Hawai’i is home to several stunning islands, and each one offers something different. Kaua’i has beautiful rainforests, the Big Island has an active volcano, and O’ahu has Pearl Harbor. Many visitors to the state set aside time to visit the World War II memorial, even if they are not staying on O’ahu. This guide details how to visit Pearl Harbor from other Hawaiian islands.
Most people book a flight when traveling from one island to another. However, you can take a ferry if you have the time; it’s also a more scenic route. Once you arrive in O’ahu, there are several transportation options to get to Pearl Harbor:
Your preferences and group size will determine the type of inner-island and on-island travel you choose. If you’d prefer to relax and take in the view as you travel between islands, a boat ride may be the best option. However, a flight would be more suitable if you value convenience and timeliness. Once on O’ahu, taking a shuttle service or getting on a bus is an affordable travel option.
Pearl Harbor is a popular attraction in Hawai’i, and tickets can sell out quickly, especially in peak season. It’s best to secure tickets while you plan your trip and other details, such as transportation and accommodations. Here are some of the most popular Pearl Harbor attractions:
The USS Arizona Memorial is a poignant tribute to the battleship of the same name, which sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. This memorial honors the 1,177 soldiers who lost their lives during the attack, and visitors can pay their respects. While here, you can also look through a window to the seafloor and see remnants of the sunken battleship.
Known as the “Mighty Mo,” this battleship was the site of Japan’s unconditional surrender to end World War II. The ship is now a museum, offering guided tours and an immersive dive into its rich history.
This submarine museum documents the history of US Navy submarines and allows visitors to explore a real WWII submarine, the USS Bowfin. You can also see other artifacts, such as torpedoes, missiles, and battle flags, during your visit.
The Aviation Museum contains various aircraft, including World War II planes, that the United States military used throughout history. Visitors can experience a flight simulation and learn about Pearl Harbor’s effect on aviation history.
On December 7, 1942, nine out of 12 torpedoes hit the USS Oklahoma, causing it to sink and killing 429 crew members. This memorial is a tribute to those who lost their lives on the Nevada class battleship. It also has a wall with the names of all sailors and marines who died during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Another tip for visiting Pearl Harbor from other Hawaiian islands is to plan for a full day of adventure; this isn’t going to be an hour-long excursion! It’s best to arrive at Pearl Harbor early to beat the crowds and make the most of your experience. If you have to book separate travel arrangements, verify the departure time for your journey to O’ahu to give yourself plenty of time.
Generally, it’s best to go through most or all of the exhibits, especially if you’re not staying on O’ahu. Inner-island travel can be expensive and time-consuming, so it’s best to make the most of your experience.
Some companies offer travel packages to visitors so they can secure a round-trip visit, tickets, and a guided tour through a single company. This leaves less logistics and more time to focus on enjoying your trip.
As you search for packages, look through the company’s options and what each deal includes. For example, pearlharbortour.org offers inner-island travel and guided tours through the USS Arizona, Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin, Aviation Museum, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the Aviation Museum. We also offer boat ride tours from Kaua’i, Maui, Kona, and Hilo.
If the thought of taking an hour to fly from one island to another for a day trip sounds like too much to you, consider staying in O’ahu for a few days. Many visitors stay on multiple islands to get a taste of each one. By spending a few days in O’ahu, you can explore Pearl Harbor and other sites without feeling rushed. O’ahu offers plenty of other attractions to enjoy during your stay, such as world-class beaches, hiking trails, and cultural experiences.
While traveling between islands is faster than traveling from the mainland to Hawai’i, you should keep a few things in mind:
Hawai’i’s tropical climate encourages people to wear lightweight, breathable attire. When visiting Pearl Harbor, wear comfortable clothes and shoes since you’ll spend the day walking around or standing at exhibits.
Since this is just a day trip, you’ll want to pack light for your visit. Bring essentials, such as your government-issued ID, wallet, camera, phone, water bottle, and sunglasses.
Pearl Harbor is both a memorial and an active military base. Therefore, be prepared for security checks before entering the premises. Most bags and purses are not allowed inside, so plan to leave them in your hotel room or a storage locker at the visitor center. However, if needed, you can bring a small, clear plastic bag with essential items.
Tour guides provide invaluable insights that enrich the historical significance of Pearl Harbor. Visitors benefit from detailed explanations and behind-the-scenes access to select areas when they join a guided tour. Reliable tour companies specialize in tailoring experiences to travelers, offering a deeper appreciation of Pearl Harbor.
Pearlharbortour.org offers numerous packages with transportation, exhibit tickets, and a personalized guided tour. We also have private Pearl Harbor tours so everyone can have an amazing experience. Pack your bags, book your trip, and prepare for an adventure unlike any other!