Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Exhibits

Name: Halia Private Tours
Price range: $$$

Visit Pearl Harbor

At the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, you’ll explore the story of December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy.” Begin your visit today and experience the moments that shaped the world.

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Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

Serving as the gateway to the full Pearl Harbor experience, the Visitor Center gives visitors a clear and comprehensive overview of the attack and its importance. It’s the perfect place to start your visit and get a solid introduction to the events that brought America into the second World War.

Near Airport

Pearl Harbor is next to the Airport.

Free to public

Free Road to War & Attack Museums.

All ages & abilities

A variety of exhibits & museums.

No reservations

No reservations necessary for Center.

NPS restrictions

Military & National Park Regulations.

More information about

National War Memorial on Oahu

Begin your visit at the Road to War and Attack galleries, featuring powerful photos, artifacts, and first-hand stories that walk you through the events leading up to and during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Catch the 23-minute documentary in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater, shown every 15 and 45 minutes. This film offers a vivid explanation of that pivotal day.

Add a hands-on layer with the Virtual Reality Center. You can “walk the deck” of the USS Arizona or witness the attack on Battleship Row in immersive detail.

Featured excursions for

Visitor Center at Pearl Harbor

Families and younger visitors will appreciate the Learning Center, designed to engage all ages with hands-on exhibits and educational activities that bring history to life. It’s a great opportunity to explore before and after you visit the Arizona Memorial during your private tours.

Frequent questions

About visiting the National Park

Whether you’re walking through Remembrance Circle, listening to survivor stories, or exploring the Learning Center, the Visitor Center offers a powerful and personal connection to history. Below are some quick answers to common questions:

Where is the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center located?

The Visitor Center is located in Pearl Harbor and is easily accessible from downtown Honolulu or Waikiki. It’s the starting point for any Pearl Harbor tour, and your guide will ensure a smooth and informative visit.

Why is the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center unique?

The Visitor Center is the most comprehensive starting point for learning about Pearl Harbor. With a combination of exhibits, interactive experiences, and guided tours, it offers visitors a complete and immersive look at the history of the attack.

Is the National Memorial Visitor Center free to the public?

Yes. The Visitor Center and Arizona Memorial are free for the public to visit. However, there is a charge for reservations and plenty of interesting upgrades available in the National Memorial.

What are the best times to go to the Visitor Center?

The Visitor Center is open daily, and the best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. It’s also a little quieter on weekdays, allowing for a more reflective visit.

Do you need reservations for the Visitor Center?

No reservation is required for the Visitor Center itself, but tickets for other sites such as the Arizona Memorial should be booked in advance. Your guide can help arrange the necessary logistics for a seamless experience.

What restrictions at the National Park you need to follow?

There are no bags allowed in the Visitor Center unless they are for medical purposes. Respectful behavior is expected throughout the memorial, and photography is permitted in most areas. However, guests are asked to refrain from loud behavior, and drone usage is prohibited.

Tour guides are only allowed to provide a 5 minute “wayfinding” briefing in the main Visitor Center and are not allowed on the Arizona Memorial.

Looking for more History?

Similar activities & places

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin your journey. It offers context, insight, and powerful exhibits that set the stage for everything that follows. But there are several other historical sights and nearby attractions to explore.

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.

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Related Excursions & Tours

More ways to visit Pearl Harbor

Pair your visit to the Visitor Center with a trip to the Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, or Bowfin Submarine for a complete Pearl Harbor experience. Your guide will help you navigate the various sites and offer valuable historical insights along the way.

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Explore immersive galleries and take in the harbor views. Begin your visit with a deeper understanding of the events that changed the world on these hallowed grounds.

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

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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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We’ve walked these galleries with guests from all over the world, and the experience always resonates. From the first photo to the last artifact, this place offers something that stays with you. So keep in touch, and hopefully, we’ll see you there.

Love starting with the story or want a deeper dive into Hawaii’s past? Visit our guides and blog for more on historic sites, local legends, and off-the-beaten-path gems around the island.

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In Hawaii, we encourage mindful travel, especially at sites of remembrance. Please respect posted signs, preserve quiet areas, and honor the memory of those whose stories are told here.

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to see the USS Utah & Oklahoma memorials

Looking to make the most of your time? Combine your visit with other Pearl Harbor sites, such as the Battleship Missouri and Aviation Museum. Customize your private tour to ensure you get the most out of this important historic location.