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Last updated: October 16, 2023

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National Park Service Pearl Harbor National Memorial 1 Arizona Memorial Place Honolulu, HI 96818

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Passport to Pearl Harbor 

See everything pearl harbor has to offer with the passport to pearl harbor. one historic location, four very distinct destinations, each as compelling as the next and none that you'd want to miss. adult (ages 13+) - $89.99 child (ages 4-12) - $44.99, ticket includes: ​, visitor center self-guided multimedia tour, pearl harbor virtual reality center, ​ pacific fleet submarine museum general admission , battleship missouri memorial general admission, pearl harbor aviation museum general admission .

PASSPORTS DO NOT INCLUDE RESERVATIONS TO THE USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL. Please visit the National Park Service website at  recreation.gov  to reserve tickets.

Multimedia Tour

Virtual reality center.

Adult (A ges 13+) - $20.99 ​

Child (Ages 4-12) - $16.99

This package includes an Unlimited  Multimedia Tour and one Virtual Reality Experience.

General Admission  

Adult (Ages 13+) - $21.99 ​

Child (Ages 4-12) - $12.99

Audio tour included with General Admission ticket.

Adult (Ages 13+) - $34.99 ​

Child (Ages 4-12) - $17.49

Add-O n Tours

(Must include General Admission or Passport)

Captai n 's Tour 

Adult (Ages 13+) - $30.00 ​

Child (Ages 10-12) - $30.00

Chief En gine er’s Tour

Child (Age s 10-12) - $30.00

Adult (Ages 13+) - $25.99 ​

Child (Ages 4-12) - $14.99

Add- On Tours

Top of the Tower

Add-On to General Admission - $19.99 ​

Individual Ticket - $34.99

Fighter Ace 360 Flight Simulator 

Purchased On-Site

How to Visit Pearl Harbor On Your Own (Without a Tour!)

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When I returned from my visit to Oahu, Hawaii, one of the main questions I was asked by my friends and family was, “ Were you able to visit Pearl Harbor on your own, or did you have to be part of a tour group?” … I swear I must have answered this question at least a dozen times in the months following my return back home. I didn’t book through a tour company. Rather, I decided to visit Pearl Harbor on my own. 

Considering the amount of times I was asked about this following my trip, I felt it was important to outline exactly how you, too, can visit Pearl Harbor without booking a tour. From the logistics of the planning process to some of the benefits of visiting solo without a tour, this post outlines everything you might need to know before spending time at this historic memorial site.

Without further ado, here is exactly why I recommend doing this experience solo and how to visit Pearl Harbor on your own without a tour company.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a commission. Thank you!

Table of Contents

How to Visit Pearl Harbor Without a Tour

Pick a day to visit pearl harbor.

The very first thing I recommend determining in your planning process if you’re hoping to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour is to figure out which day during your trip to dedicate to the site. For us, it was an all day experience. I don’t recommend trying to fit in another activity or excursion on the day of your Pearl Harbor visit.

Make USS Arizona Memorial Reservations and purchase add-on tickets

Once you’ve determined which day of your trip you’re planning to dedicate to the Pearl Harbor site, make reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial and purchase your tickets to the additional experiences available onsite .

Reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial become available 8-weeks prior to the program date you’re looking to book at 3pm Hawaii Standard Time. You’ll need to look at your calendar and count backward 8-weeks prior to the day you’d like to visit Pearl Harbor to determine when reservations become available for your specific trip. If you missed the 8-week window and there are no reservations available, don’t worry! That is what happened to us since we booked our entire trip last minute.

You can also attempt to make a reservation for the USS Arizona Memorial the day prior to your intended visit. Remaining reservations are put on the recreation.gov website at 3pm Hawaii Standard Time the day prior, and they go fast. Be logged into your account and ready to go by 3pm to have the best shot at scoring a reservation.

If all else fails, you can simply use the standby line to get a spot on the boat leaving from the Visitor Center to the USS Arizona Memorial. That’s what we did, and we didn’t wait at all! However, I’ve heard other stories from people who waited several hours and some who waited that never made it on a boat at all due to the volume of visitors that day.

You can also purchase tickets to additional experiences like the Battleship Missouri or the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum online in advance or in-person the day of your visit.

Leave your backpack at the hotel

There is a strict bag policy enforced at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Specifically, visitors cannot bring in bags that offer concealment such as purses, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera bags, or luggage larger than 1.5″ X 2.25″ X 5.5″.

Clear bags (such as those you’d bring to stadiums or sporting events) are permitted, as are clutches and wallets measuring 1.5″ X 2.25″ X 5.5″ or less.

If you need ideas or inspiration on what type of clear bag to purchase, here are some great options on Amazon !

If you accidentally brought a bag along with you, or need it for your activities before/after your visit–don’t worry! There is a baggage storage facility just outside the entrance to the memorial site. However, it is not complimentary and it will require you to pay a fee per bag stowed.

For more information about the specifics of the bag policy, you can reference the official rules here .

Commonly Asked Questions

Where is pearl harbor located.

Pearl Harbor is located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, roughly 10 miles west of the city of Honolulu.

Did you know that Pearl Harbor is the largest natural harbor in that state of Hawaii, as well as the number one visitor destination on Oahu 1 ?! Pearl Harbor is still an active military base (technically known as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam), but it’s also a National Historic Landmark that visitors can visit year-round.

The address for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is:  1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818

How far away from Waikiki Beach is Pearl Harbor?

Pearl Harbor is roughly a 25-30 minute drive from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. It’s very easy to drive there on your own via Highway 201 or Highway 1. You can also order a Lyft or Uber from your Waikiki Beach hotel, or organize transportation with your hotel concierge.

It’s doable to enjoy the beach in the morning and then head to Pearl Harbor after breakfast. I would recommend going to Pearl Harbor earlier rather than later, though, to maximize your time at the site.

Do you need a car to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour?

Technically, no. We visited Waikiki Beach for a long weekend and we simply ordered an Uber from our hotel to Pearl Harbor! It was very easy getting there and back via Uber, as the ride sharing app has a strong presence in Honolulu and surrounding areas.

Ride fares may vary based on day of the week, time of day, holidays, and other factors. We left our hotel around 9:30am on a Sunday, and our Uber ride to Pearl Harbor from our hotel on Waikiki Beach cost $41. Obviously, this is a bit pricey for a one-way fare but it was totally worth it for us because it was one of the main things we wanted to do while in Honolulu. Plus, my partner and I were traveling together so we simply split the total fare in half, which made it slightly less expensive per person.

Regardless, the price of our Uber was still less expensive than booking a tour. We also wanted to have the freedom to go at our own pace, and we didn’t necessarily want to be restricted to a specific pick-up or drop-off point (which is usually required with booking a tour).

Just know that if you do decide to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour, you will be responsible for organizing your own transportation! For us, this was actually preferable and we didn’t mind ordering Ubers!

Can you visit Ford Island without a tour?

The general public does not have access to Ford Island, unless you purchase a ticket to one of the two sites located on Ford Island, or purchase tickets for the Ford Island Bus Tour.

The two sites (Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum) are accessible via shuttle bus from the Visitor Center. The shuttle bus leaves roughly every 15 minutes, and the final shuttle of the day back to the Visitor Center leaves promptly at 5pm from the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

You can also visit Ford Island and the USS Utah Memorial and the USS Oklahoma Memorial by booking a spot on the Ford Island Bus Tour. Limited to 25 people, the Ford Island Bus Tour program runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:15 – 5 p.m. However, it is important to note that since Ford Island is an active duty military site, tours may get cancelled on short notice due to security concerns.

Reservations are required to join the Ford Island Bus Tour. To make a reservation for the Ford Island Bus Tour, visit recreation.gov , or visit the booking site directly on the location page through recreation.gov here . Note that there is a $1 per person reservation fee to book this experience.

You can only access Ford Island directly if you have a valid military ID or contractors’ permit 2 . To visit Ford Island otherwise, you must purchase tickets to one of the three above-mentioned experiences with an official shuttle bus from the Visitor Center. Personal vehicles are not permitted on Ford Island.

Things to Know Before You Visit Pearl Harbor

What is the historical significance of pearl harbor.

Before you visit Pearl Harbor, it’s important to learn about the events that took place there in 1941 (and the months preceding and following the attack). This will allow you to better understand why the events at Pearl Harbor are so historically significant prior to your visit.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese orchestrated a surprise aerial attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This was a defining moment that propelled the United States into WWII and left a lasting impact on the homefront, as well. The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in mass loss of life and extensive damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Today, the site is a designated historic site and memorial managed by The National Park Service. It is also still an active military installation and is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy. 

How much does it cost to visit Pearl Harbor?

There are no entrance fees to visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or the USS Arizona Memorial. However, there are fees associated with some of the additional add-on experiences within the area of the Pearl Harbor Historic Site.

Considering the main historic site and memorial are both free to visit, this is a great option for those traveling on a budget or even those who might not have a whole day to dedicate to seeing everything at Pearl Harbor. 

Aside from add-on experiences at the site, the main cost associated with a trip to Pearl Harbor is the transportation. With a tour, your transportation is likely included. However… Uber and Lyft are also available on the island and might be more convenient for you depending on your timing and travel plans.

If you’re renting a car, there is also parking at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for a $7/day fee. The main benefit of organized tours to Pearl Harbor is usually the transportation to and from, but I argue that it’s worth just skipping out on the pricey tour and ordering an Uber or renting a car for the day. You’ll have more flexibility and agency to explore Pearl Harbor at your own pace.

Speaking of car rentals, I’d highly recommend renting a car if you’re planning to spend more than 3 days on Oahu. We didn’t rent a car during our trip, but we’d surely rent a car if we visit again.

There are a variety of car rental services available online and at the airport. I’d recommend using Discover Cars to find affordable vehicle rentals. Discover Cars is an awesome resource for comparing prices of car rentals across multiple brands and websites, and you can also book your rental directly through them for the best rate. Many of the cars available through Discover Cars are eligible for pick up at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) .

In terms on the additional experiences available for purchase at Pearl Harbor, there are a handful to choose from: 

• USS Bowfin (Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum)
• USS Missouri (Battleship Missouri Memorial)
• Pacific Aviation Museum
• Audio Tours and Guided Tours

We personally chose to explore the USS Missouri and USS Bowfin for an added cost. You can book these tickets online in advance, or simply purchase them when you arrive. 

There are also audio tours available for visitors to purchase. The price of the audio tour compared to the price of booking a tour online is significantly cheaper. I chose not to do either and I still felt satisfied with the amount of information and history I learned during my 7-hour visit. However, I’ve heard that the audio tours are great. Apparently, the audio tour is narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis!

Can you visit Pearl Harbor without a reservation?

Yes! You do not need a reservation to access the main visitor area, museum, or USS Arizona Memorial. It is advised to make reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial in advance, though my partner and I did not make reservations and we were still able to visit the memorial without any issues. We didn’t even wait in line–we were able to walk directly into the amphitheater and find a seat for the ranger-led discussion prior to boarding the boat out to the memorial. Considering we visited during Memorial Day weekend, we were pretty surprised about not waiting in line. This could have been a “one-off” situation, so make reservations in advance if you’re worried about long wait times being an issue.

You also don’t need to worry about making advanced reservations for any of the additional experiences offered. We purchased tickets to the USS Bowfin and USS Missouri half-way through our visit after we spent time at the main visitor site and paid our respects at the USS Arizona Memorial. There was no hassle in purchasing tickets and we did so swiftly at one of the several ticket windows near the main entrance. 

How long does it take to visit Pearl Harbor?

To explore the main visitor area, museum, and USS Arizona Memorial, I recommend no less than 3 hours. Could you see it all in less than that? Possibly. But if it’s your first time visiting Pearl Harbor, I suggest you take the time to read all of the information in the museum and throughout the site. I also recommend giving yourself time to process everything fully while you’re there. It’s a lot of information and the details of the event will likely weigh on you during (and after) your visit. There are benches throughout the site to sit and reflect, as well as to pay your respects to those who were impacted by the attack and the events that followed.

We spent a full day at Pearl Harbor–roughly about 7 hours. That being said, we spent most of our time exploring the USS Missouri and USS Bowfin /Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. I’d say we spent 3-ish hours at the main (free) portion of the site, and then 4-ish hours exploring the additional experiences (paid). 

How early should you arrive at Pearl Harbor? 

This is totally up to you based on how long you expect your visit to last. If you’re planning to stick strictly to the main site, I recommend visiting no later than 1pm. If you’re planning to do any add-on experiences, I suggest arriving as early as possible to allow yourself plenty of time to go at your own pace. Also, arriving in the morning helps you beat the midday heat! 

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center opens at 7am and USS Arizona Memorial timed programs and boat rides begin at 8am, weather permitting. 

Benefits of Visiting Pearl Harbor Solo

• Flexibility in choosing schedule and pace

Cost-effectiveness compared to tour prices

Personal reflection time, avoiding large crowds for a more intimate visit, freedom to customize your experience.

Visiting Pearl Harbor on your own without a guided tour offers several benefits that can enhance your overall experience. 

I’ll dive into the specifics of each reason you should visit solo below, and detail how these benefits positively impacted my own personal experience during my visit to Pearl Harbor in May 2023.

Flexibility in choosing your own schedule and pace

Visiting Pearl Harbor independently allows you the freedom to plan your own itinerary and explore the museum and additional highlights at your own pace. 

With tour groups, there are usually set meeting times for the group to convene. Constantly tracking the time to make sure you don’t miss the group meeting or tour bus can hinder your overall experience. 

By visiting Pearl Harbor solo, you can spend more time on areas that interest you the most and delve deeper into each of the exhibits. Plus, you’ll also have the flexibility to adjust your schedule based on your preferences, ensuring a more personalized and impactful experience.

Personally, I spent a lot of time reading the wall placards and informational texts throughout the museum and additional exhibits during my visit to Pearl Harbor. There is also a video detailing the attack, and it’s incredibly intense but worth a watch while you’re walking around the Road to War museum.

Everyone reads and interprets information at varying paces, and I knew I wanted to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour so that I could take all the time I wanted without feeling pressured to race through the experience.

By visiting independently, you also have more control over your time management. You can arrive early to avoid long queues, plan your visit during quieter periods to maximize your experience, and allocate more time to areas that captivate your interest. This level of control over your itinerary enables you to make the most of your visit and ensure a more fulfilling experience.

Opting for a self-guided visit can be more cost-effective compared to joining a guided tour. While tour packages often include transportation, meals, and guided services, they can be relatively expensive. 

Speaking from personal experience, visiting Hawaii can be very expensive. Honolulu and Waikiki, especially. We spent more money in Hawaii during our long-weekend getaway than I spent on a week-long trip to Paris! I’m not an extreme budget traveler by any means (I like to splurge here and there), but I do prefer to maximize every dollar when I can. 

There is an added cost of visiting the additional museums and exhibits at the Pearl Harbor site, so be sure to factor this into your budget when comparing the cost of a solo visit to a group tour. In my own experience and research, visiting solo still proved less expensive than visiting with a tour group. 

By planning your own Pearl Harbor itinerary, you have the opportunity to find more affordable transportation options, such as public buses or ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber, and also choose dining options that fit your budget.

Pearl Harbor is a popular tourist destination, and guided tour groups can sometimes be large and crowded. Choosing to explore independently allows you to avoid the crowds and experience a quieter, more intimate visit. You can immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere of the memorial and take time for personal reflection without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

I sometimes get annoyed when I’m engulfed in large crowds because I can’t always hear or see the tour guide. Due to the sensitive nature of the content covered in the museums and exhibitions, I knew I wanted to absorb everything in a quiet, respectful way without impacting anyone else’s experience. 

Plus, even without a tour group you will still have access to knowledgeable staff and volunteers who can answer any questions you might have while visiting. I encourage you to ask questions and hear stories from park volunteers, as their insights can help provide you with further context for understanding the importance of the events at Pearl Harbor. 

With a self-guided visit, you have the freedom to tailor your experience to your specific interests. You can spend extra time at the exhibits that resonate with you, dive deeper into historical details, and follow your curiosity without being bound by a predetermined itinerary. This level of flexibility empowers you to create a unique and memorable experience that aligns with your personal connection to the historical significance of Pearl Harbor.

For me, I was specifically interested in exploring every nook and cranny of the USS Missouri and doing more independent research about the significant historical events that took place onboard (such as the Surrender Ceremony that marked the end of World War II in 1945). 

It was pretty epic to sit aboard the USS Missouri and read through historical documents I searched up on my phone that detailed key events the ship was a part of… That was a very surreal experience for me, and I don’t think I would have had that same opportunity to invest such a significant amount of time in learning about and exploring the ship independently if I would have been on a guided, timed tour. 

Exploring Pearl Harbor independently allows you to have ample time for personal reflection. Visiting solo without a tour group also gives you time and privacy to pay your respects at the memorial sites. 

From my experience, I found that I needed time between each exhibit and memorial site to fully process my thoughts and feelings. If I wouldn’t have allowed myself time to process my emotions in the moment, my experience likely wouldn’t have been as intense or impactful. Visiting independently allowed me more time and opportunity to foster a more profound connection with the site.

Concluding Thoughts and Remarks

Visiting Pearl Harbor on your own without a guided tour offers flexibility, cost savings, the opportunity for personalization, and a deeper connection to the site’s historical significance. 

It allows you to navigate the attractions at your own pace, avoiding large tour groups, and tailoring your visit to your specific interests. Embrace the opportunity to learn, reflect, and create a memorable experience that honors the sacrifices made at Pearl Harbor.

Interested in checking out some other posts from my blog? Here are some of my other articles for you to enjoy while you’re here:

• Solo Trip to San Diego: 8 Things to Do Alone in San Diego
• Things to Do This Fall in Seattle
• Cafe Beignet vs. Cafe Du Monde: Who Has the Best New Orleans Beignets?

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Great info thanks for sharing the self guided tour

Pearl Harbour has been on my bucket list for a long time! This post makes me want to go even more

We all know the history of Pearl Harbour and how it got USA to join WW II. I like your idea of DIY, more personal tour of Pearl Harbour that give one a chance to reflect on these historical monuments / events.

Very thorough guide on visiting Pearl Harbor without a tour. I think that’s what I would do too. It allows you to take in the somber atmosphere at your own speed rather than rushing through. Good to know it’s budget friendly too.

I love how in-depth this guide is on how to travel solo to Pearl Harbor without a tour company. I personally love exploring on my own so I can have more flexibility in deciding what I want to do and see. Thanks for sharing all your personal recommendations!

This is a really great and useful guide! It seems very simple to travel to Pearl Harbor and pretty cheap. Also, $7 for a full day’s parking is really good! I always prefer travelling without a guide, you can explore more on your own and in your own time.

It’s also pretty easy to reach Pearl Harbor by bus from Waikiki and a lot cheaper than an Uber.

Absolutely! For anyone thinking about taking public transit, the #20 and #42 buses go from Waikiki and the Ala Moana Center to Pearl Harbor! Great tip, Jane.

Great information here on how to visit Pearl Harbor. I’d like to visit someday, and I had no idea how big it was! I always thought it was just the memorial and the museum. Your post is also very helpful for anyone who can’t decide between a tour or not.

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The 8 Best Pearl Harbor Tours: from budget to luxury

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

The two most visited attractions in the Hawaiian Islands are Pearl Harbor National Memorial (previously named the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument) and the Polynesian Cultural Center (both on the island of Oahu). So if you’re planning a trip to the historic sites and museums at Pearl Harbor, you’re in good company. 

We’ve visited and toured Pearl Harbor multiple times, taking tours as well as just visiting on our own. I can tell you that if you’re at all interested in visiting, this should not be missed. 

To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of the best Pearl Harbor tours. We’ve covered it all — from a half day tour to a full day tour and a wide range of budgets. Plus helpful tips that are important to know before you book with a tour group. And if you’re interested in visiting without a tour, we have some need to know tips at the end of the article. 

Already know what you’re looking for? Jump to booking here: – For a 4hr small group tour of the USS Arizona, book Personalized Hawaii Vacations – For a 5hr budget friendly tour of the USS Arizona and the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center, book Enoa Tours – For a 6hr budget friendly and a slightly smaller group, go with Polynesian Adventures – Pack it all in with a small group in a 9hr Complete Pearl Harbor tour – Treat yourself to lunch and see it all in a 9.5hr tour with the Pearl Harbor Deluxe Tour – Not staying on Oahu? Not a problem, book a 9hr, small group, all stops tour with Hawaii Tours with inter-island flights included. – Make it personal and completely customizable by booking a private tour with Halia, choose from their 6 hour , 9 hour , or 12 hour options.

What to Consider Before Booking a Pearl Harbor Tour

Locations visited:

Pearl Harbor has four museums that you can visit, including the USS Arizona Memorial , the USS Bowfin Submarine , USS Battleship Missouri , and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum . In addition, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is near the boat dock for the USS Arizona Memorial and it is well worth spending time there.

Some tours will only cover one or two sights while others will cover all the museums. Read the details before booking so you’re not disappointed! Other tours will take you on a Honolulu city tour through parts of downtown Honolulu so you can see sights like Iolani Palace or the Punchbowl Cemetery, though these are quick stops for photos and not full tours. 

Tours that cover more of the historic sites are longer and cost more.

Size of group:

We often get asked why tour prices can vary so significantly and the answer is usually dependent on the size of the group. The less expensive tours usually have a lot more people on them. That doesn’t mean they’re bad! But they do tend to move a little slower and are a little less flexible. 

Pickup locations:

Not all tours will pick up from your hotel or vacation rental. Some of the larger tour buses will pick up at set locations throughout Waikiki. Airport pickups are rare unless you have specifically booked a tour from a neighbor island ( like this tour ). 

Tour guide restrictions:

Your tour guide will not accompany you to the USS Arizona Memorial as they are prohibited from doing so. This can be a disappointment to people hoping for a full guided tour. In our experience, the best guides will give you history and information while they are driving you and during short tours at the beginning of visiting each museum. Then, you’re on your own to explore, listen, and learn.

I highly recommend the audio tour of the USS Bowfin Submarine and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. At the USS Missouri there was a tour guide on deck to answer all of our questions. 

Related read: Check out our Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide as you prepare for your trip! Consider a circle island tour to get yourself acquainted with the island early in your trip.

A Big Note About USS Arizona Memorial Tickets

One of the main reasons that people book tours is because they want to gain entrance to the USS Arizona Memorial . Unfortunately, booking a tour does not guarantee that you’ll get a ticket to see the memorial. There is a high probability that you’ll get one, but it’s not 100% guaranteed. 

Here’s why: only a set number of tickets are released in advance for the USS Arizona. Tour companies do their absolute best to secure tickets (and they are good at doing so), but there might be some instances where they miss out. It can be a huge bummer, especially if your entire reason for visiting Pearl Harbor is to visit the memorial. 

In addition, visiting the memorial requires a short boat ride. There are times when repair work is on the dock and no boat tours are running out to the USS Arizona Memorial. When that happens, you won’t be able to visit the memorial but all of the other museums and sights are still open and available to visit. 

On a personal note, the USS Arizona memorial is incredibly moving but I found visiting all of Pearl Harbor to be fascinating. While I would definitely be disappointed to not see the memorial, there is so much to do, see, and learn there that I still think it is worth visiting without seeing the USS Arizona memorial. 

If you’re taking a shorter tour or looking for a nice way to unwind after a day of touring and learning, check out one of our favorite sunset sails leaving from Waikiki.

The Best Pearl Harbor Tours to Fit All Budgets

It can be tough to compare tours, so we’ve distilled these into some important need to know information. Note: we have included prices and these prices were accurate at the time of publishing. Click the booking button to see any updated prices.

Tours are super convenient and a great way to experience Pearl Harbor, but if you’re more of a DIY kind of traveler, read about visiting Pearl Harbor on your own .

Best Pearl Harbor Tours: Budget Friendly

These tours offer an economical way to see Pearl Harbor on quick, half day excursions. At the time of publishing both of these tours were right around $50 per person . 

Salute To Pearl Harbor

This tour keeps you moving on a half day excursion to Pearl Harbor. See the USS Arizona Memorial, spend a bit of time at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and then stop by the Aloha Tower on your way back to Waikiki. 

Tour details

• Sights visited: USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, Aloha Tower
• Pickup: From 6 Waikiki hotels
• Tour length: 5 hours
• Group size: up to 80 people (on a double decker bus)
• Adult price: $52 per person

Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Highlights Tour

If you are interested in seeing the USS Arizona Memorial and not spending the entire day exploring Pearl Harbor, this quick tour combines a visit to Pearl Harbor with a drive through downtown Honolulu. 

• Sights visited: USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, sightseeing tour of historic sights in downtown Honolulu
• Pickup: From select Waikiki hotels
• Tour length: 6 hours
• Group size: up to 50 people
• Adult price: $53 per person

Related article for budget travelers: How We Book our Hawaii Travel

Best Pearl Harbor Tours: Small Group

Avoid big buses and enjoy a half day or full day out with a small group. Heading out with a small group will be more expensive, but it is a more personal tour.

Complete Pearl Harbor Historic Sights Tour

If you’re really interested in having a thorough tour of Pearl Harbor and visiting all of the museums (which we love doing!), this is a great tour. With only 12 passengers and a fun guide, you’ll enjoy spending the entire day immersing yourself in history. 

This is the tour we joined after flying in from Maui (more details on that tour below) and we thoroughly enjoyed it. 

• Sights visited: USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Missouri Battleship, driving tour of downtown Honolulu
• Pickup: from your Waikiki hotel
• Tour length: 9 hours
• Group size: 12 passengers
• Adult price: $190 per person

Personalized Hawaii Vacations

Small group and quick tour? This checks both of those boxes! Visit the USS Arizona and spend a bit of time at the Pearl Harbor Museum before the tour drives you through downtown Honolulu on the way back to your hotel. 

• Sights visited: USS Arizona
• Pickup: Waikiki hotels
• Tour length: approximately 4 hours
• Group size: 11 people
• Adult price: $119 per person

Best Full Pearl Harbor Tour

While most visitors head to Pearl Harbor to pay their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, there is a lot more to do and see. I get it — the first time I visited Pearl Harbor I saw the memorial, looked at a bit of information at the museum and headed home. 

What a mistake! When I finally went back and visited the other museums I was captivated. Climb through the Bowfin Submarine, walk the decks of the Battleship Missouri (Mighty Mo), and take in the aviation history at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (and visit the historic hangars and airplanes).

If you’re looking for a full tour that will take you to all of the museums, we have two recommendations for you: 

WWII Heroes Deluxe Pearl Harbor Tour with Lunch

Spend the day with Polynesian adventures on their deluxe tour, which includes lunch at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum cafe.

• Sights visited: USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, USS Missouri Battleship, USS Bowfin Submarine, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
• Tour length: 9.5 hours
• Group size: 50 people
• Adult price: $204

Again, we’re including this full tour because not only is it a great small group tour, but it’s also a fantastic full day and complete tour if you want to visit all the museums. Spend the entire day immersing yourself in history. 

Best Private Tour of Pearl Harbor

Half , full , or long day tour.

Sometimes you just want to see things at your own pace. If that’s you, consider taking a private tour with Halia. They offer 6 hour, 9 hour, or 12 hour tours with flat rate pricing for up to 10 guests. 

You can design the tour stops with your guide and they will help you to secure USS Arizona Memorial tickets, if possible. As a guide, you can expect to do 1 activity on a 6 hour tour , 2 activities on a 9 hour tour , and 3 activities on a 12 hour tour . 

Admission to the museums is not included in the tour price. 

• Sights visited: You choose!
• Pickup: Wherever you’d like!
• Tour length: 6 hours, 9 hours, or 12 hours
• Group size: up to 10 guests
• Adult price: prices start at $650

Related read for a luxurious Oahu stay: The 7 Best Luxury Hotels on Oahu

Best Pearl Harbor Tour from Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island

Hawaii tours.

If you’re staying on another island, you can absolutely do a day trip to visit Pearl Harbor. We did this tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. You can see a video of our experience above. Everything was taken care of and the day was incredibly smooth and easy. What an awesome way to visit for a day!

• Pickup: from the Honolulu airport
• Tour length: 9 hours, not including flight time
• Adult price: from $500 per person (includes airfare and airport pickup)

Do You Need to Take a Tour to Pearl Harbor?

Absolutely not. I’ve both visited on my own and taken a guided tour. While I did get significantly more from the guided tour (our tour guide was excellent, as most of them are), if you are not interested in having someone drive you around and provide you with historical facts, you can absolutely visit on your own. 

Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor on your own

If you are planning to visit on your own, there are a few things you need to know for a successful trip:

• USS Arizona Memorial tickets must be reserved in advance. You can book them for $1 at the official website . Tickets can be booked 8 weeks in advance. If the date you want to visit is sold out, you’re not out of luck! They release additional tickets 24 hours in advance. You can get more information on when tickets are released here . If you can’t get tickets, you can try your luck by joining a standby line and waiting for availability on the boat to the memorial. 
• A shuttle to Ford island is required. If you want to visit Battleship Missouri and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, you will need to take a free shuttle to Ford Island. The shuttle leaves regularly and is easy to take. You’ll find it at the end near the USS Bowfin Submarine museum. 
• Bags (backpacks, fanny packs, and purses) are not allowed into Pearl Harbor and can either be left in your car or you can pay for bag storage.
• Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket: if you plan to visit all of the Museums, consider getting the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket. This provides entrance to all of the museums but it does not include a USS Arizona Memorial reservation. 

Plan Your Whole Trip

From where to stay , to what to do , all the way down to whether or not you need a rental car on Oahu we have you covered.

Plus if you’re heading to Oahu, we have an itinerary that will make your planning so much easier.  Our itinerary organizes your trip and takes you to the best sights, stops, and restaurants around the island.

Thank you so much for your itineraries .  Just got the Maui and Oahu ones and man oh man are you guys a life saver.   I’m surprising my wife for her 40th to Oahu for 3 days then hopping over to Maui for 7 more days and have booked exclusively off your recommendations!  Cannot thank you guys enough for all this.  YouTube comment

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The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Oahu.

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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• All Day Pearl Harbor (4)

What to expect

Traveler's photos, activity provider, payment / cancellation policy, passport to pearl harbor ticket - official one-day admission & self-guided tour.

All museums

7 - 9 hour(s), available daily, pick-up not available, passport to pearl harbor tours includes:.

• USS Arizona Visitor Center & Self-guided Narrated Tour (1 hour) hours are from 7:00AM to 5:00PM
• Battleship Missouri Memorial Admission (1.5-2 hours) hours are from 8:00AM to 4:00PM. Last bus leaves the Missouri at 4:05PM.
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum & Self-guided Narrated Tour (1-1.5 hours) hours are from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Last bus leaves at 5:00 PM
• USS Bowfin Submarine & Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Self-guided Narrated Tour (1.5-2 hours) hours are from 7:00AM to 5:00PM. Last entry to the submarine is at 4:30PM.

Local expert tips

• It is recommended that you start using the passport by 10:00 am to be able to visit all sites included in your ticket.
• Important Notice: The Passport to Pearl Harbor does NOT include the timed tickets for the shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial and the pre-shuttle historical film. You will have access to the Visitor Center and Virtual Reality Center.
• To get tickets to Arizona Memorial, please visit National Park Service Recreation.gov website
• The Battleship Missouri Memorial & Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are located on Ford Island, which is a secured military base. If you do not have base access, you will need to take a FREE shuttle to get there. Shuttles depart from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center every 15-20 minutes from 8:00am daily. Shuttles run on a loop with the first stop at the Battleship Missouri Memorial, second stop at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and then back to the Visitor Center.
• Bags are prohibited at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Clear, see-through stadium bags and bags containing medical devices or medication may be allowed into the site at the discretion of the National Park Service. Cameras, cell phones and wallets are allowed. Bags may be secured in the storage facility near the visitor center entrance for a fee
• Parking lots are monitored and patrolled, but please do not leave items of value in your car.

The Passport to Pearl Harbor does NOT include the timed tickets for shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial and the pre-shuttle historical film.

Tickets are only available online through the National Park Service Recreation.gov website , and reservations can be made either up to 7 days or 24-hours in advance.

For example, tickets for November 1st will first become available on October 25th at 3:00PM HST, and more tickets will be made available on October 31st at 3:00PM HST.

There is a reservation limit of five (5) tickets per person per day.

• Children under 4 years old are not permitted on the USS Bowfin Submarine for safety reasons.

Check-in at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center from 8am - 10am

Walk in the footsteps of history as you explore the site where World War II ended. Board the "Mighty Mo" and see the historical aspects of the ship, crews quarters, and the command and control of the ship. Available from 8:00AM to 4:00PM, and the last bus departs from the USS Missouri at 4:05PM.

Head to a real WWII hangar, and see over 50 historic aircraft, all of the exhibits in Hangar 37, Hangar 79 and The Raytheon Pavilion. Passes also include free guided audio tours. Available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. and the last bus departs from the museum at 5:00 PM.

Go into a real WWII submarine, and see where sailors lived and worked while patrolling the waters all around the world. A must visit for any history buff! All tours are self-guided and include a free audio guide. Available from 7:00AM to 5:00PM, and the last entry to the submarine is at 3:30PM.

Transportation add-ons

Pick-up/check-in time & location.

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

• Ticket Office
• You can choose your check-in time, however, it is recommended that you start using the passport by 10:00 am to be able to visit all sites included in your ticket. The Pearl Harbor visitor center is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visiting hours: - USS Arizona Memorial Self-guided Narrated Tour (1 hour) from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The last bus leaves Missouri at 4:05 PM. - Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Admission & Self-guided Narrated Tour (1.5-2 hours) from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The last entry to the submarine is at 4:30 PM. - Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum & Self-guided Narrated Tour (1-1.5 hours) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last bus leaves at 5:00 PM

15:00-17:00

Important activity information, restrictions.

• The Navy has increased its security at checkpoints to enter the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. All guests must have a legal form of identification to enter the USS Battleship Missouri, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial has implemented a "No Bags Allowed" policy. Purses, handbags, fanny packs, backpacks, camera bags, luggage, diaper bags and other items that offer concealment are not allowed in the Visitor Center or the Memorial. Strollers with pockets and compartments must be emptied before being allowed in. Personal cameras area allowed.
• The Passport to Pearl Harbor does NOT include the timed tickets for shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial and the pre-shuttle historical film. Tickets are only available online through the National Park Service Recreation.gov website (www.recreation.gov) and reservations can be made either up to 7 days or 24-hours in advance. There is a reservation limit of five (5) tickets per person per day.

Additional notes

• Drinks and meals are available for purchase
• There are no guides on this activity.
• You must bring a copy of your voucher as proof of purchase to the activity or the activity provider may charge you again in full. VELTRA.com will not be liable for any additional charges.
• Upgraded tour options are available at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the Battleship Missouri for an additional fee.
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1).
• General information: - USS Arizona visitor center hours are from 7:00AM to 5:00PM. Last boat to the memorial is at 3:00PM. - Battleship Missouri hours are from 8:00AM to 4:00PM. Last bus leaves the Missouri at 4:05PM. - Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum hours are from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Last bus leaves at 5:00PM - Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum hours are from 7:00AM to 5:00PM. Last entry to the submarine is at 3:30PM.
• Please be aware that the USS Arizona Memorial will be closed in the morning (and possibly all day) on December 7th to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor. Other sites will remain open but may deviate from their normal schedule, and public events will be held throughout the day.

Required items to bring & attire

• A valid government-issued photo ID
• QR Code Ticket that will be emailed to you after the booking is confirmed.

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Overall rating

Happy we got this to get access to everything on grounds!

Tax free, easy to get beforehand and skip the line :)

Avoid the lines and get them ahead, so easy and they make sure you got the QR code!

Activity Provider USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc.

Under Pearl Harbor's bag policy, the following items are allowed:

Under Pearl Harbor's bag policy, the following items are prohibited:

• Credit card payment

• Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
• Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.

Payment Methods

Cancellation Policy

Change policy, am i allowed to take pictures or video of on the tour.

Of course! Please bring your camera.

Are there food and drinks available to purchase in the area?

Food and drinks are available to purchase from Slider's Grill at the Battleship USS Missouri Memorial. The menu is subject to change, but usually includes Hamburgers (with Veggie Burger options), Hot Dogs, Chicken Nuggets, Cold Sandwiches and Plate Lunches (such as Loco Moco, Teriyaki Chicken and Pork Curry). Bottled water and fountain drinks are also available. Menu items range in price from approximately $6 to $12. A shave ice stand can also be found nearby.

What am I allowed to bring with me?

Pearl Harbor Historic Sites enforces a strict no bags policy. You must check anything that is considered a bag including purses, camera bags, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, etc. You may bring a camera, wallet, coin purse, and other items that fit comfortably in your pockets.

Why can't I bring a purse or bag?

Pearl Harbor is an active military base, so anything that can offer concealment is not allowed at Pearl Harbor. If you wish to bring any bags with you, you must check them upon arrival at Pearl Harbor.

What types of items are we allowed to bring inside Pearl Harbor?

What types of items are we not allowed to bring inside pearl harbor.

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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All day pearl harbor other tours and activities, pearl harbor full tour - uss arizona, uss missouri, submarine & aviation museum, pearl harbor private guided tour with arizona memorial tickets & transportation, ultimate pearl harbor tour with arizona memorial, uss missouri & aviation museum, 日本語ガイド＆オムレツ昼食付き, eur 152.00~.

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Visitor Center 30 Min Narrated Multimedia Tour

Pearl Harbor Narrated Multimedia Tours & Virtual Reality Center

An Official National Park Service Tour 

There is a reason why the USS Arizona Memorial is the number one visited destination in Hawaii. Millions of visitors worldwide come to this majestic setting to see where World War II began for the United States on December 7th, 1941.  

This incredible 30-60 self-guided multimedia National Park Service USS Arizona Narrated Tour is highly recommended to all visitors who desire a shorter 30-60m minute in-depth tour to get the most important facts of the Pearl Harbor experience.  

Hosted by the famous actress Jamie Lee Curtis, Pearl Harbor Survivors, and the National Park Service historians, this fascinating Narrated Tour has 15 key stops. This amazing experience will bring to life the events that changed the Pacific forever.  

Jamie Lee Curtis will guide and narrate for you through the Visitor Center’s two world-class museums, with narration aboard the USS Arizona Memorial for those who have purchased tickets and then along the shoreline for the incredible "Path of Attack Tour.” Hear and see firsthand actual USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor Survivors as they retell their stories and retrace the events of Dec 7, 1941. 

Videos and USS Arizona Memorial library photos are INCLUDED!  

* The multimedia tours DO NOT include National Park Service boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial. Please visit https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16 to reserve those tickets.

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

Purchase of this virtual reality tour does NOT include a boat ticket reservation for the USS Arizona Memorial, which must be made separately online at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16  

Guests may check-in at the Virtual Reality Center located just inside the main entrance to the right anytime during the day of the tour reservations between the hours of 7 am and 3:30 pm.

Monday-Friday 8 am to 4 pm Hawaii Standard Time

Tel: 808.954.8759 or toll-free (U.S. & Canada) 1.866.332.1941

Email: [email protected]

Shop in advance and show up in official USS Arizona Memorial gear!

Official USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Gift Shop 

Use promo code "advance" and receive 15% off your entire purchase. Flags and Harley Davidson items are excluded. All proceeds go back to support our parks. 

Strollers are allowed in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, but not in the theater. You will be able to leave your stroller by the entrance of the theater and pick it up at the end of your program. Please keep in mind that this means you will have to hold your child for the duration of the program (about an hour and 15 minutes).

We have restrooms located throughout the visitor center. Please keep in mind that there are NO public restrooms on the USS Arizona Memorial. Please plan accordingly.

Other than clear bottled water, there is NO food or drinks allowed in the theater, on the shuttle boats, or at the USS Arizona Memorial. However, food and drinks are allowed at the visitor center, which has a small snack shop with sandwiches and drinks. The nearby Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum has a lunch truck. There is a restaurant at the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the USS Missouri Battleship has a lunch truck. There are also many restaurants a short drive away from the visitor center.

Parking fees at Pearl Harbor National Memorial are $7/day for private and rented vehicles. This fee will be collected through a virtual pay system on visitors’ mobile devices or via an onsite kiosk. This revenue will support the park.

While cameras, water bottles, wallets, and other small items can be brought on-site, no bags (or other items that offer concealment) are allowed at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. However, there is a bag storage facility located at the Pacific Fleet Submarine shuttle bus stop, where you can store your belongings for a fee of $7 per bag or $10 per luggage.

Visitors are reminded that they are visiting a site of tremendous loss of life in service to our country. Military visitors to the memorial are within the bounds of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and military regulations relating to military dress are enforced by Navy personnel. Per the Pacific Commander, military visitors in uniform are required to dress in Class B or better in order to gain access to the USS Arizona Memorial. Battle dress uniform is not allowed on the memorial, though it is allowed throughout the visitor center and at sites on Ford Island. Military visitors are welcome to wear civilian clothes when they visit.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center has reserved accessible parking in the front parking lot. The restrooms, theater, exhibit galleries, bookstore, information desks, drinking fountains, Navy shuttle boats, and USS Arizona Memorial are all fully accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.

There are also many locations throughout the park for visitors to sit and rest. Please keep in mind that there is no seating at the memorial.

For visitors with hearing impairments, the documentary shown in the theater is fully captioned (in English). There is an induction loop for use with hearing aids. Visually impaired visitors will find signage in braille in addition to tactile models of various interpretive resources throughout the site.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if we can’t visit the arizona memorial.

There are occasions when the boats do not visit the Arizona Memorial. This can happen as a result of weather conditions, boat mechanical problems, or safety issues at the memorial. If we know in advance that this is happening, then we will do our best to notify you before your tour.

Boarding the Arizona Memorial is only one part of a visit to Pearl Harbor. The Pearl Harbor visitors center, museums, movies, and exhibits are all part of the experience.  We feel that it is still worth visiting Pearl Harbor.

Tour companies do not provide refunds if the Navy boats do not take guests to the Arizona Memorial. It is out of the control of tour companies.

Sometimes, during closures that are not related to wind or boat maintenance, the boats will go near the memorial, but not board the memorial. In these cases, guests may still board boats to the memorial and float past it. They will also be able to see the battleship’s remnants. But they won’t be able to disembark the boats and walk on the memorial. Since there is no extra fee for the boat ride, there are no refunds if this happens. Existing cancellation policies apply.

What does a Private Tour include?

Transportation to and from Pearl Harbor and the driver guide’s narration are private. The program at Pearl Harbor is subject to the rules of the National Park and Navy and is not private.

Can I be dropped off at the airport after my tour?

Tours do not offer airport drop offs so please plan accordingly.  You can either take a taxi/uber from Pearl Harbor straight to the airport (please let your driver know) or you can get dropped off in Waikiki and arrange transportation to the airport from there.

Should I book an inter-island tour or book my own flights?

Many people will look at the cost of the inter-island tours and think that it is cheaper to book their own flights. It may be cheaper, but there are some important advantages to booking an inter-island tour package.

When you book an inter-island tour package, if your flight is delayed, we will adjust your tour to accommodate a new schedule.

You may book your own flights and want to meet the tour, either at the airport or in Waikiki. However, if there is a flight delay and you miss your pick up, you will forfeit the tour. It would be considered a no-show, which is non-refundable.

Additionally, if your tour is delayed due to traffic or other delays, the tour company is not responsible if you miss your flight. However, if you have booked an inter-island tour package, the tour company will take responsibility to return you to the airport in time for your flight or adjust your flight time.

Inter-island Tour Airport Pick up

When you book an inter-island tour, your tour will be scheduled for when your flight lands. When you book your flights on your own and choose an airport pick up you will be picked up after the bus has finished picking up guests in Waikiki.  That may work out to a short wait, but depending on your flight arrival time, you could be waiting at the airport for an extended period.

As you can see there are many benefits to booking an inter-island tour package. So why do we offer airport pick up? There are many guests who arrange a layover in Honolulu after visiting a neighboring island. Those guests cannot book an inter-island tour because they will not be on a round trip flight between islands. We can help make the most of a layover with a tour.

Where is my confirmation?

If you made an order and have not yet received an email with your confirmation, please let us know. We would be happy to resend your confirmation.

There are a few reasons why you might not have received your tour confirmation.

• (Most Common) It is in your spam folder.
• You entered your email address wrong. This happens often. To check this, see if you received a receipt after ordering. If so, then we should have your correct email address.
• We have not completed your confirmation yet. Some reservations take longer depending on availability and scheduling.

Has it been 24 hours? We would love to have your confirmation back to you immediately, but occasionally it takes some time. If it has been 24 hours, please contact us and we will get back to you right away.

Contact us by emailing [email protected]

Where is the tour pick-up point?

Guests staying in Waikiki are picked up at their hotel or at a nearby hotel. Tour pick-up locations are within a 5-minute walk from your hotel.

After you book your tour, we will email you a confirmation with the specific pick-up location and time. Your confirmation will also have instructions regarding your pick-up including the location, time, and vehicle description.

If you have trouble walking and require additional accommodations, please advise us before booking. You may write “wheelchair” in the booking notes field. When doing so please specify if you are able to walk up a few steps or require a wheelchair lift.

For Inter-Island tours, the tour pick-up point will be upon arrival at Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Again, your tour voucher will have specific instructions about the Tour pick-up.

I’m not staying in Waikiki, can I take a tour?

Most Pearl Harbor Tours depart from Waikiki.  If you are staying in a private residence or at a hotel outside of Waikiki there are other options.

Sometimes it makes sense to drive or get a ride to Waikiki and start your tour from there. Most guests either park at the  Honolulu Zoo  or   at  Ala Moana Shopping Center . If you plan to go shopping or eat at the Shopping Center after your tour, Ala Moana Shopping Center is a good choice. The pick-up will be across the street at the Ala Moana Hotel or the nearby Ilikai Hotel.

• Tour companies are NOT allowed to meet guests at Pearl Harbor.

Kahala and East Oahu

The best option for those staying on the windward side of Oahu (Kailua, Kaneohe) or on the East side (Hawaii Kai) is to take a tour from Waikiki. Simply state in the notes during checkout that you will meet us at the Twin Fin Hotel - Public Parking is available at the Honolulu Zoo on Kapahulu Ave.

Ko’olina & Aulani Disney Resort

If you are staying at Koolina, including the Disney Resort Aulani, Waikiki is out of your way. But you are in luck. We now have tours available from Koolina.

Remember Pearl Harbor Tour from Ko Olina (Thursday & Saturday)

Pearl Harbor Excursion from Ko Olina (Wednesday & Sunday)

North Shore

You can drive or take a taxi to Waikiki to start the tour. If you would like to be picked up at the Ala Moana Hotel or Honolulu Zoo, please indicate so on the checkout page.

Booking a tour when not staying in Waikiki

If you are staying in a vacation rental outside of Waikiki, you can indicate so on the checkout page. You can drive or take a taxi to Waikiki to start the tour. If you would like to be picked up at the Ala Moana Hotel or Honolulu Zoo, please indicate so on the checkout page.

What if I haven’t booked a hotel yet?

You can still book your tour. It is not necessary to wait until you have hotel reservations. In the meantime, you can list any hotel. For example, the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  Once your hotel arrangements are finalized, you can contact us to make the change to your reservation.

If you end up changing your plans, you can cancel your reservation. Most of our tours have a simple cancellation policy.  Only inter-island tours are non-refundable because they include flights.

We also offer tours from Maui, Big Island (Kona), and Kauai.  The Inter-Island tours include round-trip flights, airport pick-ups, and everything that the other tours offer.

Staying on Maui?

Staying on The Big Island of Hawaii?

Staying on Kauai?

Why book a Pearl Harbor tour ahead?

In general, it is always wise to book tours and activities in Hawaii ahead of your arrival. Too many visitors wait until they’ve left home to make reservations only to find tours are sold out.

Today research can be done easily in advance. We have all the answers to your questions about Pearl Harbor.

Cancelling is Easy

We have a very simple cancellation policy. As soon as you have your flights to Hawaii you might as well reserve your Pearl Harbor Tour. If your plans change, you can simply rely on our cancellation policy.

If something comes up, we are here to help. Maybe you want to add additional guests, change dates, or make another change.  Contact us and we will work with you to make your trip a great experience.

Keep in mind, tours with flights are non-refundable, but those are also the most important to book in advance. They are most likely to sell out or increase in price if you wait.

Some people wait to book until they arrive thinking that they will get a better price. There are no last-minute rates on Pearl Harbor Tours. The price that you pay on pearlharbor.org is the same or lower than the rate that you will pay at your hotel or elsewhere.

If a company claims to offer discount Pearl Harbor Tours, you should be suspicious. It most likely involves a timeshare presentation or an unauthorized, uninsured shuttle company.  We offer the best rates on Pearl Harbor Tours.

Another Reason to Book Ahead

There is something that happens when you come to our islands. We call it paradise paralysis. You begin relaxing and don’t get around to all of the things that you had in mind. You just lay at the beach and an entire day goes by and you never get around to booking your Pearl Harbor Tour.

If you have an agenda ahead of time with your tours booked, you will be able to avoid paradise paralysis. You will be sure that you see the sights that you want without any stress on your holiday. Book in advance!

Can we arrange Pearl Harbor tours from Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island?

Pearl Harbor is located on Oahu, but if you are staying on a neighboring island, we have Pearl Harbor tours from Maui ,  Kauai , and the  Big Island  to Pearl Harbor.

These tours include round-trip airfare and pick-up from Honolulu International Airport, which is only 10 minutes from Pearl Harbor. Often referred to as One-day Tours or Inter-Island Tours, a Pearl Harbor Tour from Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii, the Big Island is the best way to see this important site.

Inter-island tours are primarily on jets with a flight time of 25 – 40 minutes.  There are no boats or ferries offering tours between the islands.

Lunch is not included however there are places to eat on site. The narrated portion of the tours begin after you are picked up at Honolulu International airport.

There are no one-day Pearl Harbor tours available from Hilo. If you are staying in Hilo or near the Volcano on Hawaii, the Big Island, you will need to drive to Kona for a one-day tour.  Tours on the Big Island depart from Kona .

Currently, Pearl Harbor tours are not offered from the islands of Molokai or Lanai. However, visitors to these islands can arrange a private tour on Oahu that includes airport pick-up.

Which Pearl Harbor tour should I choose?

This is a good question and as you might expect which Pearl Harbor Tour depends on what you are interested in seeing.

If you are really into history, choose the tour that includes the most sites.

If Pearl Harbor is a site you feel like you have to visit but doesn’t interest you very much, choose a short tour.  But be ready to have your mind changed as Pearl Harbor is a moving place with fascinating sites and stories.

One easy way to see the differences in the tours is to look at the  Pearl Harbor Tour Comparison Chart .

What is not included in a tour of Pearl Harbor?

A tour of Pearl Harbor does NOT  include:

• Gratuity – All tours in Hawaii do not include gratuity unless stated otherwise. Tour guides work for tips, so please consider the effort that they put into your safety and entertainment as you depart your tour.
• Food & Beverage – Some tours include lunch, however, most do not. Be sure to check the inclusions on the tour pages to see if your tour includes food and beverages.
• Photos – At various locations throughout your tour you will have the opportunity to take a professional photo. You can purchase those photos as a souvenir. They are not included. However, if you would like your guide to take your photo with your camera, just ask and he/she will be happy to do so.
• Baggage storage – You should avoid bringing any bags to Pearl Harbor because they will be in storage for the entire time and you will have to pay the storage fee. See more about Pearl Harbor Baggage Policy .

Please review the specific  Pearl Harbor Tours  to see which sites are included.  Admissions to the sites are included in each Pearl Harbor Tour. Things that are included can be found on each tour page’s  What’s Included  section.

Will our guide take us on the Arizona Memorial?

Generally, guides do not accompany visitors on the USS Arizona Memorial or the shuttle boat to the memorial. It is a place for solemn remembrance of the men who died for their country.

The National Park discourages guides from accompanying visitors to the memorial to keep the volume down and allow visitors to pay respect without distraction.

What is your cancellation policy?

You can find the details of our cancellation policy  here .

How long does it take to tour Pearl Harbor?

Touring Pearl Harbor could mean a lot of things. For our purposes, we are referring to the sightseeing tours of the historical sites and museums at Pearl Harbor. Remember, Pearl Harbor is an active Navy Base.

The most popular thing to see at Pearl Harbor is the Arizona Memorial. A visit to the memorial is part of every program as well as a 23 minute film about the attack. This program is 75 minutes long. The shortest tour to Pearl Harbor is the 5 hour Pearl Harbor Excursion Tour . All of the other tours include this program, but add other sites such as the USS Missouri, Bowfin Submarine, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Those Pearl Harbor Tours  take from 6 to 13 hours.

Pearl Harbor can also be visited as part of an island tour. For those who are only mildly interested in WWII history, but want to see the island, we recommend the Pearl Harbor & Oahu Island Tour. That tour spends approximately 3 hours at Pearl Harbor.  Other similar Combo Tours are available.

For more information on How Long Does it Take to Tour Pearl Harbor? look at the individual  Pearl Harbor Tours .

Can I take a boat tour to Pearl Harbor?

It was once possible to take a boat tour to Pearl Harbor and see the Arizona Memorial from the water. Now commercial vessels are not allowed in the harbor. The change in policy was made after September 11, 2001. At that time security of all military bases was heightened.

The rules remain in effect and the only way to see the Arizona Memorial from the water is on the Navy boat shuttle that is part of the Pearl Harbor program. That is included on every  Pearl Harbor Tour .

If you have a friend who owns a boat that is harbored in Pearl Harbor, you may sail in the harbor, but those boats are not allowed near the Arizona Memorial.

Even when boat tours were allowed in Pearl Harbor, they did not stop at the Arizona Memorial to let people out. Most visitors made another trip to Pearl Harbor to join the official tour that boarded the memorial.

While tour boats in Pearl Harbor aren’t allowed, you may ride this boat to visit the Arizona Memorial.

Can I bring a stroller to Pearl Harbor?

You can bring a stroller to Pearl Harbor. Please keep in mind that you cannot take it everywhere. Strollers are allowed in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, but not in the theaters or on shuttle boats to the USS Arizona Memorial.

While you are in the theater you can park your stroller outside and pick it up when you get back from the Arizona Memorial. While there is no guarantee that it will be monitored while you are gone for those 75 minutes, it will be stored in an area where the Park Rangers are stationed.

If you bring a stroller to Pearl Harbor, do not try to stuff your stroller full of items. Security policies do not allow bags. Strollers, however, can hold items in the built-in storage areas. If you have a diaper bag in your stroller you will not be able to enter with that bag, however, you can put diapers in your stroller. You can also put food, wipes, and powder in your stroller.

Can I buy tickets to Pearl Harbor?

If you are looking to visit Pearl Harbor at your own leisure, you can purchase the Passport to Pearl Harbor. It is a self guided tour allowing you to enjoy Pearl Harbor anytime between 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM. We recommend giving yourself at least an hour for each Museum, however you can adjust your time to suit your interests.

The Passport includes: - Admission to the USS Missouri Battleship - Admission to the Pacific Aviation Museum and Audio Tour - Admission to the USS Bowfin Submarine and Audio Tour - The Audio Tour for the Arizona Memorial

The Passports do not include the boat ride ticket to the USS Arizona Memorial. Please visit the National Park Service at: recreation.gov . to reserve your boat ride tickets.

Are cameras allowed at Pearl Harbor?

Cameras are allowed at Pearl Harbor. You can take photos everywhere EXCEPT on the Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island.

Cameras allowed at Pearl Harbor include video cameras. However, if you bring a camera that is larger than standard, security may need to inspect it. You will also be questioned about filming commercially, which is prohibited without a permit.

Keep in mind you can only take what you can fit in your pockets and a camera that you can carry in your hands. While cameras are allowed at Pearl Harbor, camera bags are prohibited. So if you are into using different lenses, you will need to choose your favorite before heading to Pearl Harbor.

Right now selfie sticks are still allowed, but that may change. We’ve seen plenty of people bump into each other with selfie sticks. If you use them, be careful.

Take the Camera with you. Leave the bag at your hotel.

What about my purse? Can I take it to Pearl Harbor?

Sorry, but purses fall under the category of bags. The rule is any bag or container that provides concealment.

You can put essentials into a small clear plastic bag to take with you. This is a bag that has been accepted by security.

We highly recommend wearing clothing with pockets for your essentials.

If you have a medical need, notify the staff at the security checkpoint.

Here is an example of an approved clear stadium style bag

A storage facility operated by the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is available in the immediate area of the entrance to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. There is a nominal storage fee of $7 per small bag and $10 for larger pieces. The storage facility is in operation daily from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors may use the same bag storage for visits to all Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. We highly recommend that you do not bring bags.

Is there a Pearl Harbor dress code?

There is no official Pearl Harbor dress code, but rangers reserve the right to ask visitors to leave if they are dressed inappropriately.

What is inappropriate dress?

Bathing suits and profane t-shirts are inappropriate. Shirts are required and showing excessive skin is inappropriate.

Remember that Pearl Harbor is a site of a tremendous loss of life in service to our country. Many of the men of the USS Arizona are still on the ship. You don’t need to dress as if you are going to a cemetery, but you should be respectful.

Sandals are permissible. Flip flops, or as we refer to them in Hawaii, slippahs, are also acceptable.

Suggestions for what to wear at Pearl Harbor

If you read the Pearl Harbor Dress and Attire Policy , you are aware that you cannot take bags or purses. Instead, clever visitors wear clothing like cargo shorts with pockets to hold their belongings. While this policy could be changed, it is currently allowed.

We also suggest you bring a jacket.  Often people imagine that Hawaii has only one temperature, but it can get chilly and can rain. You do not want to miss out on the outdoor exhibits if it is raining. A rain jacket will make your trip more comfortable. Also if you find the theater cold you may put on your jacket.

Military visitors to the National Monument are within the boundary of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and military regulations relating to military dress are enforced by Navy personnel. Per the Pacific Commander, military visitors in uniform are required to dress in Class “B” or better in order to gain access to the shuttle boats to the USS Arizona Memorial. Battle dress uniform is not allowed on the USS Arizona Memorial, though it is allowed throughout the visitor center and at sites on Ford Island. Military visitors are welcome to wear civilian clothes when they visit.

Is Pearl Harbor handicap accessible?

Pearl Harbor Visitors Center

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is very accessible for visitors with disabilities.

There is reserved accessible parking in the front lot, which is a short distance from the entrance.

The restrooms, movie theater, exhibit galleries, bookstore, information desk and drinking fountains, Navy shuttle boats, and all three rooms of the USS  Arizona  Memorial are all fully accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.

The facilities are spread out and benches are located throughout the area to allow those challenged by walking an opportunity to rest.

Please note: Pearl Harbor does not offer wheelchairs, except in emergencies.

If you require a wheelchair, we suggest you arrange one from a third-party rental company before your visit.

For visitors with hearing impairments, the documentary shown in the theater is fully captioned (in English). There is an induction loop for use with hearing aids.

Visually impaired visitors will find signage in braille in addition to tactile models of various interpretive resources throughout the site. Please click  here  for a braille-ready file (BRF), which is a digital copy of an embossed braille booklet transcribed from the park brochure.

Medical Concerns

There are no doctors or nurses on-site. EMS is available and a hospital is nearby.

If you have read the security measures, you are aware that no bags or items that offer concealment are allowed at Pearl Harbor. However, if you have a medical need, such as medicine that you need to bring to the park, notify the staff at the security checkpoint. In addition, please let your tour guide and a park ranger know if you have any special needs.

Arizona Memorial

The Arizona Memorial is wheelchair accessible and there is a ramp from the Navy shuttle boat to the memorial.

Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

The museum and park are completely wheelchair accessible. There are two wheelchair-accessible restrooms on-site. The historic submarine is not accessible. In fact, it can be difficult to explore for those with limited mobility. The stairs are quite steep and designed for young sailors.

Guide dogs, hearing dogs, and assistance dogs are welcome in areas of the Museum and Park.

The Battleship Missouri is wheelchair accessible.  The Battleship Missouri Memorial has wheelchairs available for visitors to check out at the main entrance.

There are two elevators to the battleship. Visitors in wheelchairs can explore the main deck and the surrender deck. Some parts of the historic ship are inaccessible to wheelchairs because they require steep ladders or high thresholds.

Restrooms, Slider’s Grill, and the Victory Store are all accessible to wheelchairs.

For hearing-impaired visitors, an AcoustiGuide script is available at no additional charge.

Pacific Aviation Museum

Wheelchairs can access all parts of the Pacific Aviation Museum including the hangars, shop, restaurant, and restroom.

How to book a tour with Handicap Accessibility

Simply make a note when you get to the checkout. Tell us if you are bringing a wheelchair, if it is collapsible and you can step into the vehicle, or if you require a lift. Tell us if you have a hearing or vision impairment.

We do not have wheelchairs for rent, but there are many third-party wheelchair rental services on Oahu.

We can arrange ADA vehicles with a wheelchair lift. You will also find that our tour guides are very helpful to those who need extra assistance.

How do I get Pearl Harbor Tickets?

What most people mean by Pearl Harbor tickets is the 75-minute National Park program that includes a 23-minute historical film and a round-trip boat ride to board the Arizona Memorial.

To clarify, those are Arizona Memorial tickets. Pearl Harbor has many tickets in addition to the Arizona Memorial including tickets for the Battleship Missouri, the Pacific Aviation Museum, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum.

How do I get all of these Pearl Harbor Tickets?

Tickets to each site are included on Pearl Harbor Tours that include those sites.  For example, if you purchase the Remember Pearl Harbor Tour it visits both the Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. Tickets/admission to both sites are included with the tour.

If you just want to get Arizona Memorial tickets, you can buy a  Pearl Harbor & City Tour , which includes round-trip transportation from Waikiki and the Arizona Memorial Tickets. The City Tour portion is on the way back from Pearl Harbor.

If you have your own transportation and do not want to go on a tour, you can purchase tickets in advance with the Official Passport to Pearl Harbor . The Passport to Pearl Harbor includes admissions and audio tours of all the museums on site. The USS Arizona Memorial is not included with the Passport to Pearl Harbor. The boat ticket required to visit the USS Arizona Memorial is free, and can be acquired by joining a standby line on the day you arrive, or purchased online for a $1 fee at recreation.gov .

How do I get Arizona Memorial Tickets?

Arizona Memorial tickets are included with all of our Pearl Harbor Tours. There is a special system for authorized tour companies to reserve your tickets in advance so you do not have to wait in line at Pearl Harbor.

Some guests prefer to visit Pearl Harbor on their own. They arrive before 6 am to ensure that they have a chance to get some of the limited tickets that are reserved for those without advanced reservations.  Individuals may also reserve tickets in advance on recreation.gov. Keep in mind this does not include a guide or transportation.

You may have heard rumors about waiting in line for hours in the sun or rain. This was true before the reservation system was implemented. Every day hundreds of people would line up and wait until Pearl Harbor opened its doors and handed each person a ticket one at a time.  Often, visitors who showed up at 7:15 am would find out that all of the tickets for the day were gone.

Fortunately, that is no longer necessary thanks to Arizona Memorial ticket reservations. It does still happen though that someone may arrive in the busy summer season at 7:15 am and find out that the walk-up Arizona Memorial Tickets have all been handed out.

For that reason, we strongly suggest making a tour reservation in advance and ensuring that you get your Arizona Memorial tickets and can enjoy the entire Pearl Harbor Experience.

What do I do if there are no tickets to the Arizona Memorial?

So you arrived at Pearl Harbor ready to experience one of the most important days in our nation’s history only to find out that it is super crowded and there are no tickets to Arizona Memorial left. If it makes you feel any better, you are not the first person to go through this. It is quite common.

The number of tickets to Arizona Memorial is limited. It involves a movie about the attack in a theater with limited seats and a boat ride to the Memorial itself that has only 150 seats. Then the amount of space on the memorial is limited. There is just not enough room for all the people who want to visit.

I’m sorry to start with the I told you so, but by booking a tour in advance, you can ensure that this problem won’t happen to you.  So if you aren’t yet on Oahu, be sure to book a tour. Even if you will be there tomorrow.

More likely you are reading this and you have arrived at Pearl Harbor and walked up to the ticket booth. The ranger told you that they have already given out the tickets to Arizona Memorial for the day.  Now what?

These are your options in the order that I see fit.

• Ask the ranger if you can join a program if there are no-shows.  Sometimes visitors arrive at Pearl Harbor hours before their program and leave early. For example, they show up at 08:00 and pick up their tickets for a program at 10:30. After looking at the exhibits for an hour, they decide that they don’t want to wait and they leave. You might be lucky enough to get their tickets. To do so you need to ask a ranger specifically if there have been any tickets returned. Tell them that you will check back in 20 minutes. Then walk around.
• Ask a tour guide if you can join his tour. Don’t ask if you can buy a ticket. That is against the rules. But they can add you to their tour if they had a no-show. They also might be in contact with other tour guides who have extra tickets.  Most guides return their tickets to the ticket booth if they don’t need them, but it is worth a try.
• If the first two don’t work, consider coming back the following day on a  Pearl Harbor Tour . If that’s not possible, continue with the options below.
• Visit the exhibits. You don’t need tickets to go inside the museums and to walk the grounds. The exhibits are excellent and satisfy the needs of many non-history-buffs. You can spend over an hour enjoying the exhibits. You are at Pearl Harbor, just not at the Arizona memorial.
• Tour the other sites at Pearl Harbor. I’ve never seen the Bowfin Submarine, Battleship Missouri, or Pacific Aviation Museum sold out. You have an awesome view of the Arizona Memorial from the bow of the Battleship Missouri.
• Again, we preach prevention. Book a pearl harbor tour to ensure you don’t run into the problem that there are no tickets to Arizona Memorial. If it’s too late, we wish you luck.

Why are the Pearl Harbor Memorials so busy?

There are a number of reasons for the increasing number of visitors and for the growing Pearl Harbor popularity.  We’ve been working with Pearl Harbor visitors since the 1990s.  At the time there was only the bowfin submarine and the Arizona Memorial. Now there are more sites and the Pearl Harbor memorials are getting more and more popular.

The Battleship Missouri moved to Pearl Harbor in 1998 and became one of the Pearl Harbor Memorials in 1999. It helped to close the war because it was the site of the Japanese surrender.

The movie  Pearl Harbor brought a big increase in visitors. It was a big blockbuster movie and made Pearl Harbor history more common knowledge. Movies' filming locations are a huge draw for tourists in any destination.

September 11, 2001, increased patriotism and increased Pearl Harbor visitors.

The Pacific Aviation Museum helped to round out the Pearl Harbor experience for visitors. The stories that the guides tell at the aviation museum are fascinating and have drawn more visitors.

Hawaii is a beautiful place with a lot to see and the Pearl Harbor memorials are the number one site in the state for visitors. That does not mean that you have to fight the crowds. Tours are designed to avoid the hassle that you have going at it alone. See our Pearl Harbor tours to make the most of your visit to the Pearl Harbor memorials.

How much is the USS Arizona Memorial Admission?

This might be hard to believe, but the USS Arizona Memorial Admission is  Free .

The reason that it is free is that the  Arizona  is a cemetery. The men who died on the  Arizona  are still there.

It may sound too good to be true. And as they say, it usually is. One must be very lucky to get boat tickets. There is a limited number of free boat tickets available each day. Most tickets are reserved in advance. Tour companies can reserve tickets in advance allowing them to sell tours and guarantee that you will have an Arizona memorial Admission ticket.

When reserving in advance, tour companies pay a reservation fee. That fee is included in the tour price.  For most people, it is worth the cost of the tour to have transportation, guide narration, and guaranteed tickets. Most people only visit once and trying to save money on Arizona Memorial Admission only to have a 4-hour wait is not the way real travelers want to spend their vacation.

What historical sites can you visit at Pearl Harbor?

The historic sites at Pearl Harbor keep getting better. First, it was only the Arizona Memorial. Then the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum was built. Shortly after the Clarey Bridge to Ford Island was completed, the USS Missouri came to Pearl Harbor and docked at Ford Island.  The newest museum is the Pacific Aviation Museum. The Oklahoma memorial is the newest memorial at Pearl Harbor.  All of the historic sites at Pearl Harbor have new exhibits that will keep you busy during your day at Pearl Harbor.

If you are looking for a tour that visits the historic sites of Pearl Harbor, then we recommend the Complete Pearl Harbor Tour . It visits all of the sites and admission is included along with transportation and a tour guide.

Can I drive myself to Pearl Harbor?

The short answer is yes. Usually, you are able to drive yourself to Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor has a parking lot where you can park a private car. There are a few things to note before making this decision.

• Tours to Pearl Harbor include both transportation and a professional narration.  The guide will help you to make the most of your experience at Pearl harbor.
• Tours include Arizona Memorial tickets . Often those who drive themselves arrive at Pearl Harbor and wait in line to receive a ticket that for 3 hours later, or worse, tickets are sold out.
• Parking at Pearl Harbor is limited and may not be available when you arrive.
• If you are interested in visiting the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Oklahoma Memorial or the Pacific Aviation Museum, you should take a tour. Only authorized drivers and vehicles are allowed to drive across the Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island where those sites are located. Unless you have military ID and authorization, you will not be able to drive yourself there. If you do not have base access, you will need to take the FREE shuttle to get there. Shuttles depart from the PearlHarbor Visitor Center every 15-20 minutes from 8:00am to 2:50pm seven days a week. The first stop is the Battleship Missouri and then the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum so please plan to visit in that order.

Can I rent a wheelchair at Pearl Harbor?

Pearl Harbor is completely accessible for wheelchairs, but wheelchairs are  NOT  available for rent.

When you make a reservation, advise us that you have a wheelchair so we can schedule a vehicle appropriately.

When you make your reservation, please advise:

• If you are able to walk up the three steps of the vehicle or if you will need a wheelchair lift.
• If you are bringing a collapsible wheelchair and sitting in a seat.

How much is baggage storage at Pearl Harbor?

There is baggage storage available outside of the visitor center entrance.  The storage fee per bag is $7 for small bags and $10 for larger bags, including luggage.

Bags are not permitted at Pearl Harbor. This means no items that allow concealment including:

• fanny packs
• camera bags or large cameras
• diaper bags

We encourage visitors to not bring bags to Pearl Harbor. There is often a line to put your bag in storage and to retrieve it. You cannot have your bag at any of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. Some visitors miss the Arizona Memorial Program because they are waiting in line for baggage storage. Of course, this is disappointing and refunds are not given in such circumstances.

You are allowed to bring in clear stadium bags.  Here is an example of an approved clear stadium style bag.

Tour buses do not permit guests to leave bags in the vehicle unless the bus is a full-day private charter remaining on standby waiting for guests to finish their programs.

Should you book Pearl Harbor reservations in advance?

We recommend that you absolutely book your Pearl Harbor Reservations before you arrive in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor is the busiest attraction in Hawaii and the tickets are limited. The boat that takes visitors to the Arizona Memorial only has a capacity of 150 people at a time.  There are thousands of visitors who want to go to Pearl Harbor every day. Many arrive only to find out that they are too late and should have made Pearl Harbor reservations in advance.

Don’t make this mistake. Book  Pearl Harbor Tours that include admissions, tickets, guides, and transportation to ensure that you do not miss the sites.  Even tour companies sell out tickets in advance because the tickets are limited.

Is it ok to bring kids to Pearl Harbor?

We have some tips if you plan to bring kids to Pearl Harbor that will make your experience even better.

• Watch movies before visiting. Watch the movie  Pearl Harbor . Watch  Battleship . Watch  Tora, Tora, Tora . If you can convince your kids to watch documentaries, even better.  By watching movies, the history behind the attack on Pearl Harbor and the events that took place will make more sense.
• Bring sunscreen and hats. Much of Pearl Harbor is outdoors. You will have moments of direct sunlight. Avoid ruining a vacation with sunburn by protecting your skin.
• If your kids are young enough that they need to be carried you might find a front carried baby sling preferable to a stroller because you cannot take the stroller with you in the Arizona Memorial program.
• Read our current  Pearl Harbor Security Policies  before going.  You can avoid wasting money and time.
• Go with a tour. Tours are the most efficient way to move through Pearl Harbor. With kids it is important to keep things moving and get back for naps or rest as soon as you can. Our  Pearl Harbor Tours  are designed to make the most of your time and keep everyone busy. We recommend  Remember Pearl Harbor – Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri for families traveling with kids.  The reason is that this is not a long tour, but it visits the most popular memorials.
• Be aware of the USS Bowfin age restrictions.  Children under 4 are not allowed on or in the submarine.

Are there family friendly Pearl Harbor tours?

Everything about Pearl Harbor is family-friendly. The deciding factor with families is how long the kids can spend touring. Some families prefer to spend the entire day at Pearl Harbor and relax at the beach on the following day.  They take the Complete Pearl Harbor Tour  to make sure they see it all.

Others opt to skip some of the sites at Pearl Harbor and focus on the main two the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri on the  Remember Pearl Harbor Tour .

If you are concerned that your baby won’t be able to handle more than a few hours on a tour then you should choose the Change to Pearl Harbor Excursion , which is the shortest tour.

Additional hints for family-friendly Pearl Harbor tours:

• Watch Movies about Pearl Harbor before you travel or even better, bring them on the flight with you.  Tora, Tora, Tora  and  Pearl Harbor  are the most popular.  From  Here to Eternity  is also a classic.
• Read books about Pearl Harbor and WWII history before arrival. It will make your visit more enjoyable.
• Look for Pearl Harbor Survivors at the visitor center. There are very few left and they are not there every day, but if you are lucky you can meet one.
• Be prepared to buy some souvenirs. For many, Pearl Harbor is a once-in-a-lifetime visit. Your children will remember it for years to come with the right souvenir.

What’s included in tours of Pearl Harbor?

All of our  tours of Pearl Harbor  include:

• Round-trip transportation from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor (Tours from other islands include round-trip transportation from Honolulu International Airport).
• Live historical narration by an expert guide.
• Tickets for the Arizona memorial program (include a movie about the attack and a boat to the Arizona Memorial)
• Free time at Pearl Harbor to shop in the bookstore, browse the exhibits, get snacks, and take photos.
• Additional services provided by guides: take your photo, answer historical questions, and provide suggestions for enjoying your visit.

Please note that if you don’t take a tour of Pearl Harbor you must pay for your parking and arrange your own tickets (all members of your party must be present to obtain Pearl Harbor tickets at the Visitors Center.

Can I visit the USS Utah Memorial?

The USS Utah Memorial is located on the West side of Ford Island. The Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial are on the East side of Ford Island.  The USS Utah Memorial is not included on any tours to Pearl Harbor.

It can only be visited by those with Military IDs who drive themselves to Ford Island.

We hope that despite its location on the far side of Ford Island, people do not forget the lives that were lost on the Utah.

What are Pearl Harbor holiday hours?

Pearl Harbor is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm.  It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

There are no special holiday hours observed at Pearl Harbor.

Are there special Memorial Day events at Pearl Harbor?

While not as big as the  Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony , there are Memorial Day Events at Pearl Harbor.

Generally, it begins with a flag-raising and bell-ringing ceremony. In the past, survivors have been on site, but that may not happen again.

There have been flag ceremonies, book signings, and Memorial Day events at Pearl Harbor in the past. For a first-time visitor to Pearl Harbor, it is not a day that we recommend visiting. It is busier because people anticipate special ceremonies.  The crowds may cause delays as you walk through exhibits and sites at Pearl Harbor.

Can I view the December 7th Ceremony?

Yes, the general public can visit Pearl Harbor for the December 7th Ceremony . The ceremonies are different every year so you should check back if you plan to go.

Many visitors who go to the December 7th Ceremony have expressed regret because they were unable to get tickets to visit the Arizona Memorial.  If you have never been to Pearl Harbor, then it might not be the best time to visit.

However, if you have been to Pearl Harbor before then it may be interesting to you. Just don’t expect to do the normal program.

It is a very busy day at Pearl Harbor.  TOURS DO NOT OPERATE  on Pearl Harbor Day.

The other sites at Pearl Harbor (Battleship Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum) operate as normal.

If you want to see dignitaries, survivors, and politicians, the December 7th ceremony will be good for you.

Can we travel between Hawaiian Islands by boat?

Yes, you can. There is a cruise ship that does travel between the Hawaiian Islands. It is Norwegian Cruise Lines NCL. It is possible to cruise with them. You will have a chance to visit Pearl Harbor as well.

They are notorious for overcharging for activities and putting you on large buses with 50 other people. Most of our Pearl Harbor tours  are in small groups for a better experience.

You may have been wondering about chartering a boat to travel between islands. This is common in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. It is not common in Hawaii. Why?

Our seas are far more treacherous. There is a reason that we are famous for surfing. It is that we have big surf.  We also have plenty of wind and strong currents.  Sailing in Hawaii is great, but it is difficult and not as comfortable as in other places in the world. For that reason, there is not a thriving charter boat industry.

What are the Pearl Harbor hours?

Pearl Harbor Hours are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The programs at the Arizona memorial are 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.

You may arrive at Pearl Harbor after 3:00 pm, but you will not be able to go to the Arizona Memorial. You will be able to see it from the land and visit the exhibits and bookstore.

If you arrive before 7:00 am (many people do) you can stand in line waiting for the gates to open. It is better to arrange a tour in advance to make the most of your time. Tours work within Pearl Harbor hours to make sure you get the most out of the experience.

Keep in mind that Pearl harbor is closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. It is open all other days of the year unless weather or political conditions cause a closure. If you are uncertain, check with your tour company.

What Island Is Pearl Harbor on?

Pearl Harbor is on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. The nearest airport is Honolulu International Airport (HNL).

Tours to Pearl Harbor are available from other islands for those staying on Maui, Big Island, and Kauai.

Why did the Japanese attack only by air?

Actually, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was not only by air. They also employed midget submarines, which were largely unsuccessful.

However, the attack was mainly by air. The mastermind of the attack, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, decided that an air attack would provide the greatest damage to the US Pacific Fleet with the lowest risk to the fleet of the Japanese Imperial Navy. He was correct in that regard.

He also surmised that an air attack would be less likely to be detected than ships because the zeros could travel faster. Again correct.

So why didn’t Japan invade?

That was not part of Yamamoto’s strategy. His purpose was to annihilate the US Pacific Fleet so badly that the morale of the American people would be damaged and the US would quickly capitulate. In this regard he was wrong and the outcome was different.

How many people died at Pearl Harbor during the attack?

There were a total of  2,335 military personnel killed, including 2,008 navy personnel, 109 marines, and 218 army. Added to this were 68 civilians, making a total of 2403 people dead. 1,177 were from the USS Arizona.

Wounded came to 1,143 with 710 navy, 69 marines, and 364 army, as well as 103 civilians.

The total Japanese personnel losses were 55 men.

When was Pearl Harbor attacked?

Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7th, 1941. Cmdr Mitsuo Fuchida gave the order  To To To at 0749 hrs to deploy into attack formation.   The famous attack order  Tora Tora Tora was made at 0753 hrs and the attack began.

The first attack group struck Pearl Harbor at 0755 hrs.

If the planes were spotted on radar, why wasn’t the military ready for the attack?

The Pursuit Officer on duty was Lieutenant Kermit Tyler, an army air forces pilot.  It was his second day on the job and he thought that the planes spotted on radar were US Army air force B-17 heavy bombers on their way to Hickam Field from California.  He made the famous statement, “Don’t worry about it”.  It was a fatal mistake.

How long did the battle of Pearl Harbor take?

First, we don’t call it the “battle of Pearl Harbor”, because it was a surprise attack and almost completely one-sided. We will consider the question, “how long was the attack on Pearl Harbor?”.

The attack began with the order to attack (“To To To”) at 0749 hrs. By 0800 hrs the majority of US fighter planes were destroyed. They had been lined up on the airfields to prevent sabotage.  The torpedo planes inflicted most of the initial damage on the ships at Pearl Harbor. The torpedo attack lasted about 11 minutes and was followed by bombers. It was a bomber in the first wave of the attack that hit the USS Arizona’s magazine causing the devastating explosion.

The second wave of the attack arrived at 0840 hrs.  There were 167 aircraft in the second wave and no torpedo planes. A major goal of the second wave was to attack Ford Island and Kaneohe Naval Air Stations and Hickam Field. The second wave of the attack was not able to inflict as much damage as the first.

By 0950 hr the first wave of the strike force was arriving back at their carriers. At the same time, the second wave was completing their attack and departing Oahu.

Is Pearl Harbor a National Park?

No. Pearl Harbor is not a National Park.

The Arizona Memorial, the Oklahoma Memorial, and the USS Utah Memorial are part of the  World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument .

National Parks and National Monuments differ, but they are both operated by the National Park Service, part of the US Department of the Interior.

Tours to Pearl Harbor are authorized by the National Park Service. The tours that we offer are only official tours. Beware of some companies that do not have official status with the National Park Service.

Can I call someone there?

We don’t have phone support, but please don’t misunderstand this as any lack of interest! We’d love to answer your questions.

After experimenting with different approaches, we’ve found that starting with email enables us to provide the fastest response. We focus on providing fast and high-quality responses by email, so you’re always talking to a human that can help first-hand.

When you receive a confirmation for your tour reservation, you will have access to a phone number to call us regarding your reservation.

If you have any questions, please  contact us here.

Where is Pearl Harbor located?

Pearl Harbor is located on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii.

You may ask where is Pearl Harbor located in the world. It is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Pearl Harbor is near Honolulu International Airport (HNL). It is a 20-minute drive from Waikiki (depending on traffic).

Does the USS Arizona oil leak into the water?

Yes, the USS Arizona oil leak continues to be seen in the water.  The sunken USS Arizona is located below the Arizona Memorial. After over 70 years it has not stopped.

On Pearl Harbor Tours you will board the Arizona Memorial. When you look down at the battleship below the water, you will see the rainbow oil colors on the surface.

There have been studies done to determine whether the leaking oil is an environmental hazard. After the studies, the Navy determined to continue to allow it to leak rather than attempt to stop it or remove the ship.

Microbiologist, Ralph Mitchell had corroding metal put on ice and sent to his laboratory at Harvard. He was studying the bacteria that were feeding off of the USS Arizona Memorial Oil leaking out.  He determined that the bacteria was speeding up the corrosion of the monument.  Funding issues prevented more studies and any action from resulting.

The USS Arizona Memorial commemorates what?

This is a good question because the answer has changed over the years.  The original plan was that the  USS Arizona Memorial  commemorates the men who died on the  USS Arizona . That seems fitting. The problem is that there were many other  heroes of Pearl Harbor  who died for their country.

The Arizona Memorial was the first monument to be constructed as a memorial at Pearl Harbor. While it represented nearly half of those killed at Pearl Harbor, there were others who did not have a memorial. Thus, after time has passed, the USS Arizona Memorial Commemorates all of the military personnel who died at Pearl Harbor.

Now there is a monument to the men of the USS Utah, the USS Utah Memorial. And the beautiful USS Oklahoma Memorial for the men of the USS Oklahoma.  Both are located on Ford Island, but the USS Utah Memorial requires military ID to visit.

Where was the USS Missouri when the surrender was signed?

The Battleship USS Missouri was anchored in the middle of Tokyo Bay. Those attending the Surrender Ceremony arrived by ship.

There were more than 250 allied warships in Tokyo Bay when the surrender was signed. In fact, Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Allied forces, set the date of the surrender to September 2, 1945, to give enough time for more allied representatives to attend.

Today the USS Missouri is docked at Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii.  She is docked at Ford Island. On part of the USS Missouri tour, you will stand on the surrender deck.

Were there any Japanese ships at the surrender ceremony?

The battleship  Nagato  was one of the only Japanese ships at the surrender ceremony on September 2, 1945.  She was the only battleship from the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)to make it to the end of WWII.

Commissioned in 1920 she was one of the last of the Japanese battleships. They had to put a freeze on battleship development due to the Washington Naval Treaty.

Nagato  was at many important battles during the war. She was the flagship of Kido Butai, the strike force that attacked Pearl Harbor. In fact, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto was on the battleship  Nagato  when he gave the final order to attack Pearl Harbor.

When the surrender ceremony took place on the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945,  Nagato  was there in Tokyo Bay.  Some of the fleet was concerned about an attack from rebellious sailors on  Nagato  as they entered the Bay. Fortunately, no such attack took place.

After the war,  Nagato was taken by the United States as a war prize. She was old and damaged so she was of no use as a capital ship. Instead, she was used as target practice. In July 1946, Nagato  was sunk during an atomic bomb test at Bikini Atoll.

Why is the USS Arizona underwater?

The USS Arizona is the resting place to hundreds of sailors. The Navy decided to leave them and the ship there after an inspection a few months after the attack.  It was determined that there was so much damage that the ship was a total loss and could not be salvaged. Though, it should be noted that some parts from the Arizona were taken for use on other ships during WWII.

After deciding that the ship could not be salvaged, was not a navigation risk and would be left where she was, the Navy had a decision about what to do with the men who perished on board. It was decided that the men would be considered buried at sea because it would be too difficult to remove them in a respectful manner.

The decision to leave the USS Arizona underwater at the bottom of Pearl Harbor was made after much deliberation. The same decision was made for the USS Utah. The USS Oklahoma was similarly sunk in the attack, but raised and put in drydock in 1943.  In 1944, the USS Oklahoma was decommissioned. She eventually sunk to the bottom of the ocean as she was towed to the US mainland. All of the other ships sunk or damaged during the attack were returned to service.

Did Elvis Presley pay for the Arizona Memorial?

Several individuals and organizations raised funds to build the Arizona Memorial. National Park rangers at Pearl Harbor are often asked, “Did Elvis Presley pay for the Arizona Memorial”. The answer is that he did not pay for the entire memorial but did contribute.

Elvis Presley held a benefit concert at Bloch Arena to raise money for the Arizona Memorial. This concert raised over $64,000, which was more than 10% of the final cost.  The concert was on March 25, 1961, three years after Ralph Edwards, host of the TV series  This is your life , raised $95,000.

At the age of 26, Elvis performed the following songs at the benefit concert:

01. Heartbreak Hotel 02. All Shook Up 03. A Fool Such As I 04. I Got A Woman 05. Love Me 06. Such A Night 07. Reconsider Baby 08. I Need Your Love Tonight 09. That’s Allright 10. Don’t Be Cruel 11. One Night 12. Are You Lonesome Tonight? 13. It’s Now Or Never 14. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot 15. Hound Dog

Another rumor regarding Elvis and the Arizona Memorial is that he was paid for the benefit concert. That is false. In fact, Elvis, along with his manager Colonel Parker made an additional contribution to the efforts to build the memorial.

The Arizona Memorial was dedicated the following year on May 30, 1962.

FDR used cocaine before his Infamy speech?

Right now you are thinking I must be kidding. Actually, I’m not.

There is a good chance that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was given cocaine before his famous “ Day of Infamy Speech “.

On December 7th and 8th, FDR was suffering from a sinus infection. His doctor and friend, Ross T. McIntire was with him to treat the problem.

Dr. McIntire’s intent was to improve his patient’s ability to breathe by decreasing the swelling of the nasal mucosa. He wanted to decrease swelling without causing crusting.

It is not known exactly the procedure that McIntire used to decrease swelling in FDR’s nose. He had been seen using cotton swabs. It is likely that he also irrigated the sinuses by putting a needle up the nose into the sinuses. Then saline would be injected into the sinus cavity.

At the time, it was common for doctors to use cocaine in these treatments. Cocaine was illegal in the United States, but it was legal in medicine. Cocaine would shrink the tissue, giving the patient quick relief. It also numbed the area making the insertion of the needleless painful.

Again, we do not know if Dr. McIntire used cocaine when treating FDR’s Sinus infection that was troubling him during his “Day of Infamy Speech”.

If he had used cocaine, it would have been highly diluted. Most likely, not having a noticeable effect or measurable impact on the President.  Furthermore, he it is believed that FDR used cocaine he would not have been told.

There are two reasons why President Roosevelt would not be told of the treatments. First, it was common to not tell patients who were administered cocaine. It was believed that by not telling them they would be less likely to become addicted.

Second, it was a political topic and Dr. McIntire would not have wanted to put that controversial political exposure on the president.

We may never know if FDR used cocaine. But we do know that it was a great speech.

When was the USS Arizona Memorial built?

Construction on the memorial began in 1960.  The USS Arizona Memorial was built over the next two years and dedicated on Memorial Day May 30th, 1962.

The construction was managed by Walker-Moody Construction Company assisted by The Pearl Harbor Public Works Center.

While it is meant to look like it is gracefully floating above the sunken USS Arizona, the memorial is supported by concrete columns driven 80 feet into the silt of Pearl Harbor.

Many ask “did Elvis Presley build the USS Arizona Memorial?

Others are surprised to find out that the design for the memorial was made by Austrian-born American, Mr. Alfred Preis.

How many died on the USS Utah?

This is a good question because different sources report different numbers. It seems that there is confusion about how many died on the USS Utah. Some say that 58 enlisted men and 6 officers died on the Utah. That is a total of 64. Other sources say a total of 58.

The correct answer is 58 men died on the Utah. That number includes officers. Four of the 58 men were buried on land, but 54 of them are still entombed inside the ship.

Some people say that an infant is also entombed inside the ship and that is true. However, Lynn Wagner was not killed on December 7th, 1941. She died two days after birth. Her father had her ashes were on board with the hope to spread them at sea. When the ship went down, the ashes stayed.

Remember Pearl Harbor Tour from Waikiki

Guided Tour

The Complete Pearl Harbor Tour Experience With Lunch

Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour from Waikiki

Official Passport to Pearl Harbor

Plan your visit.