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How Long Do You Need to Visit Pearl Harbor?
If you have limited time and are wondering how much of Pearl Harbor you can experience in 3 hours, we’ve created the perfect plan to make the most of your visit! Our 3-Hour Pearl Harbor Shuttle Plan offers two fantastic options to explore the key sites, providing a flexible schedule for both history buffs and those with limited time.
3 hours may seem short, but if you’re focused and know exactly where you want to go, it’s enough time to enjoy the highlights of Pearl Harbor. Here are two options depending on your interests and priorities.
How to Spend Your 3 Hours at Pearl Harbor?
When you book our 3-Hour Pearl Harbor Shuttle, you’ll be able to see the key sites without feeling rushed. We recommend the following two options:
Option 1: USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin, and Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
This option is perfect for visitors who want to see the iconic USS Arizona Memorial and explore other significant sites without feeling rushed. Here’s your itinerary:
- USS Arizona Memorial (1 hour): Start your visit at the USS Arizona Memorial, the heart of Pearl Harbor. The entire experience includes a ferry ride to the memorial, which takes about 10-15 minutes each way. Once there, you can watch a brief film, reflect at the memorial, and learn about the tragic events of December 7, 1941. Plan to spend around 1 hour here, including the ferry ride, the film, and time at the memorial.
**Important Note: To visit the USS Arizona Memorial, you must have an Arizona Memorial ticket, which can be reserved ahead of time (at Recreation.gov) or obtained by standing in line on the day of your visit. We recommend arriving early as tickets are limited. - USS Bowfin Submarine Museum (30-45 minutes): After the USS Arizona Memorial, head to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, where you can explore the inside of this WWII submarine. It’s a fascinating and educational experience, and you can spend 30-45 minutes learning about life aboard a submarine during the war.
- Pearl Harbor Visitor Center (30-45 minutes): Conclude your visit by exploring the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Here, you can check out interactive exhibits, photos, and artifacts that highlight the attack on Pearl Harbor and its historical significance. Plan to spend around 30-45 minutes here, especially if you want to watch the short films or delve into the history through the exhibits.
Option 2: Battleship Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum, and USS Arizona Memorial
If you’re more interested in military history and aviation, this is a great option for you:
- Battleship Missouri (1 hour): Begin your visit at the Battleship Missouri, also known as the “Mighty Mo.” This battleship is where Japan officially surrendered to the Allies in 1945, marking the end of WWII. You can explore the ship’s decks, visit the surrender deck, and learn about its historic significance.
- Pacific Aviation Museum (1 hour): Next, head to the Pacific Aviation Museum, located on Ford Island. Here, you can see historic aircraft, watch informative exhibits, and enjoy interactive displays that will fascinate aviation enthusiasts and kids alike.
- USS Arizona Memorial (optional 30-45 minutes): If time permits, you can head back to the USS Arizona Memorial. Please note that if you’d like to take the ferry and step onto the memorial itself, you’ll need extra time. The ferry ride and time at the memorial typically take around 1 hour. To ensure access, we highly recommend reserving your Arizona Memorial tickets in advance, as the ferry ride can fill up quickly and tickets are limited.
Why Choose the 3-Hour Pearl Harbor Shuttle Plan?
The 3-Hour Pearl Harbor Shuttle Plan is perfect for those with limited time but still eager to explore the major attractions at Pearl Harbor. Our shuttle service will take you directly from Waikiki, so you can relax on the ride and focus on the important sights when you arrive.
- Efficient Use of Time: With 3 hours, you’ll be able to hit the highlights, like the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin, and Battleship Missouri, without feeling rushed.
- Flexibility: Choose from two distinct options to tailor your visit based on your interests—whether you want to focus on WWII history or aviation.
Book Your Pearl Harbor Shuttle Today!
If you’re looking for a well-paced visit to Pearl Harbor that fits within a limited timeframe, our 3-Hour Shuttle Plan is the perfect option for you. Book now for a stress-free ride to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki, and enjoy 3 hours of exploration at your own pace.
If you are willing to stay longer and soak yourself into the deep history of Oahu, check out our How to Enjoy Pearl Harbor with a 6-Hour Plan!!