Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

The basics

Visitors to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum learn about Dec. 7, 1941 and beyond. Starting in Hangar 37, which houses a movie theater and several exhibits, visitors experience a minute-by-minute account of the attack and the defense of Ford Island. Hangar 79 houses many modern jets and historic helicopters, illustrating the rise of American air superiority post World War II. More than 50 aircraft are on display—from World War II, including a Flying Tigers P-40 and Douglas SBD Dauntless, to Vietnam and Korean War era helicopters and jets, and modern aircraft still in service—along with military members’ personal effects.

Travelers can visit the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on a guided tour of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites that includes admission to the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, and USS Missouri.

Things to know before you go

• Photography is permitted everywhere except on the Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island.

• The museum’s World War II-themed Hangar Café serves light meals and snacks.

• Admission is free for children three years of age and under.

• For security reasons, no bags are allowed on the shuttle bus to Ford Island. The bag storage facility at the Bowfin Submarine Park shuttle bus stop can be used for a fee.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located on Ford Island, an active military base accessed by a shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center. Complimentary shuttles depart approximately every 15 minutes from the visitor center from early morning until late afternoon. The visitor center is around a 20-minute drive northwest of Waikiki.

When to get there

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is open daily, year-round, from early morning until early evening. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. If you plan to visit the other historic sites around Pearl Harbor, you need to reserve tickets in advance. Reservations are released each afternoon (Hawaiian time) in two windows: 24 hours in advance and eight weeks in advance. Otherwise, book a guided tour that secures admission for you.

The Raytheon Pavilion

Located between hangars 37 and 79, the Raytheon Pavilion is home to a changing roster of national and international traveling exhibitions covering everything from aviation's future to World War II heroes. Directly outside the pavilion, various historic aircraft, including World War II-era helicopters, are on display.

Ways to explore

Explore the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum independently or as part of a guided experience that often includes other World War II landmarks such as the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Museum admission includes access to two restored hangars and a control tower, with options to add docent-led tours for deeper insight.

Many full-day and half-day excursions from Honolulu include round-trip transportation to Ford Island, so you don't have to handle entry logistics. Combo tours often feature stops across Pearl Harbor’s historic sites, making it easy to experience the full story of Oʻahu’s wartime legacy.

Accessibility

Pearl Harbor Museum is accessible to people using wheelchairs. It features wide level floors, elevators, and mobility-friendly exhibits.

Age limits

None. Families are welcome, though some exhibits depicting wartime imagery may be better suited for older children.

What to pack

Photo ID, water bottle, and sunscreen—outdoor areas between hangars are not shaded.

What to wear

Appropriate and respectful attire, closed shoes are recommended for walking throughout all Pearl Harbor sites.

Not allowed

Swimsuits, bags (a bag storage facility is available at the Bowfin Sumbarine Park), photos on the Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island

Amenities

Restrooms, gift shop, museum café, elevators, free Wi-Fi

Address 

The Pearl Harbor museum sits on a military base; only those with military access can drive onto Ford Island. Everyone else should plan to take a shuttle bus from the visitor center. Shuttle access is included in all tours and ticketing.

Driving

From Waikīkī, the drive to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center takes about 30–40 minutes via H-1 West. Take Exit 15A toward Arizona Memorial/Stadium and follow signs to the visitor center, where parking is free. From there, board the Ford Island shuttle to reach the museum.

Public transportation

City buses do not go onto Ford Island. Take TheBus route 20 or 42 from Waikiki to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center; both stop nearby at Kamehameha Highway and Arizona Street. Once there, board the free shuttle to Ford Island for museum access.

Best times to visit

Morning is best, before the midday sun and larger tour groups arrive. Early hours offer cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography around the aircraft displays and control tower.

Best days to visit

Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to be less crowded than weekends or holidays when more visitors and large tour groups are on-site. Plan ahead if visiting on major US holidays, as parking and shuttle waits may increase.

Best months to visit

Hawaii’s weather is comfortable year-round, but the driest months are April through October. Shoulder months (May or September) offer fewer crowds than the peak tourist season.

Special events

Each December, the museum participates in Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day events honoring those lost during the 1941 attack, with ceremonies, flyovers, and historical reenactments held across the Pearl Harbor sites.