Permits and Reservations

Reservations and Fees Details

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is free to the public and does not require reservations. Visitors are welcome to explore the museums, temporary exhibits, and watch the park film. Please note that the park film and the USS Arizona Memorial program are currently not linked. For more information, visit the FAQs page.

USS Arizona Memorial Program

The USS Arizona Memorial program is free, but reservations are recommended due to the high volume of visitors.

Ford Island Bus Tour

The Ford Island Bus Tour is currently free; however, reservations are required.

 

Permits at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Special Events, Ceremonies, and Performances

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center provides a meaningful space for visitors to connect with both national and personal histories of World War II in the Pacific. Special events at the memorial, such as ceremonies and performances, require a Special Use Permit (SUP). These events must align with the memorial’s purpose as a place of remembrance and contemplation of the nature of war and the sacrifices made during the Pacific War.

Events authorized through a permit must meet the following criteria:

• The activity will not impair park resources or visitor enjoyment.
• There is a meaningful association between the park and the event.
• The event enhances visitor understanding of the park’s significance.

To apply for a permit

1. Download and complete the Special Use Permit Application
   Then Email the Completed Form
2. Processing Time
   • Please allow at least five business days for processing.
   • Only fully completed applications will be considered.

For more information on obtaining commercial use authorizations or special permits, please visit our Do Business With Us page.

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Filming at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Commercial filming at Pearl Harbor National Memorial is regulated under 54 U.S.C. 100905 and 43 CFR Part 5 and 36 CFR 5.5. A permit is required for any commercial filming, such as feature films, documentaries, and advertisements.

Conditions for Filming Permits:

• Filming must not damage park resources or interfere with public use and enjoyment of the site.
• Filming within areas like the USS Arizona, USS Utah, and USS Oklahoma Memorials is restricted to ensure the dignity and respect owed to those who lost their lives.

How to Apply:

1. Download and fill out the NPS Form 10-930.

2. Submit Insurance
   Include a copy of your Certificate of Insurance naming the United States Government as an additional insured.

3. Applications must be submitted at least 10 business days prior to filming.
   Email Application

Application Forms:

• For non-commercial filming, use NPS Form 10-930
• For commercial filming and still photography, use NPS Form 10-932.

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Underwater Photography Guidelines for the USS Arizona and USS Utah

Underwater photography of the wrecks of the USS Arizona and USS Utah is exclusively conducted by the National Park Service (NPS). These wrecks are sacred resting places for service members who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This restriction honors the solemn nature of these sites and aids in their preservation. Below are the key guidelines that permit applicants must acknowledge:

• NPS-Exclusive Photography

  • Only the NPS is authorized to conduct underwater photography of the USS Arizona and USS Utah. Commercial and individual photography is not permitted.

• Access to NPS Imagery

  • Permit applicants may request access to existing underwater video footage or still images of the USS Arizona and/or USS Utah through the NPS film application process.
  • The NPS will provide details on what imagery or footage is available.

• Support for New Footage

  • If the available imagery does not meet the needs of the permit applicant, they may choose to cover all government costs associated with acquiring new video footage or still images. The NPS will conduct the photography.

• Ownership of Imagery

  • All existing or newly acquired footage or imagery remains the property of the U.S. Federal Government.
  • The government retains full rights to use, reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the footage or images, and may allow others to do so as well.

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First Amendment Events

Designated areas within the memorial are available for individuals or groups who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights. These areas ensure that such activities do not interfere with other visitors or park operations. For more information on First Amendment events, please contact the park’s administration.

For more information, see this document about First Amendment areas.

For further inquiries or to submit permit applications:
Email the Commercial Services Office