In short
- Drive in 45 minutes for $7 daily parking.
- Take TheBus for $3 in 60 to 90 minutes.
- Book a guided tour for round-trip hotel transit.
In this article
Getting to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center takes a little planning. The site is located about 45 minutes from Waikiki. You can drive yourself, ride the local bus, or join a tour that handles the logistics.
Driving from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor
The drive takes approximately 45 minutes via H-1 West.
Take exit 15A from H-1 West to HI-99 (Kamehameha Highway). Then, turn left onto Arizona Memorial Place. Follow GPS coordinates strictly to the Visitor Center. Avoid the Hickam AFB exit to prevent driving onto the active military base.
How much is parking at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center?
Parking costs $7 per day at the Visitor Center lots.
You pay this fee via a mobile app or an onsite QR code. You need a smartphone or credit card to complete the payment.
Taking public transit to Pearl Harbor
TheBus runs directly from Waikiki to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for $3 per ride.
This is an affordable option if you are not renting a car. The transit time is much longer than driving. Expect the bus ride to take 60 to 90 minutes each way.
Booking a tour with Waikiki transportation
Guided excursions include round-trip narrated transportation from Waikiki hotels.
Tour operators handle the driving and parking logistics for you. Tours take a half-day or full-day. Many tours bundle the difficult-to-get USS Arizona boat tickets with transportation.
Can you just show up to Pearl Harbor without tickets?
You can enter the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for free without a reservation.
However, you need a reservation to take the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. These boat tickets have a $1 booking fee via Recreation.gov. If you do not have tickets, a guided tour often secures them for you.
Questions travellers ask
What is the best way to travel to the memorial?
The best way depends on your schedule. Driving is fastest at 45 minutes, while TheBus costs only $3. Guided tours are the most convenient, as they provide Waikiki pick-up and drop-off.
How do I get to the USS Arizona Memorial?
You first travel to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. From there, you access the USS Arizona Memorial via a 45-minute program that includes a Navy-operated shuttle boat ride.
How much does it cost to go to Pearl Harbor?
Admission to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is free. The USS Arizona Memorial boat program requires a $1 non-refundable reservation fee. Parking costs $7 per day.
