Plan Your Pearl Harbor Visit

Visiting Pearl Harbor

We want to make sure your time in Hawaii is fantastic, every single day. A day visiting Pearl Harbor is one of the most popular things to do, so it’s important to make sure you have a great day while getting the most out of it.

You should see four main historic sites at Pearl Harbor; Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, Bowfin Submarine Museum, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Each site has different times, pricing, and availabilities.

The park is closed on December 25th and January 1st every year. It is also closed to tours on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th. (The anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.)

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is open every day. The park service provides access to and maintains the Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Museums. The hours are from 7 am to 5 pm daily. In most cases, your group should pre-reserve the USS Arizona tickets at $1.00 each or risk getting whatever tickets and times are available when you arrive.

September Update

The Navy has currently restricted the use of the boat dock that takes visitors to the Arizona Memorial. This can be open again at any time. There is still so much to experience at Pearl Harbor so the visit during this time is still very worthwhile.

Arizona is the final resting place of over 1100 people who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor that sunk the ship. Solemn visits can be made daily from 7:15 am and 4:30 pm.

This mighty battleship is stationed not far from the Arizona Memorial and is open from 8 am to 4 pm Wednesday to Saturday. You will need to catch the shuttle.

The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park are adjacent to Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. It is open from 8 am to 4 pm, every day.

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (aka. Pacific Aviation Museum) is open from 9 am to 4 pm Wednesday to Sunday. Itʻs located on Ford Island, so you must catch the public shuttle service.

What Is The Best Day To Visit Pearl Harbor?

Honestly, a lot is going on each day at Pearl Harbor. Right now, the best day would be Thursday. Itʻs a day that sees fewer visitors overall, yet all of the ships, museums, and exhibits are open.

Things To Know About Your Visit

There are a number of things you should also know so that your Pearl Harbor visit is successful.

Dress Respectfully
You will not be allowed to board the navy boat to visit the Arizona Memorial in bathing suit type clothing. You are visiting a solemn location important to people of the United States, so please do not disrespect it.
No Bags Allowed
Since the park is located on an active naval base, precautions are taken to ensure national security. All bags must be checked into lockers for $3 / day, or you may purchase an approved clear bag in which to carry your items.
No Swimming
Swimming or getting into any waters in the harbor is not allowed. Although it looks refreshing, itʻs an active harbor with navy ships nearby, along with historical relics and possibly unexploded ordinance from World War II.

Food & Refreshments
There are options to grab food at all museums and stops. Lanikai at the Aviation Museum is the only inside sit-down option with a full menu. The rest of them are single options or grab-and-go.
Videos & Camera Sizes
Lens larger than 6” will not be allowed at Pearl Harbor due to national security precautions. Also, while traveling between Ford Island, taking photos or videos is discouraged.
Audio Headsets & Guides
You can listen to the information about Pearl Harbor in 7 languages using audio headsets available for rent. These are included in all of our guided tours if at guestʻs request.

Planning to Book A Tour Or Purchase Self-Guided Pearl Harbor Tickets?

Read our in-depth guide below on how best plan to book and purchase self guided Pearl Harbor tickets.

Guided Visit To Pearl Harbor

The best way to visit Pearl Harbor is to go with a guide who not only shows you around the national monument but provides a tour around the city (or Oahu) and hotel pickup and return. We even drive onto Ford Island, so you are never in a public shuttle with large groups. Check out our guided tours and inter-island day trip options.

Guided Pearl Harbor Tours

Going On Your Own

If you are looking to go on your own, we can still help. Our self-guided options include tickets to all museums, a rental vehicle, inter-island flights, and so much more.

Parking is free at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Driving Directions Self Guided Tours

Guided Pearl Harbor Tours

Let us take care of your entire experience at Pearl Harbor, from hotel pickup to return. We provide great stops, a tour around Honolulu, and lots of extras too.

Pearl Harbor Tickets & Self Guided Options

You can purchase your combination tickets for your Pearl Harbour visit that includes all museums ahead of time by choosing the Passport To Pearl Harbor option.

Inter-island Tour Options

If you stay on the islands of Maui, Big Island, or Kauai, you can take a day trip to Oahu to experience Pearl Harbor. We can provide transportation with flights, pickup at the airport, and return in time for your flight back that same day. Itʻs a 35-40 minute flight to Oahu from any of the outer islands.

More Information About Pearl Harbor

At Pearl Harbor Tours, we want you to have the most important and relevant information to prepare you for your trip to Oahu and Pearl Harbor. Visit our FAQ regarding your most basic or pressing questions, directions to determine your best route, or Things To Know About Your Tour to learn more.

Your questions are important to us, so we compiled some of the most frequent ones we receive to help you quickly and easily find out what you need to know on your next tour…

The USS Arizona Memorial overlooks Pearl Harbor and is located on the shoreline right off of Kamehameha Highway (HI-99). The best way to reach the memorial is by car or bus so click ‘Read More’ to find out the best route for you…

Find out more ahead of your trip to Pearl Harbor and Oahu. Discover interesting facts and more details you might not have known…

FULL-SERVICE
ISLAND CONCIERGE

You having a great vacation is important to us. We are here to offer you top quality service and support everyday.

BEST VALUE
& GUIDES

Our small group tours and wonderful guides make our tours a great value. We will beat any advertised price of an identical tour, guaranteed!

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INTER ISLAND
FLIGHTS INCLUDED

Tours to Pearl Harbor from Maui, Kauai, and Big Island have flights included. Purchase low-cost cancellation insurance for full refunds.

NO-STRESS
PLANNING

We are here to make your visit to Pearl Harbor easy. Our free cancellation policy is good up to 72-hours before the tour starts (except on flights and self-guided experiences).