Immerse Yourself In History
- Oahu, Hawaii
This is a self-guided tour of Pearl Harbor, Oahu's #1 tourist attraction and a historical gem that offers a wealth of insights into a pivotal era in world history. This tour will allow you to explore at your own pace, taking in the solemn beauty of the USS Arizona Memorial, the immersive exhibits of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the powerful Battleship Missouri. Each stop on this tour is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in World War II, and we hope this experience deepens your understanding of this significant chapter in our shared history.
Pearl Harbor Museum Passport Tour Features
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center serves as the gateway to your journey back in time. This expansive facility offers a wealth of resources to enhance your understanding of the events of December 7, 1941. With interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and informative displays, the visitor center paints a vivid picture of the lead-up to the attack, the day itself, and its far-reaching consequences. You can also take advantage of the documentary films and audio tours available to deepen your historical immersion. The visitor center is more than a starting point for your tour; it's an integral part of the Pearl Harbor experience.
The Battleship Missouri
The Battleship Missouri, often referred to as the "Mighty Mo," is an awe-inspiring stop on your tour of Pearl Harbor. As the site of the surrender of the Japanese on September 2, 1945, it holds a unique and important place in world history. When you step aboard this magnificent ship, you'll be able to explore its numerous decks, witness the exact spot where World War II officially ended, and experience first-hand the conditions in which the sailors lived and worked. Interactive exhibits and informative displays bring the ship's extensive history to life, providing a rich understanding of its service across three different wars — World War II, the Korean War, and Operation Desert Storm. The Mighty Mo's power and legacy continue to inspire visitors from around the world.
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is a must-visit stop on your tour, housing an impressive collection of nearly 100 historic aircraft that played crucial roles in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Housed in hangars that still bear the bullet holes from the 1941 attack, the museum offers a deeply immersive experience, allowing you to get up close to these vintage aircraft and truly appreciate the advancements in technology that helped turn the tide of war. Engaging exhibits and displays shed light on the facts and stories behind each aircraft, the brave pilots who flew them, and the critical missions they carried out. Here, history truly takes flight, giving you a unique perspective on the events that shaped the course of the Pacific War.
USS Bowfin Submarine
You can explore inside and outside the USS Bowfin, one of World War II's most highly decorated fleet submarines. Dive into this history using narrated headsets as you explore the submarine's deck, interior compartments, and living quarters. Following the devastating events of December 7th, 1941, nearly every ship and military aircraft on Oahu suffered damage or destruction. This left the defense of Hawaii to a select few ships that were undamaged during the Japanese attack: two aircraft carriers and the submarine fleet. Known as the "Silent Service" within the U.S. Navy, the Pacific submarine fleet played a crucial role in the war effort by sinking thousands of tons of Japan's merchant and naval ships. This strategic disruption crippled enemy supply lines and prevented further attacks against Hawaii while the Navy and American industries rebuilt and expanded the Pacific Naval Fleet.
This immersive experience continues at the nearby submariner's museum and memorial, which is dedicated to WWII submariners who are on "eternal patrol."
Pearl Harbor Museum Passport Tour Details
Benefits
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QR Code Tickets Delivered Conveniently To Your Phone
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Walk Through The Pearl Harbor Visitors Center And Museum
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Be Sure To Reserve Your Tickets For The Arizona Memorial (Buy Tickets Here)
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Board The USS Bowfin Submarine
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Take A Boat Ride To Ford Island
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Explore The Decks Of The USS Missouri Battleship
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See The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
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Upgrade Your Tour To Include Transportation And A Guide
Narrative
This self-guided journey across Pearl Harbor, Oahu's premier attraction, is a treasure trove of historical insights, leading you through the pivotal moments of world history. The tour has been meticulously designed to allow you to explore at your own pace.
The tour begins with the solemn beauty of the USS Arizona Memorial, a poignant testament to the heroes who served during World War II. Here, you can reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of these individuals and deepen your appreciation of this significant period in our shared past. The tickets for the Arizona Memorial are not included in the tour price, so be sure to reserve them ahead of time.
From there, your journey continues at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, where a host of immersive exhibits await. You'll have the chance to witness nearly 100 vintage aircraft up close and explore an impressive 120,000 square feet of military aircraft exhibits, all housed in hangars bearing the scars of the 1941 Japanese attack.
Additionally, you'll discover the pivotal role of submarine warfare in turning the tide of the Pacific Fleet during WWII when you board the USS Bowfin Submarine. The final stop on the tour is the powerful Battleship Missouri, where you can stand on the very deck where the Japanese surrendered, marking the end of the war in 1945.
This full day of exploration offers you a comprehensive view of the events leading up to, during, and following the infamous attack on December 7th, 1941. It truly is THE gateway to experiencing all that Pearl Harbor has to offer. The sacrifices, bravery, and world-changing historical events that unfolded here are moments you will remember long after the tour ends.
*Parking: Starting on April 15, 2023, all visitors arriving at Pearl Harbor National Memorial in personal or rental vehicles will be required to pay a parking fee. This fee can be paid using a virtual payment system accessible through mobile devices or via an onsite kiosk situated in the Visitor Center complex.
*Note: Sometimes, for reasons outside our control, the Navy might halt or limit the capacity of boat trips to the USS Arizona Memorial. If this happens, you may be placed in a standby queue. Please note that we are unable to provide refunds under these circumstances, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. However, you can still explore the exhibits, the Visitors' Center, and other monuments within the park.
Timeline
- Arrive Whenever You Want:
- Keep your tickets on your smartphone.
- Ensure you've reserved your tickets and time slot for the Arizona Memorial (purchase these separately).
- Watch a short documentary in the theatre.
- Board a Navy shuttle boat after the film to visit the USS Arizona Memorial.
- Discover the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center:
- Explore museums and exhibits:
- Inspect the interior and exterior.
- Explore museums and exhibits:
- Tour the USS Bowfin Submarine, known as the Pearl Harbor Avenger.
- Proceed to Battleship Row:
- Take a shuttle bus to Ford Island, and enjoy a 10-minute shuttle journey.
- Reach the Battleship USS Missouri.
- Spend about 1-2 hours exploring the Mighty Mo, inside and out, and partake in a brief guided tour by a veteran volunteer.
- Head back to the shuttle transport.
- Visit the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
- View aircraft exhibits and interpretative displays and even enjoy some food.
- At the end of the day, ride the Ford Island shuttle back to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
Amount & Dates
Passport To Pearl Harbor National Memorial (excludes Arizona) At Pearl Harbor
AdultsAges 12 yrs+ | $89.99 |
ChildAges 3-11 yrs | $44.99 |
Complete Pearl Harbor From Waikiki Hotels
AdultsAges 12 yrs+ | $179.99 |
ChildAges 3-11 yrs | $134.99 |
Upgrade to the Historic Pearl Harbor Deluxe Tour (comes with a guide and pickup in Waikiki).
Given the high demand for this tour, booking in advance before your arrival in the islands is advised. Please note, that access to certain sites within Pearl Harbor may be restricted on some federal holidays. Additionally, the tour does not operate on December 7th annually.
Protocol
Visitors are required to bring a valid government-issued ID for entry to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.
Appropriate and respectful dress is advised, excluding swimwear. Sandals and flip-flops are acceptable, however, closed-toe shoes are recommended due to the significant amount of walking. Skirts, dresses, and high heels are best avoided.
Bags are not permitted for security reasons, including iPad cases and clutch wallets. Wallets should be no larger than a standard-sized cell phone. A bag storage facility is available, with fees of $7.00 per bag for standard bags and $10.00 for oversized luggage.
Your cooperation helps maintain a respectful and secure environment for all visitors.
Only clear bags approved by the US Navy are permitted, as illustrated in the examples below:
Conditions
All sales are final and the dates are locked into place.
If you need flexibility, upgrade to the Historic Pearl Harbor Deluxe Tour which includes transportation, guide, Arizona Memorial tickets, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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