few tips and tricks on how to maximize your time there. Plus we include an example itinerary to help you organize all of these steps!

Want help planning the rest of your Oahu trip? Get a feel for the island with our Oahu Travel Guide If you’re on Oahu for a cruise, our Cruise Travel Guide will be invaluable! Our packing list will help you maximize space in your suitcase. Don’t book that rental car just yet, you may not need one after all .

Can You Go To Pearl Harbor on Your Own?

Yes! Pearl Harbor and its historic sites are open to the public, whether you come on your own or with a guided tour. There are no reservations needed for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, or the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. 

However, you do need to reserve a ticket if you want to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. There are no first-come-first-serve tickets available, so reservations need to be secured online. A select number of tickets are released eight weeks prior (at 3 PM Hawaii Time) to the visitation date. The rest of the tickets are then released 24 hours before, which means you might be able to snag one last minute if you’re lucky.

Can You Do a Self Guided Tour of Pearl Harbor?

Absolutely! You are free to purchase tickets or reserve your spot for any or all of the attractions you want to visit at Pearl Harbor. You don’t have to book through an organized tour company to visit. 

The only exception is the Ford Island Bus Tour (which we’ll talk about a bit later). This is the only attraction where you’ll be accompanied by a tour guide.

It’s also worth noting that while you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial on your own, your ticket will be for a specific time slot. And if you want to visit the Battleship Missouri or the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (which are located on Ford Island), you need to take the shuttle. It’s free and leaves every 15 minutes from the Visitor Center.

Pearl Harbor is still an active military base for the U.S. Navy. Visits to the Pearl Harbor Memorial is currently managed by the National Park Service.

How to Visit Pearl Harbor on Your Own

Pearl Harbor isn’t just one place. Between the museums, the ship tours, and the historical sites, there’s a lot for you to see and do here. You could spend an entire day here and still not get to see everything Pearl Harbor has to offer!

Therefore, it’s important to decide which sights you want to see during your visit. At Pearl Harbor, there are several main attractions:

• The USS Arizona Memorial (reservations)
• The USS Battleship Missouri ($)
• The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum ($)
• The USS Oklahoma Memorial (reservations)
• The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (with the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum) ($)
• The Visitor Center

When choosing which sites to visit, keep in mind what attractions are paid and which ones require advance bookings. We’ll share more about each one a little bit later.

If you’re a budget traveler, Oahu is the island for you ! We’ve done the math for you and have the cost for a trip to Hawaii for two as well as for a family of four . Be sure to also check out how we book our travel and getting a cheap ticket to Hawaii . Better yet, book your travel with points and thank us later!

Pick a Date and Plan Ahead

There are two main attractions that require advance reservations – the USS Arizona Memorial and the Ford Bus Tour to see the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah.

The USS Arizona Memorial is the most popular attraction at Pearl Harbor and definitely something you should see while you’re here. Therefore, we recommend basing your trip to Pearl Harbor around when you’re able to secure tickets for this tour.

If you want to see the USS Oklahoma Memorial and USS Utah Memorial, then you’ll also be required to reserve a spot in advance on the Ford Island Bus Tour. This 90-minute park ranger-led tour will take you by bus to see the memorials as well as a few other “hidden” sights of Pearl Harbor. 

Once you secure your reservation(s) for a specific date and time, you can decide which museums or sights you have time to see before or after.

However, we recommend blocking out an entire day for your Pearl Harbor Visit. Even if you only tick off two or three sights, you’ll still want to give yourself extra time for travel, lunch, and bathroom breaks.

Find more to do around Oahu: 34 Great Things to Do in Honolulu (that are actually IN Honolulu) The 21 Best Things to Do in Waikiki Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore The Ultimate Ko Olina Guide: What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay

Book Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial

Tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial are free (although there is a $1 service charge), but they need to be made online and in advance. Tickets are released in two booking windows on the site. The first one opens eight weeks out, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re hoping to secure a spot for a specific day. If you’re already in Hawaii and planning to visit Pearl Harbor spontaneously, then you can check back 24 hours before the visitation day, as a select number of tickets are released then as well.

When reserving a ticket, you’ll see that tours for the USS Arizona Memorial are offered every 15 minutes. Not only will you need to choose a date in advance, but you’ll also need to pick a time, so keep that in mind if you need to arrange transportation or schedule around flights.

Make Reservations for the Ford Island Bus Tour

The Ford Island Bus Tour is an informative 90-minute led by a National Park Ranger. Although it’s not self-guided, it’s a great experience if you want to have a more in-depth understanding of Pearl Harbor. The tour takes you to a few hidden sites as well as to the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma memorials.

If this sounds like something you want to do, then you’ll need to reserve a spot online . Like the USS Arizona Memorial tickets, there is a $1 reservation fee that needs to be paid during the booking.

The tour runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, leaves only once a day at 3:15 PM, and goes until 5 PM. If you want to do this tour in addition to the USS Arizona Memorial tour, then make sure you do NOT reserve your USS Arizona Memorial tickets during this time frame. 

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Decide Which Museums to Visit

Besides the USS Arizona Memorial and the Ford Island Bus Tour, all the other sights and attractions at Pearl Harbor can be visited on a whim. If there is time before or after your scheduled tours, then you can visit the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and/or the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.

If you are planning to visit multiple sights during your visit, then it may make financial sense to purchase the Passport to Pearl Harbor . This includes general admission tickets to the following Pearl Harbor Historic Sites:

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

• Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
• USS Battleship Missouri Memorial

It also includes an audio tour of the Visitor Center and the Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Experience.

Arrive Early

To make the most of your day trip to Pearl Harbor, we strongly suggest that you come early! Of course, your schedule will likely depend on when you make your USS Arizona Memorial Reservation. However, you should still plan on arriving early so you can explore the Visitor Center or museums without feeling too rushed.

Leave Bags at the Hotel

Pearl Harbor is an active military base and is quite strict when it comes to what’s allowed on the grounds. Specifically, it’s prohibited to bring in purses, backpacks, or bags that are larger than 1.5″ X 2.25″ X 5.5″. Instead, make sure all your personal belongings fit inside a small purse or fanny pack.

However, you are allowed to carry your items in a clear plastic bag, similar to what you would bring to a sporting event. 

If you have luggage or a larger backpack that you have to bring to Pearl Harbor, you’ll need to check it at the storage facility near the entrance of the Visitor Center.

On Oahu for a cruise? We have everything you need right here: Pick the best time to cruise Hawaii and get to know the cruise ports . Check out our favorite Honolulu shore excursions and find the rest in our Cruise Travel Guide and even more in our Cruise Itinerary .

Watch the Clock

With so much to see, it’s easy to get distracted or lose track of time while you’re hopping from one sight to the other. It’s a good idea to create a rough itinerary of what you want to see and how long you want to spend at each place. 

In order to make your reservation times (either for the USS Arizona Memorial or for the Ford Island Bus Tour), make sure you keep an eye on the clock! And give yourself ample time for bathroom breaks or to walk to the meeting point.

If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss: 23 Best Things to Do on Oahu With Kids (from The Hawaii Vacation Guide mom and dad) Where to Stay on Oahu with Kids: The 7 Best Family Hotels

What Can You See at Pearl Harbor?

The first time we visited Pearl Harbor, we just saw the USS Arizona Memorial and left! That was a huge mistake, as we later discovered that there are so many interesting museums and sights to explore at Pearl Harbor.

To help give you an idea of what to see, here are detailed descriptions of the main sights and attractions.

USS Arizona Memorial

The iconic white structure marks the spot where the USS Arizona was bombed, killing 1,177 sailors and marines and leading to the country’s involvement in WWII. While the sunken ship remains at the bottom of the ocean, the memorial was constructed over it in 1962 and features a viewpoint over the sunken decks of the ship and a shrine to the lives that were lost.

Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater

We recommend that everyone watch the historical film shown in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater before your visit to the main sights. They show a 23-minute long film about the attacks that occurred on December 7th. In addition to the footage from the attacks, you’ll also hear stories from survivors, which makes it an informative yet extremely emotional film. 

The film is shown at 15 and 45 past the hour.

Exhibit Galleries

Inside the Visitor Center, you’ll find two exhibit galleries about Pearl Harbor – “Road to War” and “Attack”. With memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts, they provide more information about what happened at Pearl Harbor.

Remembrance Circle

Remembrance Circle is located outside, facing the USS Arizona Memorial. This concrete structure is a memorial that’s dedicated to all the lives (military and civilian) that were lost during the attacks on December 7th. This includes the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Hickam Field, and the Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay.

USS Bowfin Submarine

Located right next to the USS Arizona, the USS Bowfin Submarine is one of the 15 surviving US combat vessels. You can step aboard and walk the deck, visit the interior rooms, and see the torpedoes in the torpedo room! 

Tickets to the USS Bowfin Submarine also include entrance to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

The Battleship Missouri is located on Ford Island. It’s here where the Japanese surrendered to the Allied Powers in September 1945, officially ending WWII. It was decommissioned in 1992 (making it the last active WWII battleship out of any nation in the world), making it one of the most important historical sights to visit in the US.

With your ticket to the USS Missouri, you’ll be able to do a free guided or self-guided tour of the submarine. To get here, you’ll need to ride the free shuttle from the Visitor Center, which takes approximately 10 minutes. You can also visit the USS Missouri as part of the Ford Island Bus Tour.

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is also on Ford Island (so you’ll need to take the free shuttle or book the Ford Island Bus Tour to visit). It’s quite a large museum, taking up two massive aircraft hangers.

In hanger 37, you’ll find a detailed museum about island life in the 1940s as well as the Pearl Harbor attacks. There are also restored military aircrafts from both the US and Japanese forces, as well as a flight simulator for those who wish to channel their inner pilots.

Hanger 79 features an impressive collection of vintage bomber jets and figthers that were built after the war. You can also visit the restoration shop, which restores aircrafts that will soon be on display in the museum.

Where is Pearl Harbor Located?

Located on the island of Oahu, Pearl Harbor is roughly 10 miles from Honolulu and 12 miles from Waikiki. If you are typing it into your GPS, make sure to use the following address: 1 Arizona Memorial Place

Find a great place to stay on Oahu: Where to Stay in Waikiki: The 12 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals Where to Stay in Honolulu: The 10 Best Spots Which Part of Oahu Should You Stay: Waikiki or Ko Olina or North Shore

Getting to Pearl Harbor

There are several different options for getting to Pearl Harbor if you aren’t going with an organized tour company. If you’re coming from Waikiki, expect the drive to take around 30 minutes. You can take a taxi, an Uber or Lyft, or drive yourself (parking at the Visitor Center is $7 a day). 

Another option is to take public transportation. The Bus is Honolulu’s transport service, and it’s a cost-effective way to get around the city. Take the #20 or #42 to the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center. From Waikiki, the trip will likely take around an hour. Taking the bus from other parts of the island is possible, but it can be quite time-consuming, depending on where you are. 

There are also different shuttle services that you can take to Pearl Harbor. Ask your hotel if they provide a shuttle or work with a company that offers trips to and from the site.

Pearl Harbor Sample Itinerary

Having a planned itinerary can help you make the most of your time at Pearl Harbor. Therefore, we wanted to share a full-day option for those who want to tick off the main sights, like the USS Arizona, the museums, and the other battleship memorials.

One thing to note is that we did this itinerary with two young kids, which meant we didn’t spend a lot of time at each spot. However, we did get to see a lot more than most people who visit Pearl Harbor. If you don’t want to cram a lot into your day, then feel free to adjust the following schedule to fit your interests and travel style.

How long does it take to visit Pearl Harbor?

This answer depends on exactly how many sights you want to see during your visit. If you’re short on time, a half-day trip to Pearl Harbor is doable, although don’t expect to see more than two attractions. 

Ideally, you’ll want to block out an entire day to visit. That way, you can take your time touring the museums or wandering through the different submarines and memorials.

Here are the operating times for the different attractions at Pearl Harbor:

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center: 7 AM to 5 PM

USS Arizona Memorial: 8 AM to 4 PM

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: 9 AM to 5 PM

Battleship Missouri Memorial: 8 AM to 4 PM

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum: 7 AM to 5 PM

Our recent Pearl Harbor Visit Itinerary

8:15 AM: Arrive at Pearl Harbor (remember to come as early as you can!). Spend some time walking around the Visitor Center and checking in for the USS Arizona Memorial tour. They suggest getting to Pearl Harbor an hour or so before your tour is supposed to start. Check-in should also be done 10 minutes before.

9:00 AM: Our USS Arizona Memorial tickets were for 9 AM. Including the boat road, you’ll be at the memorial for about 45 minutes.

10:00 AM: Dock back on land and head to the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater to watch the 23-minute film. Afterward, head outside and visit Remembrance Circle.

10:45 AM: Buy tickets for the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (which includes access to the USS Bowfin Submarine). The tours are self-guided, but they do give you a free audio tour if you want to learn more about the grounds and submarine.

11:45 AM: Take the free shuttle ride to Ford Island. By now, you’re probably feeling a bit hungry, so grab lunch at the Ford Island Bistro or mini-mart.

12:45 PM: Buy tickets for the Battleship Missouri Memorial. A free guided tour is included if you want more information about the museum, although we did the self-guided tour and found that to be perfect for our visit!

2:00 PM: Get back on the shuttle and make your way to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. General admission includes a free audio guide, but they also offer guided tours on a first-come-first-served basis. If you want to have more information about the different aircrafts, it’s definitely worth doing! Make sure you also have time to do the flight simulator (only 150 tickets are given out each day so make sure you ask for one once you arrive). Compared to the other sights, this museum was the most interesting for our kids, as there are a lot of fun things to see in both of the hangers!

4:00: After a long day, we got back on the shuttle towards the Visitor Center and said goodbye to Pearl Harbor! 

Pearl Harbor Tours

There are advantages and disadvantages of visiting Pearl Harbor on your own. While it gives you more flexibility to see the exact sights you want, you will miss out on having a guide to share insights and bits of information. In addition, you absolutely have to make sure you reserve your tickets in advance. 

After seeing how to visit Pearl Harbor on your own, if you would prefer to go with a guide, or if you discover that tickets are sold out for your dates, you can always book a guided tour. Most companies always include entrance to the USS Arizona Memorial as part of their offering. 

We’ve done both guided tours and self-guided trips to Pearl Harbor, and the choice ultimately comes down to your travel preference or style. If you decide a guided tour is more up your alley, then check out our list of the best-rated Pearl Harbor tours . We have a helpful chart to show the sites each tour visits and we’ve included half-day and full-day tours so you can pick something that works with your schedule!

Related reads: 10 Best Beaches on Oahu: Secluded, White Sand, Find It All 5 Best Snorkeling Spots on Oahu Oahu Whale Watching: The 7 Best Tours and How to DIY

Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor Memorial With Kids

If you’re a parent of young children, there are a few extra things you’ll want to think about before visiting Pearl Harbor with kids. These are some of the tips we found helpful when visiting with our kids:

• Strollers are allowed, but not everywhere. You can bring a stroller into the main Visitor Center area of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, but if you’re heading to the USS Arizona, you’ll have to leave them before boarding the boat.
• Infants and Kids need a ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial. Even if they’ll be sitting in your lap for the boat ride, they still need a ticket in hand.
• No diaper bags! Bring everything you need (like diapers) and put it in a clear bag.
• Restrooms have changing tables but once you get on the boat to the USS Arizona Memorial, you’ll be without a bathroom for 45 min to 1 hour.
• Our kids enjoyed the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum the most!

The Best of Oahu at Your Fingertips

A trip to Hawaii isn’t cheap, so don’t leave your vacation to chance. No matter where you are in the planning process, grab an itinerary to help you finish strong. It is packed with the best restaurants, beaches, hotels, vacation rentals, tours, and complete itinerary days. Better still, if you run into any hiccups along the way, you won’t miss a beat. Just pull out our itinerary and you’re off to something just as spectacular.

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I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, learn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history: the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial museums & grounds are free. Program reservations are recommended. Plan your trip by reading more.

Learn how to make a reservation for the National Park Service facilitated USS Arizona Memorial Program with recreation.gov

Learn how to make a reservation for the National Park Service facilitated Ford Island Bus Tour with recreation.gov.

Using DNA & other technology, the remains of service members lost on the USS Oklahoma on Dec 7, 1941, are being identified & returned home.

Bags are not allowed at the park, but can be stored onsite. Find out more about our bag policy, medical concerns, and safety at the park.

Park rangers share the incredible human stories that helped define the events of December 7, 1941 in this video series.

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