Pearl Harbor is a memorial that tells the story of World War II.
Its official name is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
As a site of immense importance in world history, it’s also known as one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing countless visitors.
Since its operating costs are covered by U.S. taxes, admission to the site and the USS Arizona Memorial program are free!
However, there are also paid attractions, including the USS Bowfin Submarine, the Battleship Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Each site can take one to two hours to explore, so it’s best to plan a full day for your visit!
The Four Main Sites at Pearl Harbor
There are four must-see sites at Pearl Harbor!
If you have enough time, we highly recommend visiting all of them.
USS Arizona Memorial (National Historic Landmark)
The USS Arizona Memorial is the most popular site at Pearl Harbor and is visited by nearly everyone who comes here.
The memorial was built crossing over the hull of the sunken battleship USS Arizona.
Even today, more than 80 years later, oil sometimes still leaks from the hull. Known as the “tears of the Arizona” or “black tears,” it is seen as a symbol of peace, so you’re lucky if you get to see it!
Tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial are extremely popular, and same-day tickets run out quickly in the morning.
Therefore, it’s now common to reserve tickets online in advance through the official website.
The USS Arizona Memorial program, including a film screening, lasts about 75 minutes.
Take your time to reflect on history as you tour the memorial.
USS Bowfin Submarine
The USS Bowfin is a submarine that was actually used during the war.
It has a very long and narrow structure, and you can see what life was like on board, as well as the specialized machinery inside.
It has the shortest tour time of the Pearl Harbor sites, taking about 45 minutes, making it a great option for those with limited time.
For this reason, a visit is often combined with the nearby Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.
If you want a quick visit before heading elsewhere, touring just the Bowfin and its surrounding facilities is a good choice!
Battleship Missouri
The Battleship Missouri is a vessel that was active during the war.
For fans of history or military stories, its appearance, straight out of a comic book or movie, is truly captivating!
You can explore every corner of this massive ship, from its imposing cannons to its vast interior.
There are guided tours available, including some in Japanese that last about 30 minutes, or you can rent an audio guide to explore freely at your own pace.
A little-known fact is that the Battleship Missouri is where the surrender ceremony that ended World War II took place. The exact spot on the deck where the Instrument of Surrender was signed is still preserved.
If you visit before 9 a.m. when it’s less crowded, you can even stand on the spot for a photo!
As it’s a huge battleship, the estimated tour time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum displays numerous fighter planes, including a Japanese Zero fighter.
You’ll find many aircraft you’ve likely never seen before, and their sheer presence is sure to be awe-inspiring!
Seeing these planes, built long before I was born, makes me feel truly fortunate to live in a time of peace.
This museum is also quite large, so the estimated tour time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
While visiting Pearl Harbor in the early morning is pleasant with calm winds and fewer crowds, the afternoon brings strong sun and wind. A good strategy is to save the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum for the latter part of your day!
Pearl Harbor is a Great Rainy Day Activity
Many people wonder what to do in Hawaii when it rains.
If you find yourself in that situation, Pearl Harbor might be the perfect solution!
Most of the sites can be enjoyed even in the rain, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, in particular, is an excellent indoor museum for families.
It features attractions that kids will love, like a flight simulator, ensuring that adults can have a great time too.
There are also ticket packages that offer about a 20% discount for visiting multiple sites, so spending a full rainy day at Pearl Harbor is a fantastic option!
Baggage Rules at Pearl Harbor
For security reasons, bags are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor.
If you bring a bag, you will have to check it at the storage facility near the entrance.
There is a fee for the storage service, and lines can be long, so it’s best to bring as little as possible!
Wallets, cameras, and water bottles are permitted, so wearing clothing with pockets and going hands-free might be the best approach.
Pearl Harbor General Information
| Name | Pearl Harbor National Memorial |
| Address | 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission | Free (admission fees apply to sites other than the USS Arizona Memorial) |
| Estimated Time | 30 minutes and up |
| Closed | Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (paid) |
| Website | Official Website |
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