Know Before You Go: You need to have reservations to get into the attractions at Pearl Harbor, and tickets to take the ferry out to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. However, if all you want to do is walk along the shore and see the historic landmarks from a distance, you likely do not need to plan ahead. Admission to the grounds and some museums is free but there are several ticketed experiences in the memorial. Bags are not allowed at the park but there is a paid locker service outside the grounds. Length: 1 mile Time: This is a walk with many interpretive displays, so it depends on how much you want to stop and read. Difficulty: Easy Terrain: Paved trail and grass trail Kid-Friendly: Yes. Dog-Friendly: No, dogs are not allowed at Pearl Harbor.
The stroll along the waterfront at Pearl Harbor is short and easy and takes you through the history of World War II through the lens of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This path has several interpretive displays and can be broken up by trips inside the various museums and memorials - including a submarine, a couple of ships and a ferry ride to the U.S.S. Arizona - so the amount of time it takes you really depends on how much you want to see and how long you want to spend in each spot. The National Park Service recommends 6 hours to a full day, but we spent 3 to 4 hours there.
I can only describe the feeling at the memorial as an aura, a sense of sacredness as you learn about the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor and about the men and women who died here. The U.S.S. Arizona, while not really part of the walk, was very moving as you view the sunken ship and the names of those who died. This is a walk back in time that gives an unforgettable account of World War II and the part played by the U.S.
You need to have reservations to get into some of the attractions at Pearl Harbor, and tickets to take the ferry out to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. However, if all you want to do is walk along the shore and see the historic landmarks from a distance, you likely do not need to plan ahead. Admission to the grounds and some museums is free but there are several ticketed experiences in the memorial.