In short
- The Pearl Harbor National Memorial and USS Arizona are managed by the NPS.
- Entry to the NPS visitor center is free, with a $1 fee for the boat ride.
- The Battleship Missouri, Bowfin, and Aviation Museum are separate, paid attractions.
In this article
When you arrive at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, you stand at the gateway to four distinct historic sites. Only the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is operated by the National Park Service (NPS). The others are privately operated organizations that require separate tickets.
What is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial?
It is the official National Park Service site commemorating the December 7, 1941 attack.
This includes the 21-acre visitor center, two museum galleries, the waterfront exhibits, and the USS Arizona Memorial. Admission to these grounds is free. You only pay a $1 booking fee to reserve the USS Arizona shuttle boat via Recreation.gov.
What is the Battleship Missouri?
The USS Missouri is a separate, paid attraction located on Ford Island.
This historic battleship is managed by a separate organization. It represents the end of World War II. You must buy a specific ticket to board and tour the ship.
Are the other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites free?
No, the other historic sites require paid admission.
Alongside the Battleship Missouri, the USS Bowfin Submarine and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum charge entry fees. You can buy individual tickets for these sites or book guided tours that include admission.
Do guided tours include both the USS Arizona and the Missouri?
Many guided tours offer a combined itinerary for both sites.
Booking a combo tour is convenient if you want to see both the beginning and the end of US involvement in World War II. Tour operators handle the ticket logistics, including the required shuttle transport to Ford Island.
How do I get to the Battleship Missouri?
You access it via a shuttle bus departing from the main Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
The Missouri sits on an active military base at Ford Island. You cannot drive there yourself without military clearance. Official shuttle access from the visitor center is required to reach the ship.
Can I see everything in one day?
Yes, but it requires a full day of touring.
The USS Arizona program takes about 45 minutes, plus time for the free museums. Touring the Battleship Missouri takes another few hours. Add the other historic sites, and you can easily spend six to eight hours at Pearl Harbor.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a reservation to visit Pearl Harbor?
You do not need a reservation to enter the free visitor center or view the museum galleries. You do need a $1 Recreation.gov reservation for the USS Arizona shuttle boat ride.
Can you just show up to Pearl Harbor without tickets?
Yes, you can walk into the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for free. However, boat tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial frequently sell out in advance, so securing them early is highly recommended.
What is the difference between Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial?
Pearl Harbor is the physical location and active military base. The USS Arizona Memorial is a specific NPS structure built over the sunken battleship to honor the 1,177 crewmen who died there.
