Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Planning FAQs: Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pearl Harbor National Memorial, part of the National Park Service, offers a meaningful connection to the history of World War II in the Pacific, from events leading up to the December 7, 1941 attack to ongoing efforts of peace and reconciliation. It serves as a place of remembrance, honoring those who sacrificed their lives during the Pacific War.

Located near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the Memorial includes the open-air Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, two museums, and the USS Arizona Memorial. Key features also include the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials on Ford Island, shipwrecks, submerged resources, and historic sites like Battleship Row and the Chief Petty Officer Bungalows.

 

 

Learn More about Reservations

Do I need a reservation or ticket to enter the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center? No, reservations and tickets are not required to enter the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, walk the grounds of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, or visit the museums.

Do I need a reservation for the USS Arizona Memorial Program? While not required, reservations for the National Park Service-facilitated USS Arizona Memorial Program are strongly recommended. The program is time- and capacity-limited. Visit our USS Arizona Memorial Program Page for more information and to make reservations via Recreation.gov.

Is a reservation required for the Ford Island Bus Tour? Yes, reservations are required for the National Park Service's Ford Island Bus Tour, which includes stops at the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Are the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, Battleship Missouri, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum part of the National Park Service? No, these are separate and independent sites. Please visit their respective websites for more information on tickets and pricing.

What is the Passport to Pearl Harbor, and do I need it? The Passport to Pearl Harbor, available on Recreation.gov, covers neighboring non-governmental museums that charge their own admission fees. These museums are accessed through the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, which is free to enter. Alternatively, you can purchase individual tickets at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center on the day of your visit to tailor your experience.

Is there a shuttle service to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites? Yes, the Pearl Harbor Historic Site shuttle is free and operates from the Visitor Center.

 

Things to Do at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

There are numerous activities and experiences available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, many of which are free, while some require a fee.

What can I do for free at Pearl Harbor National Memorial?

• Explore the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center grounds, museums, and interpretive displays.
• Participate in the USS Arizona Memorial Program (reservation required, but no fee).
• Take the Ford Island Bus Tour, including visits to the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials (reservation required).

Are there any tours or programs I can reserve?

• USS Arizona Memorial Program: Reserve your spot in advance via Recreation.gov.
• Ford Island Bus Tour: Also requires a reservation, available through Recreation.gov.

What additional paid experiences are available?

• Pacific Historic Parks Pearl Harbor Audio Tour: This self-guided tour includes 27 stops throughout the visitor center, galleries, and USS Arizona Memorial. Narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis, it is available in multiple languages and can be reserved through Recreation.gov or purchased onsite.
• Virtual Reality (VR) Experience: The VR center offers three immersive experiences, including "Walking the Deck of the USS Arizona Before the Attack" and "Witness the Attack on Battleship Row." VR staff are available for assistance.

Are there other sites I can visit? Yes, the Pearl Harbor Historic Site Partners offer additional experiences, though they are not managed by the National Park Service. These include:

• Battleship Missouri Memorial
• Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

For more information on tickets and operating hours, please visit their respective websites. You can purchase tickets for the Audio Tour, VR Experience, Deluxe Tour, or other partner sites on the day of your visit, based on availability and your schedule.

 

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial

How can I plan my visit to the USS Arizona Memorial? To plan your visit, review our USS Arizona Memorial Program Page for details on reservations, scheduling, and other important information.

Are the USS Arizona Memorial programs currently running? Yes, as of January 6, 2022, the National Park Service-facilitated USS Arizona Memorial programs are operational, weather and safety permitting.

Will repairs affect my visit to the USS Arizona Memorial? Efforts are ongoing to monitor the dock repairs and minimize interruptions to the USS Arizona Memorial visits. However, additional repairs may be required and could result in temporary closures on short notice.

 

Visiting the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials

How can I visit the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials on Ford Island?
To visit these memorials, which are located on an active-duty military base, you must reserve a seat on the Ford Island Bus Tour if you do not have an Active-Duty Military ID. This fully guided tour is escorted by National Park Service Rangers in coordination with the US Navy.

Do I need a reservation for the Ford Island Bus Tour?
Yes, reservations are required as this program is time- and capacity-dependent. You can plan your visit by reviewing our Ford Island Bus Tour Page.

Where does the Ford Island Bus Tour depart from?
The tour departs from and returns to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Is the Ford Island Bus Tour currently running?
Yes, as of May 4, 2022, the National Park Service facilitated Ford Island Bus Tours are running, weather and safety permitting.

Could security concerns affect my visit?
Yes, base security concerns may lead to the cancellation of tours on short notice. Every effort will be made to notify the public in a timely manner if cancellations are necessary.

 

Park Film

Is the park film still attached to the USS Arizona Memorial program?
No, the park film is currently unattached from the USS Arizona Memorial program. However, you can still watch the film in the theater on a large flat-screen TV while updates are being made to the projector and audio components.

Is food or drink allowed in the theater?
Only water is permitted in the theater. This policy helps keep the theater clean and in good working condition for the millions of visitors each year.

Can I watch the park film online?
No, due to copyright restrictions, the park film is only available for viewing on-site at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and cannot be shared digitally.

 

Active Duty Military or Veterans

Do military personnel receive special access to Pearl Harbor National Memorial?
No, Pearl Harbor National Memorial is required to provide free, fair, and equal access to all visitors, regardless of military affiliation.

Is a military ID or pass required for making reservations?
No, there is no special field or requirement for Military IDs, National Park Service Military Passes, Veterans Passes, or Access Passes when making reservations.

Do I still need a reservation for the USS Arizona Memorial program?
Yes, reservations are recommended for all visitors, including military personnel, to ensure availability for the USS Arizona Memorial program.

 

Passes and Third-Party Reservations at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Do I need an ID or National Park Service pass for free access to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or the USS Arizona Memorial program? No, entrance to the visitor center and tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial program are already free, so there is no need for an ID or National Park Service pass at Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Can I purchase National Park Service passes at Pearl Harbor National Memorial? No, we do not sell these passes at the site, but you can purchase them online.

Can reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial program be made with third-party vendors like Groupon or Go Oahu cards? No, Pearl Harbor National Memorial only accepts reservations made via Recreation.gov. Groupon and Go Oahu cards are not valid for National Park Service facilitated programs.

What should I do if I purchase a reservation through a third-party booking site? Please read the fine print on any purchase made via third-party booking sites carefully. To secure a reserved program time at the Memorial, it's recommended to use Recreation.gov or be prepared to wait in the standby line for space available seating.

 

Bag Policy and Information

What is the bag policy at Pearl Harbor National Memorial? We enforce a strict no-bag policy for items that offer concealment. This includes purses, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, diaper bags, luggage, etc., exceeding the dimensions of 1.5" x 2.25" x 5.5".

Where can I store my bag while visiting? The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum operates a baggage storage facility near the entrance to the visitor center. There is a fee for storing any size bag, including luggage. You may use the same bag storage and parking stall for visits to all Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.

Are food and beverages allowed at the site? Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted on site, but only water is allowed inside the museums, theaters, on US Navy vessels, and on the USS Arizona Memorial. We encourage you to stay hydrated and follow responsible recreation practices: Pack it in, pack it out.

What should I do if I have a medical condition that requires a bag? If you have a medical condition necessitating a medical bag, please disclose this to security upon arrival. While these bags are still subject to screening, they should only contain medically required items. The final decision rests with the Park Security Rangers, and additional time for bag screenings may be needed.

For more detailed information, please refer to our additional guidelines on the Park Bag Policy.

 

Accessibility and Safety

Is Pearl Harbor National Memorial accessible for visitors with mobility needs? Yes, the site is accessible with mostly flat paths and no hills. Benches are available around the visitor center, and wheelchair locks are present on US Navy-provided vessels that transport visitors to and from the Memorial. However, wheelchairs are not available for rent at the park.

Can I use a rollator at Pearl Harbor National Memorial? Yes, rollators are permitted, but caution is advised. Rollators are the source of the most common traumatic injury requiring hospitalization at the memorial. They are intended as walking aids, not substitutes for wheelchairs. The seat on a rollator is for resting and should not be used for significant weight-bearing while moving or for being pushed. Please ensure that family and friends with mobility needs use these devices safely.

Are motorized mobility devices allowed at the Visitor Center and on the USS Arizona Memorial? Yes, motorized mobility devices are welcome at the Visitor Center, on US Navy vessels, and the USS Arizona Memorial.

Can I bring a stroller to Pearl Harbor National Memorial? Strollers are welcome on-site but are restricted to the USS Arizona Memorial pre-boarding area at the Park Theater. Strollers are not permitted on US Navy vessels or the USS Arizona Memorial. If you have a small child, please plan to bring a baby carrier for these areas.

 

Visting with Children and Infants

Are children of all ages welcome at Pearl Harbor National Memorial? Yes, visitors of all ages are welcome. However, there are specific guidelines for families with small children or infants to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Do infants and children need a ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial program? Yes, due to US Navy and Coast Guard safety regulations concerning boat capacity and life jackets, everyone, including small infants and children, needs a ticket. Tickets can be obtained through Recreation.gov.

Can I bring a stroller or wagon to the site? Strollers and wagons are welcome on the site but are limited to the USS Arizona Memorial pre-boarding area at the Park Theater. They are not permitted on US Navy vessels or the USS Arizona Memorial. It is recommended to bring a baby carrier for these areas.

How can I manage diaper and other care needs given the no bag policy? To accommodate diaper needs and similar necessities while adhering to the strict no bag policy, it is suggested that parents or caregivers use a clear sealable bag for these items. This bag can then be placed in the under-seat storage of the stroller, ensuring the items do not offer concealment, are secured from flying away, and are readily accessible when needed.

 

Food and Beverage Guidelines

What should I know about bringing snacks and water due to the no bag policy? Due to the no bag policy at Pearl Harbor National Memorial, it is recommended to bring snacks and water bottles that can be easily carried. Ensure you pack light and use small, portable containers.

Is there food available for purchase at the site? Yes, there is a small snack shop on-site that offers various snacks and cold beverages.

Are there facilities to refill water bottles? Water fountains are located throughout the park, allowing visitors to use or refill their water bottles.

How should I handle trash and leftovers? In line with the #RecreateResponsibly initiative, visitors are encouraged to pack out everything they bring in. This helps keep Pearl Harbor clean and pristine for all guests.

Can I find other food options nearby? Yes, you can use your preferred internet search engine to search for nearby eateries if you're looking for more substantial meal options.

 

Dress Code

What should I consider regarding dress and behavior at Pearl Harbor National Memorial? Visitors are reminded that the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a site of significant loss and serves as the final resting place for hundreds. It is a space for remembrance and reflection. Appropriate dress and conduct are recommended to honor the solemn nature of the site.

What are the dress requirements for military visitors at the USS Arizona Memorial? Military visitors are subject to military dress regulations as the memorial is within the bounds of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Per COMNAVREG Hawaii Instruction 1020.2N, military visitors in uniform are required to wear Class B attire or better to gain access to the USS Arizona Memorial. Battle dress uniforms are not permitted on the memorial but are allowed throughout the visitor center and on Ford Island. Military visitors may also choose to wear civilian attire.

What should I wear for comfort during my visit? Comfortable footwear is strongly recommended as you will likely be on your feet for extended periods. Additionally, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and applying reef-safe sunscreen are advised to protect against the elements during your visit.

 

Field Trips and Education Visits

Where can I find more information about educational visits and resources? For detailed information on field trips, educational materials, and planning your educational visit to Pearl Harbor National Memorial, please visit our Education Page. You'll find comprehensive resources and guidelines to ensure a valuable experience for students and educators alike.

 

Upcoming Plans for Pearl Harbor Commemorations

When will more information about upcoming plans be available? Plans are currently being finalized. Please check back with us in the fall for updates. Announcements will be made via our website and our social media pages. Stay tuned for the latest information!

 

Lost and Found

Do you have a lost and found service at Pearl Harbor National Memorial? Yes, we do have a lost and found service. If you've lost an item, please fill out the form provided on our website. Include your name, contact email (ensure it is spelled correctly), a description of the item, and the location it was last seen.

What should I do if I lost an item at the Battleship Missouri, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, or the bookstore? For items lost at the Battleship Missouri, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, or the bookstore, please reach out directly to them at [e-mail].