Oahu: Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Entry Ticket

Explore Pearl Harbor’s Aviation History with a $28 Ticket

For those interested in the aviation side of Pearl Harbor, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum offers an engaging look at decades of military aircraft and history. Priced at $28 per person, this single-day admission provides access to multiple hangars, exhibits, and optional exclusive views. The tour is designed for history and aviation enthusiasts who want more than just a surface-level visit, with interactive displays, authentic WWII aircraft, and a free audio guide available in several languages.

Located on Ford Island, the museum is part of Pearl Harbor’s historic landscape but is accessed via shuttles from the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center. The experience suits those who appreciate detailed aircraft collections and want a well-rounded understanding of military aviation’s role in Pacific history. Note that the tour duration is flexible within the same day, and availability varies, so checking starting times ahead of your visit is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable entry at $28 per person with options to extend your experience
• Access to Hangar 37, Hangar 79, and the Raytheon Pavilion
• Includes a free audio tour available in multiple languages
• Optional Top of the Tower tour offers panoramic views from Ford Island Control Tower
• Wheelchair accessible and designed to accommodate diverse visitors
• Active military base location requires shuttle transport and security checks

Visiting Ford Island and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is situated within the historic Ford Island area, an active part of the U.S. Navy base. Visitors begin their journey at the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center, catching a shuttle bus every 15 minutes between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The shuttle takes you directly to the museum, where the ticket grants full access to Hangar 37, Hangar 79, and the Raytheon Pavilion.

Once inside, the layout offers a seamless flow through significant aviation displays. The museum’s location on an active military base adds an authentic atmosphere, and the shuttle service simplifies logistics, removing the need for parking or navigating military zones independently. The entire experience is designed to be accessible, with options to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges.

Discover WWII Fighter Planes in Hangar 37

A highlight of the visit is Hangar 37, which houses an extensive collection of authentic WWII-era fighter planes across 25,000 square feet of exhibit space. This hangar tells the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor through detailed displays and real aircraft, providing a tangible connection to the past.

Visitors can enjoy seeing aircraft from different periods, including planes from the Gulf, Korean, and Vietnam wars, displayed in a setting that emphasizes their historical significance. The award-winning documentary “East Wind Rain” is available for viewing, offering additional context about the events of December 7, 1941, and life on Oahu before and during the attack.

Explore Hangar 79 and the Shealy Restoration Shop

Next, Hangar 79 continues the aviation narrative, featuring aircraft from later conflicts like Korea and Vietnam. Among the planes awaiting future display is the notable B-17 Swamp Ghost, which adds to the impressive lineup.

The Shealy Restoration Shop is also within this area, showcasing ongoing aircraft restoration and preservation efforts. Visitors interested in the technical side of aviation history will appreciate seeing the restoration processes firsthand, providing insight into how historic aircraft are preserved for future generations.

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Experience the Ford Island Control Tower from the Top

An added option with the Top of the Tower tour allows visitors to ascend the 15-story Ford Island Control Tower. This tour, running daily from 9:40 AM to 4:20 PM, involves a guided climb up steep stairs with handrails and provides a 360-degree view of the Pearl Harbor battlefield.

The tour duration is limited to 30 minutes, making it a quick but memorable perspective on the site’s strategic importance. Children must be 42 inches tall to participate, and the tour is ideal for those interested in panoramic vistas and military architecture. The observation deck includes a restored elevator, upper cab, and informative signage.

The Free Audio Guide Enhances the Experience

Included in your ticket is a free audio guide available in English, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese. This guide enriches the visit by providing detailed descriptions of aircraft, exhibits, and historical context as you explore the hangars and displays.

The audio tour is especially useful for visitors who want to learn at their own pace while moving through the exhibits. It helps make the experience more educational and engaging, especially for those unfamiliar with military aviation history.

Accessibility and Practical Tips for Visitors

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors. Security measures require no large bags, backpacks, or plastic bags to be brought onto the active military base, with a bag storage facility available at the Bowfin Submarine Park shuttle stop for a fee of $6 per bag.

The shuttle service runs throughout the day, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it easy to plan your visit. It’s recommended to arrive at least 10 minutes early for the Top of the Tower tours, which operate every 40 minutes.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

Unlike many Pearl Harbor tours that focus solely on the USS Arizona or battleships, this ticket emphasizes aviation history with over 50 aircraft and exhibits. The inclusion of authentic WWII fighters, the restoration shop, and the aviation-specific narrative offers a more specialized experience.

The $28 price makes it accessible, especially considering the free audio guide, shuttle transportation, and the option to add the Tower tour for panoramic views. The educational focus and the accessible facilities are additional strengths, making it suitable for families, history buffs, and aviation enthusiasts alike.

The Sum Up: A Focused Dive into Military Aviation

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum provides a comprehensive look at military aircraft and their role in Pacific conflicts, all within the historic setting of Ford Island. The $28 ticket offers excellent value, with access to multiple hangars, exhibits, and optional views from the control tower.

While the experience centers on aviation, it also offers meaningful context about Pearl Harbor’s broader history. The museum’s accessible design and free audio guides make it welcoming and educational for a wide audience. Visitors who appreciate detailed aircraft collections and want a deeper understanding of military aviation will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the ticket?
The ticket grants entry to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, access to Hangar 37, Hangar 79, and the Raytheon Pavilion, and a free audio guide in multiple languages. The Top of the Tower tour is available as an optional add-on.

How do I get to the museum?
The museum is located on Ford Island and is accessed via shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center. Shuttles run every 15 minutes between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible. Children must be at least 42 inches tall for the Top of the Tower. The exhibits are designed to be accessible, and staff accommodations are available.

Can I visit the museum multiple times in one day?
The ticket is valid for one day only. To revisit, you would need to purchase an additional ticket or check for special packages.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
Yes, visitors cannot bring oversize luggage, backpacks, large bags, plastic bags, or large bags onto the active military base. A bag storage service is available nearby for a fee.

What is the best time to visit?
Arrive early in the day to make the most of your experience, especially if you plan to take the Top of the Tower tour. Tours run every 40 minutes, so arriving 10 minutes early is recommended.

Is there a guided tour included?
The experience includes a self-guided visit supplemented by a free audio guide. The Top of the Tower tour is guided but optional.

How long does the entire visit take?
The main visit to the hangars and exhibits can take about 2-3 hours, depending on interest. The Tower tour adds an extra 30 minutes if chosen.

Can I purchase souvenirs or food on-site?
Yes, souvenir options and food services are available within the museum area, enhancing the overall experience.

What makes this experience different from other Pearl Harbor tours?
This visit emphasizes aviation history with over 50 aircraft, a restoration shop, and an educational focus. It’s ideal for those especially interested in military aircraft rather than just battleship history.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby