When planning a visit to Pearl Harbor, it’s important to understand the key differences between buying tickets to Pearl Harbor and booking a Pearl Harbor tour. Pearl Harbor tickets typically refer to the entry passes for the various historical sites within the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. These tickets grant access to specific locations, allowing visitors to explore the museums and memorials at their own pace. On the other hand, Pearl Harbor tours are guided experiences that offer a more structured visit, often including transportation to and from your hotel, a knowledgeable guide, and sometimes skip-the-line privileges for popular attractions. Tours may also include visits to additional nearby sites, such as the Punchbowl Crater or other significant World War II locations on Oahu. While purchasing tickets is a great option for independent travelers who prefer flexibility and a self-guided experience, a Pearl Harbor tour is ideal for those who want expert insights, convenience, and a more in-depth exploration of the area’s history. Tour options can range from small group experiences to private, customizable itineraries, giving visitors a comprehensive and organized way to learn about the events of December 7, 1941, and its impact on both American and world history.
Pearl Harbor Tickets
Tickets allow for a more self-guided experience, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, although there might be some educational materials like audio guides to enhance your visit. Keep in mind, you will need to provide your own transportation to and from Pearl Harbor, schedule ride share, or you can schedule round-trip services with local shuttle companies. If providing your own transportation via a personal or rental car, keep in mind there is public parking by the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center that costs $7.00 per day.
Available Tickets
- The Passport to Pearl Harbor – more details here (must also reserve the shuttle boat to Arizona Memorial on recreation.gov)
- USS Battleship Missouri – more details here
- Captain’s Tour + USS Battleship Missouri – more details here
- The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum – more details here
- Top of the Aviation Tower – more details here
- USS Bowfin Submarine + Pacific Fleet Museum
PROS
- Go at your own pace (open daily from 7AM-5PM – closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year’s Day)
- See the historic sites you want to see
- Not a part of a large tour group
CONS
- If you are planning to see the USS Arizona Memorial, you must reserve your spot on the shuttle boat in advance at recreation.gov. Be aware that sometimes the shuttle boat is booked a few months out.
- You are responsible for transportation to and from Pearl Harbor
- For personal vehicle or rental car, parking is $7.00 per day. The parking lots fill up fast, so get there early
- You’ll need to understand your way around the National Monument and figure out any extras that are available, like audio tours. There are employees at the Visitor Center that can help you get started.
Pearl Harbor Tours
Pearl Harbor tours offer several advantages over simply buying tickets on your own. First, guided tours provide deeper context and a richer understanding of the historical significance of the sites. Knowledgeable guides share personal stories, historical insights, and details that you might miss when visiting independently. Tours often include skip-the-line access, allowing you to avoid long waits, especially during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, many tours cover multiple Pearl Harbor attractions in one convenient package, saving you time and effort in planning. The convenience of transportation is another benefit—many tours include hotel pickups and drops off, ensuring you don’t have to navigate on your own. Finally, booking a tour often provides a more organized and educational experience, making it easier to fully grasp the emotional and historical importance of Pearl Harbor.
Available Tours
- Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City – more details here
- Pearl Harbor Remembered – more details here
- Ultimate Pearl Harbor Experience – more details here
- WWII Pearl Harbor Heroes – more details here
- Helicopter Ride over Pearl Harbor – more details here
PROS
- Hassle-free round-trip transportation is provided at locations close to or at your hotel
- Shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial is included
- You don’t have to worry about finding or paying for parking
- Timing of tour is organized and structured so that you’re not waiting in line like other ticket holders
- Tour guides know their way around and are educated in historical facts about The Attack on Pearl Harbor providing you with a more robust experience of the National Monument.
- You understand the start and finish time of the tour so that you can plan your day or week accordingly.
- Tours offer more than just walking the grounds of Pearl Harbor and can include a tour of historical Honolulu, the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific, or a helicopter tour over Pearl Harbor
CONS
- You are a part of a large group and on a specific time schedule. Delays can happen if another part of the group is late.
- Some tours can be lengthy and you are at the mercy of the tour’s time schedule.