Pearl Harbor—originally named Wai Momi (meaning "waters of pearl" in Native Hawaiian)—was once a sacred, abundant site for indigenous Hawaiians. In the 1800s, it evolved into a bustling hub for shipping and whaling. However, it was the tragic event of December 7, 1941—"a date which will live in infamy"—that permanently transformed this historic harbor into an international landmark of peace, remembrance, and WWII history.
Visiting Pearl Harbor is an essential part of any Oahu itinerary, but showing up without a solid plan is a quick way to spend your morning stuck in long lines instead of taking in the history. To save you the logistical headache, our team has gathered the most up-to-date tips for your trip.
Pro-tip: Before you make the 20-minute drive over, make sure to fuel up with a hearty breakfast at our on-site Ilima Cafe. Many of our special room promotions include breakfast with your stay, so you can enjoy a stress-free meal right in the lobby before heading out!
Pearl Harbor at a Glance
Here is everything you need to know about operations at a glance:
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What is There to See? The 4 Main Attractions
The historic site is divided into the free Pearl Harbor National Memorial and three distinct, independently operated partner museums.
1. USS Arizona Memorial (National Park Service)
Built directly over the sunken remains of the BB-39 battleship, this floating monument serves as a poignant tribute to the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives. The experience includes an educational documentary film in the air-conditioned theater and a Navy-operated shuttle boat ride to and from the memorial structure.
- Cost: Free (Requires a reservation)
- Time to allocate: 2 hours
2. Battleship Missouri Memorial ("Mighty Mo")
Step onto the massive teak decks of the last battleship built by the United States. It was on this very ship, moored on Ford Island, that World War II officially ended when Japan signed the surrender documents on September 2, 1945.
- Cost: $39.99 Adults (13+), $19.99 Children (4-12)
- Time to allocate: 2 to 2.5 hours
3. Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
Located just steps from the main visitor center entrance, this site features the WWII fleet submarine USS Bowfin, a museum packed with authentic naval relics, and an outdoor missile park. Note: For safety reasons, children under 4 are not permitted onboard the submarine.
Cost: $21.99 Adults, $16.99 Children (4-12)
Time to allocate: 1.5 to 2 hours
4. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Spanning two historic, battle-scarred hangars on Ford Island, this museum showcases dozens of aircraft, from vintage WWII fighters to modern jets. Don't miss looking at the original glass windows of Hangar 37, which still bear the bullet holes from the 1941 attack.
- Cost: $29.99 Adults, $17.99 Children (4-12)
- Time to allocate: 1.5 to 2 hours
Insider Money-Saving Tip: If you plan on exploring all three paid partner sites, purchase the Passport to Pearl Harbor bundle. At $99.99 for adults and $49.99 for children, it includes admission to the Battleship Missouri, Submarine Museum, Aviation Museum, the Virtual Reality Center, and an audio tour. (Note: It does not include the free USS Arizona Memorial ticket.)
The Ticket Strategy: How to Book the USS Arizona
Because the Navy boat shuttle can only accommodate a fixed number of passengers per day, USS Arizona Memorial tickets are incredibly high-demand. Do not leave this to chance! Tickets are distributed exclusively through Recreation.gov across two primary release windows:
- The 8-Week Window (Primary Booking): The vast majority of tickets are released online 56 days (8 weeks) in advance at 3:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time (HST).
- The 24-Hour Window (Last Minute): If you miss out, a secondary pool of tickets is released online daily at 3:00 PM HST precisely 24 hours prior to the tour date.
- The Standby Line: If you fail to secure an online reservation, the National Park Service operates a first-come, first-served standby line at the theater daily. While wait times vary and aren't guaranteed, early morning arrivals stand the best chance.
Note: While the ticket itself is free, Recreation.gov charges a non-refundable $1.00 reservation fee per ticket.
Critical Insider Rules & Packing Logistics
The security rules at Pearl Harbor are strictly enforced by military and federal personnel. Save yourself a headache by knowing the rules before you arrive:
- The Bag Ban: No purses, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, or fanny packs are allowed past the main security gates.
- What You CAN Bring: You are permitted to carry your wallet, keys, cell phone, a camera (without the case), and a clear plastic water bottle. We highly recommend wearing clothing with large, secure pockets.
- Storage Options: If you accidentally bring a bag, you must check it at the storage lockers located near the entrance. Rates run $7.00 per small bag and $10.00 for oversized bags or luggage.
Pearl Harbor Directions, Hours, and Admission Costs
You'll find Pearl Harbor nestled on the northern end of downtown Honolulu:
- Address: 1 Arizona Place, Honolulu, HI 96818 (a short 20-minute drive from the conveniently located Waikiki Resort Hotel, although it's also accessible by bike, taxi, or Oahu's efficient public transit system)
- Hours and Admission: You'll be able to explore four major points of interest, each with its own hours and entrance fees
- USS Arizona Memorial: Open from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily (free admission)
- Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum: Open from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily (teens and adults cost $21.99 while children under the age of 12 cost $12.99)
- Battleship Missouri Memorial: Open from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily (teens and adults cost $34.99 while children under the age of 12 cost $17.49)
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily (teens and adults cost $25.99 while children under the age of 12 cost $14.99)
Getting There from the Waikiki Resort Hotel
Conveniently nestled right in the heart of Waikiki, the Waikiki Resort Hotel serves as the perfect launchpad for your historic island itinerary.
- By Rental Car: Pearl Harbor is a straightforward, 20-minute drive from our hotel via the H-1 Freeway West. Take exit 15A toward "Aiea/Pearl Harbor." Guests at the Waikiki Resort Hotel can take advantage of our secure, on-site hotel parking to make departing and returning a breeze.
- By Public Transit: Avoid parking logistics entirely by catching Oahu's municipal bus system ("TheBus"). Route 20 or Route 42 can be boarded just blocks from our hotel lobby and will drop you off directly in front of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
- By Rideshare: Uber and Lyft drivers operate widely across Honolulu. A typical one-way rideshare from Waikiki costs roughly $30 to $45, depending on traffic conditions and peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far is Pearl Harbor from Honolulu?
Pearl Harbor is located about 10 miles west of downtown Honolulu. From the tourist hub of Waikiki, it is roughly 12 to 14 miles away. Driving takes about 20 to 30 minutes in normal conditions, though morning rush-hour traffic (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) can easily double that travel time.
What is the best time to visit Pearl Harbor?
The ideal time to arrive is early in the morning, between 6:45 AM and 7:30 AM. Arriving early ensures cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, easy parking, and the highest likelihood of securing a spot in the USS Arizona standby line if you don't have a ticket.
How long does it take to visit?
If you only plan to view the visitor center exhibits and take the boat to the USS Arizona Memorial, expect to stay 2 to 3 hours. However, if you intend to tour all four major attractions (including Ford Island), it will easily take a full day (7 to 8 hours).
Can I visit Pearl Harbor without a tour?
Yes, absolutely. You do not need an expensive commercial tour agency to visit. You can easily drive or take the public bus yourself, walk around the grounds for free, and purchase tickets for individual museum ships online or directly at the visitor center courtyard.
Can I visit with kids?
Yes! Pearl Harbor is an invaluable educational experience for children. Strollers are permitted throughout the visitor center grounds and museums, though they are not allowed on the Navy shuttle boats or onto the USS Arizona Memorial itself (you can leave your stroller at the boat dock area). Please keep in mind that the tight corridors of the USS Bowfin submarine are off-limits to toddlers under 4 for safety.
Is Pearl Harbor wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial visitor center, the Navy shuttle boats, and the USS Arizona Memorial are fully ADA wheelchair accessible. The Battleship Missouri and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum also offer excellent accessibility options, including ramps and elevators to historic decks.
What should I wear to Pearl Harbor?
Because Pearl Harbor is an active naval base and a solemn burial site, respectful attire is highly encouraged. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Choose lightweight clothing to combat the Hawaiian heat, but avoid revealing swimwear. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended as much of the park is exposed to direct sunlight.
Experience Oahu’s History with Waikiki Resort Hotel
A seamless day of exploring Pearl Harbor finishes best with a relaxing evening by the beach. When you stay at the Waikiki Resort Hotel, you are just steps away from world-class dining, iconic sandy shores, and smooth transit routes to Oahu’s top historical destinations.
Ready to plan your Hawaiian getaway? Book your room online today or call our friendly local staff at 1-800-367-5116 to secure our best available rates and exclusive seasonal offers!