In short
- April, May, September, October, and November have the lowest crowds.
- Arrive early in the morning when the gates open at 7:00 AM.
- The memorial sees up to 1.8 million visitors a year.
In this article
Pearl Harbor is the most visited site in Hawaii. Planning your arrival time makes a big difference. Long standby lines form quickly for the USS Arizona Memorial boat ride, especially during summer and winter holidays. Here is how to plan a quieter trip.
What is the best time of year to visit Pearl Harbor?
The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to November offer the lightest crowds.
These months fall between the busy summer vacation season and the winter holiday peak. September and October are the quietest months overall. Visiting now means shorter lines at the visitor center and an easier time getting boat tickets.
What is the best time of day to go?
Arrive right when the gates open at 7:00 AM.
Early mornings are cooler and less crowded. Arriving early gives you time to explore the museums before your boat ride. Mid-day visits often involve peak tour bus crowds.
What days is Pearl Harbor closed?
The memorial is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
It is open on all other days of the year from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Keep these three holiday closures in mind if you are planning a winter vacation to Oahu.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, you should reserve your USS Arizona boat tickets on Recreation.gov before you arrive.
While entry to the visitor center grounds is free, the boat requires a $1 fee. Walk-up standby lines can be very long during peak seasons. Booking ahead ensures you ride a boat without waiting.
How long does a visit take?
Plan to spend at least two hours at the main visitor center and USS Arizona Memorial.
The memorial boat program takes about 45 minutes. You will need another hour to view the museum galleries. The historical documentary adds 30 minutes. Adding the separately ticketed Ford Island memorials requires a half or full day.
How does weather affect my visit?
High winds can sometimes halt the Navy shuttle boats to the USS Arizona Memorial.
Because the memorial is floating, safety rules stop boat operations if the water gets rough. Morning visits usually offer calmer weather. The main visitor center remains open even if boats pause.
Can a guided tour save time?
Booking a tour removes the hassle of driving, parking, and securing boat tickets.
Tour operators often secure the boat tickets for you. They also handle the 45-minute drive from Waikiki. This is helpful during peak months when tickets sell out fast online.
Questions travellers ask
What are the best days to visit Pearl Harbor?
The site is open daily. Visiting during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to November generally means fewer crowds. Weekdays early in the morning are your best bet.
Can you just show up to Pearl Harbor without tickets?
Yes, grounds entry is free. However, the USS Arizona boat ride requires a $1 ticket. Without a reservation, you will have to wait in a standby line.
How much is parking at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center?
Parking costs $7 per day. You can pay this fee via a mobile app or an onsite QR code.
