Visiting Pearl Harbor Tips: How to Plan the Perfect Day

Discover the ultimate guide to visiting Pearl Harbor with tips on the must-see attractions for an unforgettable day.

Planning your first visit to Pearl Harbor is exciting but can be overwhelming.

As one of Hawaii’s most important historical sites, Pearl Harbor offers a deep insight into World War II.

Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, is a pivotal site in American history.

It is famously known for the surprise Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, which led the United States to enter World War II.

The attack caused significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, including the sinking of the USS Arizona, and resulted in over 2,400 American casualties.

Today, Pearl Harbor is a national historic site and a solemn memorial to those who lost their lives.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or want to pay your respects, preparation is key.

In this guide, we’ll share essential visiting Pearl Harbor tips for first-time visitors.

Including how to get there, ticketing details, must-see attractions, and tips to ensure your visit is both smooth and memorable.

Let’s dive into what you need to know before you go.

How to Get to Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is located on the island of Oahu, about 10 miles from Waikiki Beach and 5 miles from the Honolulu International Airport.

Whether you’re driving, taking public transportation, or using a ride-sharing service, getting to Pearl Harbor is straightforward.

By Car: If you’re driving from Waikiki, take H1 West, then take exit 15A for Arizona Memorial/Stadium. Follow the signs to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. There’s a lot of signage directing you to the parking areas.

Public Transportation: The Honolulu bus system, known as “TheBus,” offers routes that go directly to Pearl Harbor. The #20 and #42 buses are the most common for tourists. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes from Waikiki and costs around $2.75 each way.

Ride-sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Honolulu and can take you directly to Pearl Harbor. This option is convenient if you prefer not to drive or navigate public transport.

Parking at Pearl Harbor

Parking at Pearl Harbor costs $7 a day for private and rented vehicles.

You can pay the fee through a virtual pay system on your mobile device or via an onsite kiosk.

The parking lot opens at 7:00 AM, and we recommend you arrive early to secure a spot.

The parking spaces can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.

There are about 300 parking spaces available, and while the lot is monitored, it’s still a good idea to avoid leaving valuables in your car.

Passport to Pearl Harbor Ticket

The Passport to Pearl Harbor is an excellent option for those who want to experience all the major attractions at Pearl Harbor.

This ticket includes admission to the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

Ticket Pricing:

Adult (ages 12+): $89.99
Child (ages 4-12): $44.99

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center upon arrival.

We recommend buying tickets ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid sold-out days and long lines.

If you didn’t purchase tickets in advance, you can still buy them at the Visitor Center.

When you arrive, go straight to the ticket booth to get your timed ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial.

Due to high demand, tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

So it’s crucial to arrive early to get a time that works for you.

Days and Hours of Operation

Pearl Harbor is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center itself opens at 7:00 AM, which is the best time to arrive if you want to beat the crowds.

The exhibits open and close at different times so take this into consideration when planning your visit:

The first boat to visit the USS Arizona Memorial begins at 7:30 AM, and the last one departs around 3:00 PM.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
Shuttles from Visitor Center to Ford Island – 8:00 AM to 4:05 PM return from USS Missouri or 5:00 PM return from Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Battleship Missouri Memorial 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Begin Your Visit at the USS Bowfin Submarine

One of the best tips when visiting Pearl Harbor is to start your visit with the USS Bowfin Submarine.

The lines for the USS Bowfin can get long later in the day, so it’s a smart move to visit it first.

The USS Bowfin is a World War II-era submarine known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.”

You can walk and explore the submarine’s interior and see the control room, periscope, and torpedo room.

Explore the Exhibit Galleries: Road to War and Attack

After visiting the USS Bowfin, head to the Exhibit Galleries at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

The two main exhibits, “Road to War” and “Attack,” provide an in-depth look at the events leading up to and including the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Road to War: This exhibit explains the geopolitical context that led to the attack, offering insights into the tensions between the United States and Japan before the war.

Attack: This exhibit focuses on the day of the attack, with personal stories, photographs, and artifacts that bring the events of December 7, 1941, to life.

Walk Around the Promenade

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center’s promenade offers several important sites to see while you wait for your scheduled visit to the USS Arizona Memorial.

USS Arizona Anchor: This massive anchor, one of the two from the USS Arizona, stands as a somber reminder of the ship and its crew. It’s a popular spot for photos, but also a place to pause and reflect.

Remembrance Circle: This area is dedicated to all the servicemen who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It’s a quiet place for contemplation, with a circular design that invites visitors to remember those who perished.

Contemplation Circle: Located near the waterfront, this area is designed for quiet reflection. It’s a peaceful spot to consider the impact of the events that took place at Pearl Harbor and to pay respects to the fallen.

The USS Arizona Memorial Experience

When your timed ticket indicates it’s time to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, head to the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater.

Here, you’ll watch a 23-minute documentary that provides an overview of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the significance of the USS Arizona.

After the film, you’ll board a U.S. Navy boat that takes you to the memorial itself.

The USS Arizona Memorial is built over the remains of the sunken battleship, which still lies at the bottom of Pearl Harbor.

As you walk through the memorial, you’ll see the names of the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives engraved on the wall.

The experience is deeply moving, offering a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of these men.

Take your time at the memorial.

It’s a place of reverence, and many visitors find it to be the most poignant part of their visit to Pearl Harbor.

Remember to be respectful—this is a gravesite and a place of honor for those who served.

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Lunch at the Snack Shop

After you visit the USS Arizona Memorial, you may want to grab a bite to eat.

The Snack Shop, located next to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, offers a variety of options, including sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks.

It’s a convenient spot to refuel before continuing your exploration of Pearl Harbor.

Shuttle to Ford Island

To see more of Pearl Harbor’s history, take the shuttle bus to Ford Island.

The shuttle is free with your Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket. It departs every 15-20 minutes from the Visitor Center starting at 8 AM.

The shuttle runs in a loop with the first stop at the USS Missouri battleship, the second stop at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and then back to the Visitor Center.

Last Shuttle Times:

USS Missouri – 4:05 PM
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum – 5:00 PM

USS Missouri Battleship

Known as the “Mighty Mo,” the USS Missouri is where the Japanese officially surrendered to the Allies, ending World War II.

Walking the decks of this massive battleship, you’ll get a sense of the scale and power of the U.S. Navy during the war.

Here are some of the standout features you can explore:

Surrender Deck: Visit the historic deck where Japan signed the formal surrender documents on September 2, 1945, officially ending World War II.
Main Deck: Walk the expansive main deck to see the battleship’s powerful guns and view displays of military equipment and memorabilia.
Bridges and Command Centers: Explore the various command centers and bridges to understand the strategic operations and decision-making processes during wartime.
Battleship Guns: Observe the enormous 16-inch guns, which were some of the most powerful naval artillery of their time.
Officer and Crew Quarters: Tour the living quarters to see where the officers and crew lived and learn about their daily life aboard the ship.
Engine Room: Discover the engine room to see the massive machinery that powered the battleship and kept it operational during its service.
Admiral’s Cabin: Visit the Admiral’s Cabin to get a sense of the accommodations for high-ranking officers.
Combat Information Center (CIC): Check out the CIC, where critical decisions were made and tactical operations were managed during battles.
Museum Exhibits: Explore exhibits detailing the battleship’s history, its role in World War II, and its post-war service.
Memorial Displays: View various memorials and plaques honoring those who served on the USS Missouri and other naval personnel.

End Your Day at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Finish your day with a visit to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, also located on Ford Island.

The museum is housed in two historic hangars that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Here, you’ll find an extensive collection of World War II aircraft, including fighter planes, bombers, and civilian aircraft.

The museum offers a comprehensive look at the role of aviation in World War II and beyond.

The museum’s exhibits are both educational and engaging, with interactive displays and detailed information about the planes and the pilots who flew them.

10 Tips For Visting Pearl Harbor

Arrive Early: Aim to arrive by 7:00 AM to secure parking, get your USS Arizona Memorial ticket, and avoid crowds.
Buy Tickets in Advance: If possible, purchase the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket online before your visit to save time and guarantee entry to all attractions.
Start with the USS Bowfin Submarine: Visit the USS Bowfin first to beat the lines and make the most of your time.
Plan Your Day Around Your USS Arizona Memorial Time: Get your timed ticket as soon as you arrive and plan your day around it.
Use the Shuttle to Ford Island: The shuttle is the easiest way to get to the USS Missouri and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Stay Hydrated and Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
Take Your Time at the USS Arizona Memorial: This is the highlight of your visit. Spend time reflecting and honoring those who lost their lives.
Visit the Exhibits: Don’t skip the “Road to War” and “Attack” exhibits—they provide essential context for your visit.
Eat Lunch at the Snack Shop: Take a break to eat and recharge before continuing your tour.
Respect the Memorial: Remember that Pearl Harbor is a place of remembrance. Keep noise to a minimum, and be mindful of the sacred nature of the sites.

Honoring the Past

Visiting Pearl Harbor is an unforgettable experience that offers a deep and meaningful connection to history.

From the moment you arrive at the Visitor Center to your final stop at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, each part of your visit offers a unique insight into the events of World War II.

By following these tips for visiting Pearl Harbor, you’ll ensure your day is both smooth and memorable.

Whether you’re a history buff or just visiting Hawaii, Pearl Harbor is a must-see destination.