With limited time, the best way to spend a half-day at Pearl Harbor is by visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial. The USS Arizona honors those lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor, while the USS Missouri is famous as the site where Japan formally surrendered, marking the end of World War II. Known as the “bookends of World War II,” these two sites offer a meaningful connection between the attack on Pearl Harbor and the war’s end.

Plan for about two hours aboard, including the 35-minute guided tour and independent exploration. Allow approximately 30 minutes each way for shuttle waiting, boarding, and travel. Add more time if you book an upgraded guided tour or prefer a slower pace.

Step aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial to explore a historic battleship and stand on the Surrender Deck, where Japan formally surrendered in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, ending World War II. Discover life at sea through historic exhibits, personal artifacts, and restored crew spaces. Together, USS Missouri and the USS Arizona Memorial are known as the “bookends of World War II,” connecting the attack on Pearl Harbor with the war’s formal conclusion. 

Passport to Pearl Harbor?

Consider the Passport to Pearl Harbor for admission to the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, plus a Visitor Center multimedia tour and one virtual reality experience. Allow approximately 6–8 hours for the included museums and experiences, plus additional time for transportation, meals, and breaks. Review the full Passport details when planning your day.

Yes. You can explore the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center’s exhibits and visit USS Missouri without a USS Arizona reservation. Purchase a separate Battleship Missouri Memorial ticket to explore the Mighty Mo’s historic decks, exhibits, and restored crew spaces.

We Never Run Out of Tickets. While boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are limited and often sell out weeks in advance, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is always ready to welcome you. General Admission tickets are available daily, making the Missouri the most reliable and stress-free way to ensure your Pearl Harbor trip is a success. Walk up, step aboard, and dive into history.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with last admission at 3:00 p.m. The Memorial is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

For directions, parking, and transportation to the ship, review our shuttle information. 

For visitor information, please call our ticketing office at (808) 455-1600 ext. 239 or visit ussmissouri.org.

The ship has a ramp at the aft Brow that can bring persons in wheel chairs or with mobility-impairments to the Main Deck. On that level, one can access the museum from an interactive kiosk within the Wardroom. On the Main Deck, there is an elevator that allows persons with disabilities to access the Surrender Deck. See the accessibility information.

Please wear respectful attire appropriate for a historic memorial. Swimwear is not appropriate, and footwear is required. Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended.

Additional requirements may apply to upgraded tours; review your selected tour’s guest requirements before visiting.