What is the Battleship Missouri Memorial?
The USS Missouri, the "Mighty Mo", is the battleship on whose deck Japan formally surrendered on 2 September 1945, ending the Second World War. She's moored on Ford Island at Pearl Harbor, near the USS Arizona Memorial, so the start and end of America's war in the Pacific are side by side.
You explore the decks at your own pace: the Surrender Deck, where the instrument of surrender was signed; the massive 16-inch gun turrets; the dent left by a kamikaze attack; the bridge; and the crew's quarters, mess decks and galley below. Guided tours add access to areas you can't see alone.
Ticket prices
Combination passes cover the Missouri with other Pearl Harbor sites, such as the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the USS Bowfin. They suit a full day at Pearl Harbor. Military personnel often get discounts and, on some holidays, free entry.
The USS Arizona is separate
The USS Arizona Memorial is run by the National Park Service and needs its own (free, reservable) program ticket. Your Missouri ticket doesn't include it. See our Pearl Harbor National Memorial guide.
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Getting to the ship: the shuttle and the bag rule
- Leave your bag behind. Pearl Harbor has a strict no-bags policy (no backpacks, purses, camera bags or fanny packs). There's a paid bag storage service near the entrance.
- Go to the Pearl Harbor visitor center and buy or show your ticket.
- Take the free shuttle bus to Ford Island. The shuttle stop is behind the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum. Ford Island is an active military base, so you may be asked for government-issued photo ID.
- Allow time. The shuttle runs regularly, but queues for it build at peak times. The last shuttle back leaves shortly after closing.
How busy is the Battleship Missouri?
Our crowd data shows Thursday and Friday are the busiest days, with Monday to Wednesday and Saturday close behind. Sunday is clearly the quietest. Through the day, it's busiest from about 11 am to 1 pm, as tour groups arrive after their morning USS Arizona program.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for USS Missouri (BB-63) - Battleship Museum, based on Google’s popular-times data.
How to skip the queues
- Buy online to save money and skip the ticket line.
- Do the Missouri first at 8 am if your USS Arizona slot is later, or do it after 2 pm if your Arizona slot is in the morning.
- Go on a Sunday for the calmest visit.
- Leave bags at the hotel to skip the bag storage queue.
- Book guided tours early on busy days, as they're limited.
Planning a Pearl Harbor day
Most visitors combine several sites. A typical order is the USS Arizona Memorial program first (it books up), then the Battleship Missouri, then the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, which is also on Ford Island and reached by the same shuttle. Allow a full day for all three, plus the USS Bowfin if you're keen.
Getting there
Pearl Harbor is about 30-45 minutes by car from Waikiki, depending on traffic. Parking at the visitor center is limited and fills up early. City buses also run from Waikiki, and many tours include transport.
Mistakes to avoid
- Bringing a bag to Pearl Harbor.
- Forgetting photo ID for the Ford Island shuttle.
- Arriving after 3 pm: last entry is about an hour before closing.
- Assuming the Missouri ticket includes the USS Arizona Memorial.
- Planning midday on a Thursday or Friday, the busiest time.
Is the Battleship Missouri worth it?
Yes. Standing on the Surrender Deck, a short distance from the USS Arizona, is one of the most powerful experiences in Hawaii, and the ship itself is huge and fascinating. Go early or late, book online, and leave your bag behind.
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FAQs
How much does the Battleship Missouri cost?
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About $38 for adults online or $40 at the door, and about $19 for children 4-12 online. Check the official site for current prices.
How do you get to the Battleship Missouri?
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Take the free shuttle bus to Ford Island from the Pearl Harbor visitor center. The stop is behind the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum. You may need photo ID.
Can I bring a bag to the Battleship Missouri?
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No. Pearl Harbor has a no-bags policy. Leave bags at your hotel or use the paid bag storage near the entrance.
What are the Battleship Missouri's hours?
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Daily 8 am-4 pm, with last entry around 3 pm.
Is the USS Arizona Memorial included?
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No. The USS Arizona Memorial program is a separate, free National Park Service ticket that should be reserved in advance.
Heading to USS Missouri (BB-63) - Battleship Museum?
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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 1 November 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
