Located on the southern coast of Oʻahu, Pearl Harbor serves as a solemn place of international remembrance honoring the 2,403 Americans who died during the December 7, 1941 attack. Visitors can stand over the sunken hull of the USS Arizona, where 1,177 crewmen remain entombed, or walk the surrender deck of the Battleship Missouri to see where World War II officially ended.
Find Guided ToursPearl Harbor is a cloverleaf-shaped lagoon harbor on the southern coast of Oʻahu, located about six miles west of Honolulu. Covering more than 10,000 acres of land and featuring 10 square miles of navigable water, it functions as an active United States Navy deep-water base and the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The site centers around Ford Island, which connects to the rest of Oahu via the Admiral Clarey Bridge.
Physically, the harbor is a submerged confluence of river valleys formed approximately 13,000 years ago during the last glacial period. Native Hawaiians originally called the area Wai Momi, meaning "Waters of Pearl," and revered it for its natural abundance. Hawaiian tradition credits Chief Keaunui with cutting a navigable channel into the estuary, then known as Puʻuloa. By 1887, following the Reciprocity Treaty, the United States secured exclusive rights to maintain a coaling and repair station here.
After the Spanish-American War of 1898, the strategic value of Pearl Harbor was solidified. The military established a formal naval station after 1908 and completed a major drydock in 1919.
The harbor's trajectory changed permanently on December 7, 1941, when a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy forced the United States out of isolationism and into World War II. The attack resulted in the deaths of 2,403 Americans, including 1,177 crewmen aboard the USS Arizona, as well as 64 Japanese casualties.
Today, Pearl Harbor operates as both a military installation and a solemn national cemetery. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial preserves this history through a series of museums, exhibits, and monuments, serving as a place of international remembrance for the events that shifted global power dynamics.
Discover the full history and cultural significance on our About page.
Board a U.S. Navy shuttle boat to reach the white memorial suspended directly over the sunken battleship. Looking into the blue-green water reveals the rusted remains of the hull. This solemn site honors the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives on December 7, 1941.
Step onto the polished wooden decks of the Battleship Missouri, known as the 'Mighty Mo.' You can stand on the exact spot where the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed on September 2, 1945. This massive vessel provides a powerful historical bookend to the global conflict.
Descend into a real World War II submarine that completed nine historic war patrols. Squeezing through the tight, metallic corridors and viewing the compact crew quarters gives you a tactile understanding of daily life inside the 'Silent Service' at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.
View over 50 historic aircraft inside authentic military hangars on Ford Island. The aviation museum retains chilling physical evidence from the December 7 surprise air attack. You can still spot actual bullet holes preserved in the glass windows of Hangar 79.
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Free Cancellation The best time to visit Pearl Harbor is during the summer months when dry, clear weather ensures Navy boat programs to the USS Arizona Memorial operate without wind-related interruptions.
Spring visitors should aim for dry, clear weather periods. Avoiding unpredictable stormy conditions ensures the park remains open and Navy shuttle boats can safely cross the harbor without suspension.
Summer provides optimal dry weather for memorial boat tours. Visiting during major holidays like Independence Day on July 4th, 2026, is highly popular because the $7.00 parking fee is waived.
Autumn requires monitoring the forecast for clear days. Selecting dates with dry weather ensures high winds do not halt the passenger boats, allowing full access to the memorial structures.
Winter brings unpredictable tropical weather and sudden rain showers. High winds during these months frequently halt Navy boats from docking, limiting visitors to shore-side views and causing unexpected closures.
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Programs for the USS Arizona Memorial operate throughout the day, with the first program starting at 8:00 AM and the last boat departing at 3:30 PM. On Independence Day (July 4, 2026), Navy boats run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM every fifteen minutes. The site is closed three days a year: Thanksgiving Day, December 25 (Christmas), and January 1 (New Year's Day).
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Pearl Harbor National Memorial General Admission | Free |
| USS Arizona Memorial Reservation Fee | $1.00 |
| Daily Parking | $7.00 |
| Baggage Storage | $7.00 per bag / $10.00 for oversized bags |
| Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum - Adult (13+) | $25.99 |
| Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum - Child (4-12) | $14.99 |
| Battleship Missouri Memorial - Adult | $39.99 |
| Battleship Missouri Memorial - Child | $19.99 |
| Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum - Adult | $29.99 |
| Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum - Child | $17.99 |
| Passport to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites - Adult | $99.99 |
| Passport to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites - Child | $49.99 |
| Virtual Reality Unlimited Package - Adult | $29.99 |
| Virtual Reality Unlimited Package - Child | $19.99 |
While entry to the visitor center and museums is free, tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial boat ride must be reserved through Recreation.gov and incur a $1.00 non-refundable fee. The primary batch of tickets is released 8 weeks (56 days) in advance, while a smaller batch is released at 3:00 PM HST the day before. The $7.00 parking fee is waived on Independence Day and on December 7th before 10:00 AM.
For complete schedules and ticket prices, visit our Hours & Fees page.
Located just six miles west of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor is highly accessible for visitors traveling from the city center or Waikiki. Transport options include public transit, direct rideshares, and driving via the H-1 West highway.
📍 6 miles west of Honolulu, southern coast of Oʻahu, Hawaii
Visitors traveling from Downtown Honolulu can take TheBus route 20 or route 42. Both routes stop directly at the Arizona Memorial near the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. This public transit system provides a highly affordable way to reach the site. Passengers should plan for a slightly longer commute. The ride generally takes 45 to 50 minutes, depending on local traffic conditions and the number of passenger stops.
Taxis and popular rideshare services like Uber or Lyft provide a fast, direct route from Downtown Honolulu to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. This option is ideal for those wanting to minimize transit time. In light traffic, the drive typically takes just 15 to 20 minutes. Final fares will fluctuate based on your exact pickup location and real-time market demand.
Visitors driving from Waikiki should take the H-1 West highway. Use Exit 15A directed toward the Arizona Memorial and Stadium. Drivers must follow the road signs carefully to avoid accidentally entering the restricted Hickam military base. Upon arriving at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, parking is available in the main lot. The facility charges a daily parking fee of $7.00.
For detailed transport options and routes, visit our Directions page.
Reserve your USS Arizona Memorial tickets on Recreation.gov exactly 56 days in advance to secure a spot and pay the $1.00 fee. If you miss this window, log on at precisely 3:00 PM HST the day before your visit. Walk-up visitors without reservations must use a virtual standby system.
Pearl Harbor enforces a strict no-bag policy for security. Purses, backpacks, and camera bags exceeding 1.25 by 2.25 by 5.5 inches are prohibited. Wearing clothing with secure pockets allows you to carry your phone and wallet while avoiding the $7.00 to $10.00 on-site baggage storage fee.
Bring a light jacket or sweater for the indoor memorial theater, as it stays quite chilly during the 23-minute introductory film. Outside, the tropical Hawaiian sun is intense along the flat, harbor-edge paths. Apply reef-safe sunscreen and carry a non-glass water bottle to stay hydrated.
Standard handheld cameras are welcome throughout most of the park. However, taking photos or videos is strictly banned while crossing the Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island. Violating this rule in the active military zone can result in security questioning or the confiscation of your camera gear.
The visitor center and USS Arizona Memorial feature flat, accessible paths. If you use a rollator, only use it for resting when stationary. Incorrectly using these devices as wheelchairs is the leading cause of traumatic injuries requiring hospitalization at the site. Wheelchairs are not available for rent on-site.
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled program to find a spot and pay the $7.00 daily parking fee. Lock all luggage or valuables securely in your trunk before leaving your vehicle. Despite federal law enforcement and bike patrols, parking lot break-ins still occur.
This massive historic battleship marks the official conclusion of World War II. Visitors can explore the decks and stand on the exact spot where the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed on September 2, 1945.
Located adjacent to the main visitor center, this museum features the USS Bowfin, a real World War II submarine that completed nine historic war patrols. You can descend into the vessel to explore its tight metallic corridors and compact crew quarters.
Housed inside authentic, battle-scarred Ford Island hangars, this museum displays over 50 historic aircraft. You can still see actual bullet holes in the glass windows of Hangar 79, providing a tangible connection to the 1941 attack.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Pearl Harbor — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Entry to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, visitor center, and museums is completely free. However, taking the Navy shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial requires a $1.00 non-refundable reservation fee booked through Recreation.gov.
You should book tickets exactly 8 weeks (56 days) in advance on Recreation.gov to secure your preferred time slot. If you miss this window, a limited batch of last-minute tickets is released at exactly 3:00 PM HST the day before your planned visit.
The site enforces a strict no-bag policy for security reasons. Purses, backpacks, and camera bags are prohibited, though small clutches under 1.25 by 2.25 by 5.5 inches are allowed. You can store restricted items at the on-site baggage facility for $7.00 per standard bag or $10.00 for oversized luggage.
The visitor center is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Programs for the USS Arizona Memorial run throughout the day, with the first boat departing at 8:00 AM and the last at 3:30 PM. The site is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
A short visit covering the Visitor Center and the USS Arizona Memorial takes about 2 to 3 hours. If you plan to explore all four historic sites, including the Battleship Missouri and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, expect the full experience to take 6 to 8 hours.
You can take TheBus route 20 or 42 directly to the Arizona Memorial stop, which costs $3.00 and takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare like Uber or Lyft takes 15 to 20 minutes in light traffic and typically costs between $35.00 and $45.00.
The visitor center, museums, Navy transit boats, and the USS Arizona Memorial feature flat paths and are fully wheelchair accessible. The park does not rent wheelchairs on-site, so you must bring your own or arrange a rental through a third-party company.
While there is no official dress code, visitors must dress respectfully at this solemn site and national cemetery. Swimwear and profanity-laced clothing are strictly prohibited. Active-duty military personnel must wear Class 'B' dress or better, as battle dress uniforms are not allowed on the USS Arizona Memorial.
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