PEARL HARBOR FAQs – OAHU VISITOR FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Pearl Harbor And Oahu
Planning Your Visit
Pearl Harbor Hours?
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Although open on Dec 7th, our tours do not operate due to special ceremonies that take place in the morning.
Where is the address to Pearl Harbor?
Pearl Harbor – USS Arizona Memorial Address
1 Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
Why you should visit Pearl Harbor?
There are many reasons to visit Pearl Harbor; to view history and to relive the moments of that fateful day on December 7, 1941. Pearl Harbor attracts more than 1.8 million visitors a year. It is Hawaii’s most popular attraction. The most memorable part of the tour is a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, which sits atop the sunken USS Arizona. The only way to get there is by boat, operated by the Navy.
On the morning of its surprise attack, one of the bombs hit an area of the USS Arizona called the magazine, where the artillery was stored, causing a massive explosion, sinking the USS Arizona and killing 1,177 sailors.
Remembering the lives of the soldiers who gave theirs during one of our world’s most paramount wars is a moving and educational experience any person, of any age, can deeply appreciate.
Is there a best time to visit Pearl Harbor?
Yes. The morning is the best time to visit Pearl Harbor.
The last tour at Pearl Harbor (with short documentary and boat ride to USS Arizona Memorial) is at 3:00 PM.
From Oahu, all our tours depart in the morning and duration of tour range from 5 hours to 10 hours.
All tours from Kauai, Maui or Big Island range from 12 to 13 hours. We offer guided tours (3) private tour (1) and self guided tour (2).
How many hours should I plan for my trip?
From Oahu: Tours from Oahu range from 5 hours to 10 hours. To choose the tour that best fits your schedule and interest, visit here.
From Kauai, Maui or Big Island: All tours from the outer island will require at least 12 hours. To choose the best tour for interisland tours, visit here.
Will there be a lot of walking?
Many of the tours include walking, so we do recommend wearing comfortable footwear. Wheel chair accessibility is offered at most of the museums and tours.
Can I tour the USS Utah?
The USS Utah is currently closed to the general public.
Can I tour the USS Oklahoma Memorial?
Yes. During your tour, you can visit the USS Oklahoma Memorial. It is included with the Pearl Harbor tours that visit Ford Island, the Missouri or Complete Pearl Harbor tours.
What Island Is Pearl Harbor On?
Pearl Harbor Memorial is located on the beautiful island of Oahu. It’s about 4 miles (approx. 8 min drive without traffic) from the Honolulu International Airport. Transportation is included with any guided tour from Waikiki and other areas across Hawaii.
Should I bring my kids to Pearl Harbor?
Pearl Harbor is a great experience for children! The museums and parks are filled with fun interactive exhibits, not to mention Pearl Harbor is an amazing hands-on history lesson. Children 4 years old and younger are not allowed aboard the USS Bowfin and children 4-12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
As a reminder, be sure to bring sun protection for your little ones, as most activities for them will be outdoors and Hawaiian sun is a bit more powerful than you’ll experience on the mainland.
When will repairs be done to the memorial?
The park repairs are complete and you can visit the memorial again.
Should We Explore All The Historic Sites At Pearl Harbor?
The most popular attraction is the USS Missouri Battleship that is located on Ford Island. Most visitors will visit the Arizona Memorial first depending on their ticket time. You can spend anywhere between 3-to-5 hours exploring those two sites alone, along with the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
Is The Air Over Pearl Harbor Closed? Can You Fly Over The Memorial?
You canʻt fly a drone in this area but helicopter tours are available. You can take a helicopter ride above Pearl Harbor to get a view of the Memorial and battleship from above. The view is spectacular!
We Are A Young Family, Is Pearl Harbor Good For Us?
Pearl Harbor is a great experience for everyone. Children may not understand the importance of it but the various activities will keep the entire family entertained. Boat rides, a short film in a theatre, climbing around a big ship, and seeing airplanes are things kids really love. At the USS Bowfin Museum, check out the interactive submarine games and activities in the WWII wing.
Are strollers permitted at Pearl Harbor?
Strollers are allowed at Pearl Harbor, however, they are not permitted in the theater or on the shuttle.
Does Pearl Harbor have wheelchairs for rent?
Despite being wheelchair accessible, there are no wheelchairs for guest to rent while at Pearl Harbor.
What is the best day of the week to visit Pearl Harbor?
Weekdays (Monday-Friday) are the best. Try to avoid Saturdays as the Norwegian Cruise Ship Pride America, arrives on Saturday to tour Pearl Harbor.
What historical sites can I see when visiting Pearl Harbor?
This depends on which tour you choose. All tours include Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, USS Arizona Memorial, Museum and Exhibits at Pearl Harbor.
Each guided tour includes a Historic Honolulu City Tour, with drive through sightseeing visits to the National Cemetery of the Pacific, Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha Statue, State Capitol and Downtown Honolulu.
Other tours can also include the USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Missouri and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Is Pearl Harbor open during the holidays?
Pearl Harbor closes for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The hours of operation are 7 am to 5 pm daily, and those hours do not change for any other holiday or special observance.
What is the best day to go to Pearl Harbor?
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday are the best days to visit.
What is Memorial Day at Pearl Harbor like?
Memorial Day is a special day at Pearl Harbor, however the festivities are not as grand as those put on for Pearl Harbor Day (December 7th). The day is generally pretty busy and events vary from year to year. We recommend your first trip to Pearl Harbor not be on a holiday, as to avoid large crowds.
What happens at the Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony on December 7th each year?
We don’t operate our tours to Pearl Harbor on December 7th, due to special ceremonies for more details about the ceremonies, visit https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm
Can I take a boat from another island to visit Pearl Harbor?
While there are no boats or ferries traveling to Pearl Harbor from other islands, you can take a Cruise Ship. Norwegian cruise ship, Pride of America, departs and returns to Oahu every Saturday and visits all the main islands Maui, Big Island, Kauai and Oahu.
Can I bring a purse or bag to Pearl Harbor?
Pearl Harbor’s security policy strictly prohibits any bag or container that provides concealment, which includes purses. It’s best to wear clothing with pockets to carry your essentials. If you must bring a bag, a clear plastic bag (such as a sandwich bag) may be acceptable.
There is storage available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for $7 per bag. The facility is open from 6:30am to 5:30pm and is the only storage facility available for Pearl Harbor museums and parks. Please note you will not have access to the bag from the beginning of your tour at Pearl Harbor until leaving.
How much does it cost to store a bag?
When visiting Pearl Harbor, bags are strictly prohibited. One storage location is available, and the price is $7 per bag for standard storage or $10 per bag for larger luggage. We do not allow our guests to leave bags in tour buses.
Can I bring a camera to Pearl Harbor?
You may bring your camera. However, no commercial filming is allowed unless you obtain a permit and security will likely question you about your intentions to film. Photography and filming will also be limited while traveling on the Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island.
Since bags are not allowed at Pearl Harbor, it may be inconvenient to bring a large camera.
What should I wear to Pearl Harbor?
While there is no official dress code for the museums and parks of Pearl Harbor, visitors must be wearing shirts that do not show excessive skin. If you’re wearing a swimsuit, be sure to bring appropriate clothing to wear over your swim wear. Flip flops/sandals are permitted.
Guests are asked to consider their visit as a time of solemn remembrance. Many men and women died serving our country, so respectful dress is highly encouraged.
We also suggest that you wear clothing with pockets, because you will not be permitted to carry your personal items in a bag of any kind. A light jacket may also be helpful in the event of the usual “surprise” Hawaiian rain shower. Some guests have expressed that the theater is fairly chilly as well.
For uniformed military servicemen and women visiting Pearl Harbor, you will be required to wear Class “B” dress, or better, to board the shuttle to the USS Arizona. You are not permitted to wear battle dress uniforms on the USS Arizona, but are free to dress as a civilian on your visit to Pearl Harbor.
What are the hours of Pearl Harbor?
The visitor center is open seven days a week from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas (December 25th) and New Year’s day (January 1st).
Can you visit Pearl Harbor for free?
Entry to Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is free including access to our two museums and exhibits along the harbor. Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are also free. Tickets are available on a first come first served basis with just over 1300 tickets given away every day. All individuals in your party must be present at the ticket counter at the time of issue.
Tickets can be reserved online at recreation.gov, or over the phone by calling 1-877-444-6777 (international: 518-885-3639). These tickets go quickly. Please log on as soon as possible to reserve.
During our busiest times (Christmas break, spring break, and summertime), we often run out of tickets early in the day. If you want to get a walk-in ticket during busy times, plan to arrive as early as possible.
Children do not need a ticket if they are small enough to sit on the lap of their guardian during the film and while on the boats to and from the USS Arizona Memorial. If they will be in their own seat, they need a ticket.
How Large Is The Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum Park?
All of the historic sites of Pearl Harbor are well within 100 acres of area. Stretching across the water to Battleship Row and across the fields to the historic airplane hangers still bearing the bullet holes from the attack. The museum park includes Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, Submarine Museum, Air Museum, Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri.
What other historic sites are close to Pearl Harbor?
Other great places that we explore on all our tours include Punchbowl Crater with itʻs serene military cemetery setting and incredible views of the city as well historic downtown Honolulu with itʻs iconic statues and buildings.
