Note on tone This is a solemn site. We do not rate it with a Replicate‑Worthy verdict. We encourage quiet voices, modest attire, and care around all memorials.
Key Takeaways
- Getting there on TheBus. From Waikiki, Route 42 Ewa Beach–Waikiki stops at Arizona Memorial on Kamehameha Highway. Look for the destination sign that reads via Arizona Memorial. See the current PDF with the Arizona Memorial (#4322) timepoint at the Route 42 timetable on TheBus.org.
- Skyline connections. Skyline Segment 2 is open. Ride Skyline to Makalapa Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam or Middle Street Kalihi, then transfer to a TheBus route that serves Arizona Memorial. Segment 2 details are on the City site: honolulu.gov and HART’s update: honolulutransit.org.
- Bags are restricted. No purses, backpacks, or concealed bags inside the Visitor Center. A paid baggage storage facility is located near the entrance and operated by the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. Review the NPS bag policy and permitted items here: nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/safety.htm.
- Tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial program. Timed boat program tickets are free with a $1 reservation fee and can be booked on Recreation.gov. Reservations open up to 8 weeks out. See the NPS program page and Recreation.gov listing: nps.gov/valr/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm · recreation.gov ticket page.
- Hours. The Visitor Center hours are 7 am to 5 pm daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Verify hours at the NPS page: nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/hours.htm.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Keep your voice low on the memorials and along the pier. Quick photo tips are fine, but save long selfie sessions for later.
How to Get There
Option A… TheBus from Waikiki
- From Waikiki, walk to Kuhio Avenue or transfer at Ala Moana Center.
- Board Route 42 Ewa Beach–Waikiki heading west. The sign will read Ewa Beach via Arizona Memorial.
- Ride to the Arizona Memorial stop on Kamehameha Highway and follow signs into the Visitor Center.
- Timetable and stop numbers are on the Route 42 PDF: thebus.org Route 42. You can check live arrivals at HEA: hea.thebus.org.
Why choose it One seat from Waikiki and frequent service most of the day. Good for families who prefer fewer transfers.
Option B… Skyline + TheBus
- Ride Skyline to Makalapa or Middle Street Kalihi. Segment 2 opened October 16, 2025, and adds stations that improve connections near the airport and JBPHH. City announcement: honolulu.gov DTS.
- Transfer to a TheBus route that serves Arizona Memorial such as Route 42. Use the Routes & Timetables index to pick the fastest connection for your time of day: thebus.org/routes.
- Walk a short distance from Arizona Memorial stop into the Visitor Center.
Why choose it Skyline avoids some road traffic. Handy if you are already near a Skyline station or arriving from the airport area.
Respectful Visit Plan
A calm half day is enough for most visitors. Add time if you plan to see Ford Island museums.
| Time block | Plan | Links |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 to 7:30 | Arrive at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Store any bags if needed. | NPS hours: nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/hours.htm · Bag policy: nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/safety.htm · Storage: Bowfin Museum |
| 7:30 to 8:15 | Explore the two free museums and outdoor exhibits. | Park info: NPS basic info |
| 8:15 to 9:45 | USS Arizona Memorial program. Arrive at the theater at least 60 minutes before your program time. | Reserve tickets: Recreation.gov · NPS program steps: nps.gov/valr/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm |
| 10:00 to 11:30 | Optional add on… ride the free Ford Island shuttle to one or two paid sites. | USS Missouri: ussmissouri.org/buy-tickets · Aviation Museum: pearlharboraviationmuseum.org · Ford Island access: Historic Sites map |
| 11:30 to 12:00 | Quiet walk and reflection at the waterfront. Head back to the bus stop for your return. | Routes & Timetables: thebus.org/routes |
Please remember Remove hats aboard the USS Arizona Memorial, keep voices low, and do not touch memorial panels. Photography is allowed, but avoid posed photos that could disturb others.
Bag Rules and Storage
- Bags are not permitted inside the Visitor Center or on the memorials. This includes purses, backpacks, camera bags, and diaper bags beyond very small dimensions. Full rules and permitted items are listed here: NPS bag policy.
- Baggage storage is available near the entrance and operated by the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. Current hours and fees are posted on the museum site. Start here: bowfin.org.
- Parking at the Visitor Center is paid. Check the Pacific Historic Parks page for the current rate and reminders: pearlharborhistoricssites.org and the park partner info page: Pacific Historic Parks visitor info.
Tickets and Timing
- Reserve early. USS Arizona Memorial program inventory opens up to 56 days in advance and sells out quickly. See the NPS page and Recreation.gov listing: NPS steps · Recreation.gov.
- Walk up options can be limited. If you do not have a reservation, ask about standby once you arrive. Details are on the NPS site: nps.gov/valr.
- Arrive early. The park recommends arriving at least one hour before your program to check in at the Ticket Validation Desk at the theater. Source and timing guidance: NPS program steps.
Quick Transit Cheatsheet
| From | Best option | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waikiki | Route 42 direct to Arizona Memorial stop | 45 to 65 min | One seat. Use HEA for live times and the Route 42 PDF for stop numbers. Route 42 PDF |
| Airport or Skyline stations | Skyline to Makalapa or Middle Street, then Route 42 | 35 to 60 min | Skyline frequency is typically 10 to 15 min. City announcement confirms Segment 2 stations. City DTS |
Niko’s Note 🐾 Carry water in a closed container. Food and open drinks are not allowed inside the Visitor Center. See the rule summary on the NPS page above.
Keep Planning
- Pillar: O‘ahu by Bus 2025 Guide
- Airport transfers: Honolulu Airport to Waikiki… Bus vs Rideshare
- Get a HOLO Card: HOLO Card for Visitors… Where to Buy, How to Top Up
FAQ
Do I need a reservation to see the USS Arizona Memorial The boat program is free but requires a $1 reservation fee on Recreation.gov. Inventory opens up to 56 days in advance. See the official pages here: NPS program steps · Recreation.gov.
Can I bring a bag No. Bags and containers that offer concealment are not permitted. Use the paid storage near the entrance. Full list of what is allowed is here: NPS bag policy.
How do I reach the USS Missouri or the Aviation Museum Take the free Ford Island shuttle from inside the Visitor Center. Details and hours are on the USS Missouri site and the Aviation Museum site. Start here: ussmissouri.org/buy-tickets · pearlharboraviationmuseum.org.
Is Skyline a good choice Skyline can be a time saver during heavy traffic between Kalihi and the airport area. Segment 2 added stations at Makalapa, Lelepaua, Āhua, and Kahauiki. Read the City overview here: honolulu.gov DTS.
What are the hours The Visitor Center is typically open 7 am to 5 pm. Check the NPS hours page on the morning of your visit: nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/hours.htm.
Sources
- TheBus Route 42 timetable with Arizona Memorial stop and destination sign notes: thebus.org/route/TimeTables/Rt42_new.pdf
- TheBus Routes & Timetables index for system‑wide connections: thebus.org/route/routes.asp
- City DTS Skyline Segment 2 announcement and station list: honolulu.gov/dts · HART overview: honolulutransit.org/construction
- NPS basic info with rules, hours, and planning tips: nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
- NPS bag policy and safety with storage operator note: nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/safety.htm
- NPS USS Arizona Memorial program with arrival guidance and Recreation.gov steps: nps.gov/valr/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm · Recreation.gov tickets: recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16
- Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum site for current hours and storage facility info: bowfin.org
- USS Missouri shuttle and ticket page: ussmissouri.org/buy-tickets
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum shuttle and hours: pearlharboraviationmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/
