Pearl Harbor National Memorial 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.
Reservations and Standby
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. Visitors without a reservation for the USS Arizona Memorial may sign up for our standby waitlist.
How do I sign up for the standby waitlist?
Visitors may sign up for the standby at the audio tour booth. Simply provide your name, phone number, and the number of people in your party, and you will be sent a text message with your assigned SB Number. When your number is called, come to the park theater, and you will be able to check in and wait for the next available boat. (If you cannot recieve texts, take a picture or write down your SB Number. Please wait at least 30 minutes, then speak with a park ranger at the theater to see if your number has been called).
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:
- Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum – A museum and memorial dedicated to telling the story of submarine warfare in the US Navy, centered around the World War II fleet submarine USS Bowfin SS-287.
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum – Housed in hangers on Ford Island which still bear the scars of December 7th, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum displays a variety of historic aircraft including the wreckage of an A6M fighter that crashed after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the remains of a B5N "Kate" bomber, and the B-17E "Swamp Ghost," currently under restoration.
- Battleship Missouri Memorial – The site where World War II ended on September 2nd, 1945, the Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri is now a museum dedicated to the history of her service and crew from her first commissioning in 1944 to her final retirement in 1991.
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.
How does the standby system work?
Visitors without a reservation, or who missed their reservation time, may still visit the memorial for free through our new Standby Callback system.
Steps to Sign Up:
- Locate the standby signup tablets in front of the Audio Tour booth.
- Using the tablet, input your name, phone number, and the number of people in your party.
- When you sign up, you should recieve a text. It will include an "SB Number," which indicates your group's position in line. This number will also show up on the tablet screen. If you do not recieve a text, please take a picture of this number or write it down for reference.
- When your SB number is called back, you will recieve a second text message. When you recieve this second text message, you may line up in the Standby Callback line at the theater. (If you did not recieve the first text, please wait at least 15-30 minutes before heading to the theater to check your place in line.)
Wait times for Standby can vary. During a busy day, it may take several hours to be called back.
Are USS Arizona Memorial programs currently running?
As of October 10, 2025, USS Arizona Memorial programs are running every 15 minutes from 8 am to 3:30 pm with a lunch break between 12 noon and 1 pm.
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 September 2025, 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.
Can I visit the USS Utah Memorial Virtually? Yes, please visit: USS Utah Memorial 3D Tour.
Park Film
Is the park film still attached to the USS Arizona Memorial program?
No, the park film is currently separate from the USS Arizona Memorial program. It plays on the :15s and :45s of every hour in Theater 1, with the first showing at 7:15 am and the last showing at 4:15 pm.
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.
Do I need to wear a uniform to visit the USS Arizona Memorial?
The US Navy requires those in military uniform to wear Class B or better.
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 to be included in reservations 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, should be included in your reservation. Reservations 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 are 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 Pearlharborstorage@thessagroup.com.
Parking
Parking is available for $7 per day. Visitors can pay via a mobile app or use the on-site kiosk located within the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center complex. Be sure to plan for parking costs when arriving by personal or rented vehicles.
Your Fee Dollars at Work (U.S. National Park Service)
|
