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What to Expect in Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, called Pu'uloa by the Hawaiians, meaning “long hill,” or Wai Momi, literally “pearl water,” is the largest natural harbor in Hawaii and one of the most popular attractions on Oahu. It was named for the abundance of pearls once found in its protected waters.
The United States received exclusive use of the harbor in 1887. After Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1898, harbor construction began, and it developed into a military base. Pearl Harbor became globally known after the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, which killed over 2,400 Americans and injured more than 1,000. This attack led the U.S. to actively enter World War II.
Today, Pearl Harbor remains an active military base but also serves as a museum, memorial, and final resting place for many fallen soldiers. The site educates the public and honors the victims of the attack.
- Tip: Since Pearl Harbor is an active U.S. Navy base, bags are not allowed. You can store them at the Visitor Center for about 7 USD.
Pearl Harbor includes historic parks and four memorials. It’s best to plan your visit in advance, as there’s a lot to see and experience, and it’s an emotional place. To make the most of your visit, book tickets ahead to avoid long waits.
Start with the USS Arizona Memorial Tour and the exhibitions “Road to War” and “Attack.” Then take the boat to the memorial above the USS Arizona, where the names of the fallen are engraved on a large marble wall. This part takes about 90 minutes.
Next, visit the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum. You can tour the inside of the submarine and learn about life aboard. If you’re uncomfortable in tight spaces, admire it from the shore instead.
Then head to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Hangar 79 still bears bullet holes from the attack. Originally used for aircraft maintenance, today it houses modern jets, historic helicopters, and rare World War II planes.
Finally, visit the USS Missouri, where Japan officially surrendered in September 1945. You can tour the interior as well, and it’s impressive how massive and fully equipped the ship is.
- Discover: Discover more destinations and tour reports in our ultimate Oahu itinerary
Pearl Harbor in Action
Location on the Map
Experience History: Pearl Harbor Guided Tour
Our Honest Review & Rating
Despite its historical gravity, Pearl Harbor offers a relaxed and sincere atmosphere. The past cannot be changed, but here you can reflect and honor those who fell. With so much to see, plan a full day for your visit.
In case of rain, just bring a raincoat or umbrella, as most attractions are indoors. Some areas are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, but the interiors of ships and submarines are not.
Weather Independent
Spontaneous Booking
For all Fitness Levels
Accessibility
Tour Options, Duration & Cost
Organized Tour
Duration: There are many fantastic organized tours. The best part is that you always have someone exclusive by your side to ask. Tours that visit all of Pearl Harbor in small groups last around 10 hours.
Cost: Most Pearl Harbor tours that visit all the historic sites cost around 190 dollars.
Discover Pearl Harbor: Full-Day Historic Adventure
Self-Organized Tour
Duration: Plan to visit all historic sites at least 6 hours, more like 7 to 8 hours.
Cost: A ticket for all areas costs about 100 US-Dollar.
- Important: Admission to the Arizona Memorial is free, but you must reserve in advance.
Is Pearl Harbor Worth It?
For us, a visit to Pearl Harbor is not just worth it – it's an essential, non-negotiable part of any trip to Oahu. It is a place of profound historical significance, and visiting is a deeply moving and humbling experience that gives you a powerful perspective on world history.
Here’s our take on why a visit to Pearl Harbor is a must-do:
- Everyone Visiting Oahu: This is one of the most important historical sites in the United States. It's a place to learn, reflect, and pay tribute to the thousands of lives that were changed forever on December 7, 1941.
- History Buffs: You will be completely immersed. The experience is spread across four unique sites – the solemn USS Arizona Memorial, the mighty Battleship Missouri, the fascinating Aviation Museum, and the historic USS Bowfin Submarine. Each tells a different chapter of the story.
- Families with Older Children and Teens: Visiting Pearl Harbor is an invaluable educational experience. It brings history out of the textbooks and makes it real. The museums are engaging and do an excellent job of telling the human stories behind the event.
On the other hand, it's hard to find a reason not to go, but keep in mind:
- It requires a full day and advance planning. To see all four sites properly, you need to dedicate at least 6-8 hours. Also, the free USS Arizona Memorial program requires advance online reservations that are snapped up weeks, if not months, in advance.
- It is an emotionally heavy experience. The atmosphere is somber and respectful, especially at the USS Arizona Memorial, which is a gravesite. It's important to prepare for the emotional weight of the visit.
Our Final Word:
You absolutely must go. It is a powerful, educational, and unforgettable experience that provides crucial context to the island and its place in history. Plan your day, book your tickets in advance, and prepare for a day that will stay with you forever.
Where to Stay Near Pearl Harbor? - Book Your Accommodation in Oahu
How to Get to Pearl Harbor
With an Organized Tour
An organized tour is perfect for your visit to Pearl Harbor because you don't have to worry about anything organizational, and you can fully concentrate and get involved in the day. You can ask any of your questions directly and have an experienced tour guide who will be happy to answer everything.
On Your Own (Self-Organized)
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open from 7 am to 5 pm. If you're traveling by car, make sure to use this as your address: Pearl Harbor National Memorial, 1 Arizona Memorial Place. Otherwise, you'll end up at the active military base. You can also get there by bus; you can find out which line and time is best for you here: thebus
- Find the Best Price: Renting a car gives you total freedom on Oahu. Use our comparison tool to instantly find the cheapest rate available. Compare car rental prices and save.
What to Pack & Prepare
Pearl Harbor: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get tickets for all the different sites at Pearl Harbor?
It's important to know that each of the four main historic sites has its own ticket. The most crucial one to plan for is the USS Arizona Memorial. While the program is free, a reservation is mandatory and must be made online at Recreation.gov. These spots are released 8 weeks in advance and sell out extremely fast, so book early!
For the other three sites – the Battleship Missouri, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum – you can buy tickets individually or purchase a bundled “Passport to Pearl Harbor” ticket, which is often the most convenient option if you plan to see everything.
How much time do I really need to see all of Pearl Harbor?
To do justice to all four historic sites without feeling rushed, you should dedicate a full day to your visit. A realistic timeframe is between 6 and 8 hours. This allows you to participate in the 75-minute USS Arizona Memorial program, spend a couple of hours exploring the massive Battleship Missouri, and allocate at least 1.5-2 hours each for the Aviation Museum and the USS Bowfin Submarine. It's an emotional and dense historical experience, and giving yourself ample time is key.
What is the bag policy? I've heard it's very strict.
Yes, the security policy is very strict, and this is the most important rule to know before you go. You are not allowed to bring any bags into the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. This includes purses, backpacks, camera bags, fanny packs, and any other type of bag that can conceal items.
You are permitted to carry your phone, wallet, and camera (without a bag). There is a secure bag storage facility located near the entrance where you can check your belongings for a fee (usually around $7 per bag). Plan for this to avoid any delays or having to walk back to your car.
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