Pearl Harbor Airports: Closed During Attack, Open Now

Honolulu International Airport, also known as HNL, is located near Pearl Harbor, a popular tourist destination. The airport has not shut down, and there are various transportation options available for travellers wishing to visit Pearl Harbor, including rental cars, taxis, buses, and private shuttle services. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, with free tours of the USS Arizona Memorial offered frequently. However, tickets for the memorial tend to sell out early, and visitors are advised to plan their visits in advance to avoid disappointment.

Honolulu International Airport to Pearl Harbor Memorial

Pearl Harbor is listed as one of the top attractions near Honolulu International Airport, with the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center being a 15-20 minute drive from the airport. The Visitor Center is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM and offers free tours to the USS Arizona Memorial every 15 minutes from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The USS Arizona is a highlight for most visitors, but there are other partner sites to visit, including the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park.

There are a few transport options to get from the airport to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. One option is to take the #20 bus, which costs $2.50 per person each way and runs from the airport to the Arizona Memorial. However, buses can be slow, and it may be difficult to get a ticket for the memorial in time if you are on a tight schedule. Another option is to take a taxi, which will cost around $17 to $20 one way, but may not be the most financially reasonable option. A third option is to use a private shuttle service, which offers a flat rate of $30 for up to four people. This option is comfortable, enjoyable, and cost-efficient.

When planning your visit, it is recommended to check for any recent news or events that may impact your experience. For example, in 2019, repairs were being done to the USS Arizona Memorial, which affected viewing access. Additionally, as Pearl Harbor is a U.S. naval base, security concerns and other factors can sometimes impact visits. Setting a Google Alert for the weeks and days preceding your visit can help you stay informed.

Transport options: bus, taxi, rental car, shuttle

If you're looking to get from Honolulu Airport to Pearl Harbor, there are several transport options available to you, including bus, taxi, rental car, and shuttle.

Bus

The number 20 bus runs from the airport to the Arizona Memorial. This is a very low-cost option, with tickets costing around $2. However, buses can be slow and crowded, especially during rush hour. If you're planning to take the bus, it's recommended that you give yourself plenty of time, as the journey can take over an hour.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is a more expensive option, but it offers the convenience of door-to-door service and the freedom to leave whenever you like. The fare from the airport to Pearl Harbor is typically around $17 to $20, plus tip. Keep in mind that Honolulu taxi drivers rarely agree to take passengers to the North Shore or windward side.

Rental Car

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to make as many stops as you like and combine activities. However, the cost of rental cars on Oahu has tripled since the pandemic. If you're only visiting Pearl Harbor for the day, a rental car may not be the best option due to the high cost and limited parking availability.

Shuttle

Shuttle services provide a convenient and affordable way to get to Pearl Harbor. They typically offer multiple pick-up and drop-off times throughout the day and can be booked in advance. A private shuttle from the airport to Pearl Harbor for a group of up to four people can cost around $30.

Ticket availability for USS Arizona Memorial

Pearl Harbor is listed as one of the top attractions near Honolulu International Airport. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm, and there are free tours to the USS Arizona Memorial every 15 minutes from 7:30 am to 3 pm. The 45- to 75-minute tour includes a brief introduction, a 25-minute film, a Navy-operated shuttle boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, and time to experience the memorial itself.

Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are limited and tend to get reserved quickly. Reservations can be made up to 8 weeks (56 days) in advance and are available one day in advance at 3 pm HST on a rolling daily window. Tickets are non-transferable and not for resale. Same-day, free tickets are no longer available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Tickets can be reserved on Recreation.gov for a $1 service charge. All visitors, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Visitors are encouraged to create and log in to their accounts before tickets are released.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center has reserved accessible parking in the front parking lot. Parking at the visitor center is $7/day. Visitors are advised to arrive at the Visitor Center at least 30 minutes prior to their assigned tour time and to arrive at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater 10 to 15 minutes before their ticket time. The Visitor Center also has a baggage storage facility that is open daily from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm and charges a fee.

The USS Arizona Memorial is wheelchair accessible, and an audio tour is available in seven languages: English, French, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, German, and Spanish. Visitors are reminded that they are visiting a site of tremendous loss of life and are expected to follow appropriate dress and personal standards.

Repairs and closures at Pearl Harbor

Repairs and closures play a crucial role in preserving the integrity and accessibility of sites like Pearl Harbor, ensuring that visitors can continue to pay tribute to history while adhering to necessary safety measures. In 2019, the Pearl Harbor Memorial underwent repairs, specifically to the USS Arizona Memorial. This resulted in the viewing dock being closed throughout the summer of 2019, with viewing limitations extending into the autumn season.

The USS Arizona Memorial is a significant attraction at Pearl Harbor, drawing many visitors each year. However, the high demand for tickets means they can sell out early in the day, and visitors are advised to plan their visits accordingly. In addition to ticket availability, repairs and closures can also impact the overall experience. For example, during periods of high wind, the boats that transport visitors to the memorial may not operate due to safety concerns.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center typically maintains regular hours, opening daily from 7 am to 5 pm on non-holidays. Free tours to the USS Arizona Memorial depart every 15 minutes from 7:30 am to 3 pm, offering a continuous stream of visitors the opportunity to pay their respects. Strict security measures are in place at Pearl Harbor, prohibiting various items that offer concealment, such as purses, backpacks, and luggage. Visitors are advised to be mindful of these restrictions to ensure a smooth and efficient entry process.

While repairs and closures are necessary for maintenance and safety, they can cause temporary disruptions to the visitor experience. It is always advisable to check for recent updates and news before planning a visit to Pearl Harbor, as repairs or other unforeseen events may impact certain areas' accessibility. By staying informed, visitors can better manage their expectations and ensure they have the most memorable and meaningful experience possible during their visit to this important historical site.

Security measures and storage at Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is listed as one of the top attractions near Honolulu International Airport. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm and offers free tours of the USS Arizona Memorial every 15 minutes from 7:30 am to 3 pm. The Arizona Memorial tickets are time-sensitive, and visitors are advised to be aware of the current security policies.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center has stringent entrance policies regarding bag restrictions. No purses, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, large camera bags, luggage, or other items that can provide concealment are allowed within the Visitor Center. These items can be checked into the Baggage Storage Building, located near the main entrance, for a fee. The building is operated by the USS Bowfin Submarine staff, with security cameras everywhere.

For security, no bags are allowed in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or any of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. Visitors are advised not to bring any bags to avoid the need for storage. Only items that fit into pockets are generally allowed. Cameras are permitted, but lenses longer than 12 inches are prohibited, and there are specific areas where photography is not allowed, such as the Ford Island Bridge.

Driving to Ford Island, located within Pearl Harbor, requires security clearance for drivers, passengers, and vehicles. Visitors can access the island's attractions, including the USS Oklahoma Memorial, Battleship Missouri, and Pacific Aviation Museum, through Authorized Tours. While ID is no longer required to visit the Arizona Memorial, it is important to carry it, as it may be checked before entering Ford Island.

Frequently asked questions