Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Set within Hawaii, Pearl Harbor National Memorial invites visitors into a place built for remembrance and maintained by the National Park Service. At Pearl Harbor National Memorial, we honor the lives affected by the December 7, 1941, attack. This pivotal moment in global history marked the United States' entry into World War II, impacting nations and communities worldwide.

Join us in reflecting on this shared history and its lasting significance in the pursuit of peace.

A national memorial is not just a monument with a different label. At Pearl Harbor National Memorial, that distinction matters — in the programming, the pacing, and the way visitors are asked to move through the site.

Key Highlights

• Aviation
• Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
• Incarceration
• Maritime
• Ships and Shipwrecks
• Military
• US Army

Getting There

Reaching Pearl Harbor National Memorial is straightforward once you know the route. Please input our address: 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu HI 96818 Rather than just "Pearl Harbor," as this will take you to the active military base, not the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

By Car

Most visitors arrive by private vehicle or rental car. Road conditions vary with weather and construction, so check the park's alerts page the day before you travel. Pay attention to GPS directions in rural stretches—some apps route drivers onto unmaintained service roads rather than the signed park entrance.

Nearest Airports

Regional airports provide the most convenient access for long-distance travelers. For the most current airline service and driving distances, cross-reference flight options with the park's contact page. Budget extra drive time from any airport, especially if you arrive after dark or during winter weather.

Public Transit and Tours

Direct public transit is limited at most National Park Service sites, but guided day tours and shuttles sometimes operate from nearby cities during peak season. Rideshare options are often reliable in gateway towns but may drop off outside the park boundary rather than at specific trailheads or visitor centers.

For turn-by-turn directions and current road status, consult the park's official directions page: http://www.nps.gov/pearlharbor/planyourvisit/directions.htm.

Best Time to Visit

Weather shapes every visit. Hawaii has two seasons – winter (ho'oilo) and summer (kau wela) – and temperatures don't change drastically the way they do in the mainland United States. During the day, expect temperatures in the mid-70s to the mid-80s all year around. Expect lows in the winter months (November to March) to be around 60 degrees. The Hawaiian winter is also considered the rainy season, and flash floods are not uncommon. You can expect to see lots of rainbows as the rain clears.

Spring (March – May)

Spring offers comfortable weather and longer daylight hours for contemplative visits, with fewer crowds than peak summer months.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is peak visitation, with extended hours and more staffed programs. Arrive early to avoid both heat and the largest tour groups.

Fall (September – November)

Fall delivers some of the best conditions—cool air, clear skies, and lighter foot traffic—well suited to a thoughtful visit.

Winter (December – February)

Winter brings quiet and sometimes dramatic light. Bundle up for outdoor portions and confirm indoor facility hours before arriving.

Activities and Adventures

Activities at Pearl Harbor National Memorial reflect the character of the site. The options below are drawn from the park's current published list—confirm availability and any required reservations before planning around a specific activity.

• Guided Tours — schedules rotate seasonally; check the visitor center board on arrival for the current lineup.
• Self-Guided Tours - Auto — schedules rotate seasonally; check the visitor center board on arrival for the current lineup.
• Junior Ranger Program — schedules rotate seasonally; check the visitor center board on arrival for the current lineup.
• Park Film — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Museum Exhibits — the visitor center is the best first stop for context, maps, and current program information.
• Shopping — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Bookstore and Park Store — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.

Ranger-led programs are often the highest-value activity for first-time visitors, combining interpretation with access you might miss on your own. Check program schedules at the visitor center on arrival.

History and What to See

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is primarily a site of historical and cultural significance. Beyond the headline landmarks, the park preserves smaller details—inscriptions, outbuildings, period plantings, wayside exhibits—that repay an unhurried visit.

Featured interpretive themes include Aviation, Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite, Incarceration, Maritime, Ships and Shipwrecks, Military.

Interpretation and Programs

Ranger talks, living-history demonstrations, and self-guided audio tours bring the story to life. If your schedule allows, time your visit to catch at least one ranger-led program; the added context transforms what you see on the grounds.

Preserved Structures and Landscape

The National Park Service preserves the physical setting as faithfully as possible. Walking the grounds gives you a sense of scale—distances, sightlines, elevation—that is hard to appreciate from photos alone.

Research and Archives

Many historic sites maintain libraries, archives, or partnered research centers. If you have a specific interest, contact the park in advance; staff can often point you toward documents, oral histories, or special collections.

Lodging and Camping

Lodging strategy depends on how long you plan to stay at Pearl Harbor National Memorial and what you want to do when you are not at the park.

On-Site Stays

Overnight accommodations inside the park's boundary are limited or not offered here. Most visitors stay in nearby towns and commute in each day.

Gateway Towns and Nearby Lodging

Communities close to the park offer a mix of chain hotels, independent inns, vacation rentals, and—depending on location—bed-and-breakfasts. Several Hawaii towns serve as convenient bases, with restaurants, fuel, and grocery resupply. Book well ahead for summer weekends and major holidays.

Operating Hours and Seasons

Regular Hours of Operation: Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Visitor Center and parking lots are open from 7 AM to 5 PM seven days a week.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Visitor Center and parking lots are closed on Thanksgiving, December 25th, and January 1st.

Essential Information

Fees and Passes

No standard entrance fee is charged. Some special programs or partner-run facilities within the park may carry their own fees, so confirm before booking anything ticketed.

Contact

• Phone: 8084223399
• Email: nps_valr_visitor_services@nps.gov
• Official site: https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm

Safety

Carry water, sun protection, and layered clothing appropriate for the season. Cell coverage can be spotty in parts of the park—download offline maps before you leave your lodging. In an emergency, dial 911 or contact the nearest ranger station.

Services and Accessibility

Main visitor centers typically offer accessible restrooms, interpretive exhibits, bookstore sales, and ranger assistance. Accessibility varies by building and trail; contact the park ahead of time to discuss specific needs. Pets are often allowed on leash in designated areas only—check current rules before bringing animals.

Regulations to Know

Drones are prohibited in nearly all National Park Service units without a special permit. Metal detecting, collection of natural or cultural objects, and off-trail travel in sensitive areas are also commonly restricted. Read the signs at each trailhead and ask a ranger if you are unsure.

At Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the site does its work quietly. Visitors who match that register usually leave better off.