Visiting Pearl Harbor with Kids: A Memorable Experience for Families

Pearl Harbor might not be the first place you think of when planning a family trip to Hawaii, but we found that it offers a unique mix of history and adventure that’s surprisingly kid-friendly. From the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial to hands-on exhibits at the Aviation Museum, there’s plenty to entice both kid and adult visitors, while maintaining the important historical significance of the site. In this post, I’ll share our experience and top tips to help you make the most of visiting Pearl Harbor with kids.

Introduction

Pearl Harbor offers several activities and sites to explore. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is operated by the National Park Service and includes:

• The USS Arizona Memorial: Be sure to reserve your ticket ahead of time for a $1 reservation fee.
• Pearl Harbor exhibit galleries: These are free to enter, and you don’t have to plan anything in advance.
• Outdoor memorials and exhibits: also free.

Additionally, there are other historical sites operated privately, such as the USS Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Each of these sites requires separate tickets for entry. We chose to visit the Aviation Museum, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience for our family.

Arriving at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

We decided to arrive early at 7 am to beat the crowds. This strategy paid off, as the site is less busy in the morning, giving us some quiet moments to explore. The early start also allowed us to manage our kids better, as they were fresh and attentive, which is crucial in a place that demands respect and quietness.

Explaining the somber nature of Pearl Harbor to our children beforehand helped set the tone. It’s essential they understand that this isn’t just another tourist site but a memorial where silence and respect are paramount.

USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most iconic sites at Pearl Harbor. Sitting over the sunken battleship, visitors are able to see the final resting place of some of the service people who lost their lives in the attack. The names of those who lost their lives are inscribed in stone inside the USS Arizona Memorial.

It’s essential to secure tickets in advance to ensure your visit. We obtained our tickets through the official government site. Booking online was straightforward, and it allowed us to plan our day efficiently.

We elected to book the first tour of the day, as we thought it would be less crowded in case our 5 and 3 year olds couldn’t maintain the necessary tone for visiting the Memorial. In the end, they both did very well. At 8 am, we began our tour of the USS Arizona Memorial.

The tour starts with a 23-minute film showing actual footage from the attack on Pearl Harbor. There are parts of the movie that can be intense for kids, and the length is quite long for little ones, so we sat in the back of the theater. While there’s no graphic depiction of human casualties, the large screen and loud explosions can be overwhelming for small children.

After the video, we took a boat ride to the Memorial itself, which is the only way to get there. The boat ride is included with your USS Arizona Memorial ticket if you buy them here. Please note that we were told by other visitors that other websites and vendors sell Memorial and boat tickets separately. Do not make the mistake of only getting a Memorial ticket but not a boat ticket, as you’ll have no way of accessing the Memorial. The harbor boat ride was a highlight for the kids.

Strollers are not permitted on the boat or at the Memorial, but there’s a designated stroller parking area near the theater. Visitors have a set amount of time at the Memorial, with the entire experience lasting around 45 minutes.

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

After visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, we walked around the free exhibits on the grounds before taking the shuttle to the Pacific Aviation Museum. The shuttle ride is included in the Aviation Museum admission price, and it’s a comfortable, air-conditioned ride. The staff was very helpful, even assisting us with loading our stroller onto the shuttle.

The wait for the shuttle wasn’t long, but it’s worth noting that there might be a short line. The kids enjoyed the ride, as it gave them a chance to see more of the base. Make sure to take little ones to the restroom before getting in line for the shuttle.

Exploring the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

The Aviation Museum was the favorite thing in our visit, especially for the kids. You’ll start with an introductory film, and then you can choose between a guided tour or exploring the museum on your own.

The museum is divided into two main areas: the hangars and the outdoor exhibits. The outdoor area was particularly engaging for our children, as they could touch and explore the planes and trucks on display. The vintage fire truck was a big hit!

The hangar is filled with more recent military aircraft from around the world, some of which are being restored. These exhibits are not interactive, but there is a flight simulator inside (with a minimum height requirement) that our older son loved. The hangar itself is a piece of history, having been standing during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The shattered glass windows, left untouched by the commanding officer during the war, serve as a poignant reminder of the site’s wartime past, emphasizing that it was an active war zone. The entire museum is stroller-friendly which made our day a lot easier. Here’s our recommended lightweight double stroller we travel with.

We finished our visit around 12:30 pm and took the shuttle back to the main entrance. The kids were tired but happy, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much more kid-friendly the experience was than I had expected.

USS Battleship Missouri Memorial

If you’ve never set foot on a massive battleship, the USS Missouri—known as the “Mighty Mo”—is a must-visit. This giant floating city offers a glimpse into life aboard one of the vessels similar to those sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor. You can even stand on the exact spot where the peace treaty ending World War II in the Pacific was signed. Though we didn’t visit, we’ve heard it’s a great experience for families. The ship served from 1944 to 1992, with its interior reflecting this span, from original control panels to early computers.

We decided not to visit the USS Missouri because I felt that the enclosed spaces might be too overwhelming for the kids. We also skipped the submarine for the same reason. However, we were able to see the outside of the submarine from the grounds near the entrance, which the kids enjoyed.

Preparing Your Visit

Before heading out, familiarize yourself with the essential details provided by the National Park Service here. This resource offers information on what to expect during your visit, including the rules and guidelines for entry, like the bag policy.

Plan to visit Pearl Harbor early in your trip. If the weather is bad or the winds are too strong, the ferry to the USS Arizona Memorial might be canceled. In that case, you’ll receive a free return ticket that you can use within the next seven days.

Where is the USS Arizona Memorial?

The USS Arizona Memorial is built above the remains of the sunken battleship in Pearl Harbor, adjacent to Ford Island. This site is only accessible by boat, with visitors departing from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Access to the Memorial is through a timed boat ride, which is included when you get the ticket. Pearl Harbor is on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

Parking and Facilities at Pearl Harbor

Parking: Parking at the visitor center costs $7 per day, payable through a virtual system on mobile devices or at an onsite kiosk. Parking lots can fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available throughout the visitor center, but not on the USS Arizona Memorial. There are also restrooms at the Aviation Museum.

Food: Only clear water is allowed in the theater, on the shuttle boats, and at the USS Arizona Memorial. However, you can enjoy food and drinks at the visitor center, which has a small snack shop with sandwiches and drinks. The nearby Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum offers a food truck and vending machines, while the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum has a restaurant. The Battleship Missouri Memorial also has a lunch truck, and there are various restaurants a short drive from the visitor center.

Bag Policy and Safety Information

Bags are not allowed at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, except for clear stadium bags and those carrying medical devices, which may be permitted at the National Park Service’s discretion. You can’t bring purses, backpacks, or diaper bags. To manage a full day with kids, consider using a gallon-size Ziploc bag for essentials or wear clothing with plenty of pockets. Personal items like cameras, cell phones, and wallets are allowed. There is a storage facility near the entrance for any bags under a fee. Leaving things in your car is not recommended. You can read all the details here.

Pearl Harbor Hours

Pearl Harbor is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. The last shuttle to the USS Arizona Memorial departs at 3:00 pm. The site is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Pearl Harbor Tickets

Visiting Pearl Harbor is free, but there are several additional costs to be aware of. These include fees for services such as bag checks, parking, audio guides, and reservation charges like tickets to the individual museums and the Memorial.

USS Arizona Memorial Tickets

The tickets are available through the official site. You must make advanced reservations, as it is a highly demanded attraction. The cost is $1 per ticket.

Pacific Aviation Museum Tickets

General admission to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum grants access to over 50 aircraft and exhibits across Hangar 37, Hangar 79, and the Outdoor Exhibit, including the special exhibit “The Walt Disney Studios and World War II.” Ticket prices are $25.99 for adults, $14.99 for children (ages 4-12). Children 3 and under are free.

If you’re interested in buying a full tour experience, here are some great options to consider:

Conclusion and Tips from a Parent

Overall, our visit to Pearl Harbor was much more kid-friendly than we had anticipated, especially the Aviation Museum, which turned out to be a highlight for the whole family. We initially planned the visit because of my husband’s love of history, but I can confidently recommend it as a great experience for families.

Here are some final tips I want to share:

Plan Ahead: Preparing before your visit can make a big difference. Since bags aren’t allowed at Pearl Harbor, use a clear bag for essentials or keep them in your stroller. There’s a bag check available, it’s best not to leave valuables in your car.

Educate Beforehand: Pearl Harbor’s history is complex, so it’s helpful to give your kids some background knowledge based on their age. You can read my article about Preparing Toddlers for New Experiences.

Arrive Early: Beat the crowds and the midday heat by getting there early, and plan to visit early in your trip to avoid weather cancelations.

Teach Respect: Remind your kids that Pearl Harbor is a memorial and explain the importance of respectful behavior.

Bring Snacks: While water fountains are available, pack snacks to avoid hungry kids. Remember, only clear water is allowed on the USS Arizona Memorial.

Finally, if you’re planning a trip to Oahu, Hawaii consider exploring other family-friendly activities:

• Hanauma Bay Snorkeling: An Unforgettable Family Adventure
• Waimea Falls Hike: A Family Adventure in Oahu, Hawaii

Let’s Hear Your Story

I’d love to hear from you! Have you gone to Pearl Harbor with your family? What was your experience like? If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help make your family’s adventures as enjoyable as possible.