By Susan Callies

Day Trip to Pearl Harbor from Maui 2025

For many visitors to Hawaii, a day trip to Pearl Harbor from Maui is more than just another sightseeing excursion—it’s an unforgettable journey through history. This trip offers a chance to step back in time and stand where significant events shaped the world. Families, couples, and even solo travelers find this day trip both educational and deeply moving.

While Maui itself is famous for lush beaches and scenic drives, Pearl Harbor on Oahu offers something uniquely different: a powerful, reflective experience. Even though these islands sit roughly 100 miles apart, getting there is easier than you might think. With an early morning flight from Maui, travelers often spend a full day exploring Pearl Harbor’s historic sites before heading back by evening.

Why Take a Day Trip to Pearl Harbor from Maui

Visiting Pearl Harbor unlocks a side of Hawaii that contrasts beautifully with its natural wonders. Travelers can see the USS Arizona Memorial, where the sunken battleship rests, a tribute to those who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. Nearby, the Battleship Missouri Memorial tells the story of both the war’s beginning and its end, as this ship was the site of Japan’s official surrender in 1945.

Beyond the historical significance, the trip is surprisingly convenient. Thanks to regular inter-island flights between Maui and Oahu, most travelers can plan a full day at Pearl Harbor without needing to overnight on another island. Many visitors choose to go during Hawaii’s drier months—April to October—when weather conditions make sightseeing more comfortable. Morning is often the best time to visit since the area sees fewer crowds early in the day and temperatures stay cooler.

How to Get There: Transportation Options

When planning a day trip to Pearl Harbor from Maui, travelers have a few options to choose from, each with its benefits.

One popular method is to fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) from either Kahului Airport (OGG) or Kapalua Airport (JHM) on Maui. These flights typically take about 30–40 minutes, making it possible to leave Maui early in the morning and return the same evening.

After landing in Oahu, some travelers prefer to rent a car. Rental agencies operate directly from the airport, and the drive to Pearl Harbor usually takes around 15–20 minutes. Pearl Harbor has on-site parking, though it can fill up quickly on busy days.

Others choose public transport, like local buses. While buses are affordable and run regularly between the airport and Pearl Harbor, travel times may stretch to around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. It’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind a slower pace and want to save on car rental costs.

Many visitors, however, book guided tours that handle transportation and tickets. Tour companies often arrange early morning pickups from the airport, provide expert guides, and coordinate entry times to the main attractions. Booking these tours in advance helps travelers make the most of their limited time and reduces the stress of navigating an unfamiliar city.

Suggested Day Trip Itinerary

Planning your itinerary carefully can help you experience the best of Pearl Harbor in a single day.

Morning:
Begin your journey with an early flight from Maui to Oahu. Aim to arrive in Honolulu by 8:00 AM. From there, head straight to Pearl Harbor to start your visit before the crowds grow. Start with the USS Arizona Memorial, where you’ll watch a short historical film before taking a boat ride to the actual memorial. Standing over the sunken ship is often the highlight of the visit and offers a quiet moment of reflection.

Midday:
Around midday, continue to the Battleship Missouri Memorial docked on Ford Island. Guided tours onboard bring the ship’s history to life, highlighting areas like the surrender deck. For lunch, travelers often choose between the on-site snack shop or nearby restaurants in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center area. Taking a break for lunch also offers a chance to regroup before exploring more.

After lunch, visit the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park. Walking through the submarine’s narrow passages gives visitors a sense of what life was like for the crew during WWII. The adjacent museum displays fascinating artifacts that deepen your understanding of naval history.

Afternoon:
If time allows before your return flight, explore the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island. Here, historic aircraft and interactive exhibits bring the Pacific aviation story to life.

Depending on flight schedules and your energy level, some travelers also choose to make a brief stop in downtown Honolulu to see the historic Iolani Palace or the King Kamehameha Statue. Keep in mind, though, traffic in Honolulu can get heavy in the late afternoon, so plan extra time to return to the airport.

Evening:
Catch an early evening flight back to Maui, usually departing around 6:00 PM or later. Many travelers appreciate having dinner near the airport in Honolulu before boarding, which helps make the trip home feel relaxed and complete.


Top Things to Do in Pearl Harbor

A day trip to Pearl Harbor from Maui offers more than just one landmark. The site is a complex of museums, memorials, and historic vessels, each with its own story to tell. Planning your time well ensures you won’t miss these top highlights.

USS Arizona Memorial
Perhaps the most moving stop, the USS Arizona Memorial sits above the sunken battleship where over 1,100 sailors and Marines lost their lives. Visitors first watch a 23-minute documentary, followed by a boat ride to the memorial itself. Admission is free, but advance online reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak travel months.

Battleship Missouri Memorial
Moored nearby on Ford Island, the “Mighty Mo” marks the spot where Japan surrendered in 1945, officially ending World War II. Guided tours explain both wartime life aboard the ship and its pivotal role in history. Tickets cost around $35 for adults and $17 for children. The memorial opens daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
Nicknamed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” this World War II-era submarine lets visitors explore its narrow passageways, engine rooms, and torpedo bays. The adjacent museum showcases submarine technology and personal artifacts. Expect to pay about $22 for adults and $12 for children. Operating hours typically run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Housed in two WWII-era hangars on Ford Island, this museum features restored aircraft, flight simulators, and interactive exhibits. Highlights include a Japanese Zero fighter and a B-17 bomber that survived the attack. Tickets usually cost around $26 for adults. Visitors often book combination tickets online to save time and money.

Remembrance Circle and Waterfront Memorial
These quieter areas provide a space for reflection away from larger crowds. Plaques and monuments here commemorate military and civilian lives lost during the attack.

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
Recently renovated, this modern museum offers detailed displays on submarine warfare, updated with interactive screens and exhibits suitable for kids and adults alike.

Because many travelers only have a single day, booking tickets online or joining a guided tour helps maximize time and avoid long queues, especially during holidays or summer.


Best Tours for a Day Trip to Pearl Harbor

While it’s possible to plan independently, guided tours often prove the simplest choice for travelers coming from Maui. Here are some popular, top-rated options:

Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour
This full-day tour covers the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, Bowfin Submarine, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Pros include priority entry and expert guides who share historical context. The only real con is a tighter schedule, which can feel rushed if you like exploring at your own pace.

Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour
Combining history with local culture, this tour stops at the USS Arizona Memorial and then visits downtown Honolulu highlights like Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha Statue. It’s ideal for travelers wanting to see more of Oahu in a day.

Early Bird Pearl Harbor Tour
Departing early, this tour often arrives before the biggest crowds. While it typically only covers the USS Arizona and Battleship Missouri, it’s perfect if your return flight to Maui is mid-afternoon.

When comparing tours, look for those including inter-island airfare, museum admission, and transportation between sites. Booking through reputable providers also ensures tickets to high-demand attractions like the USS Arizona Memorial.


What to Pack for a Day Trip

Even a short flight between Maui and Oahu means packing smartly. Travelers often bring these essentials:

  • Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in Hawaii’s warm climate
  • Sunblock (reef-safe preferred) to protect skin during outdoor parts of the visit
  • Lightweight hat and sunglasses for comfort in the midday sun
  • Compact umbrella or rain jacket, especially during winter months when showers are common
  • Comfortable walking shoes, as exploring historic ships and museums requires lots of standing and stairs
  • Small backpack to carry snacks, tickets, and personal items
  • Camera or smartphone to capture photos—though note that large bags and backpacks aren’t permitted in certain areas (lockers are available for a small fee)

Travelers sometimes pack lightweight travel gear, like a portable charger or travel towel. For those interested, gear like packable daypacks or travel umbrellas can be found on Amazon.


Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Trip

Timing and planning make all the difference between a rushed visit and a memorable one. Consider these tips:

Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Hawaii enjoys warm weather year-round, but summer (May–October) sees higher temperatures and larger crowds. Winter months can bring passing showers and slightly cooler mornings. Arriving early helps you avoid midday heat.

Accessibility
Most major sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial and museums, are wheelchair accessible. For those with limited mobility, guided tours help by reducing walking distances and organizing transportation between sites.

Local Customs and Safety
Pearl Harbor is an active military base and a memorial site. Visitors should dress respectfully—avoid swimwear or revealing clothing. Security rules prohibit large bags, so pack light and use on-site lockers if needed. Always follow posted signs, especially near the waterfront.

Booking Tickets and Flights
Demand can be high, especially around national holidays like Memorial Day or December 7th. Booking inter-island flights and attraction tickets weeks in advance ensures smoother travel. When using tour operators, check cancellation policies and whether tickets to key sites are guaranteed.


Where to Eat and Drink in Pearl Harbor

Exploring Pearl Harbor’s memorials and museums easily fills several hours, so knowing where to eat nearby keeps the day comfortable. While the area focuses on history rather than dining, visitors still find several solid choices.

USS Bowfin Snack Bar
Located near the submarine museum, this casual spot serves sandwiches, hot dogs, and cold drinks. Prices stay reasonable, and it’s perfect for travelers who want a quick lunch before continuing to the next exhibit.

Restaurant 604
Just outside the main visitor complex, Restaurant 604 offers local favorites like fresh fish tacos, poke bowls, and garlic shrimp. Its relaxed setting and waterfront view make it a popular choice, especially for mid-range budgets. Lunch entrees often cost around $15–$25.

Laniakea Café at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
For those heading to Ford Island, this café offers salads, burgers, and daily specials. It’s convenient for visitors exploring the Aviation Museum and rarely feels crowded.

Nearby Kapilina Beach Homes Food Trucks
About a 10–15 minute drive from Pearl Harbor, this casual cluster of food trucks offers plate lunches, shaved ice, and local BBQ. It’s great for those willing to venture a bit further to enjoy more local-style eats at budget-friendly prices.

Dining around Pearl Harbor stays simple and family-friendly, which keeps the focus on history without leaving visitors hungry.


Alternatives or Side Trips Nearby

Travelers often find extra time before returning to Maui or may want to turn a Pearl Harbor visit into a longer Oahu day trip. Conveniently, several nearby destinations add variety.

Downtown Honolulu
Only about 20 minutes away, downtown Honolulu offers historic sites like Iolani Palace, the Hawaii State Capitol, and the iconic King Kamehameha Statue. A short walk through Chinatown also reveals vibrant local markets and art galleries.

Punchbowl Crater and National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Set within an extinct volcanic crater, this serene site honors those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Its panoramic views over Honolulu provide an added bonus, especially around sunset.

Waikiki Beach
Though known for shopping and surf, Waikiki also offers a quick taste of Hawaii’s resort life. Visitors can stroll Kalakaua Avenue or relax with shaved ice by the shore before heading back to the airport.

Aiea Loop Trail
For travelers craving nature, this 4.8-mile hike winds through lush forest with occasional views of Pearl Harbor below. It’s best for those with later return flights, as the loop can take 2–3 hours.

Adding one or two of these stops often transforms a Pearl Harbor day trip into a broader glimpse of Oahu’s culture, history, and scenery.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit Pearl Harbor from Maui in one day?

Yes, travelers often take early morning flights from Maui to Oahu and return the same evening. Flights usually last around 30–40 minutes, leaving plenty of time to explore the main sites at Pearl Harbor in one day.

Do you need to book USS Arizona Memorial tickets in advance?

Absolutely. Timed tickets can sell out weeks ahead, especially during holidays or peak travel months. Booking online through the National Park Service or authorized providers helps secure your spot.

Are there bag restrictions at Pearl Harbor?

Yes. Backpacks, purses, and camera bags aren’t allowed inside the memorial areas for security reasons. Visitors should use small wallets or clear bags, and lockers near the entrance are available for about $6.

How early should I arrive for my Pearl Harbor tour?

Arriving at least 30–45 minutes before your timed ticket is wise. This extra time helps with security checks and lets you explore the visitor center’s introductory exhibits before your tour begins.

Is Pearl Harbor accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Most of the visitor center, the USS Arizona Memorial, and museums are wheelchair and stroller friendly. However, historic ships like the Bowfin submarine have narrow passages that aren’t accessible.

Can I combine Pearl Harbor with Waikiki on the same day?

Many travelers do. After visiting Pearl Harbor, it takes about 25–30 minutes by car to reach Waikiki, giving you time to stroll the beach, shop, or have dinner before your flight back to Maui.

What’s the best time of year to visit Pearl Harbor?

April to October generally offers drier weather and calmer waters, making boat rides to the memorial smoother. Winter months bring occasional rain showers but remain warm and pleasant overall.

Are food and drinks allowed inside the memorials?

Food and drinks aren’t permitted within the memorials and museums to help preserve these historic sites. Reusable water bottles are allowed and recommended, especially on hot days.

Is photography allowed at Pearl Harbor?

Yes, personal photography is welcome in most areas. However, taking photos during the short documentary film shown before visiting the USS Arizona Memorial isn’t allowed. Also, tripods and selfie sticks are generally prohibited.

Should I book a guided tour or explore on my own?

Guided tours save time, include expert commentary, and often handle tricky ticket reservations. Independent visits give you more flexibility if you already have tickets booked and prefer to explore at your own pace.

Susan Callies is a travel writer at Travleon.com, where she shares guides, itineraries, and hidden gems from around the world. When she’s not writing about new destinations, Susan enjoys playing the violin, ice skating during the winter months, and exploring local food scenes wherever she travels. She's also passionate about photography, journaling her adventures, and visiting art museums. Susan believes that the best stories are found off the beaten path — and she’s always chasing the next one.

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