Battleship Missouri Memorial

The basics

The signing of the surrender documents took place in Tokyo Bay, where the USS Missouri was anchored at the time. Today, the ship is docked at Ford Island in Oahu’s Pearl Harbor, near the sunken remains of the USS Arizona. Explore the crew's quarters, browse exhibits about the ship’s history, and walk around the ship’s deck. You can opt for a self-guided audio tour or visit during a guided tour of the entire Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Things to know before you go

• Many of the battleship’s exhibits are on the deck of the ship, so make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat.

• To save on USS Missouri admission (and admission to all Pearl Harbor historic sites), purchase the Passport to Pearl Harbor online, in advance of your visit.

• Don’t miss the exhibit about WWII kamikazes or the dent on the ship, where a kamikaze pilot attacked.

• The USS Missouri is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for rent at the main entrance.

How to get there

The USS Missouri is located on Ford Island. Visitors must arrive via the designated Ford Island visitor shuttle, which leaves from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and from the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, or visit on a guided tour. Many full-day Pearl Harbor tours include round-trip transportation from Honolulu, Maui, or the Island of Hawaii.

When to get there

The USS Missouri Memorial is open daily from morning through late afternoon, with slightly extended hours in June, July, and August. The ship is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Near Year’s Day. Pearl Harbor is one of Oahu’s most popular tourist sites, so it can get crowded. Arrive early in the morning or visit during the off-season (in spring or fall) to avoid crowds.

Other Pearl Harbor sites

Pearl Harbor’s main draw is the USS Arizona Memorial, which marks the resting place of the Marines who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Visitors can also tour the USS Bowfin, a WWII-era submarine; learn about submarine history at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park; and see a vast collection of WWII-era planes at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

Ways to explore

The Battleship Missouri Memorial can only be accessed via a free shuttle from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center, which departs every 15 minutes throughout the day. You can choose to explore the site independently or join a 35-minute guided tour—tours are included with your ticket, and are available in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. Plan to spend 1–2 hours on board, although those with greater interest may need longer.

Many full-day tours of Oahu visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial, often combined with the USS Arizona Memorial, and include round-trip transportation from hotels or accommodations.

Accessibility

Many areas of the Battleship Missouri Memorial are wheelchair accessible, including the Main Deck and the Surrender Deck. However, certain areas can’t be accessed due to entry via narrow passages and ladders, including the lower decks, upper decks, flying bridge, and interior compartments and cabins. Wheelchairs are available for loan, and there are accessible restrooms. Service animals are welcome. Sign language tours can be arranged with advance notice.

Age limits

None; discounted entry is available for kids aged 4–12.

What to pack

Be aware that no bags are permitted throughout the site, so you’ll need to carry essentials with you, including your photo ID, wallet, and a water bottle.

What to wear

The site is a memorial, and visitors are asked to dress respectfully. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must, as are a hat and sunglasses in summer.

Not allowed

Bags, purses, backpacks, eating on the ship

Amenities

Restrooms, information desk, bag storage at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, vending machines, food kiosks, water fountains

Address 

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is located on Ford Island—a US Navy base that cannot be accessed directly by visitors. All guests must use the free shuttle to reach the ship.

Driving

To get to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center (where you catch the shuttle to the museum), join the H‑1 Freeway east from Honolulu toward Aiea, take exit 13A and then Stadium/Aiea, and merge onto Moanalua Road to H1/99 E (Kamehameha Highway) toward Pearl Harbor. Then, turn right at Arizona Memorial Place. Paid parking is available at the visitor center.

Public transportation

Various TheBus routes serve the USS Arizona Memorial bus stop, including lines 20 and 42 from Waikiki.

Best times to visit

Avoid the biggest crowds by visiting early in the morning when the Battleship Missouri Memorial opens.

Best days to visit

Weekends are typically busiest, so come on a weekday (if you can) for a more relaxed experience.

Best months to visit

Hawaii experiences dry, sunny weather from June through August, although it’s less busy in the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October.

Special events

The End of WWII Commemoration takes place from late August to early September, while the Veterans' Day Memorial Ceremony is in November.