Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in Honolulu, HI

319 Lexington BlvdHonolulu, HI 96818
View on Map
Starting at
$27.99
Total Price: $27.99 (USD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION

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.
Star Map Pin Icon
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located at 319 Lexington BlvdHonolulu, HI 96818
Attraction Map Pin IconAttractions Hotel Map Pin IconHotels & Lodging

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.