Visiting Pearl Harbor isn’t just another stop on your Hawaii itinerary; it’s a powerful journey into history. For some, it’s about honoring family who served. For others, it’s a chance to reflect on a pivotal moment in world history. For everyone, it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave Oahu.
Table of Contents
Why are you visiting the Pearl Harbor National War Memorial?
People visit the Memorial for a variety of reasons. Some people come to Oahu specifically to visit Pearl Harbor. In that case, they want to see and do more.
Are you Military, or does your family have a tie to the Harbor?
If the answer is yes, you may want to reach out in advance. The National Park Service is incredible, and there are some additional perks for those in uniform.
Have you ever been to the island of Oahu or the Memorial before?
If you have, things have changed. They are constantly renovating, updating, and adding to the visitor experience. If not, make sure to check out the Pearl Harbor overview.
Are you a history buff or have kids studying World War 2?
How much time do you have on the island of Oahu?
Are you staying on a neighbor island? Maybe in from Australia or New Zealand and heading to the States? The Honolulu Airport near Pearl Harbor, and makes an easy trip.
Where are you staying while you are visiting Hawaii?
For those staying in Waikiki, a trip to Pearl Harbor is quick and straightforward. However, if you are staying somewhere else, it may be a little trickier.
Are there other places you want to see as well as Pearl Harbor?
This island has so many great things to see and do! By the time you finish this post, you will know the best way to see Pearl Harbor for your specific family.
That’s why the question isn’t just “What should I see at Pearl Harbor?” but rather “What’s the best way to experience it fully?” After more than a decade of guiding guests here, we’ve created this insider’s guide. Itʻs complete with ticket tips, itineraries, and the context to make your visit truly meaningful.
First priority: Get Arizona Memorial Tickets
If Pearl Harbor is the heart, the USS Arizona Memorial is the heartbeat. More than 1,100 sailors remain entombed in the ship below, making this a place of solemn reflection and remembrance.
- Tickets: Reserve through recreation.gov exactly 8 weeks in advance. A limited batch also opens daily at 3:00 PM HST.
- Walk-ups: Same-day mobile check-in not guaranteed (watch your text message!).
- Experience: Navy shuttle boat → Memorial visit (approx. 45 minutes) but subject to change.
- Insider Tip: Set an alarm for 2:45 PM and have your profile ready. Tickets disappear fast.
- Cancellation: The Navy can cancel the boats on short notice for a variety of reasons, most frequently high winds.
- Time Needed: 2 hours (including check-in and boat shuttle)
Why is the Arizona Memorial special
The USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship, built in Brooklyn and commissioned in 1916. She first made her mark in WWI, escorting President Wilson to the Paris Peace Conference.
But on December 7, 1941, her fate was sealed. The Arizona was struck in the opening minutes of the attack. 1,177 men perished, including the entire ship’s band, who had played a concert the night before and were performing Colors when the bombs fell.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial overview
To pay your respects at the Arizona, the Visitor Center is the first stop. It not only sets the stage with exhibits, but also serves as the hub for every other Pearl Harbor experience.
- Exhibits: Powerful galleries (“Road to War” & “Attack”) frame the events of 1941.
- Family-Friendly: Ranger programs, scavenger hunts, and interactive displays.
- Logistics: Shuttle hub, ticket check-in, and parking (small fee applies).
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours (Road to War & Attack Museums)
From the story of loss, you’ll move to the story of victory. The Battleship Missouri. Itʻs just a short shuttle ride away and offers a striking contrast: where the Arizona marks the beginning of WWII for the U.S., the Missouri represents its end.
From Loss to Victory: Battleship Missouri
A short shuttle ride brings you to the USS Missouri (the Mighty Mo), where WWII ended. But her service did not, this Battleship sailed through the Gulf War and eventually to her current home, in large part thanks to the crew.
- Highlights: Walk the Kamikaze Deck, stand on the Surrender Deck, and see life below deck.
- Why It Matters: Where the Arizona marks the war’s beginning, the Missouri represents its end.
- Insider Tip: This ship is enormous; don’t underestimate how much there is to see.
- Hollywood Bonus: The “Might Mo” was featured in several blockbuster movie productions.
- Time Needed: 2 1/2–3 1/2 hours (Including Shuttle)
After standing on the Mighty Mo’s surrender deck, shift from sea to sky at the Aviation Museum. Located in historic hangars that still bear bullet holes from the attack and aircraft that defined each era of combat.
From Sea to Sky: Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Set in WWII-era hangars that still bear bullet holes, the Aviation Museum tells the story of Pearl Harbor and beyond.
- Don’t Miss: Hangar 37’s immersive exhibits & Hangar 79 with bullet holes still visible.
- Interactive Fun: 360° flight simulator (watching is as fun as flying).
- STEM Value: Excellent for students and educators.
- Time Needed: 2 1/2–3 1/2 hours (Including Shuttle)
Life Beneath the Waves: USS Bowfin Submarine
Known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the Bowfin launched a year after the attack and completed nine war patrols.
- Onboard Experience: Climb through narrow hatches and walk in a submariner’s shoes.
- Museum & Audio Tours: Family-friendly, newly renovated.
- Kid Appeal: Hands-on STEM exhibits make this a hit with younger explorers.
- Time Needed: 1–1 1/2 hours
When you step off the Bowfin, you’ll have gone from the Arizona’s sacrifice to the Missouri’s surrender, from the skies above to life in a submarine at war with the the Passport to Pearl Harbor.
Hawaiian History of Pearl Harbor
Long before it became a naval base, Pearl Harbor was a vital part of Hawaiian life. The sheltered waters provided abundant fishponds and were home to pearl-bearing oysters, which gave the harbor its English name.
In Hawaiian, the area was known as Mokuumeume, a name layered with meaning. One translation, “island of strife,” recalls disputes over fishing rights, while another reflects a gentler interpretation.
Pearl Harbor was also steeped in legend. Stories speak of shark riders and the family of Shark Gods who guarded these waters. These traditions remind us that the harbor’s significance reaches far beyond 1941.
It was, and remains, a place of resource, conflict, and spiritual depth. With history interwoven with both Hawaiian culture and global events.
Military Visitors: Exclusive Access & Perks
If you’re active duty, retired military, or traveling with family who serve, Pearl Harbor offers a few experiences not available to the general public.
- Remembrance Barge Tour: Perhaps the most moving perspective of the harbor. It’s intimate, respectful, and incredibly well done. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss it.
- USS Utah Memorial: Located on Ford Island, this memorial honors the sailors of another battleship lost on December 7th. Quiet and less visited, it provides space for reflection.
- USS Nevada Memorial: Also on Ford Island, this site marks where the Nevada beached after attempting to escape the harbor under fire.
- Perks and Discounts: Make sure to mention your service at the gift shops and ticket booths.
Insider Tip: An active Military ID allows you to drive directly onto Ford Island, making these sites much easier to access.
Practical Logistics
Knowing what to see is only half the equation. Getting the details right makes the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one. From transportation and arrival times to bag policies and parking, here’s what you need to plan ahead so you can focus on the experience.
- Getting There: 5 min from HNL Airport, 30 min from Waikiki, 1–1.5 hrs from Ko Olina/Turtle Bay.
- Arrival: Be at least 1 hr early. Plan for traffic, it can be brutal.
- Bags: No purses/backpacks allowed, use storage lockers.
- Parking: Small fee; midday often requires overflow lots.
- Can be busy: Over 1 million people a year visit the Memorials.
Should You Visit Pearl Harbor on Your Own or with a Tour?
There’s no single “right” way to experience Pearl Harbor. It depends on your priorities, your schedule, and how much planning you want to do yourself. Here’s how the three main approaches compare:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| On Your Own | +Flexible, inexpensive, explore at your own pace. | –Must book tickets early, manage parking and timing. | ✓Independent travelers, planners. |
| Group Tour | +Transportation included, no stress over tickets, guide adds context. | –Fixed schedule, less personal flexibility. | ✓First-time visitors, families, casual history fans. |
| Private Tour | +Fully customizable, skip logistics, deeper storytelling, door-to-door service. | –Higher cost than group tours. | ✓Families, VIPs, travelers wanting a seamless, personal experience. |
Biggest difference? Guided tours often include a drive through Downtown Honolulu. Prefer independence? Our GPS-guided self-driving tour offers the same highlights. From Pearl Harbor through the city, all at your own pace.
Sample Itinerary for a Day at Pearl Harbor
Full-Day Itinerary (7–9 hours)
- 7:00 AM – Arrive at Visitor Center
- 8:00 AM – Arizona Memorial
- 9:30 AM – Battleship Missouri
- 11:30 AM – Lunch break (food available on site)
- 1:30 PM – Aviation Museum
- 2:00 PM – Bowfin Submarine
- 4:00 PM – Visitor Center Exhibits
Half-Day Itinerary (4–6 hours)
- 7:00 AM – Arrive at Visitor Center
- 8:00 AM – Arizona Memorial
- 9:30 AM – Battleship Missouri
- 12:00 PM – Gift Shop before departure
Rule of Thumb:
Remember A-B-A-B → Arizona, Battleship, Aviation, Bowfin. That order keeps your day balanced.
So, What's the Best Way to See Pearl Harbor?
The truth is, the best way depends on you.
- Some families focus only on the Arizona.
- Others want the full-day deep dive.
- History buffs could spend two days exploring it all.
What matters most: book your tickets early, allow enough time, and approach the site with respect.
If you’d rather skip the logistics, a guided or private tour of the Memorials can make your day seamless. Transportation, tickets, and storytelling are taken care of, leaving you free to connect with the history around you.
Pearl Harbor is more than an attraction, it’s a living memorial. From the silent waters of the Arizona to the towering decks of the Missouri, from the skies above to life beneath the waves, it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave Oahu.
Your best way to see Pearl Harbor? The one that allows you to experience it fully, without worry, and with space to remember.
