Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in Honolulu, HI

319 Lexington BlvdHonolulu, HI 96818
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Starting at
$27.99
Total Price: $27.99 (USD)
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Starting September 3, the USS Arizona Memorial will be intermittently closed due to preservation work, and advanced reservations have been suspended until further notice.

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Overview

Step into history at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island, HI. The museum occupies two massive WWII-era hangars that house an impressive collection of vintage aircraft. Explore vintage planes and a battle-scarred airfield and discover 75+ years of Pacific aviation history with complimentary audio tours and stories from knowledgeable docents.

up to 1.5 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Stand on an American WWII battlefield and see strafing marks and bullet holes left by the attack that sunk the USS Arizona.
  • Admission includes access to 2 historic hangars, outdoor exhibits, and the Raytheon Pavilion, currently home to Bob Hope: An American Treasure.
  • Located on Ford Island, an active military base accessible by a shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
  • Free shuttles depart approximately every 15 - 20 minutes beginning at 8 a.m.
  • Photography is allowed at the museum. However, photography is off-limits in some areas of the military base.
  • Children ages 3 and under are admitted free.
  • Visitors are encouraged to wear close-toed shoes and dress appropriately and respectfully.
  • Bags are not permitted. A bag storage facility is located at the Bowfin Submarine Park shuttle bus stop. Fees apply.

Description

Uncover the stories of valor and aviation at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, located on Ford Island—one of the most significant WWII sites in the Pacific. Walk through original hangars still bearing the scars of December 7, 1941, and explore a rare collection of historic aircraft, immersive exhibits, and wartime artifacts that bring aviation history to life.

Explore Hangars 37 and 79 at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide offering in-depth context on each aircraft and the airmen who flew them. Step outdoors to view a rotating lineup of historic and modern helicopters, along with traveling exhibits that explore topics ranging from military innovation to the heroes of WWII.

Visit the Historic Operations Building—once the island's firehouse and interim control tower during the attack—which now houses the Rooftop Terrace exhibit with sweeping views of the battlefield and key landmarks. This preserved structure adds another dimension to understanding the critical moments of December 7, 1941.

Research enthusiasts and history scholars can access the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Library and Archive by appointment. With more than 23,000 books, photographs, periodicals, and rare documents, the library supports deep exploration of aviation history, the Pacific theater, and the events surrounding Pearl Harbor.

Easily accessed via a shuttle from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the museum blends powerful storytelling, preserved history, and educational resources—making it a meaningful destination for families, veterans, students, and aviation fans.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Reviews

TripAdvisor user image
SGorvitz
New York City, New York
"Memorable experience, needs improvement"
TripAdvisor user rating 3.0 out of 5
Reviewed September 07, 2025 NEW
We paid for the separate tickets for the flight simulator. I believe it cost $20/per person. Pretty expensive for 5 minutes! The simulator sounded really fun for our teenagers who love roller coasters. The flight simulator allows to go upside down, sideways, etc. But the old guy named Tim treated our kids like pre-schoolers. He didn't explain the functionality well, and then he kept chided them for him for following his instructions. He was condescending and talked down to them. This is not a complicated apparatus, but he did not explain it well anyway. (I want to differentiate Tim from the first person we met in line who really took time in explaining things and giving our kids a chance to practice on equipment before they went into the simulator. He also didn't know how to speak to teenagers, but he wasn't rude and really tried.) The ride itself is 5 minutes - which means 2.5 min per kid of driving time. I think we got an extra minute of time because there was so much confusion, but all in all, the experience should really be improved for the amount of money they charge.
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jennagQ8514EB
Minot, North Dakota
"Beautiful Museum with Some Incredible History"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed September 04, 2025 NEW
I’m a huge aviation geek and this museum has been on my list for a long time. Great displays in hangar 37 featuring a P-40, B-25, Zero, Dauntless, and more! There’s also a very nice gift shop and restaurant available in hangar 37. We were a part of a tour group and lunch was included in our tour. The food was delicious! Hangar 79 is home to numerous displayed aircraft, including B-17 Swamp Ghost. I’ve been waiting years to see that airframe, it was incredible to finally see it in person. The day we were there they had their F-111 open for cockpit tours with a guide. Overall, it was well worth the time, I just wish I’d have had more of it.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Where is it located?

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located at Historic Ford Island at 319 Lexington Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818.

Is there parking available on site?

The museum is on an active military base; non-military visitors are not allowed to drive there and must take the shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

What are the hours of operation?

Operating hours may vary per day. Please check the operating hours during your target date range in the operating calendar above when booking your tickets. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

How often to do shuttles run?

Free shuttles depart approximately every 15 minutes from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center during museum hours. The final shuttle back to the Visitor Center departs at closing time.

What should I wear?

While there is no official dress code to visit the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, visitors are asked to dress appropriately and respectfully. Swimsuits are not acceptable. Flip flops and sandals are permitted; however, visitors are encouraged to wear close-toed shoes, as there is a lot of walking when visiting the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes, the museum is suitable for all ages. They also offer free admission to children ages 3 and under.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes, photography is allowed at the museum. However, remember that it’s located on an active military base, so please be mindful of any areas that are off-limits for photography, including the Admiral Clarey Bridge that you across to gain access to Ford Island.

How long is the tour?

The tour takes approximately 60 minutes.

Can I bring a bag?

For security reasons, no bags are allowed on the shuttle bus to Ford Island. A bag storage facility at the Bowfin Submarine Park shuttle bus stop can store your belongings for a fee.