What Pearl Harbor National Memorial Is and How to Get There

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a U.S. National Park Service site on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, that honors those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The memorial sits above the USS Arizona, a battleship that sank during the attack with over 1,100 sailors still aboard. Visiting is free, but you will need to plan ahead because the site has daily visitor limits and requires advance reservations.

The memorial is located at 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, about 9 miles west of downtown Honolulu. You can reach it by rental car, taxi, or public bus (TheBus routes 20 and 42 serve the area). Parking is available on-site for a fee, or you can use nearby paid lots. The visitor center is where you check in and receive your entry ticket before boarding the shuttle boat to the memorial structure itself.

Because the National Park Service limits daily visitors to protect the site and manage crowds, you must reserve your free ticket in advance through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Walk-up tickets are sometimes available on the day of your visit, but this is not may provide, especially during peak tourist seasons (December through March and summer months). Reservations open 60 days ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Pearl Harbor National Memorial is free to visit but requires a reserved ticket obtained through recreation.gov or by phone at least a few days in advance.
  • The site is located 9 miles west of Honolulu and is accessible by rental car, taxi, or public bus; parking costs extra.
  • You will pass through a security screening similar to airport security, so arrive at least 15 minutes before your reserved time slot.
  • The visit includes a documentary film at the visitor center and a boat ride to the memorial structure above the USS Arizona wreck.
  • The entire experience typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours from arrival to departure.

Making Your Reservation and Checking In

To reserve your ticket, visit recreation.gov and search for "Pearl Harbor National Memorial." Select your preferred date and time slot. Slots are released in batches and fill quickly during busy seasons, so check early in the morning when new slots open. You will receive a confirmation email with a QR code; save this or print it because you will need to show it at the visitor center.

Arrive at the visitor center at least 15 minutes before your reserved time. You will go through a security checkpoint similar to airport screening—no weapons, large bags, or certain items are permitted. The National Park Service maintains a full list of prohibited items on its website. Once you clear security, you can enter the visitor center, which has restrooms, a small bookstore, and a snack bar.

If you did not reserve in advance, you can try for a walk-up ticket at the visitor center ticket window. These are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be available, particularly during peak hours (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). If walk-up tickets are sold out, you can return another day or check the recreation.gov website for cancellations, which sometimes open up same-day slots.

The Visitor Center and Documentary Film

After you check in, you will watch a 23-minute documentary film in the visitor center theater. This film provides historical context about the attack, the ships involved, and the people who were there. It is shown continuously throughout the day in the theater, and your reserved time slot determines when you watch it. The film is in English, though the National Park Service sometimes offers showings in other languages—check ahead if you need this.

The visitor center also has exhibits about the attack and the memorial itself. You can spend as much time as you want here before or after your film, though your boat departure time is fixed. The bookstore sells books, documentaries, and educational materials about Pearl Harbor and World War II. A small café offers drinks and snacks, though prices are higher than off-site options.

The Boat Ride and Memorial Structure

After your film, you will board a Navy shuttle boat that takes you out to the memorial structure. The boat ride is about 5 minutes each way. The memorial itself is a white concrete structure built over the USS Arizona wreck, designed so you can see into the water below. The ship remains a war grave; over 1,100 sailors and Marines are still entombed inside.

You will have roughly 15 to 20 minutes on the memorial structure. During this time, you can walk around, read the plaques and inscriptions, and observe the oil that still seeps from the ship's fuel tanks—a visible reminder of the wreck below. The National Park Service asks visitors to be respectful and quiet out of honor for those who died. Photography is permitted, but flash photography is discouraged.

The boat returns you to the visitor center. From there, you are free to leave or spend more time in the exhibits and bookstore. The entire visit, from arrival to departure, usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

What to Bring and What to Wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes because you will be on your feet for much of the visit, including standing in line, walking through the visitor center, and standing on the memorial structure. The boat ride is short but can be choppy, so if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before you arrive. Sunscreen and a hat are essential because there is limited shade on the memorial structure and the sun reflects off the water.

Bring a light jacket or sweater even though Hawaii is warm, because the boat ride and time on the water can feel cool. A small backpack or crossbody bag is fine, but large bags, luggage, and backpacks larger than a standard school backpack are not permitted through security. Leave valuables in your hotel or car. The visitor center has no bag storage, so plan accordingly.

Bring water and snacks if you prefer, though the visitor center café has these available at higher prices. The site has restrooms in the visitor center, so use them before you board the boat.

Visiting During Different Seasons and Times of Day

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is open year-round, seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (hours may vary seasonally, so check ahead). The busiest times are December through March and June through August. If you can visit during shoulder seasons—April, May, September, or October—you may find shorter lines and easier parking. Weekday visits are typically less crowded than weekends.

Early morning slots (7 to 9 a.m.) tend to be less crowded and offer better weather and lighting for photographs. Afternoon slots can be hot and may have afternoon rain showers, which are common in Hawaii. The memorial is outdoors and exposed, so weather affects your comfort level. Check the forecast before your visit and dress accordingly.

Nearby Sites and Extended Visits

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is one of several historical sites in the area. The USS Missouri, a battleship that hosted the Japanese surrender ceremony in 1945, is docked nearby and offers separate tours. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park is also close by. If you are interested in World War II history, you can spend a full day visiting multiple sites. Each requires separate tickets and reservations.

The visitor center bookstore and the National Park Service website have information about these other sites. Many visitors combine Pearl Harbor with a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial and then explore other Oahu attractions like Diamond Head or the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reserve a ticket in advance, or can I just show up?

Reservations are strongly recommended and are required during peak seasons. You can try for a walk-up ticket at the visitor center, but these are not may provide and often sell out by mid-morning. Reserving through recreation.gov ensures you have a spot.

Is there a cost to visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial?

No, entry to the memorial and the boat ride are free. Parking on-site costs a few dollars, and the visitor center café and bookstore charge for food and merchandise, but the core visit is free.

Can I bring my children to the memorial?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome. The boat ride is short and generally safe for families. Young children may find the documentary film long, so consider their attention span. Strollers are not permitted on the boat, so plan for carrying small children or having them walk.

What if the weather is bad on my reserved day?

The memorial is outdoors, and the boat ride may be cancelled in severe weather or high seas. If this happens, you can reschedule your reservation through recreation.gov for another day at no cost. Check the weather forecast before your visit and have a backup date in mind.

How long does the entire visit take?

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours from arrival to departure. This includes security screening, the documentary film, the boat ride, and time on the memorial structure. If you spend extra time in the visitor center exhibits or bookstore, it can take longer.