The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is the main hub for all five attractions at the National Park. Entry is free, and you’ll explore the story of December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy.”
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
The Visitor Center serves as the primary entry point for nearly every Pearl Harbor experience. This is where you sign up for the USS Arizona Memorial same-day release, watch the 23-minute orientation film, the ʻRemembrance Circleʻ outdoor exhibit trail, and access the Ford Island Shuttle.
Centrally Located
Pearl Harbor is close to the Airport
Free to public
Arizona, Road to War & Attack Museums.
All ages & abilities
A variety of exhibits, museums & extras.
No reservations
Not required for the Visitor Center itself.
Base restrictions
Military & National Park Regulations.
Tour Guide & Founder
The Visitor Center was the first place I was trained to give tours, and I can still remember every detail of that day. Even after nearly two decades, each visit still feels meaningful.
Tour Guide & Founder
The Visitor Center was the first place I was trained to give tours, and I can still remember every detail of that day. Even after nearly two decades, each visit still feels meaningful.
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.
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.
Just outside the Visitor Center, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum offers a fascinating look at life aboard a World War II submarine and can easily be combined with your visit.
Visitor Center Highlights
| Detail | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Visit Time | ✓ 1–3 hours as part of a larger Pearl Harbor itinerary. |
| Best Timing | ✓ Early morning for easier access and fewer crowds. |
| Walking Level | ✓ Light to moderate between exhibits and memorial areas. |
| Visit Strategy | ✓ Start here first to understand the full Pearl Harbor story. |
| Core Value | ✓ Provides essential historical context for all Pearl Harbor sites. |
| Ideal For | ✓ First-time visitors and full Pearl Harbor itineraries. |
- Operating Hours: Opens at 7:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm
- Special Closures: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Emergency
- Admission Costs: Visitor Center is free (w/ paid options)
- Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818
- From Waikiki: 30 minute drive (H1-West), 1 hour bus (42)
- From Ko Olina: 45 minute drive (H1-East), 1.5 hour bus (40)
- From Turtle Bay: 1.5 hour drive (Kam Hwy), 3 hours bus
Similar activities & places
The National Park and many nearby locations offer context, insight, and powerful exhibits, such as the Battleship Missouri. Its location near Honolulu and major highways makes it one of the easiest historic sites on Oahu to reach.
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.
Visitor Center at Pearl Harbor
Want a guide and a ride? You can pair your visit to the Visitor Center with a trip to the Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, or Bowfin Submarine on a customizable private Pearl Harbor tour.
Pearl Harbor Tour
-
Group rates from
$699
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- 1 Memorial + City or 2 Memorials
- 6 hour custom private tour
Oahu Transfer Tour
- Up to 7 guests w/ luggage
- Choose from any tour route
- 9 hour custom private tour
About visiting the National Park
From listening to survivor stories to interactive exhibits, this place offers a powerful and personal connection to history. But with so much to see, you may have as many questions. Below are some quick answers to help plan your visit to Pearl Harbor.
Where is the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center located?
Why is the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center unique?
Is the National Memorial Visitor Center free to the public?
What are the best times to go to the Visitor Center?
Do you need reservations to enter the Visitor Center?
What restrictions should visitors know about Pearl Harbor?
Since Pearl Harbor is an active naval base, there are several restrictions and rules to be aware of:
- 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 the use of drones 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.
Traveling with children? Families often enjoy the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum thanks to its aircraft displays, restored hangars, and interactive exhibits that help bring history to life.
Explore Routes
Pick from iconic destinations like Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, or a majestic Circle Island adventure to perfect your getaway!
Select Length
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.
Must See Stops
Customize your private tour with family favorites, local cuisine, shopping, hiking, and visits to some of the best island beaches.
More ideas from Halia Private Tours
We’ve shared 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 Things to Do in Oahu Blog for more on historic sites, local legends, and off-the-beaten-path gems around the island.
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More ways to see the Visitor Center
Looking to make the most of your time? We have more options to ensure you get the most out of this important historic location. Turn your memorial visit into a Hotel, Airport, or Cruise Transfer Tour, or add a trip to the North Shore afterward, and maximize your experience.
Oahu Transfer Tour
- Up to 7 guests w/ luggage
- Choose from any routes
- 6 hour custom private tour
Pearl Harbor Tour
-
Group rates from
$799
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- 2-3 exhibits + City or visit all
- 9 hour custom private tour
Oahu Combo Tour
-
Group rates from
$899
- Pearl Harbor w/ island tour
- 2-3 activities + 4-6 photo stops
- 12 hour custom private tour
Need help planning your day? Try our quick tour quiz or scroll down for more resources for your perfect family excursion on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
