How to Get Free USS Arizona Memorial Tickets

This article was originally published on January 5, 2022. It was updated Jan. 15, 2026 and again on March 26, 2026.

Visiting Pearl Harbor is one of the most impactful experiences you will have on Oʻahu. The bombing of Pearl Harbor was the single most significant factor causing the United States to enter World War II and effectively change the course of history forever. Standing at ground zero of the Battle of Pearl Harbor has a profound effect on visitors.

According to Pacific History Parks, "the USS Arizona Memorial is the number one visited destination in Hawaiʻi."

USS Arizona Memorial ticket prices are free. You can obtain them two ways: online or at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center. Although this seems easy enough, there are a limited amount of tickets given out each day, which means acquiring one takes a bit of legwork.

What You Need to Know

• Cost: Free (plus $1.00 non-refundable convenience fee per reserved ticket)

• Where to book: Recreation.gov

• When tickets release: Daily at 3:00 p.m. HST for next-day availability

• Book ahead: Advanced 8-week booking has been restored

• Standby option: Yes — virtual queue at the Narrated Tour Desk, wait times vary

• Visit duration: Approximately 75 minutes for the Memorial program

Planning your full day at Pearl Harbor?

See our complete guide.

Option 1: Book online 8 weeks ahead or at 3:00 pm for the next day.

Every day at 3:00 p.m., a limited number of "next day" USS Arizona Memorial tickets are released at www.recreation.gov. These tickets sell out fast. We recommend you set a reminder for yourself to visit the site at exactly 3:00 p.m. If you wait too long, the tickets might be sold out. Additionally, you can reserve your tickets 8 weeks (56 days) ahead of time.

Please note: There is a non-refundable $1.00 convenience fee per reserved ticket. Reservations are limited to 12 tickets per person per day. It is suggested that you arrive an hour before your ticket time in order to pick-up your tickets. A minimum of five to ten minutes is required. If you are late, you may forfeit your free USS Arizona Memorial tickets to walk-in customers on standby.

Option 2: Sign-up for Standby if you don't have a reservation or missed your reservation.

In front of the Audio Tour booth, you'll find the standby signup tablets. Type in your name, phone number and the number of people in your party. You'll receive a text with a "SB Number." This is your group's position in line. When your SB number is called, you'll receive a second text message letting you know you can line up in the Standby Callback line at the theater.

Wait times for Standby vary. On a busy day, it could take several hours for your number to be called. While you wait, you can enjoy the rest of Pearl Harbor's attractions and museums.

Best Time to Visit

• The parking lot at Pearl Harbor fills quickly. Arrive by 7 a.m. to secure parking and avoid peak crowds.

• National Anthem ceremony begins at 8 a.m.

• Tour bus congestion is worst between 8 to 8:30 a.m.

• Afternoon standby wait times increase significantly

• Most exhibits are outdoors. Mornings are cooler, while afternoons can be hot and sunny. Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and apply sunscreen.

• Midday visits often fail due to crowd volume and long lines.

Parking & Arrival

• Arrive at least one hour before your scheduled ticket time. Be in front of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater 15 minutes before boarding.

• Parking costs $7 per day and is paid via smartphone or onsite kiosk. This fee cannot be paid in advance. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

• Bag storage is available near the entrance for a fee.

Important: Late arrivals may forfeit their tickets.

Program Breakdown

• Security screening and orientation: about 35 minutes

• Boat ride to memorial: 10 minutes each way

• Time at the memorial: 15 to 20 minutes

Important: Restrooms are not available on the boat or at the memorial.

Bag Restrictions

• Bags are prohibited, including purses, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, diaper bags and luggage.

• Clear bags for medical devices or medication may be allowed at the discretion of the National Park Service.

• Clear jelly bags are available for purchase at the Pacific Historic Parks Museum Store.

• Allowed items include cameras, cellphones and wallets.

• Bag storage is available near the entrance and is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Military Dress Code

Military dress regulations are enforced by Navy personnel.

• Uniformed service members must wear Class B or higher

• Battle dress uniforms are not allowed

• Civilian attire is permitted

There are no USS Arizona guided tours, but you can book a self-guided tour. The USS Arizona Multimedia Narrated Tours contain audio narration by actress Jamie Lee Curtis, USS Arizona and World War II Survivors, National Park Service Rangers and Historians, with hours of archives, photos and research.

The tour includes:

• Official USS Arizona Memorial Multimedia Narrated Tour Map

• Usage of smartphone audio device for duration of this self-guided tour

• Narrated guidance through the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center, two museums and the USS Arizona Memorial

• Complimentary Earbuds

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The visitor center, two museums and USS Arizona Memorial program are free for all visitors. The visitor center is closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1.