Are you heading to Oahu this year and want to visit the USS Arizona Memorial? Find out how to visit Pearl Harbor with kids (and what mistakes to avoid)!
This list of tips for visiting Pearl Harbor was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Quick Version If You’re In A Hurry
Not booking USS Arizona tickets 8 weeks out? Massive mistake. The memorial gets 1.59 million visitors a year and tickets vanish in literal minutes.
Also? Leave every single bag at your hotel. Yes, your purse too. And that cute crossbody. ALL BAGS. Budget at least 5 hours, not the “quick 2-hour stop” I tried to pull off. Oh, and factor in the heat. I did not factor in the heat.
Okay so. Our first Pearl Harbor visit with the kids was… let me just say, it did not go as planned.
I thought we’d breeze through in a couple hours, see the USS Arizona Memorial, maybe grab lunch, call it a day. You know, casual Tuesday morning activity.
Yeah. No.
What actually happened: Two completely melted down kids by 10am, me literally dripping sweat (I wore jeans?? In Hawaii?? What was I thinking??), my husband giving me the “I told you we should have planned better” look, and us leaving after barely an hour because everyone was miserable.
And the worst part?
I’d been to Hawaii 40+ times by then. I’m a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist.
I literally help families plan Hawaii vacations for a living. And I still managed to screw this up spectacularly.
But honestly? That disaster taught me more than any successful trip could have.
Because when we went back the next year? Completely different experience.
We did the docent-led tour at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and my 8-year-old son stood there staring at these bullet holes in the hangar walls from the actual December 7th attack.
He didn’t move. Didn’t fidget. Just stood there processing that someone shot those bullets during a real war.
The docent was this older guy who’d clearly done the tour a million times but you could tell he still got choked up talking about the pilots who died that day.
He pointed to one specific bullet hole near a window and said “That one went through the building while a mechanic was trying to push a plane to safety. He kept pushing even with bullets flying.”
My son asked if the mechanic made it. The docent said no.
Nobody said anything for like thirty seconds. Even the other kids on the tour were quiet.
THAT’S the Pearl Harbor experience you can have when you don’t make the stupid mistakes I made the first time.
So let me tell you what went wrong. Because I guarantee you’re about to make at least one of these same mistakes if you don’t read this first.
Why Pearl Harbor Is Way More Complicated Than You Think
Pearl Harbor gets roughly 1.59 million visitors every year. That works out to about 4,350 people EVERY SINGLE DAY.
For context? That’s more than some small town’s entire population showing up daily to a place with limited capacity, strict security, and boat schedules controlled by the U.S. Navy.
The USS Arizona Memorial can only accommodate about 5,000 people per day via boat tours. But on busy summer days? 8,000 people show up. See the problem?
Plus it’s an active military base. You’re not dealing with “please don’t bring bags” suggestions.
You’re dealing with federal law enforced by security personnel who absolutely do not care that your toddler needs seventeen snacks and a backup outfit.
I know people compare Pearl Harbor to other historic sites but it’s honestly in its own category of complicated. You can’t wing it. You can’t show up and figure it out. You can’t even bring your purse.
After helping hundreds of families plan Oahu trips through my Hawaii travel consultations, I keep seeing the same five mistakes over and over.
And yep, I made most of them myself before I learned better.
Mistake #1: Thinking You Can Just Show Up and Get USS Arizona Memorial Tickets
Oh man. This is the mistake that sinks more Pearl Harbor visits than anything else.
The USS Arizona Memorial is technically free. BUT. You absolutely must have advance reservations. Not optional. Not recommended. Required.
Those reservations open exactly 8 weeks (56 days) ahead at 3pm Hawaii time on recreation.gov.
When I say they disappear fast, I mean FAST. Like “you refresh the page and they’re already gone” fast.
Summer dates? Gone in under 90 seconds sometimes. I’ve literally sat there with multiple devices and still missed out because I wasn’t fast enough.
And you need a ticket for EVERY person, including babies over 1 year old. So if you’re a family of four, you’re grabbing four tickets in that 90-second window. Fun times.
Two Ways to Actually Get Tickets (That Might Work)
The “Set Multiple Alarms and Pray” Method:
Tickets release at 3pm Hawaii time every day for dates exactly 8 weeks out. That’s 8pm Eastern, 5pm Pacific if you’re planning from the mainland.
Make sure you already have a recreation.gov account set up. Have everyone’s names ready to copy-paste. Be logged in by 2:55pm Hawaii time. Have good internet. Maybe light a candle. I don’t know.
There’s also same-day tickets released at 3pm for next day, but those go even faster and who wants to gamble with their vacation?
Oh, and if you’re like “I’ll just get standby tickets at the visitor center,” sure, you can try that. Budget several hours of waiting in the heat with cranky kids. The standby line is brutal.
The “Let Someone Else Deal With It” Method:
Book a tour that includes guaranteed Arizona Memorial tickets.
Yes, tours cost more. But you know what also costs money? A vacation day wasted sitting in standby lines or driving to Pearl Harbor only to discover you can’t actually see the memorial because you don’t have tickets.
I’ve compared the main tour options below so you can figure out which one makes sense for your family. Spoiler: they’re all better than the stress of trying to snag tickets yourself.
Pearl Harbor Tours That Include Guaranteed Arizona Memorial Tickets
| What You Get | Cost | Who It’s For | Where To Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Day: USS Arizona + Honolulu City Drive-By | $55-79 per person | Families with young kids or tight schedules who want the main attraction without the full-day commitment | Hawaii Activities / GetYourGuide |
| Full-Day: Everything (Arizona + Missouri + Bowfin + Aviation Museum) | $145-208 per person | History lovers, older kids who can handle a long day, anyone who wants to really understand what happened at Pearl Harbor | Hawaii Activities / GetYourGuide |
| Deluxe Tour with Pick-Your-Own-Upgrades | $89-150 per person | People who want flexibility to choose which paid attractions they add on top of the Arizona Memorial | Hawaii Activities |
Real talk? If you’ve never been to Pearl Harbor, do the full-day complete experience. The Aviation Museum alone is worth it.
Those bullet holes? They’re still there. In the actual hangars. My kids could not believe they were standing in a building that got shot during World War II.
If you have a toddler or a kid who melts down after 3 hours, do the half-day tour. You’ll see the most important parts without pushing everyone’s limits.
And look, I know tours feel expensive. But you’re paying for transportation, guaranteed tickets, a guide who knows what they’re talking about, and not having to figure out parking or bag storage or timing everything perfectly.
Sometimes spending more money = way less stress.
My Oahu Travel Guide for Families breaks down every Pearl Harbor attraction in detail if you want to dig deeper into what’s actually worth seeing.
Mistake #2: Bringing a Bag (Any Bag. Seriously. Any Bag.)
Remember how I mentioned Pearl Harbor is an active military base?
The security isn’t kidding around.
No bags. At all. Zero bags. Not even those tiny crossbody purses. Not a diaper bag. Not a “but it’s clear so you can see everything inside” bag.
If it can conceal something, you can’t bring it in. Period.
I watched a woman ahead of us in line try to argue that her bag was “basically a wallet.” Security was like “Ma’am, that’s a bag.” She had to go back to bag storage. Her whole family had to wait. Everyone was annoyed. Don’t be that person.
What Actually Counts As A Prohibited Bag
- Any purse (yes, even tiny ones)
- Backpacks
- Diaper bags (I KNOW, but yes)
- Fanny packs
- Camera bags
- Shopping bags
- Your kid’s small backpack
- Basically anything bigger than a sandwich bag
The only exception is if you have a medical necessity. Then you need to explain at security and they’ll check everything.
What You CAN Bring
- Wallet that fits in your pocket
- Phone
- Small camera (has to fit in your pocket or hang around your neck, no camera bag)
- Medications
- Clear water bottles
- Strollers and wheelchairs
- Your dignity after security makes you throw away your granola bar because the wrapper counts as “concealment”
Bag storage exists at the visitor center. It’s $7 per regular bag, $10 for big stuff. It’s secure and bonded and everything. But you will not have access to your things during your visit.
Which means when your 4-year-old says “I’m hungry” at 11am and you brought snacks in your bag? Too bad. The bag’s in storage. Hope you like the visitor center’s overpriced snack bar.
How I Actually Handle The No-Bag Situation Now
Cargo shorts. I’m serious. My husband and I both wear cargo shorts with like seventeen pockets.
We split up duties. He carries wallet, phone, and keys. I carry camera, chapstick, hand sanitizer, and whatever small stuff we need. Kids carry their own water bottles.
If you’ve got a baby, you CAN use the stroller storage pockets for diapers and wipes. Just make sure everything’s in clear bags so security can see it without digging through.
Oh and pro tip: if you’re staying in Waikiki specifically to visit Pearl Harbor, choose a hotel that’ll hold your luggage after checkout. Most do. Check Expedia’s Waikiki hotels for options near tour pickup points.
Mistake #3: Skipping The Audio Tours and Docent Programs (The Biggest Regret)
On our disaster first visit, we wandered around looking at displays. The kids were bored within fifteen minutes. “It’s just old stuff, Mom.”
Second visit? The Aviation Museum docent tour completely changed everything.
The guides aren’t just rattling off dates and facts. They’re telling stories about actual people who died there. They’re showing you bullet holes and explaining which direction the planes came from.
They’re pointing to photos and saying “This guy was 19 years old when he died.”
Our docent walked us through Hangar 37 and stopped at this one plane. He told us about the pilot who flew it during the attack, how he tried to get airborne but there wasn’t enough time, how he died next to his plane.
Then he said “His sister came here last year for the anniversary. She’d never seen where he died.”
I am not exaggerating when I tell you there was not a dry eye in that tour group.
My daughter asked so many questions. Where did the pilots sleep? How did they know the attack was coming? Why didn’t they have more warning? The docent answered every single one.
That’s what you get with the guided experiences. Stories instead of facts.
Where To Find The Audio Tours and Docent Programs
USS Missouri: Guided tour included with admission (and it’s really good)
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Audio tour included, or join one of the docent-led tours if timing works out
USS Bowfin Submarine: Audio tour included
All the complete Pearl Harbor experience tours include these. If you’re doing it yourself, grab every audio guide offered. Trust me.
Why This Actually Matters With Kids
Kids don’t care about dates. They really don’t care about military equipment specifications. But stories about real people? That works.
Instead of “the USS Arizona sank during the attack,” it becomes “1,177 men are still in that ship right now.
When the survivors died years later, many chose to have their ashes placed back with their crewmates they left behind. Divers go down and place the urns inside the ship.”
My 8-year-old asked “So they’re all together again?”
The docent said “Yeah, buddy. They’re all together.”
That’s the difference between a boring museum and something that actually means something.
If you want more tips on making Pearl Harbor work with kids, my free 7-day Oahu planning email course covers exactly how to make historical sites interesting for different ages.
Mistake #4: Underestimating How Much Time You Actually Need
“We’ll just pop over to Pearl Harbor for an hour or two” is what I said.
That was cute. Very optimistic. Completely wrong.
Even if you ONLY do the USS Arizona Memorial (the free part), you need minimum 2 hours. More like 2.5 hours. Maybe 3.
Why? Because:
You have to park (good luck during summer, parking fills up by 8:30am). Then security. Then walking to the theater. Then the documentary film (23 minutes).
Then waiting for your boat. Then the boat ride (10 minutes). Then time on the memorial (15 minutes). Then boat back.
Then walking through the visitor center exhibits because they’re actually really good.
That’s 2+ hours and you haven’t even seen the Missouri or Aviation Museum yet.
Want to see everything? The Missouri, Bowfin, Aviation Museum, AND the Arizona Memorial? You’re looking at 5-6 hours minimum. Probably more if you stop for lunch or if your kid needs a bathroom trip every 45 minutes.
What A Realistic Full-Day Pearl Harbor Visit Actually Looks Like
So we get there at 7am when it opens. Yes, that early. Parking lot already has cars.
7:00-7:30am: Park, security, get oriented
8:00-10:00am: Arizona Memorial program and visitor center exhibits
10:00-11:30am: Shuttle to Ford Island, USS Missouri tour
11:30am-12:30pm: Lunch break (food truck at Missouri or snack bar at Aviation Museum)
12:30-2:30pm: Aviation Museum (DO NOT SKIP THIS)
2:30-3:30pm: Bowfin Submarine if everyone still has energy
3:30pm: Collapse into car
That’s a full 8+ hour day. And it still feels rushed sometimes.
Most families I work with through my Hawaii travel consultations try to cram Pearl Harbor into a half-day because “how much time can a memorial really take?” and then they’re disappointed because they had to skip stuff or felt rushed the whole time.
Give Pearl Harbor the time it deserves. It’s not Disneyland where you’re trying to hit all the rides. It’s a memorial. A cemetery. The place where 2,403 Americans died. That’s worth slowing down for.
Mistake #5: Not Preparing Kids For What They’re About To See
Pearl Harbor is heavy. There’s no other way to say it.
You’re visiting the location where 2,403 people died during a surprise attack. You’re standing over the sunken ship where 1,177 sailors are still entombed. You’re looking at photos of 19-year-old kids who died that day.
Kids need to understand this before they walk in the door. Otherwise you’re dealing with behavior problems that embarrass you and disrespect everyone else there.
I learned this the hard way on visit #1 when my son asked loudly “Why is everyone being so quiet?” in the middle of the memorial boat ride and the woman next to us glared at me like I’d brought a screaming baby to a funeral.
Because I basically did.
How I Prep Kids Now (And It Actually Works)
For little kids (5-8):
I keep it simple. “We’re visiting a place where many brave people died protecting our country. It’s like a very special cemetery. We need to use quiet voices and be respectful, kind of like at church.”
Then I explain the basic story. “Japan attacked Hawaii a long time ago when Grandpa’s grandpa was young. Many American soldiers died. We’re going to visit where that happened and pay our respects.”
Simple. Age-appropriate. Not scary but real.
For older kids (9-12):
They can handle more detail. I show them photos beforehand. We watch a short documentary together (not the super graphic footage, obviously). I explain that the Arizona Memorial is literally floating over a ship full of dead sailors.
“Some of those guys were only 17. Just a few years older than you. They died doing their job.”
Kids that age get it. They understand death and sacrifice in a way that little kids don’t yet.
For teens:
Full story. Political context. What life was like for servicemen in 1941. Individual stories of people who died. Teens often respond really well to the personal stories.
I also tell them about the survivors. “Some of the guys who survived have chosen to have their ashes placed back in the Arizona when they die, so they can be reunited with their shipmates. They left their crew behind that day and they want to go back.”
That hits different when you’re a teenager thinking about loyalty and friendship.
The Actual Conversation I Have Before We Get Out Of The Car
Every single time, I pull into the parking lot and turn around to look at my kids in the back seat.
“Okay. No running. No loud voices. If you feel bored or uncomfortable, that’s okay. But we stay together and we show respect. This is someone’s grave. Many people’s graves. We act like we’re at a funeral. Got it?”
They got it.
And if you’re worried your kids can’t handle it? My Oahu Travel Guide breaks down every major attraction by age-appropriateness so you can make the call.
Other Pearl Harbor Stuff You Need To Know (That Nobody Tells You)
The Heat Will Destroy You
Remember my jeans mistake?
Pearl Harbor is HOT. Like, standing-in-full-sun-on-concrete-with-no-shade hot. The memorial has a roof but you’re spending most of the day outside.
I saw a dad literally carrying his limp noodle child back from the memorial because the kid was so overheated. Don’t be that family.
Bring water bottles (clear ones so they pass security). Wear sunscreen. Hats. Sunglasses. Breathable clothes. I always throw a small cooling towel in my pocket. When the kids start wilting, I run it under cold water and put it on their necks. Total lifesaver.
You can grab cooling towels on Amazon before your trip. Get the kind that activates with water.
And dress in layers because the theater is FREEZING. Like arctic cold. I don’t know if it’s intentional or what, but bring a light jacket for the film.
Get There EARLY (Earlier Than You Think)
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center opens at 7am.
On busy days (summer, holidays, weekends), the parking lot can fill up by 8:30am.
We aim to be there right at 7. Sometimes 6:45. Yeah, it’s early. But you get parking, you can use the bathroom without a line, you can look around and get oriented without crowds.
Plus the morning is slightly cooler. Emphasis on slightly.
Transportation: What Actually Works
Drive yourself: Parking is $7/day. Get there early. Don’t leave valuables in the car because break-ins happen. Lock everything in the trunk.
Uber/Lyft: About $30-40 each way from Waikiki. Fine if you’re not bringing bags (which you shouldn’t be anyway).
TheBus: $3 per ride. Takes 60+ minutes with stops. Gets hot. Kids will complain. Not my first choice but technically an option.
Tours: Best option. Transportation included, no parking stress, guaranteed tickets, guide to explain everything. Compare tours here.
The Food Situation Is Not Great
The visitor center has a snack bar. Sandwiches, chips, drinks. Nothing fancy. Nothing cheap either.
USS Missouri has a lunch truck. Hawaiian plate lunch, burgers, that kind of thing. Actually pretty decent.
Aviation Museum has a small restaurant.
Or do what we do now: big breakfast before leaving, protein bars in pockets (wrappers removed so they don’t count as “bags”), plan late lunch after.
Where The Bathrooms Are
Visitor center: Yes, multiple bathrooms USS Arizona Memorial: No bathrooms (you’re only there 15 minutes) USS Missouri: Yes Aviation Museum: Yes Bowfin Museum: Yes
Plan accordingly. Especially with kids.
Taking Photos Without Being Disrespectful
Photos are allowed almost everywhere except crossing the Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island (military security reasons).
On the Arizona Memorial itself, be respectful. No selfie sticks. No posing. No grinning pictures next to the wall of names of dead sailors.
Just don’t be that tourist. You know the one.
If you want professional family photos in Oahu, book a Flytographer session (save $20 with my link). But maybe not AT Pearl Harbor.
There are better spots for family photos. I can give you my list if you book a consultation.
Should You Rent A Car Just For Pearl Harbor?
Probably not.
Tours include transportation. Uber works fine for a one-day Pearl Harbor trip.
But if you’re planning multiple self-drive days around Oahu (North Shore, beaches, hiking), then yes, get a car.
I always use Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they compare all the companies and consistently have the best rates.
What Else To Do On Oahu Besides Pearl Harbor
Okay so you’ve done Pearl Harbor. Now what?
North Shore is incredible. Watch surfers at Pipeline, eat at the shrimp trucks, hit Waimea Bay for cliff jumping (older kids only).
Diamond Head hike is totally doable with kids over 6. It’s paved most of the way. Sunrise hike if you can handle the early wakeup.
Kualoa Ranch is amazing. Movie site tours, ATV rides, ziplining. My kids loved it.
For beaches, I honestly prefer the windward side over Waikiki. Lanikai Beach has clearer water, softer sand, fewer crowds. Kailua Beach is great for families.
My Oahu Travel Guide for Families has detailed day-by-day itineraries, restaurant recommendations, and insider tips for all of this stuff.
And if you’re island hopping, my Hawaii Island Hopping Guide will help you figure out which islands to visit in what order.
Questions Everyone Asks About Pearl Harbor (Real Answers)
How much does Pearl Harbor actually cost?
USS Arizona Memorial is free (but $1 reservation fee per person). Parking is $7/day.
Other attractions as of January 2026:
- USS Missouri: $37.99 adults, $18.99 kids 4-12
- USS Bowfin: About $20 adults, $13 kids (prices vary slightly)
- Aviation Museum: About $30 adults, $20 kids
- Passport ticket (all three): $99.99
Or book a tour that includes everything. Sometimes it’s actually cheaper than piecing it together yourself.
Can you visit without a tour?
Yes. Just book your own Arizona tickets on recreation.gov, figure out transportation, buy admission to other attractions separately.
Tours are more convenient but doing it yourself definitely works if you plan ahead.
How long do you really need?
Minimum 2 hours for Arizona Memorial only. 5-6 hours if you want to see everything properly without rushing.
Most families spend 4-5 hours total.
What age is Pearl Harbor appropriate for?
Kids 5+ generally do okay if you prepare them. Younger kids can go but the heat, crowds, and need to stay quiet can be tough.
Bowfin Submarine doesn’t allow kids under 4 (safety rules).
Honestly? Aviation Museum is the most kid-friendly part. Planes and helicopters hold kids’ attention way better than museum exhibits.
Worth it with really young kids?
Depends on your kids. If they can handle museums and stay quiet in serious places, yes. If they’re runners or need constant stimulation, Pearl Harbor might frustrate everyone.
The Aviation Museum is your best bet with young kids. Skip the Bowfin (can’t go on it anyway) and maybe skip Missouri unless your kids are really into battleships.
What should you actually wear?
Comfortable walking shoes (you’re on your feet for HOURS). Light, breathable clothes with pockets. Hat. Sunglasses. Light jacket for the freezing theater.
Nothing inappropriate or disrespectful. No swimsuits showing. No profanity on shirts.
If you’re military in uniform, you need Class B or better to board the boat to Arizona Memorial.
Can you bring a stroller?
Yep! Just know you have to leave it outside the theater before the boat ride to the memorial.
Use stroller storage for baby supplies since diaper bags aren’t allowed. Put stuff in clear bags so security can see.
What if the Arizona Memorial is closed?
Sometimes Navy suspends boat operations for weather, mechanical issues, or security. Rest of Pearl Harbor stays open but you can’t access the memorial itself.
Tours might offer refunds or reschedule options. If you booked independently, the $1 reservation fee is non-refundable but visitor center is still free.
This happened during our second visit actually. Boat was broken. We were disappointed but ended up spending more time at the Aviation Museum and Missouri. Still a good day.
Stop Overthinking This and Just Book Something
Look, Pearl Harbor doesn’t have to be complicated.
Book Arizona tickets early OR grab a tour that handles it. Don’t bring bags. Budget a full day. Prep your kids. Get there early.
That’s it.
Do those things and you’ll actually have a meaningful experience instead of spending the whole day stressed about logistics and dealing with cranky kids.
And honestly? Pearl Harbor is worth the effort. Standing on the memorial over the Arizona, knowing there are still 1,177 men entombed in that ship… it hits different. It matters.
My kids still talk about those bullet holes in the Aviation Museum hangar. My daughter asked to watch a Pearl Harbor documentary when we got home. My son did a school project on World War II because of that visit.
That’s what happens when you do it right.
If you want help planning your whole Oahu trip around Pearl Harbor (or help deciding if Pearl Harbor is even right for your family), I do one-on-one consultations where we build a custom itinerary for your specific situation.
Or grab my Oahu Travel Guide for Families for detailed day-by-day plans, restaurant recommendations, beach guides, and all the insider stuff I learned from 40+ Hawaii trips.
You’re going to do great. Pearl Harbor is powerful and important and absolutely worth seeing. Just learn from my mistakes so your first visit is better than mine was.
Want more Pearl Harbor help? Check out:
- Is the USS Battleship Missouri Worth Visiting With Kids?
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Is It Worth Your Time?
- Best Pearl Harbor Private Tours
- Where to Eat Near Pearl Harbor
- Getting from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor Without Losing Your Mind
Free email courses for easier Oahu planning:
- 5-Day Course: Save Money in Hawaii
- 7-Day Email Course: Planning an Oahu Trip
- 5-Day Course: Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro
