What is Pearl Harbor?

Pearl Harbor is a historic naval base in Oahu, Hawaii, and the site of the December 7, 1941 attack by Japan that led the United States into World War II. Today, it is a national memorial and popular visitor site.

What are the main attractions at Pearl Harbor?

The main attractions at Pearl Harbor include the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

How do I get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki?

You can reach Pearl Harbor from Waikiki by car (about a 30-minute drive), public bus, taxi, or by booking a guided tour with transportation.

Is Pearl Harbor free to visit?

Admission to the USS Arizona Memorial is free, but tickets for other attractions, such as the Battleship Missouri and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, require paid entry.

Do I need to book Pearl Harbor tickets in advance?

Yes, it is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for the USS Arizona Memorial, as spots are limited and can sell out quickly.

What are the opening hours for Pearl Harbor?

Pearl Harbor is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

How long does a visit to Pearl Harbor take?

A visit to Pearl Harbor typically takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on how many attractions you choose to explore.

What should I wear to Pearl Harbor?

Dress respectfully as Pearl Harbor is a memorial site. Avoid swimwear or overly casual attire. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Are bags allowed at Pearl Harbor?

No, bags larger than a small clutch are not allowed for security reasons. There is a bag storage facility available for a small fee.

Is there parking at Pearl Harbor?

Yes, there is free parking available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for visitors.

Can I take photos at Pearl Harbor?

Yes, photography is allowed in most areas, but some indoor exhibits may have restrictions. Drones are not permitted.

Complete Guide To Pearl Harbor: How To Plan Your Visit

Visiting Pearl Harbor is one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences you can have in Hawaii.

As the site of the tragic events of December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor offers a chance to connect with American history and pay tribute to the brave men and women who served during World War II.

This guide will help you plan your visit to Pearl Harbor, covering everything from essential attractions and tips to the best times to visit.

Table of Contents

Entrance sign for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Why Visit Pearl Harbor?

Pearl Harbor is a national historic landmark and home to several memorials, museums, and exhibits that commemorate the events of the 1941 attack and honor those who sacrificed their lives.

Visiting Pearl Harbor is a powerful way to learn about a pivotal moment in world history and to gain insight into the impact of World War II on the United States and the world.

View of the USS Missouri battleship and the white USS Arizona Memorial spanning the sunken remains in Pearl Harbor, set against calm waters. — View of the USS Missouri battleship and the white USS Arizona Memorial

Essential Attractions at Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor has several key sites, each offering a unique perspective on the events of World War II. Here are the main attractions.

USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona Memorial spans the remains of the sunken USS Arizona battleship, where over 1,100 servicemen lost their lives. This is one of the most visited and moving sites at Pearl Harbor.

A short boat ride will take you to the memorial, where you can see the submerged battleship below and read the names of those who perished.

Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are free but limited. Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website, and walk-in tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

The visitor center is the main starting point for all visits to Pearl Harbor and provides exhibits, documentaries, and artifacts related to the attack.

Entry is free, and it’s a good idea to start here to get historical context before visiting the other sites. There are several informative displays, short films, and helpful guides to enrich your experience.

Massive gun turrets on the deck of the USS Missouri battleship at Pearl Harbor, with three large naval guns pointed toward the horizon under a clear Hawaiian sky. — The Gun Turrets on USS Missouri

USS Missouri Battleship (Mighty Mo)

Known as the “Mighty Mo,” the USS Missouri is famous as the site where the Japanese formally surrendered, ending World War II. Walk through the decks, visit the surrender site, and learn about the Missouri’s role in the Pacific Theater.

Admission to the USS Missouri requires a ticket, which can be purchased separately or as part of a package tour. Several guided tours are available, including options to explore the ship’s decks and interiors.

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park

Known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the USS Bowfin is a World War II submarine that served in the Pacific. This museum provides insight into the lives of submariners during the war. You can explore the submarine’s cramped quarters, see the torpedo rooms, and learn about the challenges submariners faced.

Tickets are required for entry to the USS Bowfin, and guided tours are available.

Regulus on display at Pearl Harbor, mounted on a platform with informational signage, representing Cold War-era naval weaponry. — Regulus

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Located on Ford Island, the Aviation Museum showcases WWII aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits about the air attacks on Pearl Harbor. Explore hangars filled with vintage planes, immersive exhibits, and even flight simulators.

Admission to the Aviation Museum requires a separate ticket, and tours are available.

USS Oklahoma Memorial

The USS Oklahoma Memorial is a solemn tribute dedicated to honoring the 429 crew members who lost their lives when the battleship was attacked and capsized during the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Situated on Ford Island, near the iconic USS Arizona Memorial, it commemorates the resilience and sacrifice of those who served on that fateful day.

The design of the memorial features white marble columns, each representing one of the fallen sailors and Marines, symbolizing the individuals who perished in the attack. This minimalist yet powerful structure stands as a reminder of the human cost of war and is an essential part of visiting the Pearl Harbor historic sites.

Remains of Turret 3 from the USS Arizona visible above the water at Pearl Harbor, marking part of the sunken battleship and honoring those lost in the 1941 attack. — Remains of Turret 3

Planning Your Visit: Tips and Important Details

Best Time to Visit

Early Morning: Arriving early (around 7:00 am) helps avoid crowds and ensures access to the USS Arizona Memorial. Mornings are generally quieter and cooler.

Weekdays: Avoid weekends and holidays if possible, as they are the busiest times for visitors.

Drops of oil—known as the “black tears”—rising from the sunken USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, creating shimmering patterns on the surface near the white memorial structure. — Drops of oil in water

Getting Tickets

USS Arizona Memorial: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online at Recreation.gov. Same-day tickets are available but limited, so plan ahead.

Passport to Pearl Harbor: Consider purchasing the Passport to Pearl Harbor, which includes admission to all major sites—USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, USS Bowfin, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. This package allows a full day of exploration and provides the most complete experience.

Entrance to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, showing the sleek white structure with arched openings and American flags flying above as visitors arrive by boat. — Entrance to the USS Arizona Memorial

Getting There

By Car: Pearl Harbor is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. Parking is free, but spaces can fill up quickly during peak hours.

Public Transport: The local bus system, TheBus, provides transportation from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Route 20 or Route 42 will take you to the visitor center.

Katie taking a mirror selfie inside the Battleship Missouri Memorial on Oʻahu, capturing part of the ship’s interior with historic naval details in the reflection. — Katie wearing matching set

What to Bring

ID and Tickets: Be sure to bring a valid ID and any pre-purchased tickets.

Small Bag: Only clear, small bags are allowed due to security measures. There are lockers available for other items.

Sunscreen and Hat: Many areas are outdoors, so come prepared for the sun.

Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially if you plan on touring multiple sites.

Entrance sign for the Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Oʻahu, featuring bold lettering. — Entrance sign for the Battleship Missouri

Restrictions

No Large Bags: For security reasons, large bags and backpacks are not allowed at Pearl Harbor. Small, clear bags or purses are permitted, and there are lockers on-site.

Respectful Attire: Pearl Harbor is a place of remembrance. It’s advisable to wear respectful clothing, covering shoulders and knees if possible.

Entrance leading into the interior of the Battleship Missouri Memorial on Oʻahu, showing a narrow metal doorway with signage and bulkhead details typical of naval architecture. — Entrance leading into the interior

Suggested Itinerary for Visiting Pearl Harbor

Here’s a recommended itinerary for making the most of your day at Pearl Harbor:

7:00 am: Arrive at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Begin with the exhibits and short introductory film.
8:00 am: Visit the USS Arizona Memorial (if you have a reservation).
9:00 am: Head to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park.
10:30 am: Take the shuttle to Ford Island to visit the USS Missouri Battleship.
1:00 pm: Lunch break (either on-site or bring your own).
2:00 pm: Explore the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
4:00 pm: Wrap up the day with any remaining exhibits at the visitor center.

This itinerary allows you to visit all main sites with time to explore each attraction fully. If you want a shorter visit, consider focusing on the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, and visitor center.

Lone Sailor Statue at Pearl Harbor, depicting a bronze U.S. Navy sailor standing beside a sea bag, symbolizing honor, service, and the sacrifices of naval personnel. — Lone Sailor Statue

Honoring the Experience

Pearl Harbor is more than just a historical site; it’s a place of reflection and remembrance. Take time to absorb the significance of each site, honor the memories of those who served, and appreciate the stories and history preserved here.

American flag waving in the sky above the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, symbolizing remembrance and resilience against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds. — The American Flag in the sky above USS Arizona Memorial

Final Thoughts

After visiting Pearl Harbor, you’ll find there are countless other incredible things to do around Oahu. From the iconic surf beaches of the North Shore to the scenic hiking trails of Diamond Head, Oahu is packed with adventures for every type of traveler. Whether you want to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay, explore the historic streets of Honolulu, or simply relax on the white sands of Waikiki Beach, there’s no shortage of ways to continue experiencing the magic of the island.

If you’re looking to plan your full Oahu itinerary, be sure to check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Oahu. It covers must-see attractions, hidden gems, and insider tips to make the most of your Hawaiian adventure beyond Pearl Harbor.

Liked this post? Share it on Pinterest!

Complete Guide to Pearl Harbor Pinterest Pin 1

Complete Guide to Pearl Harbor Pinterest Pin 3

More Things to do in Oahu

Complete Guide to Pearl Harbor: How to Plan Your Visit