Welcome to Pearl Harbor,
Hawaiʻi
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is more than an entry point—it is a place of living history. Visitors arrive to find free admission and parking, two world-class museums, outdoor interpretive exhibits along the waterfront, theaters that provide historical context, a Virtual Reality Center that deepens the story, and the USS Arizona Memorial Museum Store. The Visitor Center also provides access to other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, creating a hub for exploration and remembrance.
Here, you are invited to learn, reflect, and connect with stories that continue to shape our world. Whether you are planning a family visit, leading a class, or seeking a moment of quiet remembrance, the Visitor Center is the starting point for exploring this national memorial.
Champion School at a Glance
USS Arizona Memorial
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center operates the official National Park Service tours to the USS Arizona Memorial. A visit typically begins with an orientation and film, followed by a U.S. Navy-operated boat ride across the harbor to the Memorial itself. Once at the site, visitors have quiet time to reflect, observe the structure, and pay respects above the sunken battleship where more than 1,100 sailors and Marines remain.
Museums & Exhibits
Two major museum galleries guide visitors through the events leading up to World War II, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the broader stories of resilience that followed. Artifacts, photographs, oral histories, and interactive displays help bring the past into focus.
Remembrance & Reflection Areas
Along the shoreline, outdoor exhibits and quiet spaces invite personal reflection. Names, memorials, and interpretive markers offer places to pause and honor those who were lost.
Theaters & Interpretive Programs
Daily interpretive programs and short films provide historical background, framing the events of December 7 in context. Presentations led by National Park Service rangers deepen understanding for visitors of all ages.
Virtual Reality Center
Immersive experiences allow guests to see Pearl Harbor as it appeared in 1941, providing a powerful perspective on the attack and its aftermath. This optional resource adds a new dimension to the story.
Museum Store
The USS Arizona Memorial Museum Store, operated in partnership with a nonprofit, provides books, educational resources, and commemorative items. Purchases support ongoing education and preservation programs.
What You’ll Experience
Learning more modes of communication from different parts of the world.
Accessibility & Visitor Care
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is committed to welcoming all visitors. Wheelchairs and mobility devices are accommodated throughout most areas, and assistive listening and captioning are available in theaters and exhibits. Clear wayfinding signage supports navigation of the site.
Because much of the experience is outdoors, visitors are encouraged to bring sun protection and stay hydrated. Water refill stations and shaded benches are available to support comfort during the visit.
Learning & Community
The Visitor Center preserves history not only through objects but through education. Teachers and students are supported with resources that extend learning beyond the classroom, while community programs foster ongoing dialogue about service, sacrifice, and remembrance.
By connecting with survivor testimonies, oral histories, and interpretive resources, the Center ensures that younger generations understand both the human cost of war and the resilience that followed. The Visitor Center is a living classroom, bridging the past and the present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Visitor Center free?
Yes. Admission to the Visitor Center, museums, outdoor exhibits, and parking is free.
Do I need a ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial?
Yes. The USS Arizona Memorial is accessible only through the official National Park Service tour, which may require a timed reservation.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled USS Arizona Memorial tour to allow time for security and orientation.
What about parking?
Parking at the Visitor Center is free and available on site.
Can I bring a bag?
For security reasons, bags are not allowed. On-site storage is provided for a small fee.
Is the site accessible?
Yes. Wheelchair access, assistive listening devices, and captioning are available in most areas.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and respectful attire are recommended. This is a memorial; please conduct yourself appropriately.
What else can I see nearby?
The Visitor Center connects to other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, which provide additional perspectives on World War II history.
Plan Next Steps
Your visit begins with the decision to explore. Choose between the USS Arizona Tours, which honor those who served and sacrificed, and the Visitor Center Tours, which immerse you in history through exhibits and interpretation. Before you arrive, take a moment to review planning tips to ensure a respectful and meaningful experience.
USS Arizona Tours | Visitor Center Tours | Plan Your Visit
