America’s World War II Aviation Battlefield
Hours of Operation
Open Daily
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location
Hangar 37, Ford Island
319 Lexington Boulevard,
Honolulu, HI 96818
Website
Spanning two World War II era hangars, one iconic control tower and home to dozens of aircraft, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum has the distinct honor of stewarding America’s first aviation battlefield of World War II.
Our museum leverages the aircraft that first rose up in defense of Ford Island during the infamous December 7, 1941 attack, along with artifacts and personal stories, to share the impact and response to the attack and the Pacific region battles that followed.
From the first bombs that fell on Pearl Harbor to the rise of American air superiority that followed the victory of World War II, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum honors those who have defended our freedom so we might educate and inspire future generations. Stand on America’s World War II aviation battlefield. Walk where the bombs fell. Hear the stories, legends and history of Pearl Harbor come to life.
Named “America’s #1 Historical Spot Worth Traveling For,” Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum provides an unparalleled experience for everyone.
Hangars 37 and 79
Guests to Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum can expect to experience a chronological retelling of the day of December 7, 1941 and beyond, starting in Hangar 37 with an orientation in our 200-seat theater. This five minute presentation covers the exhibits and history of the museum.
After walking through an exhibit depicting life in the Hawaiian Islands during the 1940s, guests are taken through a gripping minute-by-minute story of the attack and the defense of Ford Island. As your tour proceeds, you’ll leave Hangar 37 and move to Hangar 79. Don’t forget to stop at the Raytheon Pavilion between hangars! The Raytheon Pavilion is home to internationally-acclaimed traveling STEM exhibits. From MathAlive! to the much-anticipated 2019 grand opening of Boeing’s Above & Beyond, the Raytheon Pavilion provides stimulating hands-on experiences for children of all ages.
Hangar 79 is an awe-inspiring 80,000 square foot hangar featuring blue glass windows still riddled with bullet holes left by the December 7, 1941 attack. During World War II it was a maintenance and engine repair facility filled with fighters, bombers and patrol aircraft based in Pearl Harbor or en route to the front lines. Today, it holds many of our modern jets and historic helicopters, and is home to Lt. Ted Shealy’s Restoration Shop.
Throughout the Museum, you’ll find over fifty aircraft, along with the personal effects and accessories of soldiers, marines, airmen and their support personnel. Rare World War II era aircraft, including a Flying Tigers P-40, Douglas SBD Dauntless and a B-17 Flying Fortress are positioned alongside Vietnam and Korean War era helicopters and jets, and modern aircraft still in service, such as the F-14, F-15, and F-16.
Admission and Tours
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located on Historic Ford Island, Hawaii, an active military base accessible by shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center. Shuttles depart every 15 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
For security purposes, no bags are allowed on the shuttle bus to Ford Island. A bag storage facility, located at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park shuttle bus stop, can store your belongings for a fee of $7.00 per bag. Credit cards are accepted.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum General Admission ($25.99 adults, $15.99 children ages 4-12)
General Admission covers over 75 years of Pacific aviation history and includes full access to 50+ aircraft and all exhibits, including Hangars 37 & 79, the Museum Store, Hangar Café and more. Take our experts along for a personal tour and enjoy free Pearl Harbor audio tours available in English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin. One headset is included with each General Admission ticket and can be found at the Museum Front Desk.
Guided Hangar Tour ($10 add on to General Admission or passport)
Add a one-hour long Docent-Guided Tour of Hangars 37 & 79 & Restoration Shop to your General Admission. This behind the scenes peek at our restoration operations, plus an intimate tour with our expert Docents, creates an unforgettable and deeply-moving experience you’re sure to remember forever. This tour also offers a free gift upon arrival, while supplies last. Reserve your spot before arriving, tours are available at 10am, 11:30, 1pm and 2:30.
Top of the Tour ($19.99 add on to General Admission or passport, height restrictions apply)
The Top of the Tower Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience featuring the Pearl Harbor battlefield from the iconic Ford Island Control Tower. A silent witness to the December 7, 1941 attack, the Tower is now open to the public for the first time in decades, memorializing our Greatest Generation and the “day which will live in infamy.” Guests will experience a first-class guided tour of the tower -- which is 15 stories and 168 feet tall -- including the restored elevator, upper cab, and 360° view from the observation deck. Hear the stories of our heroes and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Fighter Ace 360 Flight Simulators ($10.50 per person, $21.50 for exclusive solo flight, height and weight restrictions apply)
Take to the skies in Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s state-of-the-art 360-degree simulators and experience aviation like you never have before. Our Fighter Ace 360 Flight Simulators can roll, spin and loop as you take the controls! Choose from a heart-thumping dogfight in a P-38 over tropical waters in Thunder in the Pacific or take a flight across the galaxy in a futuristic spaceship with Quantum Star Fighter. Only 150 tickets are available each day for Oahu’s hottest new attraction. Tickets can only be purchased at the Museum’s front desk.
Accessibility
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum welcomes all differently abled individuals. Our Museum is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all guests. Each of the Museum’s hangars are fully wheelchair accessible and Museum staff are happy to assist in any way. Handicapped restrooms are available in both Hangars. A limited number of wheelchairs are available on site at the Museum, and the visitor shuttle is capable of bringing electric/assisted wheelchairs onto Ford Island. Chairs and benches are located around the Museum to allow guests a moment to pause and reflect, or simply to take a breath. Service animals are welcome.
Museum Store
Step back in time in the Museum’s themed gift shop, where you’ll find timeless designs from the 1940s with a few modern spins. Collectibles, apparel, reprinted broadsheets with notable headlines, challenge coins, flight jackets, and more are all available as perfect souvenirs to remember your time at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Hangar Café
Dine in air-conditioned comfort in our World War II themed Hangar Café, and imagine life on Ford Island as the aviators in the Pacific may have experienced it. The best place to dine or raise a glass to a hero, our café features gourmet burgers and sandwiches, fresh island salads and ono fries. Cold beer and wine offer a chance to relax at the only destination within Pearl Harbor that serves spirits. The café is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Host An Event
Easy to discover, hard to forget. Host your next corporate event, conference, retreat or party at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. With over 100,000 square feet of space, dedicated on-site parking and the conquering warbirds of World War II and the Pacific Theatre as your backdrop, your next event is sure to be nothing short of historic.
Contact Us
Hours:
Open Daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Address:
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Historic Ford Island, Pearl Harbor
319 Lexington Boulevard
Honolulu, Hawaii, 96818
Phone:
(808)-441-1000
