PerkJolt
Is Pearl Harbor worth visiting, and what is allowed in the memorial?
Short answer: Yes, if you have any interest in World War II history, because it is one of the most meaningful stops on Oahu and costs very little. There is no entrance fee for the memorial, visitor center, museums or grounds, but Recreation.gov charges a $1 non-refundable fee to book a USS Arizona Memorial ticket (checked Oct 12, 2026). Plan ahead for the ticket, and leave your bag at the hotel.
The details
Is it worth it? The park describes itself as a place of remembrance honoring those who sacrificed their lives during the Pacific War (checked Oct 12, 2026). It's moving rather than flashy. Skip it only if you have no interest in the history or can't spare roughly half a day. That time estimate is ours, not the park's. The visitor center, museums and grounds need no ticket, so even a spur-of-the-moment visit gets you something.
Hours. The visitor center is open daily 7 am to 5 pm, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Memorial programs start at 8 am, and the last boat leaves at 3:30 pm (checked Oct 12, 2026). Hours can shift for events and maintenance, so check that page.
Tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial.
- Everyone who goes to the memorial needs a ticket, whatever their age (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- Same-day free tickets are no longer given out at the visitor center (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- You can reserve up to 10 tickets per day, and you should arrive at least an hour before your program to check in at the Ticket Validation Desk (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- Reservations are final and can't be modified or refunded (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- Tickets typically release on a rolling schedule about 56 days ahead at 3 pm Hawaii time, with a smaller next-day batch. The park moved to an 8-week window in 2021, and the 1-day window stayed (checked Oct 12, 2026). That release schedule is from an older announcement, so confirm the current one on Recreation.gov.
- No ticket? Visitors without a reservation, or who missed their time, can use the free Standby Callback system (checked Oct 12, 2026). Standby tickets are limited (checked Oct 12, 2026), so don't count on them.
Preservation work. The Navy has been removing old salvage platforms from the Arizona. Advance reservations resumed for tours on Nov. 1, 2025 and beyond (checked Oct 12, 2026). During parts of that work, the memorial and boat access were unsafe for visitors (checked Oct 12, 2026). Check the park's alerts page before you go.
What's allowed (and not).
- Bags: Bags or containers that offer concealment, such as purses, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags and diaper bags, are not allowed if they exceed 1.25" x 2.25" x 5.5" (checked Oct 12, 2026). Clear bags with visible contents are generally accepted. Confirm that on the official page.
- Storage: The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum runs a baggage storage facility near the visitor center entrance, for a fee (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- Prohibited items: These include knives and multitools (pocket knives too) and alcohol (checked Oct 12, 2026). The same page also bans aerosol cans, balloons, bicycles and scooters, and skateboards, Frisbees and balls. Glass containers are out, except baby food jars and tempered glass water bottles (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- Screening: All permitted bags are inspected or tagged as screened (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- Dress: The site is a final resting place for hundreds, and the park recommends appropriate dress and conduct (checked Oct 12, 2026). We found no formal civilian dress code. Skip swimwear and offensive slogans.
- Uniforms: Military visitors in uniform must wear Class B attire or better to reach the memorial (checked Oct 12, 2026).
Parking. Parking at the visitor center is $7/day (checked Oct 12, 2026). It is paid on your phone or at an onsite kiosk, and not through Recreation.gov.
Tips
- Set up your Recreation.gov account before release time. Tickets are limited and can sell out in minutes (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- Save your confirmation QR code or take a screenshot. You need it to get into the right program (checked Oct 12, 2026).
- Count everyone in your party, babies included, when you book.
- Come with a phone, wallet and water only. Leave everything else at the hotel to skip the storage line.
- Book only through Recreation.gov or a tour that clearly says it includes the Arizona program. Tickets are non-transferable and not for resale (checked Oct 12, 2026).
FAQ
Do I need a reservation to visit Pearl Harbor?
No, not for the visitor center, grounds or museums. No tickets or reservations are required for those (checked Oct 12, 2026). The USS Arizona Memorial program is the part that needs one. The park says reservations are strongly recommended (checked Oct 12, 2026).
Is the USS Arizona Memorial free?
Yes, the program itself is free. The only cost is the $1 non-refundable Recreation.gov fee per ticket (checked Oct 12, 2026). Parking is separate. Third-party tours that include the memorial set their own prices, so compare what they include.
Can I bring a backpack or purse?
Not if it exceeds 1.25" x 2.25" x 5.5" (checked Oct 12, 2026). That rules out most purses and backpacks. Fee-based storage is near the visitor center entrance. The simplest fix is to leave bags at your hotel.
Can I use points for Pearl Harbor?
There is nothing to redeem, since the sites are free apart from the $1 fee. Points help with the surrounding trip, like flights and Waikiki hotels. See our transfer partners guide for how those work.
What should I wear?
Wear what you would wear to any solemn memorial, such as shorts or pants with a regular top and comfortable shoes. The park recommends appropriate dress and conduct (checked Oct 12, 2026). Skip swimwear and offensive slogans.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Oahu guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Oahu guide
More questions about Oahu
- Should I book Oahu tours in advance or once I arrive?
- Is Diamond Head worth hiking, and do I need a reservation?
- Is the Hanauma Bay snorkel reservation required?
- How far in advance should I buy Pearl Harbor tickets?
- Should I Stay in Waikiki or on the North Shore of Oahu?
See every question about Oahu → /answers/oahu/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. Ticket release timing, memorial boat access and the bag rules are the most likely to change. Check https://www.nps.gov/perl and the Recreation.gov listing before you go.
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.nps.gov/perl/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
- https://home.nps.gov/perl/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/perl/faq-s.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/perl/planyourvisit/safety.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/perl/planyourvisit/safety.htm/index.htm
- https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233338
- https://www.nps.gov/valr/learn/news/pearl-harbor-national-memorial-prepares-for-summer.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/perl/learn/news/advanced-reservations-for-uss-arizona-memorial-boat-tours-resume-nov-1.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/perl/learn/news/advance-reservations-for-uss-arizona-memorial-will-pause-beginning-july-9-while-preservation-work-continues.htm