Six miles west of downtown Honolulu on Oahu's southern coast, this active naval base strictly controls public access. Most independent visitors drive via the H-1 West highway or catch a 20-minute rideshare directly to the $7 daily parking lot.
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, Honolulu, HI
TheBus routes 20 and 42 run directly from Downtown Honolulu to the Arizona Memorial stop. The drop-off point sits right near the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center entrance. Traffic and multiple passenger stops stretch this 6-mile route to 45 or 50 minutes. The transit system charges a $3.00 fare. Visitors carrying bags larger than 1.25 by 2.25 by 5.5 inches must store them at the baggage facility for $7.00 to $10.00 before entering the site. Pay the storage fee to avoid being turned away at the security gates.
Uber, Lyft, and local taxis provide a fast, direct route to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. The 6-mile drive from Downtown Honolulu takes 15 to 20 minutes in light traffic. Fares range between $35.00 and $45.00. Expect these prices to fluctuate based on your exact pickup location and real-time demand. Private tours offer an alternative for elderly visitors, providing hotel pickups that minimize walking distances from parking lots. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled USS Arizona Memorial program to clear security screening.
Drivers heading from Waikiki take the H-1 West highway for 8 miles. Take Exit 15A toward the Arizona Memorial/Stadium. Watch the road signs closely to avoid accidentally entering the secure Hickam military base. Park in the visitor center lot and pay the $7.00 daily fee via a mobile app or credit card. Lock all items securely in your trunk, as the National Park Service is not responsible for items stolen from locked vehicles. The park waives the parking fee on Independence Day and before 10:00 AM on December 7th.
Independent visitors cannot drive themselves to the Battleship Missouri or the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. You must board the free Ford Island shuttle at the visitor center. The bus crosses the Admiral Clarey Bridge into an active military zone. Security regulations strictly ban photography during this bridge transit. Violating this rule can result in military personnel confiscating your camera gear or questioning you. The 10 to 15-minute shuttle ride drops passengers directly at the historic hangars and the battleship surrender deck. Strollers are not permitted on these transit vehicles.
Visitors board a U.S. Navy-operated shuttle boat to reach the white memorial structure suspended over the sunken battleship hull. Programs start at 8:00 AM, with the last boat departing at 3:30 PM. The vessel features wheelchair locks to secure passengers during the harbor crossing. High winds or unpredictable tropical winter storms can halt these passenger boats from docking, limiting visitors to shore-side views. Tickets require a $1.00 non-refundable reservation fee on Recreation.gov. Strollers are strictly prohibited on these vessels, requiring parents to bring a baby carrier.
Park directly at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for $7.00 a day, payable by credit card or mobile app. Taxis and rideshares drop passengers right at the main entrance, which connects to flat, fully wheelchair-accessible grounds. Vehicle break-ins occur in these monitored lots, so lock valuables in the trunk or use the $7.00 on-site baggage storage.
| From | Mode | Time | Cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Honolulu | Bus | 45-50 minutes | $3.00 | Take route 20 or 42 directly to the Arizona Memorial stop. |
| Downtown Honolulu | Taxi or Rideshare | 15-20 minutes | $35.00 - $45.00 | Fares fluctuate based on your exact pickup location and real-time demand. |
| Waikiki | Car | 45 minutes | $7.00 | Take H-1 West to Exit 15A and follow signs carefully to avoid accidentally entering the Hickam military base. |
Secure USS Arizona Memorial tickets on Recreation.gov exactly eight weeks in advance. If you miss this 56-day window, log on at 3:00 PM HST the day before your visit to grab a limited last-minute ticket. Walk-up visitors without reservations must register virtually using their cell phones at the standby desk.
Pearl Harbor enforces a strict no-bag policy for anything larger than 1.25 by 2.25 by 5.5 inches. Wear clothing with secure pockets to carry your phone and wallet. Otherwise, expect to pay the $7.00 to $10.00 fee at the on-site baggage storage facility.
Drivers taking the H-1 West highway must use Exit 15A toward the Arizona Memorial and Stadium. Follow the road signs carefully to avoid accidentally entering the active Hickam military base. Independent visitors cannot drive to Ford Island without official security clearance and must use the free shuttle.
Park gates open at 7:00 AM. Show up 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled boat tour to allow time for security screening and finding a spot. Parking costs $7.00 daily via mobile app, though the fee drops to zero on Independence Day or before 10:00 AM on December 7th.
High winds and sudden tropical showers frequently halt Navy passenger boats from docking at the memorial. Check the official National Park Service website or social media channels for real-time suspension updates before leaving your hotel. Pack a light jacket to stay comfortable during the 23-minute chilly indoor theater documentary.
Take TheBus route 20 or 42 from Downtown Honolulu directly to the Arizona Memorial stop. The fare costs $3.00. Expect the ride to take 45 to 50 minutes depending on traffic and scheduled stops.
Take the H-1 West highway for 8 miles and use Exit 15A toward the Arizona Memorial/Stadium. Follow the signs closely to avoid accidentally exiting into the active Hickam military base. The trip takes about 45 minutes.
Daily parking costs $7.00 at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. You must pay using a mobile app or credit card. Federal law enforcement monitors the lots, but vehicle break-ins still occur, so lock all valuables in your trunk.
Fares range from $35.00 to $45.00 for the 6-mile trip. The drive takes 15 to 20 minutes in light traffic. Prices fluctuate based on your exact pickup location and real-time demand.
No, driving across the Admiral Clarey Bridge requires official military security clearance for the vehicle and all passengers. Independent visitors must park at the visitor center and take the free Ford Island shuttle. Do not attempt to photograph the active military zone while crossing the bridge.
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your USS Arizona Memorial program begins. This leaves enough time to park and pass through the strict security screening. The visitor center gates open at 7:00 AM.
No bags exceeding 1.25 by 2.25 by 5.5 inches are allowed past the entrance gates. You must leave larger items in your trunk or use the on-site baggage storage facility. Storage costs $7.00 per standard bag and $10.00 for oversized luggage.
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