Are you thinking about visiting Pearl Harbor with kids? We’ve done it and are here to give you our honest option about whether or not it’s worth adding to your Oahu itinerary.
This post about visiting Pearl Harbor with kids was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning an Oahu vacation and wondering if Pearl Harbor should make the cut?
I get this question constantly from parents trying to figure out if their kids are ready for this experience.
Here’s the thing: I’ve been to Pearl Harbor more times than I can count (professional tourist status, remember?), and I’ve taken my boys at different ages.
I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t when you’re visiting with kids. So let me give you the real scoop.
Why Pearl Harbor Is Personal for Our Family
Before I get into the logistics, I want to share something meaningful. My grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and had his R&R on Kauai, which is actually what started our family’s deep love affair with the Hawaiian islands.
So visiting Pearl Harbor isn’t just a tourist checkbox for us. It’s personal.
That connection to history makes these visits incredibly moving, but it also means I’ve thought a lot about when kids are truly ready to appreciate what happened here.
The Pearl Harbor Experience: More Than Just the USS Arizona Memorial
Most people picture that iconic white memorial floating over the sunken ship when they think of Pearl Harbor. And yes, the USS Arizona Memorial is incredibly powerful.
But here’s what surprises visitors: Pearl Harbor is actually home to four different historic sites that you can visit.
You can tour just one or two, or make a full day of seeing everything. Let me break down what each one offers so you can decide what’s right for your family.
USS Arizona Memorial
This is the free attraction (though you need to reserve tickets for $1 on recreation.gov). The visitor center is open 7am to 5pm daily, and parking costs $7 for the day.
Here’s something important that changed: they no longer hand out same-day walk-up tickets. You MUST reserve your timed ticket online up to 8 weeks (56 days) in advance. Tickets go fast, so don’t wait.
Your timed ticket is for the boat ride out to the memorial. Once you arrive, you can spend about 45 minutes walking around before heading back to shore. They also offer audio tours if you want more context about what you’re seeing.
We actually chose not to bring our boys (then 4 and 7) on this particular visit, though my husband and I had been before.
Part of that decision was knowing we’d be back to Oahu with them many times over the next few years. But honestly, we felt they were too young to truly grasp the significance. Every family is different, but that’s where we landed.
USS Battleship Missouri
Now THIS is the attraction my kids got really excited about. The Battleship Missouri (everyone calls it Mighty Mo) is where Japan formally surrendered, ending WWII. How cool is that?
Tickets run $37.99 for adults and $18.99 for kids ages 4-12 if you buy them online. If you wait to buy at the gate, you’ll pay $39.99 and $19.99. It’s open 8am to 4pm daily.
The ship sits on Ford Island, so you’ll take the free shuttle from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to get there. Once aboard this massive battleship, you can explore most of the decks. They recommend following a certain route, but you can take as long or as little time as you want.
There are indoor and outdoor areas, and you can either join a free 35-minute guided tour or explore on your own. The guides are fantastic if you can catch one of their talks about specific events.
And here’s the best part for families: there’s a canteen serving lunch items AND Dole Whip! My kids were pretty bored after about 30 minutes of walking around (my husband wanted to stay for 90 minutes), but that Dole Whip brought them right back to life.
We spent about 2 hours total here, including snack time. Check out my full USS Battleship Missouri review for way more details and photos.
If you want to skip the logistics and have someone else handle everything, there are some great Pearl Harbor tours on Viator and GetYourGuide that include the Missouri and other sites.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
This was hands down my kids’ favorite spot. If your children love airplanes, this is an absolute must.
General admission is $27.99 for adults and $15.99 for kids 4-12. The museum is open 9am to 5pm daily, and like the Missouri, you’ll need to take the free shuttle from the visitor center since it’s on Ford Island.
The museum sits inside actual WWII hangars that were there during the attack. You can still see bullet holes in Hangar 79 from December 7, 1941. How incredible is that?
Inside, you’ll find tons of aircraft from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf Wars. Everything is set up in such an engaging way that even kids naturally want to learn more about the planes and their history.
Want to know something really special?
Back in May 2022, they opened the Ford Island Control Tower to the public. My youngest son and I went on opening weekend, and he was literally the first kid to climb to the top! He even made it into the local paper.
You can buy a separate ticket for the Top of the Tower Tour (around $22) right here. The 360-degree views of Pearl Harbor from up there are absolutely worth it.
The museum also has the Laniakea Cafe, which is the only air-conditioned restaurant at Pearl Harbor. They serve burgers, fries, hot dogs, and other American classics. Perfect for refueling hungry kids.
My boys told me they’d definitely come back to this museum on a future trip. We spent about 2 hours here (including lunch time). Want more details? Check out my complete Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum review.
USS Bowfin Submarine
The USS Bowfin earned the nickname “Pearl Harbor Avenger” because it launched exactly one year after the attack, on December 7, 1942. It’s one of only 15 WWII-era submarines still around.
Tickets are $23.99 for adults and $13.99 for kids 4-12. The museum and submarine are open 7am to 5pm daily, with last entry at 4:30pm.
Here’s the deal with this one: my husband loved it when we toured it years ago (total history geek moment for him). I thought it was interesting to see inside a real submarine, but honestly, it felt really cramped and a bit claustrophobic.
The bigger issue for families? Kids under 4 aren’t allowed inside for safety reasons. We ended up skipping it on our most recent trip because our boys were already tired from walking around all day and needed some pool time back at the hotel.
I’d recommend this for older kids or kids who are seriously into military history and vehicles. For younger kids or those with shorter attention spans, I’d save this for another visit.
My Honest Answer: Is Pearl Harbor Worth It with Kids?
Okay, here’s where I get real with you.
If you know you’ll be visiting Oahu again when your kids are older, I’d honestly wait.
You’ll all get so much more out of the experience when they can truly understand what happened here and why it matters. And I say this as someone who takes my kids everywhere!
But if this is possibly your only Oahu trip? Then yes, absolutely add Pearl Harbor to your itinerary. Some experiences are just too important to skip.
The key is being smart about what’s realistic for your family. The USS Arizona Memorial is pretty manageable for kids of all ages, and the tour doesn’t take much time.
After that, I’d suggest picking just ONE other attraction, especially if you have younger kids.
My top pick would be either the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (it’s air-conditioned, which is huge) or the USS Battleship Missouri. Both have food nearby, which is crucial for preventing meltdowns.
If you want to see everything, consider the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket ($99.99 for adults, $49.99 for kids 4-12).
It gets you into the Missouri, Bowfin Submarine, and Aviation Museum over two days. Just know it doesn’t include the USS Arizona Memorial reservation, which you need to book separately.
You can find Passport tickets and great Pearl Harbor tours on HawaiiActivities.com.
Planning Your Pearl Harbor Visit: The Essential Details
Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make your visit smooth.
What You CAN’T Bring (This Is Important!)
Pearl Harbor is an active military base, so security is serious. Here’s what’s NOT allowed:
- Any bag bigger than 1.5″ x 2.25″ x 5.5″ (basically, most purses, backpacks, and diaper bags)
- Glass containers (except baby food jars)
- Any sports equipment
- Flowers in pots or containers
- Knives or weapons
- Aerosol cans
They have bag storage available for $6 (standard bags) or $10 (oversized luggage) if you forget and bring something.
What You CAN Bring
Don’t worry, you’re not going in empty-handed! You can bring:
- Clear plastic bags to hold your stuff
- Clear water bottles
- Your camera (even a small camera bag)
- A small wallet (under 1.5″ x 2.25″ x 5.5″)
- Wheelchairs and strollers with attached bags
- Service animals
Everything you bring will be screened when you enter.
What to Wear
There’s no official dress code, but remember you’re at a memorial site. Here’s what works:
- Simple t-shirts or aloha shirts
- Comfortable shorts or skirts (at least fingertip length)
- Hawaiian mu’u mu’u dresses
- Walking shoes, flip flops, or sandals
They will deny entry to anyone wearing profane t-shirts or swimsuits, so leave the beach clothes back at your hotel.
Getting There
Pearl Harbor is on Oahu, about 4 miles from Honolulu Airport. Here are your transportation options:
- Rental car – This is what we usually do. You can rent a car in Hawaii through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. Just know that parking costs $7 at the visitor center.
- Uber or Lyft – Easy option if you’re staying in Waikiki or central Honolulu.
- TheBus – The public bus system is the cheapest option.
- Shuttle services – There’s a Waikiki to Pearl Harbor shuttle that many hotels can help you book.
What to Do with Kids at Pearl Harbor
Even with the age restrictions at some sites, there’s plenty for kids to enjoy.
At the USS Arizona Memorial, kids can watch the 23-minute film with actual footage from the attack, then take the boat ride out to the memorial. It helps them understand what happened on December 7, 1941 in a way that pictures in a textbook just can’t.
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is perfect for aviation enthusiasts. There’s an introductory film, then they can explore all the exhibits and aircraft. The flight simulator is a huge hit with kids.
The USS Battleship Missouri gives kids a chance to ask questions from actual U.S. Navy sailors who work there. They can see real cannons up close and explore all sorts of hands-on areas of the ship.
The USS Bowfin Submarine offers an in-depth look at life underwater (though again, kids under 4 can’t go inside). It’s perfect for kids who want to say they’ve been inside a real submarine.
Learn More Before You Visit
Want to prep your family before your trip? Here are some resources that really help kids (and adults) understand what they’re about to see.
Books About Pearl Harbor for Adults
Perfect for reading before your trip or listening to while driving to Hawaii:
- Day of Infamy by Walter Lord
- Sunday in Hell: Pearl Harbor Minute by Minute by Bill McWilliams
- At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor by Gordon W. Prange
Kids’ Books About Pearl Harbor
These help start age-appropriate conversations about what happened:
- Pearl Harbor: 56 Fascinating Facts for Kids by David Railton
- Pearl Harbor: An Illustrated History by Dan Van Der Vat
- What Was Pearl Harbor? by Patricia Brennan Demuth
Movies to Watch
Want to do a Hawaii-themed movie night before your trip?
- Pearl Harbor (2001) with Josh Hartnett, Ben Affleck, and Kate Beckinsale
- Midway (2019) with Ed Skrein and Patrick Wilson (starts with Pearl Harbor, then covers the Battle of Midway)
- December 7th (1943) with Walter Huston
These resources really help everyone in the family appreciate what you’re about to see.
Pearl Harbor Quick Facts
Let me share some lesser-known Pearl Harbor facts that always surprise people:
Of the eight battleships at Pearl Harbor during the attack, six were eventually repaired and returned to service.
Only the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were total losses. The Navy actually brought most of them back into fighting condition!
WWII survivors can have their ashes placed at the USS Arizona Memorial.
The U.S. Navy allows survivors from December 7, 1941 to be interred in the ship’s wreckage after a full military funeral. Divers place the ashes in an urn beneath one of the gun turrets.
More than 30 crew members who served on the USS Arizona have chosen this as their final resting place.
The USS Arizona is still leaking fuel.
The ship was fully loaded with about 1.5 million gallons of fuel the day before the attack. Even now, it spills about 9 quarts of oil each day into the harbor.
Japanese tourists visit the memorial too.
Japan is now one of America’s strongest allies, and Hawaii’s tourism industry relies heavily on Japanese visitors. Many come to pay respects to all the warriors who lost their lives, just as Americans do.
Almost half of Pearl Harbor casualties were from the USS Arizona.
Of the 1,177 crew members who died when the Arizona sank, 21 were members of the U.S. Navy Band who were preparing for the daily flag-raising ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pearl Harbor located? Pearl Harbor sits on the southern end of Oahu, about 6 miles west of Honolulu.
What time does Pearl Harbor open? The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center opens at 7am daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). This is actually perfect for your first full day in Hawaii, since you’ll probably wake up early anyway from the time change!
How much does Pearl Harbor cost? The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and USS Arizona Memorial are free (though you pay $1 to reserve your Arizona ticket online). The other attractions cost $24-$38 per adult. The Passport to Pearl Harbor bundle ($99.99 adults, $49.99 kids) gets you into three attractions over two days.
Is Pearl Harbor good for kids? Yes! The Pacific Aviation Museum and USS Missouri are especially fun for families. Just know that kids under 4 can’t go on the USS Bowfin Submarine.
Can you bring strollers to Pearl Harbor? You can bring strollers to the Visitor Center, but you can’t take them on the shuttles to Ford Island or into the memorial theater.
Are kids free at Pearl Harbor? Kids under 4 get into some areas free, but for the paid attractions (Missouri, Aviation Museum, Bowfin), kids 4-12 need tickets just like adults.
How long should we spend at Pearl Harbor? You could easily spend a full day seeing everything. With kids, I’d plan for a few hours so you can see the main sites without everyone getting overwhelmed or overtired.
Capture Your Pearl Harbor Memories
Speaking of photos, can we talk about family pictures for a second? Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a session with Flytographer.
They’re super easy and affordable, and honestly, it guarantees that I’ll actually be IN some photos instead of behind the camera the whole time. You can save $20 when you book through my link.
Trust me, you’ll want professional photos of your family at Pearl Harbor. These are the kind of pictures you’ll treasure forever.
Want More Oahu Planning Help?
Pearl Harbor is just one of the many incredible things to see on Oahu. If you’re planning your whole trip and want my insider tips, check out my Oahu Travel Guide for Families.
It’s packed with everything you need to know about the best beaches, activities, restaurants, and places to stay.
I also host the podcast Hawaii Travel Made Easy, and I’ve got some great episodes about Oahu that will help you plan the perfect trip.
Want to go even deeper into planning your Oahu vacation? I created a free email course that walks you through everything step-by-step: How to Plan a Trip to Oahu in 7 Days.
It’s like having a friend guide you through the whole planning process.
And if you’re the type who wants extra hand-holding (no judgment, Hawaii can feel overwhelming to plan!), I also offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations.
We’ll get on a call and I’ll help you figure out exactly what will work best for your family.
More Pearl Harbor Resources
Want to keep reading about Pearl Harbor? Check out these other posts:
- Best Pearl Harbor Private Tours Worth Booking
- How to Get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Everything You Need to Know
Final Thoughts
Pearl Harbor is one of those places that every American should visit at least once. It’s where you can teach your kids about sacrifice, bravery, and why we remember history.
Yes, it’s sobering. Yes, it might be heavy for young kids. But it’s also incredibly important.
The fact that my grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and fell in love with Hawaii during his R&R makes every visit to Pearl Harbor even more meaningful for our family.
Standing on that hallowed ground, knowing he walked on these same islands during such a pivotal time in history, connects us to something bigger than ourselves.
Whether you visit just the USS Arizona Memorial or spend a full day exploring all four historic sites, you’re giving your family an education they’ll never forget.
And that’s worth way more than any beach day (though you’ll probably want to hit the beach afterward to lighten the mood a bit!).
Ready to start planning your Oahu adventure? Let’s make it happen!
Want to read more about Pearl Harbor with kids? Find out the best Pearl Harbor private tours, how to get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor, read my USS Battleship Missouri review, and find out my top tips for the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
P.S. Join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to get connected with other families planning a trip to Hawaii!
