Plan your visit

Plan your Visit

The memorial is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Give yourself at least three hours to view the museums and take the boat ride.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818

GPS 21.3676, -157.9389

Open directions

Getting there

Drive 45 minutes from Waikiki or book a tour.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive from Waikiki via H-1 West, taking exit 15A to HI-99 (Kamehameha Highway), then turn left onto Arizona Memorial Place. Avoid the Hickam AFB exit.	45 minutes from Waikiki	$7 per day for parking	Follow GPS coordinates strictly to the Visitor Center to avoid accidentally driving onto the active Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Bus: Public transit (TheBus) runs routes from Waikiki and downtown Honolulu directly to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.	60 to 90 minutes	$3 per ride	An affordable option if you aren't renting a car, though transit times are much longer than driving.
Tour: Book a guided excursion that includes round-trip narrated transportation from Waikiki hotels, often bundled with tickets to other historic sites.	Half-day or full-day		Convenient as tour operators handle the driving, parking logistics, and often secure the difficult-to-get boat tickets.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

Arrive early in the morning to find easier parking and cooler temperatures. The best months to visit are the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to November. The site closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

What to bring

Government-issued ID
Printed or digital reservation tickets from Recreation.gov
Credit card or smartphone (for the $7 parking fee payment via QR code)
Clear plastic bag for carrying small essentials
Camera (must be carried by hand or on a strap; no camera bags)
Light jacket or sweater (theaters and boat rides can be breezy/cool)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
Clear water in a tempered glass or plastic bottle

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Bags that conceal items are strictly prohibited.

Bring only a clear plastic bag for your essentials.

How the day runs

Structured timelines for your visit.

A typical morning timeline covering the main free sites and the boat ride.

7:30 AM
Depart Waikiki
Drive H-1 West or take your tour shuttle to the site.
8:15 AM
Arrival and Security
Pay the $7 parking fee and pass through the no-bag security check.
8:30 AM
Museum Galleries
Spend an hour reading personal accounts in the two exhibit halls.
9:30 AM
USS Arizona Memorial
Watch the 23-minute film, then take the 45-minute boat program.
10:45 AM
Remembrance Circle
Walk the waterfront exhibits before returning to your vehicle.

Navigating the Strict Bag Policy

The memorial enforces a strict no-bag policy for security. You cannot bring purses, backpacks, fanny packs, or diaper bags exceeding 1.25 by 2.25 by 5.5 inches. Medical items are allowed but must be stored in a clear bag and declared to security. You can carry a camera on a strap, but camera bags are banned. Read more in our Bag Policy guide.

Getting to the Memorial

Driving is the fastest independent method. Take H-1 West to exit 15A and turn left onto Arizona Memorial Place. Follow GPS coordinates to the visitor center exactly to avoid driving onto the active military base. Parking costs $7 per day. Alternatively, taking a guided tour removes the stress of parking and secures your hard-to-get boat tickets. Read our guide on Travel from Waikiki for detailed transit options.

Easiest way to do it

Aerial view of the USS Arizona Memorial above the sunken battleship

Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial Tour from Waikiki

4 h 4.5 (6,291)

Boat ride to USS Arizona Memorial
Tour duration will be 4 to 5 hours including travel time.
Convenient Pickup/Dropoff from Waikiki Hotels
In-Person Briefing at Pearl Harbor Visitor's Center

From$55per person

Viator$55 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

What are the best days to visit Pearl Harbor?

Weekdays generally see slightly fewer local crowds than weekends. Arrive as close to the 7:00 AM opening time as possible, regardless of the day.

Is there a dress code for visiting the USS Arizona Memorial?

Yes. Proper attire is required. You must wear shirts and footwear at all times. Swimwear is prohibited. The site is an active cemetery, so dress respectfully.

How much is parking at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center?

Parking costs $7 per day. You can pay this fee using a mobile app or by scanning an onsite QR code with your smartphone.