How to Get from Honolulu Airport to USS Arizona Memorial

For families, groups, or those with limited time, a taxi or rideshare is the most efficient option. It provides a direct, air-conditioned ride from the airport baggage claim to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center parking lot.

Key Details & Costs:

Service	Pick-up Location	Avg. Travel Time	Estimated Cost (One-Way)	Best For
Taxi	Designated taxi stands on median outside baggage claim.	25-40 minutes	$45 - $65 (metered, plus tip)	Immediate departure, those without smartphone apps.
Uber/Lyft	Designated rideshare pickup zones (Follow signs). Usually at the Center Median.	25-40 minutes	$35 - $55 (varies by demand)	Cost transparency, ease of payment, often cheaper than taxis.

Pro Tip: Check both Uber and Lyft apps for real-time pricing. Surge pricing is common during peak airport arrival times (10 AM - 2 PM). Consider waiting 15-20 minutes for fares to drop. For a fixed-rate quote, some local cab companies like Charley's Taxi or Elite Taxi offer online estimators.

Accessibility Note:

Both taxi and rideshare services can accommodate wheelchairs, but you must request a suitable vehicle in the app (e.g., Uber WAV) or from the taxi dispatcher in advance. The drop-off point at the visitor center is fully accessible.

Shared shuttle services offer a middle ground between the cost of a taxi and the complexity of public transit. They provide pre-booked, direct transportation to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, often with a narrated tour en route.

Popular Shuttle Options:

• Roberts Hawaii: Offers a dedicated "Pearl Harbor Express" shuttle. Includes pick-up from Waikiki hotels and the airport. Must be booked in advance.
• E Noa Tours / Polynesian Adventure: Similar shared tour shuttles focusing on Pearl Harbor. Airport pick-up can sometimes be arranged; confirm when booking.
• Private Tour Companies: Many full-day Oahu tours include airport pick-up, Pearl Harbor visit, and drop-off at your final hotel.

What to Expect:

Cost: $25 - $50 per person roundtrip (from Waikiki; airport rates vary).
Wait Time: You may need to wait for other passengers to board.
Advantage: Driver provides context and drops you at the exact entrance. No stress about parking (which is limited and costs $7).
Booking: Essential, especially during peak season (December - April).

TheBus, Oahu's public transit system, is the most economical way to reach Pearl Harbor. However, it requires patience, planning, and the ability to manage your luggage.

Step-by-Step Route Guide:

1. From HNL Terminals: Walk to the “Airport” bus stop on the median outside baggage claim (Upper Level). Look for the blue "TheBus" signs.
2. Take Route 20 (Airport/Waikiki/Ala Moana): Head in the direction of ‘Waikiki’. Get off at either:
   • ‘Aloha Stadium’ (recommended, simpler transfer), OR
   • ‘Middle Street’ transit center.
3. Transfer to Route 42 (Ewa Beach): From ‘Aloha Stadium’, cross the street to the opposite side bus stop. Board Route 42 heading toward ‘Ewa Beach’.
4. Get Off At: The stop is clearly announced as “Arizona Memorial / USS Bowfin”. The visitor center is a short, well-marked walk from the bus stop.

Essential Information:

Fare	$3.00 per adult (exact cash required). No change given. A $7.50 day pass is a good value if making other trips.
Travel Time	90 - 120 minutes total, depending on connections and traffic.
Frequency	Route 20: Every 20-30 mins. Route 42: Every 30-40 mins. Check the TheBus website for current schedules.
Luggage	Allowed, but must be stored at your feet or on your lap. Not suitable for very large suitcases during busy times.

Critical Advice: Use the TheBus Trip Planner for real-time schedules. Allow plenty of extra time. If you have a morning memorial ticket, taking TheBus from the airport is risky due to potential delays.

Short Answer: No, and it is strongly discouraged.

The distance is approximately 10-11 miles (16-18 km). While parts may seem walkable on a map, the route involves long stretches on highways like Nimitz Highway (HI-92) with limited or no sidewalks, high-speed traffic, and safety hazards. There is no pedestrian access through the Pearl Harbor Naval Base security perimeter.

Realistic "Walk + Bus" Hybrid Option:

If you're determined to walk partway and are physically fit, you could walk from the airport to a bus stop on Nimitz Highway to catch Route 42, bypassing the transfer. This is still not recommended due to safety and Oahu's heat/humidity.

Our Verdict: The minimal cost savings are not worth the risk, time (3+ hours), and physical exertion. Invest in a bus fare or shuttle.

Your transportation is only half the battle. Gaining entry to the USS Arizona Memorial program requires planning.

How to Secure Your USS Arizona Memorial Ticket:

Method	How It Works	Advantage	Disadvantage
1. Online Reservation (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)	Book a timed ticket in advance via Recreation.gov. Tickets release 8 weeks ahead at 3 PM HST, and again 24 hours prior.	Guarantees your program time. Only a $1.00 service fee per ticket.	Sells out extremely quickly, especially for morning times.
2. Walk-in Tickets	A limited number of same-day tickets are available at the visitor center starting at 7:00 AM.	Free, no planning needed.	Very limited quantity. Often gone by 8:00 AM. Requires very early arrival and waiting in line.
3. Included with a Tour	Many paid guided tours to Pearl Harbor include the Arizona Memorial ticket in their package.	Hassle-free; includes transportation and narration.	More expensive than a DIY visit.

Arrival Protocol: Arrive at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at least 60 minutes before your program time. All visitors must pass through security screening (no bags allowed except small wallets/cameras). You will watch a 23-minute documentary film before boarding the shuttle boat to the memorial.

Maximize your experience and avoid common pitfalls with these insights from frequent visitors and locals.

• Luggage Strategy: Store your luggage at HNL or your hotel before coming. The visitor center only allows clear bags smaller than 1.5"x2.25"x5.5" (wallet-size). Bag storage is available onsite for a fee, but it adds a queue.
• Dress Respectfully & Practically: This is a war memorial. Wear modest clothing. Also, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen—much of the visitor center is outdoors.
• Time Your Visit: Aim for a morning program time. Afternoon visits often face higher winds, which can sometimes lead to cancellation of the shuttle boat program for safety.
• Plan for the Full Experience: The Arizona Memorial program takes about 75 minutes. To visit the other museums (USS Missouri, Bowfin, Aviation Museum), you need 4-6 additional hours. Don't schedule a tight flight departure after your visit.
• If Tickets Are "Sold Out": You can still visit the free, excellent Pearl Harbor Visitor Center museums, see the outdoor memorials, and visit the USS Bowfin or Missouri (paid). The "Passport to Pearl Harbor" ticket grants access to the three main ticketed sites.
• Stay Hydrated & Patient: Lines are common. Bring a refillable water bottle (there are fountains).