Exploring Pearl Harbor is a must-do when you’re on Oahu!
For many of us, a first trip to Oahu just isn’t complete without a stop at Pearl Harbor.
This place holds immense historical importance for the USA. It’s where the country was suddenly plunged into World War II in 1941 and also marks the spot where the war officially came to an end.
The USS Arizona Memorial is a must-see when you’re at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Oahu, Hawaii.
Make sure not to miss the iconic USS Arizona Memorial – it’s a highlight of any visit to Pearl Harbor!
Even though Pearl Harbor is still an active US military base today, it’s also got four fascinating sites that visitors can explore.
Let’s dive into all the awesome things you can do at Pearl Harbor, and I’ll share everything you need to know for your visit.
Why Visit Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, dragged the US into the Second World War.
At 7:48 a.m. local time on that Sunday, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service launched a surprise attack with more than 350 aircraft.
There were eight US Navy battleships in the harbor at the time. All were damaged, and four were sunk.
A total of 2,403 Americans lost their lives in the attack, and 1,178 more were wounded. It stands as the most deadly event in Hawaii’s history.
On the following day, December 8, the United States officially declared war on Japan.
Out of the eight battleships damaged that fateful day, six were restored to service and went on to actively participate in the war.
Things to Do in Pearl Harbor
Discover the four key sites waiting for you at Pearl Harbor: the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.
To make the most of your visit to Pearl Harbor, start by focusing on the specific sites that capture your interest!
1. Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial steals the spotlight for most visitors.
Managed by the National Park Service, this site at Pearl Harbor houses the iconic USS Arizona Memorial, which is hands down the mostvisited spot in the entire area.
Step Inside the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
Begin your journey at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial by making a stop at the Visitor Center.
Inside, explore two captivating exhibit galleries: Road to War and Attack. These galleries showcase intriguing photos, battle artifacts, personal items, and exhibits that transport you back to the time of the attack and the events surrounding it.
Throughout the facility, you’ll encounter interpretive exhibits that vividly bring to life the events of that fateful day in 1941.
Don’t miss the chance to catch a 23minute documentary on the Pearl Harbor attack at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater. Besides the USS Arizona Memorial, this film was a highlight of our Pearl Harbor experience.
Take a moment to visit the onsite bookstore if you want to bring back a souvenir from your impactful visit to Pearl Harbor.
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open every day (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance to the Visitor Center, along with access to the two exhibit galleries, is free of charge.
Convenient facilities such as restrooms, drinking water fountains, and a small snack shop offering sandwiches and drinks are available at the visitor center.
Enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center as you embark on this emotional and educational journey through history.
Pay Your Respects at the USS Arizona Memorial
Stand in awe at the USS Arizona Memorial, a poignant structure with its graceful lines and pristine white facade, situated right above the sunken battleship in the ocean.
Constructed in 1962, it spans across the hull of the sunken battleship, now a designated National Historic Landmark.
As you gaze out from the USS Arizona Memorial, featuring seven large windows, you’ll witness thousands of visitors taking a daily boat ride to spend moments paying tribute to those who lost their lives.
Visiting this memorial is undoubtedly one of the most impactful things to do in Oahu.
On the memorial, the stark reality of war’s devastation feels remarkably close, and the minutes spent in somber reflection here are truly moving.
An opening in the floor allows you to toss flowers onto the decks of the sunken ship. A marble wall bears the names of those who perished in the attack, while a small plaque honors the names of the few who survived.
Even after 80 years, the ship continues to leak oil, visible on the water’s surface.
Read Also: 25 Best Things To Do In Honolulu,
USS Arizona Memorial Program
The USS Arizona Memorial Program, lasting about 45 minutes (including checkin), takes you on a US Navy vessel to the memorial. The boat ride, approximately 10 minutes long, allows you 15 minutes at the memorial before returning to the visitor center.
Due to its immense popularity, advanced reservations are a must and can be made online at Recreation.gov, with a reservation fee of $1.00 per ticket.
Slots are released daily at 3 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, eight weeks and 24 hours in advance.
If paying your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial is a priority on your Oahu itinerary, secure your preferred time slot as soon as reservations open.
The program begins at 8 a.m. daily, running every 15 minutes, with the last program at 3:30 p.m.
Keep in mind that boat service to the memorial may be suspended or canceled in high winds, so ensure you check in (with a printed or digital reservation ticket) at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater in the visitor center 10 minutes before your program starts. Missing the boat is something you wouldn’t want to risk!
Take the Ford Island Bus Tour
Discover the lesserknown gems of Pearl Harbor by hopping on the Ford Island bus tour, managed by the park service, to explore the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials!
On December 7, 1941, both the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah, among the eight battleships in Pearl Harbor, sank during the attack.
The USS Utah remains in the waters where it sank, with 58 service members lost. The USS Oklahoma, hit by a torpedo, capsized and sank, resulting in the tragic loss of 429 service members. Although later salvaged, it was deemed unfit for further service and sold for scrap.
Today, you can pay your respects at the USS Utah Memorial and the USS Oklahoma Memorial, situated on Ford Island, an active duty military base.
While there, catch a glimpse of six historic officer bungalows dating back to WWII.
To join the bus tour, those without an activeduty military ID must make advance reservations at Recreation.gov. Escorted by National Park Service rangers offering insightful commentary, the tour operates once a day, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m., with only 25 seats available per tour.
Since tickets are in high demand, reservations can be made two weeks in advance, and a $1.00 per ticket reservation fee applies.
Note that commercial tour companies are not permitted, making advance reservations the only way to embark on this unique tour. Arrive independently at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where the tour departs.
Remember to bring a valid ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, for checkin, and have a digital or printed copy of your reservation ticket ready when you arrive for checkin at 2:30 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to explore these historical sites that offer a different perspective on the events of that fateful day.
2. Tour the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Step back in time and witness history at the Battleship Missouri Memorial, where World War II came to a formal end on September 2, 1945, as General MacArthur accepted Japan’s surrender on the “surrender deck.”
Commissioned in June 1944, the USS Missouri played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater after departing from Pearl Harbor in January 1945. In August 1945, it was chosen as the “surrender ship,” hosting a 23minute ceremony that marked the conclusion of World War II.
PostWWII, the USS Missouri continued its service, contributing to both the Korean War and the Gulf War, until its decommissioning in 1992. It then found a new home in Pearl Harbor, becoming a floating museum managed by the USS Missouri Memorial Association.
Today, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is a mustvisit site in Pearl Harbor. The ship itself is a marvel, and standing on the surrender deck, where the historic event took place (cordoned off for preservation), offers a unique and powerful experience.
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry at 3 p.m.), the memorial is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission is $34.99 per adult and $17.49 per child (412). Your ticket includes a guided tour, and additional tours are available for an extra charge.
After the guided tour, feel free to explore the ship independently if time and interest allow.
To reach the Battleship Missouri Memorial, take the free shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Conveniently buy your tickets and tours online for a seamless and informative visit. Immerse yourself in the rich history aboard the Mighty Mo!
3. Visit the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Situated on Ford Island, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is nestled within historic hangars dating back to the World War II era.
A mustvisit for aviation enthusiasts and WWII buffs alike, the museum offers a fascinating stop during your Pearl Harbor visit.
Exhibits in Hangar 37 primarily focus on the US involvement in the war, starting from the attack on Pearl Harbor to significant events like the Battle of Midway in 1942 and beyond.
The museum’s collection boasts several dozen restored historical aircraft, representing both the American and Japanese sides. Additionally, Hangar 37 features a couple of 360degree flight simulators where, for an extra charge, you can take control for a dogfight over the Pacific!
Hangar 79, which endured the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, delves into history beyond WWII. It houses an aircraft restoration “shop” and provides a unique perspective on the aftermath.
Explore the outdoor collection of helicopters, spanning both historic and modern eras, and catch a film in the museum theater.
For an unforgettable experience, ascend to the top of the Ford Island Control Tower for panoramic views over the WWII aviation battlefield at Pearl Harbor.
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum welcomes visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
At the time of writing, general admission is $25.99 for adults and $14.99 for kids aged 412. Tickets can be purchased online.
Take note: The museum is located on Ford Island, so hop on the free shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for a seamless journey. The shuttle operates every 15 minutes, with the first departure at 8 a.m. and the last return shuttle leaving the museum at 5 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to explore this captivating museum and its rich aviation history!
4. Tour the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
Dive into history at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, home to the iconic USS Bowfin, a submarine that played a crucial role in the World War II fleet.
The USS Bowfin conducted multiple war patrols during WWII, successfully sinking numerous ships of various sizes.
Explore the museum’s outdoor exhibits, featuring the poignant Waterfront Memorial, paying tribute to over 3,500 personnel lost during WWII.
Witness the conning tower, providing a glimpse into the cramped space inside a WWIIera submarine. Marvel at the rescue chamber used to transport survivors to the ocean’s surface, a rare Japanese crewed torpedo, and an array of missiles and artifacts.
The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with closures on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Immerse yourself in the rich naval history and wartime experiences preserved within these exhibits.
Getting to Pearl Harbor
By Car
If you have a rental car, navigating to Pearl Harbor is straightforward. Input “Pearl Harbor National Memorial” into your GPS to ensure you reach the right destination; otherwise, you might end up at the military base.
The memorial is situated at 1 Arizona Place in Honolulu, approximately a 45minute drive from Waikiki (refer to the map).
Keep in mind that traffic can be dense, particularly during peak times, so it’s advisable to allow ample time for your journey. Drive safely and enjoy your visit to Pearl Harbor!
By Bus
If you’re not planning to rent a car and will be staying in Waikiki, consider taking the public bus to reach the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
Hop on either bus #20 or #42 from Waikiki (Kuhio Ave) or the Ala Moana Shopping Center.
The journey lasts just over an hour, with the current fare set at $2.50 each way.
Keep in mind that buses can get crowded, particularly during peak times, so it’s advisable to allow ample time for your travel. Make the most of your journey to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial!
By Shuttle or Rideshare
Numerous shuttle services cater to travelers, providing convenient rides from Waikiki hotels to various soughtafter attractions on Oahu, including Pearl Harbor. Your hotel can provide recommendations for these services.
Alternatively, you can consider taking a taxi, Uber, or Lyft. Keep in mind that while these options offer flexibility, they may be pricier and might not be available precisely when needed. Evaluate the choices based on your preferences and schedule.
Guided Tours of Pearl Harbor
If you’d rather leave the planning to someone else, a guided tour is an excellent choice—especially if you’re not planning to rent a car, are pressed for time, or simply want to visit specific attractions like the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri. Let the experts handle the details for a hasslefree and enjoyable experience.
Getting Around in Pearl Harbor
Once you’ve arrived at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, navigating to different sites within Pearl Harbor is straightforward.
For the USS Arizona Memorial, boat access is necessary. Ensure a seamless visit by making advance reservations for a specific day and time at Recreation.gov.
To reach the USS Oklahoma Memorial and the USS Utah Memorial on Ford Island, an active military base, reserve your spots on the 90minute bus tour available at Recreation.gov. This guided tour departs from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, also situated on Ford Island, can be reached via a complimentary shuttle from and back to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
If you brought your car, driving to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is an option. Alternatively, if you don’t have a car, the museum is a short walk from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Enjoy exploring the rich history of Pearl Harbor!
Visiting Pearl Harbor: What Does It Cost?
Here is the cost breakdown to visit various sites at Pearl Harbor:
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center: Free
USS Arizona Memorial: Free (reservation fee of $1 per ticket)
Battleship Missouri Memorial: Adult $34.99, Child 412 $17.49
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Adult $25.99, Child 412 $14.99
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum: Adult $21.99, Child 412 $12.99
Total cost if you visit all the sites:
Adult: $82.97
Child (412): $45.47
Passport to Pearl Harbor Combined Ticket
If you plan to visit several of the Pearl Harbor sites in one day, you may want to consider the Passport to Pearl Harbor, a combined admission ticket.
The passport does not provide cost savings but it is convenient if you do not want to worry about purchasing individual tickets.
We got our admission tickets to the Battleship Missouri and the two museums in person on the day of our visit. This gave us flexibility in the event we had to change our plans for the day, and we did not encounter long lines anywhere.
The Passport to Pearl Harbor includes admission to the fee museums at Pearl Harbor: the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.
It also includes a onehour selfguided narrated tour of the USS Arizona Memorial (but not the actual tickets, which have to be obtained at Recreation.gov), and admission to the USS Arizona Virtual Reality Center in the courtyard of the visitor center at Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
At the time of writing, the Passport to Pearl Harbor costs $89.99 for an adult and $44.99 for a child aged 4 to 12. There are discounts for military personnel and Hawaii residents: $67.99 per adult and $34.99 per child.
Where to Eat in Pearl Harbor
Food and Drink at Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The small snack shop in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center provides a selection of sandwiches and drinks.
Dining Options at Battleship Missouri Memorial
Among the Pearl Harbor sites, the Battleship Missouri Memorial stands out with the best food options.
At Battleshop, you can find a variety of snacks, drinks, and ice cream for those warm afternoons.
Sliders Grill, located on the pier just outside, offers a diverse menu featuring Hawaiian plate lunches, sandwiches, burgers, family meals, and salads. Enjoy your meal with a view of the water and the USS Arizona Memorial from the seating area by the water.
Sliders Grill is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Food + Drink at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Adjacent to it is Wai Momi Shave Ice, which not only offers shave ice but also serves pizza and churros. The stand operates from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Food and Drink at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
At the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, the Hangar Cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with the grill closing at 3 p.m.). The menu features burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and rice bowls.
For the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, Jake’s Food Truck operates from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., offering Hawaiian plated lunches, tacos, nachos, burgers, and garlic fries.
How Long To Spend in Pearl Harbor
If you have just half a day to spend in Pearl Harbor, you should be able to visit the most iconic sites.
Tour the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, watch the film, take the boat tour to the USS Arizona Memorial (with prior reservation), and explore the Battleship Missouri Memorial. This will take about 4 hours, exclusive of travel time.
We recommend choosing a morning option for the USS Arizona Memorial to allow flexibility in deciding which other sites to visit. Additionally, the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, increasing the likelihood of boat tour suspensions or cancellations.
If you have a full day to spend in Pearl Harbor, you can follow the above itinerary and add the Ford Island Bus Tour or visit the aviation museum and/or the submarine museum, depending on your interests.
Best Oahu Tours
Have you booked these popular Oahu tours and excursions yet?
Love snorkeling? This Turtle Canyon snorkeling excursion from Waikiki lets you frolic with colorful fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Hands down the MOST BOOKED Oahu snorkeling tour: turtle sightings are guaranteed!
The most popular luau in Oahu, Paradise Cove Luau, has a 4.5 rating on Viator with over 3.5K reviews. The tour includes pickup from your Waikiki hotel, pre dinner games, arts, and crafts, a delicious meal, and an award winning show.
Based in Waikiki but want to see more of the island? This full day Oahu Circle Island Tour includes Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Haleiwa, the Dole Plantation, and more!
Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor! This popular Pearl Harbor tour includes boat tickets and roundtrip transport from Waikiki.
A super popular Oahu North Shore excursion, this Oahu shark cage dive allows you to observe wild sharks in the open ocean from the safety of a cage! It’s a THRILLING Oahu adventure for your bucket list.
We have a detailed guide to the top Oahu tours and excursions if you are in the midst of planning your itinerary for the island.
Renting a Car in Oahu
If you want to explore more of the island of Oahu on your vacation, you should get a rental car.
Oahu’s popular attractions are spread over the island: the windward coast, the North Shore, and Ko Olina are great places to explore beyond Waikiki (or the greater Honolulu area).
While Oahu does have public transport options that are better than the other islands, a car offers a lot more flexibility and time savings.
We always use Discover Cars to book Oahu car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
Honolulu AirportHotel Shuttle
If you are not planning to get a rental car at Honolulu Airport, consider booking shuttle transport in advance!
This shared shuttle can be canceled up to 24 hours from the date of service. It serves hotels in Waikiki and Honolulu and then back again to the airport on the day you leave. It’s convenient and inexpensive, saving time and hassle!
Staying in Ko Olina? Consider this roundtrip airport transfer instead!
Where to Stay in Oahu
Honolulu(Waikiki in particular) offers a large number of hotels and resorts, along with shopping and dining options. Most visitors to Oahu choose to base in Honolulu, at least for a part of their stay.
While many large chains have a presence if you are looking to use your memberships, Honolulu also has several unique boutiques to consider.
Our favorites include Halekulani for a splurge stay, the Lotus Honolulu for views of Diamond Head, and The Laylow for its awesome location.
Want more room to spread out or looking to stay elsewhere on Oahu? You will find VRBO listings all over the island!
On previous trips to Oahu, we have stayed in VRBO rentals in Waikiki as well as on the North Shore and the east coast, and we’ve found the choice and quality great.
More Oahu Travel Inspiration
If you are not planning to get a rental car at Honolulu Airport, consider booking shuttle transport in advance!
This shared shuttle can be canceled up to 24 hours from the date of service. It serves hotels in Waikiki and Honolulu and then back again to the airport the day you leave. It’s convenient and inexpensive, and saves time and hassle!
Staying in Ko Olina? Consider this roundtrip airport transfer instead!
Where to Stay in Oahu
Honolulu (Waikiki in particular) offers a large number of hotels and resorts, along with shopping and dining options. Most visitors to Oahu choose to base in Honolulu at least for a part of their stay.
While many of the large chains have a presence if you are looking to use your memberships, Honolulu also has several unique boutiques to consider.
Our faves include Halekulani for a splurge stay, the Lotus Honolulu for views of Diamond Head, and The Laylow for its awesome location.
Want more room to spread out or looking to stay elsewhere on Oahu? You will find VRBO listings all over the island!
On previous trips to Oahu, we have stayed in VRBO rentals in Waikiki as well as on the North Shore and the east coast and we’ve found the choice and quality great.
Conclusion
Visiting Pearl Harbor in Oahu is a profound and historically significant experience. The memorial sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, offer a comprehensive view of the events that unfolded during World War II. Paying respects at these sites allows visitors to connect with the past and honor the sacrifices made.
The itinerary suggestions, detailed information on each site, and tips for getting around provide a comprehensive guide for planning a meaningful visit. Additionally, the guide extends beyond Pearl Harbor, offering insights into other attractions on Oahu, such as popular tours, dining options, transportation recommendations, and accommodation suggestions. Whether you have half a day or a full day, the guide assists in optimizing your time and making the most of your visit to this historically significant location on the island.
Overall, exploring Pearl Harbor is not just a tourist activity but a journey into history, remembrance, and reflection, making it an essential part of any Oahu itinerary.
I’m Dariel Campbell, the guy who loves making your experience awesome at “Go Hawaii US.” Playing with stories and attractions is my thing. At Go Hawaii US, we’re here to make your visit stand out and shine. Let’s make your time in Hawaii unforgettable—come and join the fun at Go Hawaii US!
