How to Visit Pearl Harbor On Your Own (Without a Tour!)

When I returned from my visit to Oahu, Hawaii, one of the main questions I was asked by my friends and family was, “Were you able to visit Pearl Harbor on your own, or did you have to be part of a tour group?”… I swear I must have answered this question at least a dozen times in the months following my return back home. I didn’t book through a tour company. Rather, I decided to visit Pearl Harbor on my own. 

Considering the amount of times I was asked about this following my trip, I felt it was important to outline exactly how you, too, can visit Pearl Harbor without booking a tour. From the logistics of the planning process to some of the benefits of visiting solo without a tour, this post outlines everything you might need to know before spending time at this historic memorial site.

Without further ado, here is exactly why I recommend doing this experience solo and how to visit Pearl Harbor on your own without a tour company.

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How to Visit Pearl Harbor Without a Tour

Pick a day to visit Pearl Harbor

The very first thing I recommend determining in your planning process if you’re hoping to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour is to figure out which day during your trip to dedicate to the site. For us, it was an all day experience. I don’t recommend trying to fit in another activity or excursion on the day of your Pearl Harbor visit.

Make USS Arizona Memorial Reservations and purchase add-on tickets

Once you’ve determined which day of your trip you’re planning to dedicate to the Pearl Harbor site, make reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial and purchase your tickets to the additional experiences available onsite.

Reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial become available 8-weeks prior to the program date you’re looking to book at 3pm Hawaii Standard Time. You’ll need to look at your calendar and count backward 8-weeks prior to the day you’d like to visit Pearl Harbor to determine when reservations become available for your specific trip. If you missed the 8-week window and there are no reservations available, don’t worry! That is what happened to us since we booked our entire trip last minute.

You can also attempt to make a reservation for the USS Arizona Memorial the day prior to your intended visit. Remaining reservations are put on the recreation.gov website at 3pm Hawaii Standard Time the day prior, and they go fast. Be logged into your account and ready to go by 3pm to have the best shot at scoring a reservation.

If all else fails, you can simply use the standby line to get a spot on the boat leaving from the Visitor Center to the USS Arizona Memorial. That’s what we did, and we didn’t wait at all! However, I’ve heard other stories from people who waited several hours and some who waited that never made it on a boat at all due to the volume of visitors that day.

You can also purchase tickets to additional experiences like the Battleship Missouri or the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum online in advance or in-person the day of your visit.

Leave your backpack at the hotel

There is a strict bag policy enforced at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Specifically, visitors cannot bring in bags that offer concealment such as purses, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera bags, or luggage larger than 1.5″ X 2.25″ X 5.5″.

Clear bags (such as those you’d bring to stadiums or sporting events) are permitted, as are clutches and wallets measuring 1.5″ X 2.25″ X 5.5″ or less.

If you need ideas or inspiration on what type of clear bag to purchase, here are some great options on Amazon!

If you accidentally brought a bag along with you, or need it for your activities before/after your visit–don’t worry! There is a baggage storage facility just outside the entrance to the memorial site. However, it is not complimentary and it will require you to pay a fee per bag stowed.

For more information about the specifics of the bag policy, you can reference the official rules here.

Commonly Asked Questions

Where is Pearl Harbor located?

Pearl Harbor is located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, roughly 10 miles west of the city of Honolulu.

Did you know that Pearl Harbor is the largest natural harbor in that state of Hawaii, as well as the number one visitor destination on Oahu ¹?! Pearl Harbor is still an active military base (technically known as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam), but it’s also a National Historic Landmark that visitors can visit year-round.

The address for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818

 

How far away from Waikiki Beach is Pearl Harbor?

Pearl Harbor is roughly a 25-30 minute drive from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. It’s very easy to drive there on your own via Highway 201 or Highway 1. You can also order a Lyft or Uber from your Waikiki Beach hotel, or organize transportation with your hotel concierge.

It’s doable to enjoy the beach in the morning and then head to Pearl Harbor after breakfast. I would recommend going to Pearl Harbor earlier rather than later, though, to maximize your time at the site.

Do you need a car to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour?

Technically, no. We visited Waikiki Beach for a long weekend and we simply ordered an Uber from our hotel to Pearl Harbor! It was very easy getting there and back via Uber, as the ride sharing app has a strong presence in Honolulu and surrounding areas.

Ride fares may vary based on day of the week, time of day, holidays, and other factors. We left our hotel around 9:30am on a Sunday, and our Uber ride to Pearl Harbor from our hotel on Waikiki Beach cost $41. Obviously, this is a bit pricey for a one-way fare but it was totally worth it for us because it was one of the main things we wanted to do while in Honolulu. Plus, my partner and I were traveling together so we simply split the total fare in half, which made it slightly less expensive per person.

Regardless, the price of our Uber was still less expensive than booking a tour. We also wanted to have the freedom to go at our own pace, and we didn’t necessarily want to be restricted to a specific pick-up or drop-off point (which is usually required with booking a tour).

Just know that if you do decide to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour, you will be responsible for organizing your own transportation! For us, this was actually preferable and we didn’t mind ordering Ubers!

Can you visit Ford Island without a tour?

The general public does not have access to Ford Island, unless you purchase a ticket to one of the two sites located on Ford Island, or purchase tickets for the Ford Island Bus Tour.

The two sites (Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum) are accessible via shuttle bus from the Visitor Center. The shuttle bus leaves roughly every 15 minutes, and the final shuttle of the day back to the Visitor Center leaves promptly at 5pm from the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

You can also visit Ford Island and the USS Utah Memorial and the USS Oklahoma Memorial by booking a spot on the Ford Island Bus Tour. Limited to 25 people, the Ford Island Bus Tour program runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:15 – 5 p.m. However, it is important to note that since Ford Island is an active duty military site, tours may get cancelled on short notice due to security concerns.

Reservations are required to join the Ford Island Bus Tour. To make a reservation for the Ford Island Bus Tour, visit recreation.gov, or visit the booking site directly on the location page through recreation.gov here. Note that there is a $1 per person reservation fee to book this experience.

You can only access Ford Island directly if you have a valid military ID or contractors’ permit². To visit Ford Island otherwise, you must purchase tickets to one of the three above-mentioned experiences with an official shuttle bus from the Visitor Center. Personal vehicles are not permitted on Ford Island.

Things to Know Before You Visit Pearl Harbor

What is the historical significance of Pearl Harbor?

Before you visit Pearl Harbor, it’s important to learn about the events that took place there in 1941 (and the months preceding and following the attack). This will allow you to better understand why the events at Pearl Harbor are so historically significant prior to your visit.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese orchestrated a surprise aerial attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This was a defining moment that propelled the United States into WWII and left a lasting impact on the homefront, as well. The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in mass loss of life and extensive damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Today, the site is a designated historic site and memorial managed by The National Park Service. It is also still an active military installation and is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy. 

How much does it cost to visit Pearl Harbor?

There are no entrance fees to visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or the USS Arizona Memorial. However, there are fees associated with some of the additional add-on experiences within the area of the Pearl Harbor Historic Site.

Considering the main historic site and memorial are both free to visit, this is a great option for those traveling on a budget or even those who might not have a whole day to dedicate to seeing everything at Pearl Harbor. 

Aside from add-on experiences at the site, the main cost associated with a trip to Pearl Harbor is the transportation. With a tour, your transportation is likely included. However… Uber and Lyft are also available on the island and might be more convenient for you depending on your timing and travel plans.

If you’re renting a car, there is also parking at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for a $7/day fee. The main benefit of organized tours to Pearl Harbor is usually the transportation to and from, but I argue that it’s worth just skipping out on the pricey tour and ordering an Uber or renting a car for the day. You’ll have more flexibility and agency to explore Pearl Harbor at your own pace.

Speaking of car rentals, I’d highly recommend renting a car if you’re planning to spend more than 3 days on Oahu. We didn’t rent a car during our trip, but we’d surely rent a car if we visit again.

There are a variety of car rental services available online and at the airport. I’d recommend using Discover Cars to find affordable vehicle rentals. Discover Cars is an awesome resource for comparing prices of car rentals across multiple brands and websites, and you can also book your rental directly through them for the best rate. Many of the cars available through Discover Cars are eligible for pick up at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

In terms on the additional experiences available for purchase at Pearl Harbor, there are a handful to choose from: 

• USS Bowfin (Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum)
• USS Missouri (Battleship Missouri Memorial)
• Pacific Aviation Museum
• Audio Tours and Guided Tours

We personally chose to explore the USS Missouri and USS Bowfin for an added cost. You can book these tickets online in advance, or simply purchase them when you arrive. 

There are also audio tours available for visitors to purchase. The price of the audio tour compared to the price of booking a tour online is significantly cheaper. I chose not to do either and I still felt satisfied with the amount of information and history I learned during my 7-hour visit. However, I’ve heard that the audio tours are great. Apparently, the audio tour is narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis!

 

Can you visit Pearl Harbor without a reservation?

Yes! You do not need a reservation to access the main visitor area, museum, or USS Arizona Memorial. It is advised to make reservations for the USS Arizona Memorial in advance, though my partner and I did not make reservations and we were still able to visit the memorial without any issues. We didn’t even wait in line–we were able to walk directly into the amphitheater and find a seat for the ranger-led discussion prior to boarding the boat out to the memorial. Considering we visited during Memorial Day weekend, we were pretty surprised about not waiting in line. This could have been a “one-off” situation, so make reservations in advance if you’re worried about long wait times being an issue.

You also don’t need to worry about making advanced reservations for any of the additional experiences offered. We purchased tickets to the USS Bowfin and USS Missouri half-way through our visit after we spent time at the main visitor site and paid our respects at the USS Arizona Memorial. There was no hassle in purchasing tickets and we did so swiftly at one of the several ticket windows near the main entrance. 

 

How long does it take to visit Pearl Harbor?

To explore the main visitor area, museum, and USS Arizona Memorial, I recommend no less than 3 hours. Could you see it all in less than that? Possibly. But if it’s your first time visiting Pearl Harbor, I suggest you take the time to read all of the information in the museum and throughout the site. I also recommend giving yourself time to process everything fully while you’re there. It’s a lot of information and the details of the event will likely weigh on you during (and after) your visit. There are benches throughout the site to sit and reflect, as well as to pay your respects to those who were impacted by the attack and the events that followed.

We spent a full day at Pearl Harbor–roughly about 7 hours. That being said, we spent most of our time exploring the USS Missouri and USS Bowfin/Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. I’d say we spent 3-ish hours at the main (free) portion of the site, and then 4-ish hours exploring the additional experiences (paid). 

 

How early should you arrive at Pearl Harbor? 

This is totally up to you based on how long you expect your visit to last. If you’re planning to stick strictly to the main site, I recommend visiting no later than 1pm. If you’re planning to do any add-on experiences, I suggest arriving as early as possible to allow yourself plenty of time to go at your own pace. Also, arriving in the morning helps you beat the midday heat! 

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center opens at 7am and USS Arizona Memorial timed programs and boat rides begin at 8am, weather permitting. 

Benefits of Visiting Pearl Harbor Solo

1. Flexibility in choosing schedule and pace
2. Cost-effectiveness compared to tour prices
3. Personal reflection time
4. Avoiding large crowds for a more intimate visit
5. Freedom to customize your experience

Visiting Pearl Harbor on your own without a guided tour offers several benefits that can enhance your overall experience. 

I’ll dive into the specifics of each reason you should visit solo below, and detail how these benefits positively impacted my own personal experience during my visit to Pearl Harbor in May 2023.

 

1. Flexibility in choosing your own schedule and pace

Visiting Pearl Harbor independently allows you the freedom to plan your own itinerary and explore the museum and additional highlights at your own pace. 

With tour groups, there are usually set meeting times for the group to convene. Constantly tracking the time to make sure you don’t miss the group meeting or tour bus can hinder your overall experience. 

By visiting Pearl Harbor solo, you can spend more time on areas that interest you the most and delve deeper into each of the exhibits. Plus, you’ll also have the flexibility to adjust your schedule based on your preferences, ensuring a more personalized and impactful experience.

Personally, I spent a lot of time reading the wall placards and informational texts throughout the museum and additional exhibits during my visit to Pearl Harbor. There is also a video detailing the attack, and it’s incredibly intense but worth a watch while you’re walking around the Road to War museum.

Everyone reads and interprets information at varying paces, and I knew I wanted to visit Pearl Harbor without a tour so that I could take all the time I wanted without feeling pressured to race through the experience.

By visiting independently, you also have more control over your time management. You can arrive early to avoid long queues, plan your visit during quieter periods to maximize your experience, and allocate more time to areas that captivate your interest. This level of control over your itinerary enables you to make the most of your visit and ensure a more fulfilling experience.

 

2. Cost-effectiveness compared to tour prices

Opting for a self-guided visit can be more cost-effective compared to joining a guided tour. While tour packages often include transportation, meals, and guided services, they can be relatively expensive. 

Speaking from personal experience, visiting Hawaii can be very expensive. Honolulu and Waikiki, especially. We spent more money in Hawaii during our long-weekend getaway than I spent on a week-long trip to Paris! I’m not an extreme budget traveler by any means (I like to splurge here and there), but I do prefer to maximize every dollar when I can. 

There is an added cost of visiting the additional museums and exhibits at the Pearl Harbor site, so be sure to factor this into your budget when comparing the cost of a solo visit to a group tour. In my own experience and research, visiting solo still proved less expensive than visiting with a tour group. 

By planning your own Pearl Harbor itinerary, you have the opportunity to find more affordable transportation options, such as public buses or ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber, and also choose dining options that fit your budget.

3. Avoiding large crowds for a more intimate visit

Pearl Harbor is a popular tourist destination, and guided tour groups can sometimes be large and crowded. Choosing to explore independently allows you to avoid the crowds and experience a quieter, more intimate visit. You can immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere of the memorial and take time for personal reflection without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

I sometimes get annoyed when I’m engulfed in large crowds because I can’t always hear or see the tour guide. Due to the sensitive nature of the content covered in the museums and exhibitions, I knew I wanted to absorb everything in a quiet, respectful way without impacting anyone else’s experience. 

Plus, even without a tour group you will still have access to knowledgeable staff and volunteers who can answer any questions you might have while visiting. I encourage you to ask questions and hear stories from park volunteers, as their insights can help provide you with further context for understanding the importance of the events at Pearl Harbor. 

 

4. Freedom to customize your experience

With a self-guided visit, you have the freedom to tailor your experience to your specific interests. You can spend extra time at the exhibits that resonate with you, dive deeper into historical details, and follow your curiosity without being bound by a predetermined itinerary. This level of flexibility empowers you to create a unique and memorable experience that aligns with your personal connection to the historical significance of Pearl Harbor.

For me, I was specifically interested in exploring every nook and cranny of the USS Missouri and doing more independent research about the significant historical events that took place onboard (such as the Surrender Ceremony that marked the end of World War II in 1945). 

It was pretty epic to sit aboard the USS Missouri and read through historical documents I searched up on my phone that detailed key events the ship was a part of… That was a very surreal experience for me, and I don’t think I would have had that same opportunity to invest such a significant amount of time in learning about and exploring the ship independently if I would have been on a guided, timed tour. 

 

5. Personal reflection time

Exploring Pearl Harbor independently allows you to have ample time for personal reflection. Visiting solo without a tour group also gives you time and privacy to pay your respects at the memorial sites. 

From my experience, I found that I needed time between each exhibit and memorial site to fully process my thoughts and feelings. If I wouldn’t have allowed myself time to process my emotions in the moment, my experience likely wouldn’t have been as intense or impactful. Visiting independently allowed me more time and opportunity to foster a more profound connection with the site.

Concluding Thoughts and Remarks

Visiting Pearl Harbor on your own without a guided tour offers flexibility, cost savings, the opportunity for personalization, and a deeper connection to the site’s historical significance. 

It allows you to navigate the attractions at your own pace, avoiding large tour groups, and tailoring your visit to your specific interests. Embrace the opportunity to learn, reflect, and create a memorable experience that honors the sacrifices made at Pearl Harbor.

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Interested in checking out some other posts from my blog? Here are some of my other articles for you to enjoy while you’re here:

• Solo Trip to San Diego: 8 Things to Do Alone in San Diego
• Things to Do This Fall in Seattle
• Cafe Beignet vs. Cafe Du Monde: Who Has the Best New Orleans Beignets?

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