Pearl Harbor Bus Tour: Ford Island | USS Oklahoma and Utah

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The USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials at Pearl Harbor offer a quieter, more personal space to reflect on the lives lost during the December 7, 1941 attack on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

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USS Oklahoma & Utah

The Pearl Harbor Bus Tour by the National Park Service offers a convenient way to access both the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials, in addition to other key historical sites in the Pearl Harbor area. This guided bus tour is led by knowledgeable National Park Service rangers who provide detailed commentary and historical context along the way.

Mokuumeume

Board in bus loop & go to Ford Island.

Limited seats

Very limited availability for this option.

Moderate walking

Will stand & walk for 45 minutes.

Make reservations

Reservations are extremely hard to get.

NPS restrictions

Military & National Park Regulations.

More information about

the Pearl Harbor Bus Tour

The USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials at Pearl Harbor offer a quieter, more personal space to reflect on the lives lost during the December 7, 1941 attack.

The Utah honors 58 sailors who perished when the ship was sunk. While the Oklahoma memorial pays tribute to 429 men who died when their ship was torpedoed and capsized.

Though less visited than other sites, both memorials offer a powerful way to connect more deeply with the history and sacrifice of that day.

Featured excursions for

Visiting the Oklahoma or Utah

The Pearl Harbor Bus Tour by the National Park Service is a guided, narrated tour that takes you through the various significant sites of Pearl Harbor, including the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials. If you can get the tickets, we can include it in Your Private Tours.

Frequent questions

About the Pearl Harbor Bus Tour

Whether you’re standing in front of Oklahoma’s black granite pillars or reflecting on Utah’s rusting remains, this tour is quiet, moving, and unforgettable. Keep scrolling for answers to help plan your visit.

Where do you meet the Pearl Harbor Bus tour?

The Pearl Harbor Bus Tour is accessible via a short walk from the main Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. They provide an essential opportunity to visit Ford Island to remember those who were aboard these ships and reflect on the lesser-known aspects of the attack. This guided bus tour is led by knowledgeable National Park Service rangers who provide detailed commentary and historical context along the way.

But visitors can take time to reflect at the peaceful USS Oklahoma, found just outside of the Battleship Missouri without reservations.

Why are the USS Utah and Oklahoma Memorials unique?

Both memorials offer a more intimate and somber tribute to the sailors who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. While the Arizona Memorial is widely known, the Utah and Oklahoma Memorials provide a deeper connection to the broader events of that day and the individual stories of heroism and sacrifice.

Do you need a reservation to visit these Memorials?

Maybe. Reservations are not needed for these memorials if you have military ID. But civilians can visit the USS Oklahoma Memorial outside the Battleship Missouri.

However, if you are interested in the Pearl Harbor Bus Tour by the National Park Service, you need to book tickets in advance as space is limited and the tour can be quite popular.

When does the National Park offer the Pearl Harbor Bus Tour?

The Pearl Harbor Bus Tour is available three times a week, and it’s neccessary to book tickets in advance to secure your spot.

How do you reserve tickets for the Bus Tour to Ford Island?

Tickets can only be reserved on recreation.gov, and they go extremely quickly. We recommend setting an alarm 15 minutes early, setting up your profile, and ensuring you are signed in before release. They go fast.

Can we help you make USS Utah and Oklahoma reservations?

Not for the USS Utah or the Pearl Harbor Bus Tour. These tickets are minimal and reserved exclusively for the public. But we can show you the USS Oklahoma Memorial on any visit to Ford Island.

Whatʻs included in the Pearl Harbor Bus Tour to Ford Island?

This guided tour takes you to the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials, along with other important spots around Pearl Harbor. With National Park Service rangers leading the way, you’ll get thoughtful, in-depth commentary at each stop. Itʻs also the only way civilians can visit the USS Utah Memorial.

Are there rules for this National Park tour to Ford Island?

As with all Pearl Harbor sites, respectful behavior is required. Photography is allowed, but visitors are asked to maintain a somber tone while exploring these memorials. Drones are prohibited throughout the Pearl Harbor area.

Looking for more History?

Similar activities & places

This tour runs at set times and includes secured access to Ford Island, a military base. Because of its limited capacity and restricted location, it’s one of the most unique and meaningful tours available in Pearl Harbor. However, a variety of similar and nearby attractions are much easier to access.

But wait, there’s more. Click the button to discover even more historic Pearl Harbor Memorials.

These are the top nearby activities and location options available on this featured tour.

Top tour for Utah Memorial

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Related excursions & Tours

to see the USS Utah & Oklahoma memorials

The National Park Service Ford Island Bus Tour is a favorite for returning visitors, military families, and history lovers who want to go deeper. Want to include it in your day? Several of our private tours help build a schedule around it.

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As with all sacred sites in Hawaii, we ask guests to visit with care and respect. The Oklahoma and Utah Memorials are solemn places of remembrance. So please be quiet and mindful.

Choose Route

Pick from iconic destinations like Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, or a majestic Circle Island adventure to perfect your getaway!

Plan By Time

Enjoy a half-day excursion or a full-day adventure. You can go all out with a sunrise-to-sunset tour and make the most of your day.

Tour Locations

Customize your private tour with family favorites, local cuisine, shopping, hiking, and visits to some of the islands best beaches.

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More ideas from Halia Private Tours

Need more help planning your visit? We love sharing additional tips and insights to make your Pearl Harbor tour or any other excursion unforgettable. So make sure to stay in touch.

Interested in the stories behind these memorials? Visit our blog and guides for insight into Ford Island, the ships that were lost, and the lives that continue to be honored there.

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The Ford Island Bus Tour is a reminder that Pearl Harbor is much more than one memorial. These stops offer a fuller picture of the attack and honor those who are often left out of the spotlight.

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