Based on our own experiences and what many readers have told us, visiting Pearl Harbor is one of the most memorable parts of a Hawaii vacation. Though it’s been more than 20 years since my first visit to Pearl Harbor, I still remember so much about that day. For example, I still remember the documentary film showing devastating footage from December 7, 1941. I remember reading the letters on display in the museum written by young soldiers to their families back home. I remember the solemn visit to the USS Arizona Memorial hovering above the sunken ship with oil still seeping from below. I remember being struck by the wall of names of the “gallant men here entombed and their shipmates who gave their lives in action on December 7, 1941 on the USS Arizona”.
As you’re preparing for your memorable day at Pearl Harbor, we wanted to share some helpful tips we’ve learned from our multiple visits. These important preparations will keep you from getting caught out by surprises and to make the most of your meaningful visit.
Be Prepared for the Strict Policy on Bags
Pearl Harbor has a strict no-bags policy to help protect the security of the area. That means any concealed purse, backpack, fanny pack, shopping bag, camera bag, diaper bag, or luggage that exceeds the dimensions of 1.25″ by 2.25″ by 5.5″ is not permitted. (For reference, that’s basically the size of a wallet.) I’ve witnessed many visitors arriving at the entrance, with their bags in tow, only to be turned around and directed to the bag storage building.
There are some limited bag exceptions, as follows:
- Small, clear plastic bags in which the contents are visible are allowed. These are the types of clear plastic bags that are typically allowed at football games. (See this top-rated clear plastic bag from Amazon as an example.) The key is not to over stuff them so that the contents are not easy to see.
- If you make a purchase in the gift shops, you can carry your personal items in the same bag as the purchased items.
- See this page for a complete listing of what items and types of bags are and aren’t allowed at Pearl Harbor.
If you do have a bag with you, there is a bag storage facility that you’ll see on the righthand side, before you get to the entrance of the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center. I have used this bag storage to store my handbag. The storage process was simple and the contents of my bag stayed secure. At last check the fee was $7 for my handbag. Oversized pieces, like luggage, cost $10 to store.
Just in case you have a bag and might be temped to store your bag in your rental car, don’t do that! Thieves might be watching.
For a quick overview of the bag policy, see this video published by the Battleship Missouri Memorial:
Bring Identification
You might be asked to show a valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, particularly if you are going to Ford Island in Pearl Harbor. This extra security measure is because Ford Island is an active military base. The sites on Ford Island that you might want to visit are Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Examples of valid government-issued identification include a driver’s license or a passport. Foreign visitors should have their passport with them.
By the way, if you are wondering how you get to Ford Island, there is a shuttle bus that picks up near the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center — more specifically, it’s located behind the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum.
Prepare for a Hot, Sunny Day
Hawaii has warm, tropical weather all through the year. You’ll likely be exposed to the sun for a portion of your visit, though the museum galleries do offer a bit of a respite from the sun. Make sure that you apply sun protection, including sunscreen, wear sun-protecting clothing, and use lip balm with sunscreen.
We also recommend bringing sunglasses. Ideally, we recommend polarized sunglasses so that you can have a clearer view of the sunken USS Arizona at the memorial.
Bring Your Reservation Information
The USS Arizona Memorial program requires a reservation. The “program” entails the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial and the opportunity to go into the memorial. Reservations are for specific times for the boat departure to the memorial. If you have a reservation, be sure to bring a print out of your QR code or store on your phone all the necessary reservation confirmation.
If you do not have a reservation, you have a couple of options:
- Book a guided tour that includes the USS Arizona Memorial program. Several tour companies secure reservations for their guests. Here are reputable guided tours with great reviews:
- From Waikiki with transportation
- E Noa Tours Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour includes the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial and a scenic drive. This company has excellent TripAdvisor reviews.
- Aloha Sunshine Tours’ Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour that includes the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin submarine, and a scenic drive. This guided-tour company has excellent TripAdvisor reviews
- Polynesian Adventures’ Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Highlights Tour includes USS Arizona Memorial and a scenic drive. This tour company has excellent TripAdvisor reviews.
- Note that Pearl Harbor is on the island of Oahu, but you can take day trip tours from the other islands:
- From Waikiki with transportation
- There might be standby tickets available, but I wouldn’t advise risking relying on standby tickets as you may miss out all together, particularly around holidays and during summer months. Additionally, you may be waiting for hours for availability.
Bring a Tissue
To be sure, visiting Pearl Harbor is also a very emotional experience. I fought back tears until they just burst out and I sobbed on my husband’s shoulder. Many readers have told us that they also had to wipe away tears.
Bring Your Manners and Respect
Consider that you will be visiting the final resting place of hundreds of people.
Bring Fully-charged Smartphone and/or Camera
You’ll definitely want to take photos during your visit so make sure you bring a fully-charged smartphone or camera with you.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
You’ll be doing a mix of walking and standing as you go through the museum(s) so wear comfortable shoes.
Allow Time to See the Film Prior to Your Boat Ride to the Memorial
The Memorial Theater shows a 23-minute documentary throughout the day. In previous years, the timed-ticket (or reservation) started with viewing the documentary first, then you would board the boat to go to the memorial. Now, the documentary film is separate from the boat ride. I highly recommend you watch the film prior to your assigned boat ride. The film provides the history and footage to set the stage for what you will be seeing at the memorial.
At last check, the film begins showing at 7:15 a.m. and continues showing throughout the day at “:15 and :45” of each hour until 4:15 p.m. Those times are subject to change, so check for at the visitor center for the schedule on the day you visit. Just do your best to allocate enough time to see the documentary before your reserved boat ride.
Whether you are able to see the film prior to your boat ride or not, don’t miss the film. The footage really brings the weight of that day to life. And, by the way, if you are like me, you might want to have that tissue handy for when you watch the film.
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Additional resources:
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial’s website
- See our short video taken mostly from the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center area.
- Our article recommending you visit Pearl Harbor, even if you are unable to secure a reservation or book a guided-tour that includes a reserved time.
Sheila Beal
