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.