Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is a must-see attraction for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in learning more about one of the most significant events in American military history. Located on historic Ford Island in Honolulu, Hawaii, this museum offers visitors an up-close look at some of the most important moments leading up to and following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Through its fascinating exhibits and interactive displays, you can explore vintage aircraft from World War II as well as gain insight into the events that occurred during that fateful day in 1941. Learn more about what you can expect from a visit to Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum below!

• An extensive collection of vintage aircraft that were used in the actual attack on Pearl Harbor.
• An interactive exhibition featuring informative displays on the events leading up to the attack.
• Educational programs are designed to bring history alive for children and adults alike.
• Unique artifacts from the era such as uniforms, weapons, insignia patches, photographs, and more tell a story about life during this tumultuous period in American history.
• Guided tours by knowledgeable staff members who provide insight into rare artifacts and share personal stories of those who served during WWII or were affected by it.

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is a one-of-a-kind destination offering visitors an unparalleled glimpse into the past. Located on historic Ford Island in Honolulu, Hawaii, this museum offers a comprehensive exploration of the events leading up to and following the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. This world-class aviation museum spans over 25 acres of land featuring several buildings connected by walkways full of artifacts from the World War II era. Spanning two hangars and a historic control tower, the museum boasts dozens of aircraft and personal stories that honor those who defended our freedom.

The museum features an impressive vintage aircraft collection including F4F Wildcat fighters, Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers, Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bombers, and Japanese Zero fighters. Additionally, interactive displays provide insight into the stories of Pearl Harbor’s pilots and ground personnel as well as first-hand accounts from survivors of the attack. Experience the impact and response to the infamous December 7, 1941 attack and the battles that followed in the Pacific region. From the first bombs to the rise of American air superiority, the exhibits educate and inspire future generations. Step onto the battlefield, walk where bombs fell, and hear the legends and history of Pearl Harbor come to life.

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum guided historical tour gives you a view to an impressive vintage aircraft collection, with planes dating back from World War II to the present day. This collection of period aircraft includes fighter jets, bombers, transports, museum exhibits, and even a replica of the Japanese bomber that dropped the first bombs during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Each plane has been carefully preserved and restored, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the power of aviation.

Experience the events of December 7, 1941, and beyond at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Your journey begins in Hangar 37 with a 5-minute orientation in our 200-seat theater covering the museum’s exhibits and history.  Continue your experience with a minute-by-minute retelling of the attack and defense of Ford Island, after walking through an exhibit depicting life in Hawaii during the 1940s. Don’t forget to stop by the Raytheon Pavilion for stimulating hands-on STEM experiences for children of all ages. 

Hangar 79 is an extraordinary 80,000-square-foot hangar featuring blue glass windows riddled with bullet holes from the attack. It houses modern and historic aircraft, including Lt. Ted Shealy’s Restoration Shop. Discover over fifty aircraft and personal belongings of soldiers, marines, airmen, and support personnel throughout the museum. See rare World War II aircraft alongside helicopters and jets from the Vietnam and Korean War eras, and modern still-in-service aircraft. 

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum offers visitors the chance to explore a wide variety of exhibits and displays, including several dedicated to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Its interactive displays allow visitors to gain insight into the events leading up to and following the bombing. One of the most powerful exhibits is a full-size replica of a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, which was flown during the attack. This exhibit gives guests an up-close look at this important piece of history.

For those who can’t make it out to Hawaii for a visit, audio tours are available online or via the application that covers many of the same topics discussed onsite at the museum. 

Experience the thrill of aviation like never before at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum! Get ready to soar in our state-of-the-art Fighter Ace 360 Flight Simulators, where you can roll, spin, and loop your way through heart-pumping dogfights or futuristic space adventures. With only 150 tickets available each day, be sure to grab your chance to take control and feel the adrenaline rush. 

Step back in time to the historic Pearl Harbor battlefield with the Top of the Tower Tour. Experience the iconic Ford Island Control Tower, a silent witness to the infamous December 7, 1941 attack, now open to the public for the first time in decades. This once-in-a-lifetime experience memorializes our Greatest Generation and honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice. As you make your way up the restored elevator of the 15-story, 168-foot tall Tower, you’ll be treated to a first-class guided tour of the upper cab and 360° view from the observation deck. Get ready to hear the inspiring stories of our heroes and pay tribute to their bravery.

In addition to its collection of aircraft, the museum also houses several educational programs. The museum’s “Living History” program allows visitors to interact with veterans who experienced firsthand the events that took place at Pearl Harbor and throughout World War II. These educational programs are ideal for school groups or individuals looking to gain a better understanding of American military history. Through special interactive activities such as hands-on demonstrations and lectures by experienced veterans, participants get an up-close look at some of history’s most important moments. The museum also regularly hosts special events such as flyovers by historic aircraft and living history reenactments where visitors can learn more about what life was like for those who fought in World War II.

For younger visitors, the museum has ‘Kids Take Flight’ – a special program dedicated to teaching kids about flight basics. Additionally, school field trips can be arranged with access to special exhibits and a guided tour of the museum’s airplane collection by experienced docents. No matter what educational program you choose or how you decide to experience it, your visit to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum will be sure to provide an exciting learning experience that will stay with you for years to come.

The Museum Store is where nostalgia meets modernity. Get your hands on collectibles, apparel reprinted broadsheets with notable headlines, challenge coins, flight jackets, and more! These timeless designs from the 1940s are perfect souvenirs to remember your visit to Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

Looking for a place to dine and unwind? Indulge in air-conditioned comfort at the Hangar Café, a World War II-themed diner. Imagine life on Ford Island as Pacific aviators while enjoying gourmet burgers and sandwiches, fresh island salads, and no fries. Enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine at the only destination within Pearl Harbor that serves spirits. Hangar Café is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. It’s the best place to pay homage to our heroes.

For first-time visitors to Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, here are some tips to ensure you make the most of your visit:

1. Start your visit with an audio tour. This is a great way to learn more about the museum’s exhibits and get a deeper understanding of the events leading up to and following the attack.
2. Allow yourself enough time to explore. There’s so much to see at this fascinating museum that a single visit isn’t enough.
3. Don’t miss out on special events. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum hosts commemoration ceremonies honoring those who served during World War II.
4. Stay informed about upcoming events, new exhibitions, or educational opportunities offered at the museum.
5. Please note that for security reasons, bags are not allowed on the shuttle bus to Ford Island. However, a hassle-free bag storage facility is available at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park shuttle bus stop
6. Take advantage of discounts. Make sure you check if any special discounts apply when booking tickets online or at ticket counters before arriving at the museum. Senior citizens and military personnel can often get discounted admission fees.

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located in Honolulu, Hawaii on historic Ford Island. It is easily accessible by car or public transportation. The nearest airport to the museum is Honolulu International Airport, which is just a fifteen-minute drive away. From there, you can take the Metro bus number 20 or 42, which will drop them off at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is accessed by a shuttle bus from the Visitor Center. The free shuttles depart approximately every 15 minutes from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

Those with their vehicle can take Interstate H-1 East and exit 9A onto Arizona Street. This route will eventually lead drivers to Ford Island and the main gate of Pearl Harbor Station where they can access the museum’s parking lot.

There’s no doubt that the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum offers something for everyone, from aviation lovers to history buffs alike. Its impressive collection of vintage aircraft, interactive displays, educational programs, and special events make this one of Hawaii’s must-see attractions. From docent-led tours to hands-on workshops and lectures given by expert historians, there are programs tailored to just about any interest level or age group. 

Since its founding in 1999, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum has become a must-see destination for anyone interested in aviation history or looking for an immersive experience exploring one of America’s most significant battles. With its unique blend of artifacts and interactive experiences, it provides a powerful reminder of why we should never forget our nation’s past—and why we should always remember those who made great sacrifices to defend it.