USS Arizona Memorial

What you must know about visiting Pearl Harbor #hawaiitips

Over the past couple of years, I have noticed that one of the most frequent questions I always get from our guests, it is related to Pearl Harbor. Ninety percent of our guests are visiting Pearl Harbor while vacationing on O’ahu. I can see how it can be confusing and overwhelming at times. The site is spread out, with so much to see and do. For sure you want to make the most of your time; time management is very important when visiting Pearl Harbor. Ensure you save a full vacation day for this historical and memorable site. 

I must admit that in the past 2 years, I had the opportunity to visit PH multiple times. As my husband is currently active duty with US Army Aviation, many friends and family members come to visit us. PH was and still is one of our top destination choices on the island. No matter how often we go there, and how many times we visit the same sites, I get overwhelmed with emotions.

Thus, I decided to put together top 4 must know about Pearl Harbor.

1. Do not book Tour Tickets! It is easier and cheaper to get up early, go there as a walk in and head straight to the Visitor Center. Plus, you are at your own leisure and flexible with your own pace and time. Tickets for all four attractions are available at the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites ticketing counters, located in the courtyard of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Open daily from 7:00am to 4:00pm.

2. Travel light!As National Historic Landmark, Pearl Harbor is also an active military base. For security reasons, bags are not permitted at any of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. For a $5 fee, visitors may store backpacks, purses, luggage, and shopping bags at the baggage storage area located in the front of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

3. Parking is free! There are plenty of parking spots available, however, as the parking lot is large, you might end up walking for a while to the main entrance.

4. Admission to USS Arizona Memorial is free! The entire program lasts an hour and 15 minutes and includes a 23-minute documentary on the history of Pearl Harbor (which always makes me sooo emotional) followed by a short boat ride to and from the memorial. 

USS Arizona Memorial