Pearl Harbor National Memorial (USS Arizona)
Known forpearl harboruss arizonaworld war iiwwii history
The memorial over the sunken USS Arizona, where over 900 sailors still rest — the most moving few hours on Oahu, and entry is free. The catch is logistics: boat-program tickets on recreation.gov (a $1 fee) release 8 weeks out at 3pm HST and vanish fast, with a small next-day batch. No bags allowed inside.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 07:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | TheBus routes 20 and 42 from Waikiki (about 60-75 min) stop at the visitor center; free on-site parking |
| Time needed | Half a day; the Arizona boat program itself is about 45 minutes |
| Best time to go | First programs from 8am — book the earliest slot you can get and see the museums after |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value9.5
- Iconic8.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is the USS Arizona Memorial appropriate for kids?
- Yes, and it's a powerful history lesson — but it's a solemn place over an active war grave, so brief kids on quiet behavior. The films and museums are well done for older children.
- How long should I plan for Pearl Harbor?
- Half a day minimum: arrive an hour before your boat time as required, do the 45-minute Arizona program, then give the two museums and waterfront exhibits another 1-2 hours. Add a full day if you're doing the Missouri and Aviation Museum too.
- How do I get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki without a car?
- TheBus routes 20 or 42 run from Waikiki, about 60-75 minutes each way ($3 with a HOLO card). Driving takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic and parking is free — just remember the no-bags rule works in your favor with a trunk.
- Is Pearl Harbor free to visit?
- Yes — the Pearl Harbor National Memorial visitor center, its museums, and the Arizona boat program are free (just the $1 recreation.gov fee per boat ticket). The separate attractions — USS Missouri, USS Bowfin submarine, and the Aviation Museum — charge their own admission.
- How do I get USS Arizona Memorial tickets?
- Reserve on recreation.gov — tickets are free plus a $1 service fee, released 56 days ahead at 3pm Hawaii time, with a small next-day batch also at 3pm HST the day before. Every person needs a ticket regardless of age, and slots go quickly in peak season.
- What are Pearl Harbor's hours?
- The visitor center is open daily 7am to 5pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Arizona boat programs run through the day, first at 8am and last boat around 3:30pm.
- What if Arizona tickets are sold out?
- Try the next-day release at 3pm HST the day before, or show up early and ask about standby — the park sometimes accommodates walk-ins as space allows. Even without the boat, the free shoreside museums and exhibits are genuinely worth the trip.
- What's the bag policy at Pearl Harbor?
- Strict: no purses, backpacks, camera bags, or anything that conceals — cameras and phones are fine. There's paid bag storage at the entrance, but easiest is to leave bags in your car or hotel.
Nearby in Ask Honolulu
- Pearl Harbor National MemorialMuseum0.07 km · 1 min walk
- Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & MarketplaceMarket1.06 km · 13 min walk
- USS Arizona MemorialAttraction1.16 km · 14 min walk
- Battleship Missouri MemorialAttraction1.59 km · 20 min walk
- Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl HarborMuseum2.5 km · 31 min walk
Where to stay near Pearl Harbor National Memorial (USS Arizona)
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