Pearl Harbour visit

Question

We will be in Waikiki in the first week of June. Visiting the Peral Harbour memorials will be a big part of this trip. I have set aside two full days for this and would appreciate some advice.

1. Looking online, Pearl Harbor Historic sites offers a 2 day pass to 3 Pearl Harbor historic sites for US$95 per person. These are Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum; Battleship Missouri Memorial and Pearl Habor Aviation Museum. Is this good value?

2. We hope to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. I know we have to book via the National Parks site. I just checked and all April release tickets are sold out for the week we are there. The next tickt release is in early June, appears to be the day progressive release on the afternoon before . How likely are we to be successful in getting tickets for a party of 4?

3. I see an old forum thread about the #20 and #42 buses going to Pearl Harbour Visitors Centre. Is that still vaild? We will be staying at the Pacific Monarch, hopefully this is a good option.

4. What else would you recommend for us to visit connected to the Pearl Harbor events? Both men are ex-service (non-US) and into the military detail. I am a history lover.

TIA

Answer

Visiting Pearl Harbor is a rewarding experience, especially for history enthusiasts and military veterans. With two full days set aside, you can comfortably explore the key sites without feeling rushed.

1. Regarding the 2-day pass offered by Pearl Harbor Historic Sites at US$95 per person: this pass includes the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, Battleship Missouri Memorial, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. For someone deeply interested in military history, this is generally considered good value because it provides access to multiple significant attractions over two days, allows flexibility, and you get detailed exhibits and guided tours that enhance the experience.

2. For the USS Arizona Memorial, tickets must be booked through the National Park Service website. The online release system uses rolling releases, typically made available 30 days in advance. For a party of four in early June, it can be competitive, especially for peak times. Success depends on timing and persistence; be prepared to check the site frequently at the exact release time. If tickets sell out quickly online, consider arriving early in person at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, as a limited number of same-day tickets are sometimes available for walk-ins, although this is not guaranteed.

3. Bus transportation: Historically, Oahu’s TheBus routes #20 and #42 do go to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and this information is still largely valid. From the Pacific Monarch in Waikiki, the #20 or #42 will drop you near the Visitor Center, though it can be a longer ride compared to driving or ride-share. Make sure to check the latest TheBus schedule ahead of time, as routes and timing can occasionally change.

4. Additional recommendations for military and history enthusiasts:

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park: Located near the USS Arizona Memorial, this WWII-era submarine offers a hands-on experience of life aboard a wartime sub.
Battleship Missouri Memorial: Even though it's included in the 2-day pass, spending extra time here is worthwhile. It’s the site of Japan’s formal surrender and offers guided tours that highlight naval operations and history.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Housed in historic hangars, this museum showcases vintage aircraft and exhibits on naval aviation history.
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum: Offers insight into the strategic and technical aspects of submarine warfare during WWII and beyond.
Optional guided tours: Consider small-group historical tours that include behind-the-scenes access or detailed narratives about Pearl Harbor and Oahu’s role in WWII.

Additional tips:

Arrive early at each site to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough time for each attraction.
Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection, as most sites involve outdoor walking.
Photography is allowed at most sites, but be respectful around memorial areas.
If history buffs in your party enjoy reading or pre-trip research, consider books or documentaries on Pearl Harbor to enrich the visit.

Overall, with careful planning and early ticket booking, two days is sufficient to cover the major Pearl Harbor sites, enjoy the exhibits, and soak in the history. The 2-day pass is a good investment, and combining it with the USS Arizona Memorial tickets ensures a complete experience for military history enthusiasts.

Pearl Harbour visit

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