What is the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum?
A museum in two historic World War II hangars on Ford Island, which still bear bullet marks from the 7 December 1941 attack. It shows aircraft from the attack and the Pacific war, including a Japanese Zero and a B-17, plus later Korean and Cold War jets, flight simulators and the historic control tower.
Tickets
Buy on the official website or at the Visitor Center. The USS Arizona Memorial is free but needs a reservation through Recreation.gov.
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A Pearl Harbor plan
- Arrive at the Visitor Center at opening with no bags (or use the paid bag storage).
- USS Arizona Memorial on your reserved time.
- Shuttle to Ford Island: Battleship Missouri, then the Aviation Museum.
- Catch the last shuttle back by 5 pm.
🔑 Free skip-the-line hack
Go when it’s quiet: see live crowds and the hourly forecast.
Getting there
Drive or take a bus or tour to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center (about 30 minutes from Waikiki), then take the free Ford Island shuttle. You can't drive onto Ford Island yourself.
What to see
Hangar 37
The first hangar tells the story of 7 December 1941 and the early Pacific war, with a Japanese Zero fighter, a B-25B Mitchell like those of the Doolittle Raid, a Dauntless dive bomber and exhibits on the attack on Ford Island itself.
Hangar 79
Still scarred by bullet holes in its windows from the attack, it holds aircraft from World War II through the Korean and Cold War eras, including a MiG-15, an F-14 Tomcat and helicopters, plus flight simulators.
The Ford Island Control Tower
The historic red-and-white tower, from which the attack was reported, can be visited on a guided Top of the Tower tour (extra charge) for views over Pearl Harbor.
The restoration shop
In Hangar 79, you can often watch volunteers restoring aircraft.
When is it busiest?
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Sunday, 9-11 am
Busiest time
Thursday, 11 am-4 pm
Mistakes to avoid
- Bringing a bag: it isn't allowed.
- Trying to drive to Ford Island: only the shuttle goes there.
- Leaving the museum to the end of the day: the last shuttles leave in the afternoon.
- Missing the bullet holes in Hangar 79's windows.
With children
Children love the flight simulators and climbing into some cockpits on display. The museum's history is serious but suitable for families. Children's tickets are cheaper, and the hangars are air-conditioned in parts. Plan snacks, as bags aren't allowed past the Visitor Center.
Is it worth it?
Yes for aviation and history fans: the hangars themselves are part of the story. It's best combined with the Arizona Memorial and the Missouri.
🎟️ Included in the Oahu Go City All-Inclusive Pass and the Passport to Pearl Harbor. Could a pass save you money? Compare Honolulu tourist passes →
FAQs
How much is the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum?
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About $30 for adults, with cheaper child tickets.
How do I get to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum?
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Take the free shuttle from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to Ford Island.
Can I bring a bag?
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No, bags aren't allowed at the Visitor Center or on the shuttle.
What are the opening hours?
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Daily 9 am-5 pm, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Are there still bullet holes at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum?
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Yes, in the windows of Hangar 79, from the 7 December 1941 attack.
Heading to Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
Check live crowds →Sources
How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
