Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Explore WWII history with iconic aircraft and exhibits, including bullet-scarred hangars. Free admission to main displays!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more time to explore
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more time to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore WWII history with iconic aircraft and exhibits, including bullet-scarred hangars. Free admission to main displays!
"It was surreal to walk through areas that still bear the bullet holes from the attack—tangible reminders of a day that changed history."
🎯 Free Admission to Main Exhibits
Entry to the main museum exhibits is free! Only pay for extras like simulators or the Air Tower.
🎒 Clear Bags Only
Bring clear bags and clear water bottles. All other bags must be checked.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hangar 37 Exhibits
Hangar 37
Explore the Air Battle over Ford Island and 1941-1945 aircraft collections. Bullet holes from the attack are still visible!
Historic Hangar 79
Hangar 79
See a vast array of historical aircraft, many moved outside for closer viewing. A truly impressive collection.
Renovated Lighthouse
Near Hangar 79
An amazing, recently renovated lighthouse offering great views and historical context.
Flight Simulators
Inside the museum
Experience the thrill of flight with simulated combat missions for an extra fee. A unique interactive element.
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Aviation Museum
Navigating Pearl Harbor Sites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission to Main Exhibits
Entry to the main museum exhibits is free! Only pay for extras like simulators or the Air Tower.
🎒 Clear Bags Only
Bring clear bags and clear water bottles. All other bags must be checked.
✈️ Book Arizona Tickets Early
Reserve USS Arizona Memorial tickets online via recreation.gov well in advance. +1
🗺️ Consider a Passport
The 'Passport to Pearl Harbor' offers access to multiple sites, including the Aviation Museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission to Main Exhibits
Entry to the main museum exhibits is free! Only pay for extras like simulators or the Air Tower.
🎒 Clear Bags Only
Bring clear bags and clear water bottles. All other bags must be checked.
✈️ Book Arizona Tickets Early
Reserve USS Arizona Memorial tickets online via recreation.gov well in advance. +1
🗺️ Consider a Passport
The 'Passport to Pearl Harbor' offers access to multiple sites, including the Aviation Museum.
🚗 DIY is Feasible
Many visitors successfully navigate Pearl Harbor sites independently. +1
🎧 Audio Tours Available
Enhance your visit with audio guides for a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum for its well-preserved historical aircraft and immersive exhibits, noting the tangible reminders of WWII history like bullet holes in the hangars. The free admission to main exhibits is a significant draw, though some wish for more time to explore. While the museum itself is highly regarded, navigating the broader Pearl Harbor complex can be confusing for first-time visitors.
"We were visiting on vacation when we came to the Aviation Museum. I was really impressed by the staff and displays inside. Everything had it's own diorama and helped tell a story. I loved all the pictures of Hawaiian life before Pearl Harbor. The renovated lighthouse is amazing and the static displays outside were great to get up and close. Someday, maybe the Swamp Ghost will be up and viewable, that will be a sight!"
Peter Ramirez
"Visiting the Pearl Harbor Museum was an incredible and moving experience. It was surreal to walk through areas that still bear the bullet holes from the attack—tangible reminders of a day that changed history. The museum does a phenomenal job preserving and presenting artifacts recovered from the conflict, giving visitors a real sense of what those who lived through it endured. From the detailed exhibits to the preserved remnants of the battle, it’s a powerful place that honors the past and the people who served. A must-visit for anyone who wants to better understand this pivotal moment in history."
Pedro Loran
"Great aviation museum. They have great displays, and definitely don't miss going out to historic Hangar 79. They have moved a lot of the aircraft outside which is great for viewing. There is also the Hangar Cafe inside along with the gift shop. Air Tower is a separate fee."
Michael Ong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aviation Museum is located on Ford Island. Access to Ford Island typically requires a shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, especially if you are not on an organized tour. Some tours include transportation to the island. +1
Generally, you cannot drive your personal vehicle directly onto Ford Island without specific authorization or being part of an authorized tour. It's best to utilize the shuttle services provided or join a tour that handles transportation.
From Waikiki, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or public transportation to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. From there, you'll typically take a shuttle to Ford Island where the Aviation Museum is located. Some tour operators also offer hotel pick-up. +1
Parking is available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. If you are visiting multiple sites, it's recommended to park there and use the shuttle services. Some Reddit users mention paying a fee for parking.
The drive from Waikiki to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center can take 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. From the Visitor Center to Ford Island via shuttle, add another 15-20 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the main exhibits of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is free. However, there are additional costs for certain experiences like the Air Tower and flight simulators.
USS Arizona Memorial tickets are free but require a $1 reservation fee online through recreation.gov. It's highly recommended to book these tickets in advance as they sell out quickly. +2
The Passport to Pearl Harbor is a package that grants admission to multiple Pearl Harbor sites, including the Battleship Missouri, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and the Aviation Museum. It can be a good value if you plan to visit several attractions. +1
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets for the USS Missouri and the Aviation Museum à la carte at their respective locations or at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. However, booking the USS Arizona Memorial tickets in advance is crucial.
While specific discounts for the Aviation Museum aren't widely advertised, look into kama'aina (local resident) rates or military discounts if applicable. The 'Passport to Pearl Harbor' can offer savings compared to individual tickets.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss Hangar 37 for its 'Air Battle over Ford Island' exhibit and the collection of 1941-1945 aircraft. Historic Hangar 79, with many planes displayed outside, is also a highlight.
You could easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the Aviation Museum, especially if you take advantage of the audio tours. If you're visiting other Pearl Harbor sites, plan your time accordingly. +1
While the museum offers free audio tours, some visitors recommend guided tours for other Pearl Harbor sites like the USS Missouri for deeper insights. +1
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum typically opens around 9:00 AM and closes in the late afternoon. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but be mindful of any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Hangar Cafe is located inside the Aviation Museum, offering a place to grab a bite to eat.
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center has some basic concessions. For more extensive dining options, you might need to travel back towards Honolulu or Waikiki.
Clear water bottles are usually permitted, but it's best to check the museum's specific policy. Outside food might be restricted.
📸 📸 Photography
The aircraft displays in Hangars 37 and 79 offer fantastic photo opportunities. The renovated lighthouse and the exterior of the historic hangars are also picturesque.
Yes, photography of the aircraft and exhibits is generally permitted. Some areas might have restrictions, so always look for signage.
While most areas are fine for photos, avoid using flash photography directly on sensitive exhibits. Check for any posted signs regarding photography rules.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens will capture the details of the aircraft and exhibits well. However, a good smartphone camera can also produce excellent results.
Searching for 'Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum photos' on Google Images or social media platforms like Instagram will yield many results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the 'Passport to Pearl Harbor' if your family plans to visit multiple sites, as it can be cost-effective. Ensure you bring clear bags and water bottles, as other bags must be checked.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, focus on the free exhibits at the Aviation Museum and the main Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. You can also opt for DIY exploration rather than expensive guided tours. Pack your own snacks and water (following clear bag policies) to avoid on-site food costs.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
The opportunity to see aircraft that participated in or were present during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and to explore hangars that still bear bullet holes from the 1941 attack, offers a unique and profound experience. Don't miss the chance to explore Hangar 79, which houses a significant portion of the museum's aircraft collection, often displayed both indoors and outdoors. The Air Tower (separate fee) provides a commanding view of the airfield and surrounding historical sites, offering a different perspective on the strategic importance of this location.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Pearl Harbor Access
While the USS Arizona Memorial is managed by the National Park Service and accessible via a free ferry (with a small reservation fee), other sites like the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (USS Bowfin), and the Aviation Museum require separate tickets. Many visitors find the 'Passport to Pearl Harbor' a convenient way to access multiple paid attractions.
DIY vs. Tours: Reddit discussions frequently highlight that a DIY approach is entirely feasible. Booking individual tickets online in advance, especially for the USS Arizona Memorial, is key. However, some visitors find guided tours beneficial for maximizing time and gaining in-depth historical context, particularly for the USS Missouri.
Navigating Tickets and Reservations
For the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, admission to the main exhibits is free. However, experiences like the Air Tower and flight simulators come with an additional cost. Tickets for the Battleship Missouri and USS Bowfin can be purchased individually or as part of a package like the 'Passport to Pearl Harbor.'
Many travelers on Reddit suggest that while the Arizona Memorial tickets are essential to reserve, other sites can often be booked on the day of your visit or à la carte. This flexibility allows for a more spontaneous exploration if your plans change.
Maximizing Your Visit to the Aviation Museum
Hangar 79 is another must-see, featuring a vast array of aircraft, many of which have been moved outside for better viewing. Consider utilizing the free audio tour devices offered by the museum. These provide detailed narratives and context for the exhibits, significantly enhancing the visitor experience.
Many visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the Aviation Museum. If you're combining it with other Pearl Harbor sites, an early start is crucial to avoid feeling rushed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit