Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pearl Harbor is made up of both the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which includes the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Utah, and USS Oklahoma, as well as the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, including the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (formerly the Pacific Aviation Museum). Most tours include just a selection of the many sites; others combine some Pearl Harbor sites with stops at other attractions on Oahu.

• Pearl Harbor Memorial sites can be very crowded; book your ticket or tour in advance and opt for skip-the-line entry.

• The various memorials each require their own admissions passes; choose a tour or a combination ticket that includes your preferred sites.

• Pearl Harbor is still an active naval base, and visitors are subject to security measures.

• The Pearl Harbor Memorial is wheelchair accessible.

• There is free on-site parking.

Pearl Harbor is located on Oahu's south coast, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) northwest of Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. To reach the memorial from downtown, take HI-99 west to Arizona Memorial Pl. Shuttles are also available from Honolulu and Waikiki, and some tours provide transportation from other islands.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from morning to early evening except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The memorials keep separate hours but are generally open from morning until early evening. Pearl Harbor is popular all year, but the busiest seasons are during spring break and summer and winter holidays. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and leave plenty of time to see the various sites.

The site of the largest number of casualties (1,177 crewmen), the USS Arizona Memorial is the best-known site in Pearl Harbor. The white structure floats over the site of the sunken battleship and is a place of quiet reflection. Tours start at the visitor center, where you’ll watch a film before boarding a shuttle boat to the memorial. Tickets are free but required, as the number of guests allowed in the memorial each day is strictly limited.

The best way to experience the Pearl Harbor Memorial is by visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Reserve tickets in advance to ensure entry, arrive early, and take the guided tour for in-depth insights. Exploring the museums and exhibits adds context to the historical significance of the site.

Yes. Visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial independently allows you to explore at your own pace. It's free to visit and wander around the visitor center, so take your time to learn the site’s history through the exhibits and memorial theater.

Plan for an hour or two to see the main exhibits and pay your respects at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. However, if you also plan to add a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, and other memorials, then you'll want to allow a full day.

No, there's no official dress code, but the site is a memorial—a place of solemnity and reflection. It's only fitting that you dress in a manner that reflects the gravity of the occasion, so choosing attire that's modest and respectful is appreciated.

Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to be less crowded at the Pearl Harbor Memorial. Arriving early in the morning enhances your chances of securing tickets and experiencing the site with fewer visitors. Visiting on December 7—the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor—is an extra poignant way to experience the attraction.

Yes, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is an accessible site. With no hills or steep stairs, the entire area is welcoming to those with limited mobility. There are also wheelchair locks on the boats that transfer visitors back and forth to the memorial.