Pearl Harbor is more than a tourist attraction—it's hallowed ground. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor thrust America into World War II. Today, the site honors the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives, including 1,177 sailors entombed aboard the USS Arizona.
A visit to Pearl Harbor is moving, educational, and essential for understanding both Hawaiian and American history. Here's everything you need to plan your visit.
đź“Ť Essential Info
Location: Pearl Harbor, Oahu (20 min from Waikiki)
Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
USS Arizona tickets: Free but reservations required
Time needed: 3-5 hours for full experience
What's at Pearl Harbor?
USS Arizona Memorial (Free)
The centerpiece of any Pearl Harbor visit. The white memorial straddles the sunken battleship, which remains the final resting place for most of its crew. You'll take a Navy boat to the memorial after watching a documentary film. Oil still seeps from the wreckage—called "black tears."
- Tickets: Free but limited; reserve at recreation.gov
- Duration: 75 minutes (film + boat + memorial)
- Note: No bags allowed; storage lockers available ($5)
USS Missouri (Paid)
The "Mighty Mo" is where Japan signed the surrender ending WWII. Walk the same deck where history was made, explore the ship's massive guns, and see the exact spot of the surrender signing. Powerful to stand where MacArthur accepted Japan's surrender.
- Cost: ~$35 adults
- Duration: 1-2 hours
USS Bowfin Submarine (Paid)
Tour a WWII submarine that completed nine war patrols. Climb through the cramped quarters and imagine life aboard during wartime. Includes excellent submarine museum.
Pacific Aviation Museum (Paid)
Located on Ford Island with hangars still showing bullet holes from the attack. Houses WWII aircraft and tells stories of the air battle.
🎖️ Book a Pearl Harbor Tour
Skip the planning—guided tours include transport from Waikiki
View Oahu Tours →DIY vs. Guided Tour
Do It Yourself
- Pros: Cheapest option, go at your own pace
- Cons: Must secure your own tickets (sell out!), arrange transportation, navigate timing
- Best for: Flexible travelers comfortable with logistics
Guided Tour
- Pros: Hotel pickup, guaranteed tickets, expert narration, no stress
- Cons: More expensive, set schedule
- Best for: First-time visitors, those wanting full historical context
Our recommendation: Book a guided tour. Pearl Harbor's emotional weight and historical complexity benefit from expert narration. Tours also handle the challenging logistics of tickets and timing.
Tips for Your Visit
- Book Arizona tickets early: Free tickets release 60 days ahead and sell out fast
- Arrive early: Gates open at 7am; beat the crowds and heat
- No bags allowed: Leave everything in your car or use lockers ($5)
- Dress respectfully: This is a memorial; avoid swimsuits and inappropriate attire
- Allow 4-5 hours: Don't rush this experience
- Bring tissues: The Arizona Memorial is genuinely emotional
What to Expect Emotionally
Pearl Harbor isn't a typical tourist attraction. The documentary film shows actual footage of the attack. Standing above the Arizona, seeing oil still leaking and names of the deceased, is profoundly moving. Many visitors—especially those with military connections—find themselves in tears.
This is appropriate. The site is designed to educate and memorialize, not entertain. Come with respect and an open heart.
Bottom Line
Pearl Harbor is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, and a meaningful experience regardless of your background. The combination of the solemn Arizona Memorial and the triumphant Missouri—surrender site—tells the complete story of America's Pacific war.
Browse Pearl Harbor tours from verified operators.