PerkJolt
How far in advance should I buy Pearl Harbor tickets?
Short answer: For the USS Arizona Memorial boat program, book as soon as your date opens, which is 8 weeks (56 days) ahead. Tickets go on sale at 3 pm HST on a rolling daily window. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The other Pearl Harbor sites mostly don't need advance booking.
The details
- The Arizona program is the only one that really needs a reservation. Reservations are required only for the USS Arizona Memorial program. The other historic sites charge admission and can be visited without reservations, though upgraded tours may sell out at peak times. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- How the 8-week window works. Tickets for a given date open exactly 56 days earlier. For example, tickets for Monday, June 27 opened on Monday, May 2. (checked Oct 12, 2026) So count back 56 days from your visit and set an alarm for 3 pm Hawaii time.
- It's free, with a $1 fee. The memorial is fee-free, and Recreation.gov manages ticketing, including a $1 non-refundable reservation fee. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The fee is charged per ticket. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Why you shouldn't wait. The memorial welcomes 4,000 to 8,000 visitors daily. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Reservations fill quickly in peak seasons. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The park lists spring break, summer, Thanksgiving and winter break as peak times, when standby can't be guaranteed. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- If you miss the 8-week window. A limited number of same-day reservations are released at 3:00 pm HST the day before your visit, though availability isn't guaranteed. A standby option is also available on arrival. (checked Oct 12, 2026) You sign up for standby at the audio tour booth and get a text with your standby number. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Standby is not something to build a trip around.
- Reservations are final. Reservations can't be modified or refunded. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Rangers can't change them, so contact Recreation.gov. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
Operations can change. In September 2025 the park announced that advance reservations would resume for tours from Nov. 1, tied to Navy removal of WWII salvage platforms. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Check the park's page for the current status before you plan around the boat ride.
Tips
- Use Recreation.gov only. Reservations through third parties like Groupon or Go Oahu cards aren't accepted. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The Recreation.gov listing also says commercial operators can't reserve tickets unless they hold a Commercial Use Authorization. (checked Oct 12, 2026) If a tour says it includes Arizona tickets, read the fine print.
- The Passport to Pearl Harbor doesn't include Arizona. It costs $99.99 for adults and $49.99 for ages 4 to 12. The free Arizona reservation must be booked separately at Recreation.gov. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Count every person. You can reserve up to 10 tickets per day, including infants and small children. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Arrive early. Arrive at least 1 hour before your program time to check in at the Ticket Validation Desk. Late arrivals may forfeit their reservation to the standby line. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Bring a QR code and a clear bag. Your QR code arrives as a PDF attachment, and bags larger than a small wallet aren't permitted. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
FAQ
Do I need tickets to visit Pearl Harbor at all?
Not for the visitor center. Reservations and tickets aren't required to enter the visitor center, walk the grounds, or visit the museums. (checked Oct 12, 2026) You only need a reservation for the Arizona boat program, which is strongly recommended rather than technically mandatory because of standby.
Can I just show up and get Arizona tickets that morning?
Not reliably. The first-come, first-served in-person ticket handout has been discontinued. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Standby may exist, but the park says seats can't be guaranteed, especially in peak periods.
What time do the boats run?
The program runs daily, every 15 minutes from 8 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 3:30 pm. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Boats can be canceled or changed for safety reasons, so check the park page close to your date.
Do I need to book the Battleship Missouri or Aviation Museum ahead?
Usually no. Both take general admission without reservations, though upgraded tours can sell out in peak periods. Aviation Museum general admission is $29.99 for adults and $17.99 for ages 4 to 12. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Buy online if you want to skip a line.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Oahu guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Oahu guide
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Last verified: 2026-10-12. The most likely changes are the release timing, boat operations and standby rules, so check https://www.nps.gov/perl/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm and the Recreation.gov listing before you book.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233338
- https://www.nps.gov/perl/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm
- https://home.nps.gov/perl/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/perl/faq-s.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/perl/learn/advanced-reservations-for-uss-arizona-memorial-boat-tours-resume-nov-1.htm
- https://www.pearlharborhistoricsites.org/plan
- https://www.pearlharborhistoricsites.org/plan/uss-arizona-memorial
- https://www.pearlharborhistoricsites.org/faq
- https://www.pearlharboraviationmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/
- https://www.pacifichistoricparks.org/nps-updates