Pearl Harbor Tours & Visitor Guide
Pearl Harbor is Oahu's most-visited attraction and one of the most significant historical sites in the United States. Over 1.8 million people visit annually, and for good reason — the memorial is a powerful, moving experience that no Hawaii trip should skip.
The question most visitors face: guided tour or self-guided? Both work. A guided tour handles logistics (Waikiki pickup, skip-the-line, narrated history) and costs $40–$80 per person. Going on your own is free for the USS Arizona Memorial but requires advance timed-entry tickets that sell out fast.
Book a Pearl Harbor Tour
Guided tours from Waikiki include hotel pickup, narrated history, and guaranteed access:
- Pearl Harbor City Tour + USS Arizona — Includes Waikiki pickup, guided narration, Arizona Memorial boat ride. Book on FareHarbor
- Pearl Harbor + USS Arizona Memorial Tour — Full narrated experience by Aloha Hawaii Tours. Book on FareHarbor
- WWII Heroes Deluxe Tour with Lunch — Full-day tour covering all major sites with included meal. Browse Pearl Harbor tours on Viator
See group tour options » | Full Pearl Harbor visitor guide »
Pearl Harbor Sites & What Each Tour Covers
Pearl Harbor has four main visitor attractions. Most guided tours include 1–2 sites; all-inclusive tours cover 3–4.
1. USS Arizona Memorial
The centerpiece of any Pearl Harbor visit. A boat takes you to the memorial built directly over the sunken battleship where 1,177 crew members lost their lives. Includes a 23-minute documentary film.
Cost: Free (timed ticket required via recreation.gov) | Time: 1.5–2 hours
2. Battleship Missouri Memorial
Walk the decks of the "Mighty Mo" where Japan's formal surrender was signed on September 2, 1945, ending WWII. Self-guided and guided options available aboard the ship.
Cost: ~$35 adult, ~$20 child | Time: 1.5–2 hours
3. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum
Tour a restored WWII submarine and its accompanying museum. Audio tour included. A hit with kids and military history buffs.
Cost: ~$17 adult, ~$12 child | Time: 45 min–1 hour
4. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Located in the original WWII hangars on Ford Island. Features restored aircraft from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Flight simulator available for an additional fee.
Cost: ~$26 adult, ~$16 child | Time: 1–2 hours
Guided vs. Self-Guided: Which Is Better?
Guided Tour ($40–$130/person)
- Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Narrated history from a local guide
- Pre-arranged tickets — no scrambling for timed entry
- Covers 2–4 Pearl Harbor sites depending on tour
- Best for: first-time visitors, history buffs, families
Self-Guided (Free–$78 depending on sites)
- USS Arizona Memorial is free with timed ticket
- Go at your own pace — spend extra time where you want
- Must book timed tickets on recreation.gov (sell out fast)
- Need your own transportation (~25 min from Waikiki)
- Best for: budget travelers, repeat visitors, flexible schedules
Practical Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor
- Arrive early. The visitor center opens at 7:00 AM. The first Arizona Memorial tour departs at 7:30 AM. Lines form well before opening.
- No bags allowed. No purses, backpacks, fanny packs, or camera bags. A bag check facility ($5) is just outside the entrance. Wallets, phones, cameras, and water bottles are permitted.
- Dress respectfully. No swimsuits or bare feet. This is an active military base and memorial site. Casual clothes and closed-toe shoes are appropriate.
- Allow 3–6 hours. Two hours minimum for just the Arizona Memorial. Plan a half day if visiting multiple sites.
- Parking is free. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center has a large free parking lot. Arrive before 9 AM for the easiest parking.
- Take the #42 bus from Waikiki if you don't have a rental car. It's about a 1-hour ride. Guided tours include Waikiki pickup.
For the complete visitor guide with history, photos, and detailed site information, see our full Pearl Harbor page.
