Yes, to visit the Pearl Harbor Pacific Aviation Museum, you will need a ticket, which can be purchased either online or at the museum. It is located on Ford Island, an active military base, and you will need to take a free shuttle from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. The museum features over 50 aircrafts which includes the plane of Roy Vitousek who was one of eight civilian pilots who survived during the attack. He was on a joy-ride with his seveteen year old son and was even shot at by a Japanese fighter. Luckily, he was able to land safe and sound.
Pacific Aviation Museum Tickets
General admission grants access to the museum’s aircraft, exhibits, and outdoor displays.
- Children aged 4 to 12 receive free admission, as do children under 3.
- Discounted tickets for military personnel and Kamaʻaina residents are only available onsite with a valid ID.
- Additional tours can be added to your ticket for an extra fee.
- Hours of operation: 9:00am – 5:00pm, every day (closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & New Year’s Day)
Transportation to Pacific Aviation Museum
- Free shuttles to the museum, from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center operate daily from 8:00am-4:00pm. They depart approsimately every 15 minutes.
- The last shuttle returning from the Museum to the Visitor Center leaves at 5:00pm.
- Those with base access may drive directly to Ford Island and park.
Where to Buy Tickets
- Online: Tickets can be purchased here
- At the Museum: Tickets are available for purchase at the museum’s front desk.
- At the Pearl Harbor Office: You can also buy tickets at the Pearl Harbor office.
History of The Pacific Aviation Museum
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, situated on Ford Island in Hawaii, stands as a testament to the rich history of aviation in the Pacific region. Established in 1999, the museum opened its doors to the public on December 7, 2006, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Its location on Ford Island is historically significant, as this area was central to the events of December 7, 1941, when Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, propelling the United States into World War II.
The museum occupies two historic seaplane hangars, Hangar 37 and Hangar 79, both of which bore witness to the events of World War II. Hangar 37, constructed in 1939, serves as the primary exhibition space, housing a vast collection of aircraft and exhibits that chronicle the evolution of aviation in the Pacific theater. Hangar 79, notable for its windows still bearing bullet holes from the 1941 attack, contains additional exhibits, including the Flying Tigers exhibit and various helicopters, jets, and civil aircraft.
One of the museum’s most significant features is the Ford Island Control Tower. This historic structure, which transmitted the first radio alert during the Pearl Harbor attack, has been meticulously restored to preserve its legacy. The control tower offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding area, providing a tangible connection to the events that unfolded during the war.
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum plays a crucial role in preserving and presenting the history of aviation in the Pacific. Its exhibits encompass over 75 years of aviation history, featuring more than 50 aircraft on display. Visitors can explore authentic World War II-era hangars, engage with interactive exhibits, and even experience state-of-the-art flight simulators, offering an immersive journey into the past.
Beyond its role as a museum, the institution is dedicated to education and scholarship. It offers various programs aimed at inspiring and educating future generations about the significance of aviation and the history of the Pacific region. The museum’s commitment to education is evident through its scholarship opportunities and educational programs that reach thousands of young individuals each year.
In recognition of its efforts to preserve and promote aviation history, the museum was named an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in 2012. This affiliation underscores the museum’s significance as a center for historical preservation and education. Through its comprehensive exhibits and programs, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum ensures that the legacy of the Pacific’s aviation history continues to inspire and educate visitors from around the world.
Passport to Pearl Harbor
If you want to see all historic sites, including the four main historic sites at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, consider purchasing The Passport to Pearl Harbor which is an all-access ticket. You can go on a self-guided narrated tour.
What’s included:
- USS Arizona Memorial self-guided narrated tour (1 hour)
- USS Arizona Virtual Reality Center (15-20 minutes)
- USS Battleship Missouri Memorial Admission (1.5-2 hours)
- Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Admission & self-guided narrated tour (1.5-2 hours)
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum & self-guided narrated tour (1-1.5 hours)