Going to Oahu but are also trying to get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor? I know some of the best ways to get there including buses, taxis, car rentals, services, and more! Here are all of my options.
This guide to how to get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor was written by Marcie Cheung (a Hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
If you’re staying in Waikiki and trying to figure out how to get to Pearl Harbor, I can tell you the biggest mistake people make before they even leave the hotel. They plan their transportation before they lock in their USS Arizona Memorial reservation.
Do it the other way around, and the rest of your day falls into place a lot more easily.
Between 40+ trips to Hawaii and years of answering reader questions on exactly this kind of thing, I can say Pearl Harbor logistics trip people up more than almost anything else on Oahu.
I drive myself most of the time these days, but I’ve tried other ways to get there too, and each one has a real tradeoff worth knowing before you commit to it.
Part of that is the reservation system. Part of it is that Waikiki hotels sit about 10 miles from the visitor center, which can mean anywhere from 25 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and how you’re getting there.
Here’s how each option stacks up in 2026, what it really costs, and which one makes sense for your trip.
Quick take: If you already have a rental car, drive yourself. It’s the fastest, most flexible option, and parking runs about $7 a day, which beats round-trip rideshare for most groups.
No car? Uber or Lyft will run you roughly $25 to $40 each way and takes about 30 minutes. Budget travelers can take TheBus (Routes 20 or 42) for $3, though you’ll want to budget an hour or more each way.
Whatever you pick, get your free USS Arizona Memorial reservation on Recreation.gov before you book anything else. If you’re renting a car just for this or for the rest of your trip, Discount Hawaii Car Rental is who I use and recommend to readers.
Book Your USS Arizona Memorial Tickets First
This is the part that catches first-time Hawaii visitors off guard, and it’s one of the most common things travelers get wrong about Hawaii trip planning in general. They assume you can show up and buy a ticket at the door.
You can’t. Pearl Harbor stopped handing out same-day tickets at the visitor center a while back.
Every reservation for the USS Arizona Memorial boat program now goes through Recreation.gov, the National Park Service’s official booking site. There’s a $1 non-refundable fee per person.
New time slots release 56 days ahead, at 3:00 PM Hawaii time. Popular windows, especially morning ones, can fill up within minutes. If your trip is more than eight weeks out, set a calendar reminder for that release date and be logged into your Recreation.gov account a few minutes early.
Miss the window, and you’ve still got two backup options. A limited number of next-day slots release at 3:00 PM the day before, or you can join the standby line at the visitor center and hope for a no-show.
Neither is guaranteed, so if your dates are firm, a guided tour that includes its own ticket allocation is often the more reliable fallback (more on that below).
Everyone needs their own reservation, including kids over age one. Bring a printed copy or a screenshot of your QR code, and plan to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before your program time for security screening.
Option 1: Drive Yourself (Best If You Already Have a Car)
Renting a car for any part of your Oahu trip? This is the easiest way to handle Pearl Harbor, and it’s what I do almost every time I go. Take H-1 West toward Honolulu, then exit at 15A toward Halawa and Pearl Harbor.
Under normal traffic, it’s about a 25 to 30 minute drive. During the morning commute, give yourself closer to 45 to 60 minutes, since your Arizona Memorial slot won’t wait for you.
Parking at the visitor center runs about $7 a day, paid by QR code with a credit card (no cash accepted at the pay stations). The lot fills early, especially before mid-morning reservation times, so get there with a buffer.
Not already renting a car for your trip? One day of Pearl Harbor traffic and a $7 parking fee usually isn’t reason enough to add a rental just for this.
But if you’re planning to explore more of Oahu, like the North Shore or Hanauma Bay, a rental car opens up a lot more of the island. My Oahu travel guide breaks down where a car earns its cost versus where you can skip it.
Option 2: Uber or Lyft (Best Balance of Cost and Convenience)
This is the option I point most car-free travelers toward. A one-way ride from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor typically runs $25 to $40 depending on time of day and demand, and takes around 30 minutes without heavy traffic.
The tradeoff is coordinating your return trip. Pearl Harbor’s Wi-Fi and cell service inside the visitor center can be spotty, so if you’re planning to grab a ride back right after your Arizona Memorial program, request it before you head into the theater, not after.
Option 3: TheBus (Best for Budget Travelers)
Oahu’s public bus system runs Routes 20 and 42 directly from stops along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Fare is $3, either exact cash (drivers can’t make change) or a HOLO card, which also gets you a two-hour transfer window.
The catch is time. Plan on 60 to 90 minutes each way, and buses don’t always run on schedule.
An early morning Arizona Memorial reservation makes TheBus a riskier choice than driving or rideshare, since missing your slot means starting over with the standby line. For a mid-morning or afternoon reservation with some buffer built in, it’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to go.
One upside: TheBus doesn’t allow large bags anyway, which lines up neatly with Pearl Harbor’s own security policy (more on that below).
Option 4: Taxi
Expect to pay more than rideshare for the same trip, generally somewhere between $45 and $55 for a flat rate with a company like Charley’s Taxi. The advantage is that you can arrange pickup ahead of time without watching your phone for a driver to accept, which some travelers prefer for an early morning reservation.
Option 5: Book a Guided Tour or Shuttle (Best If You Don’t Want to Manage Any of This)
Don’t want to juggle reservations, parking, and return rides? A guided tour or shuttle bundles transportation with your Arizona Memorial ticket. This is also your best backup plan if you didn’t snag a Recreation.gov reservation in time, since tour operators hold their own ticket allocation separate from the general public release.
My husband and I took a shuttle from Waikiki years ago, and I still think about how nice it was to get a narrated tour of Honolulu on the way there instead of just watching traffic go by. Our driver pointed out landmarks we would have completely missed on our own.
The tradeoff is flexibility. We had a hard meetup time for the return trip, which meant our whole visit was on someone else’s clock instead of ours. If you like moving at your own pace, that’s worth weighing before you book.
A Pearl Harbor tour with Waikiki hotel pickup typically runs four to five hours. It includes the USS Arizona Memorial boat program plus a short drive past downtown Honolulu landmarks like Iolani Palace and the Punchbowl.
Some longer versions also add the USS Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum, if you want the fuller Pearl Harbor experience in one outing.
What About the New Skyline Rail?
Oahu’s Skyline rail opened its first stretch in late 2025, and yes, it technically has a Pearl Harbor stop. But it’s not useful for this trip yet.
The Makalapa station serves the naval base, not the visitor center, and the closest station to the actual Pearl Harbor Visitor Center (Halawa, near Aloha Stadium) is still an 11-minute walk away. Skyline also doesn’t reach Waikiki yet, so you’d need to bus to a station first anyway.
For 2026, skip it for this particular trip and stick with one of the options above.
What to Bring (and What to Leave in the Car)
This trips up more visitors than the transportation question does. Pearl Harbor doesn’t allow bags, purses, backpacks, camera bags, or diaper bags past security, since anything that can conceal an object isn’t permitted at the memorial.
Paid storage is available near the entrance for around $7 to $10 per item, but it adds a line and eats into your time before a timed reservation.
The simplest fix is to skip bags altogether. Carry your phone, ID, wallet, and a clear water bottle in your pockets, and leave everything else at your hotel or in the car. If you want to bring a camera or a few extra items, a clear stadium-approved bag solves the problem without a storage fee.
Waikiki to Pearl Harbor FAQ
How do I get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor without a car? Uber or Lyft is the easiest option at roughly $25 to $40 one way and about 30 minutes. TheBus (Routes 20 or 42) is the cheapest at $3, though it takes 60 to 90 minutes.
A guided tour with hotel pickup handles both transportation and your Arizona Memorial ticket in one booking.
What bus goes to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki? Routes 20 and 42, both departing from stops along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki.
Do I need a reservation to visit Pearl Harbor? You need a free timed reservation specifically for the USS Arizona Memorial boat program, booked through Recreation.gov with a $1 fee per person. The visitor center grounds and other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites have their own separate ticketing.
How long does it take to get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor? By car or rideshare, 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. By bus, 60 to 90 minutes.
Is it worth renting a car just for Pearl Harbor? Usually not, if that’s your only stop. Between the $7 parking fee and traffic, a rideshare is often simpler for a single destination. If you’re planning to see more of Oahu on the same trip, a rental car pays for itself pretty quickly.
Getting You There Is Just the First Step
Once you’ve got your USS Arizona Memorial reservation locked in and your transportation figured out, the logistics part of your Pearl Harbor visit is done. Now you can focus on the reason you’re going.
Still working out the rest of your Oahu itinerary? My Oahu travel guide is a good next stop. And if you’re trying to decide how Pearl Harbor fits into a multi-island trip, the Hawaii island-hopping guide walks through how much time to give each island.
I also cover Oahu logistics questions like this one pretty regularly on my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy, if you’d rather listen through your itinerary than read it.
And if you want help building out your full Oahu (or multi-island) itinerary around your Pearl Harbor day, that’s exactly what I do in one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations.
Traveling with kids? Hawaii Travel With Kids has its own breakdown of getting to Pearl Harbor with little ones in tow, including how the bag policy plays out with strollers and diaper bags.
 | About the author: Marcie Cheung is a Hawaii travel expert who has visited Hawaii more than 40 times. She is the founder of Hawaii Travel Spot and host of Hawaii Travel Made Easy. She plans Hawaii vacations for couples, honeymooners, families, and other travelers. |
Ready to explore Pearl Harbor?
If you’re at Waikiki, you’re also probably trying to find some transportation from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor.
We know that getting around Waikiki can be a little tricky, but don’t worry – we’re here to help.
Why turn to me for Hawaii advice? Having explored the islands on 40+ occasions, my perspective is truly seasoned.
In this article, we’ll show you the best ways to get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. So whether you’re taking the bus or an Uber, we’ve got you covered.
Once you get to Pearl Harbor, there’s so much to see and do. Pearl Harbor has many tours available and some of the attractions are free.
Keep scrolling to find out some of the best ways to get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki. Options include taking the Waikiki bus to Pearl Harbor, taking an Uber from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor, and more.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Easiest Ways to Get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki
I have 6 easy ways to get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Here they are below.
1. Taking the Taxi
These are more expensive options, as they can cost up to $70. However, you can choose whenever you want to go.
Charley’s Taxi is a more cost-effective option at around $45. You also don’t have to be with many strangers if you don’t like that. This is a great way to get there if you aren’t renting a car on Oahu.
2. Taking the Bus From Waikiki to Pearl Harbor
A bus is the most cost-effective method of transportation. You can get a ticket for only $2.50! Although, you don’t want to miss the bus, either. Even though it’s extremely cheap, there are also many drawbacks.
If you’re wondering which stop you should go to, check their website for more information. It may take up to an hour to reach your destination.
Busses are also inconsistent with scheduled times. You could wait an extra 10 minutes more, or the bus may arrive quite early. For those who don’t like this, other transportation options would be better
However, this is a great option for those who are on Hawaii budgets, this is a great option; you just have to be more flexible.
3. Getting to Pearl Harbor By Shuttle From Waikiki
Shuttles are great alternatives if you don’t imagine yourself driving there. While they’re a great option, some are betters than others.
If your hotel offers shuttles, make sure to use them as you can save a lot of money.
Some services can pick up and drop you off at Waikiki in Hawaii. Shuttles are more forgiving in time limits than busses or tour times.
However, if you’re faster than everyone else, you’re going to have to wait for everyone to get to the shuttle. For more information, click HERE.
4. Pearl Harbor Tours from Waikiki
At selected resorts or hotels, you can go on tours. You’re also allowed to see some of the battleships that were at Pearl Harbor as well.
When you do this, you can also skip a ton of lines at the same time as well!
Honolulu City Tour and Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial
This tour is great for looking around Pearl Harbor and Hawaii. You’re also allowed to go on the USS Arizona Memorial, which is super cool! For more information, click HERE.
These places are the ones that offer tours selected:
Hotels:
Other:
- Ross Dept. Store
- 1831 Ala Moana Blvd
City, USS Battleship Missouri, and Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial Tour
These tours are somewhat similar to the above tours. However, you can also visit this place as well! For more information, click HERE.
Honolulu Landmarks and Half-Day Pearl Harbor Tour
This tour guides you through many sites around Hawaii that you’ll enjoy watching. Then, you’ll be able to hang around Pearl Harbor for the next couple of hours.
You’re also able to visit the USS Missouri also. You’ll be able to know the schedule for the whole day of the tour. For more information, click HERE.
Pearl Harbor: USS Missouri Battleship & USS Arizona Memorial Tour at Waikiki
This tour gives you a fantastic tour while not using much hassle. You can visit places like the USS Missouri Battleship and the USS Arizona Memorial.
You’ll learn a lot about the history of Pearl Harbor. For more information, click HERE.
Salute to Pearl Harbor
This tour is a cost-effective strategy to get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki. You’ll leave a time before 2:30 pm. For more information, click HERE.
5. Rental Car
Trying to get to Pearl Harbor? Try renting a car not just for Pearl Harbor, but for your whole trip!
If you’re renting a car, try getting it HERE. It’s great for getting budget cars and they also use Payless, Enterprise, Dollar, Budget, Avis, Thrifty, and Alamo. Click HERE for more information.
The time it takes will be around thirty minutes, but here’s how you can do it.
Highway 1 W
Go to Honolulu by I-H-1 West. When on a highway, go left at the I-H-201 W fork. Wait until you’re at Stadium/Aiea exit. Go to Kam Highway then go right at the Arizona Memorial Pl.
Highway 92
Go to HI-92. Merge to I-H-1 West. Stay at Airport/Pearl Harbor/Joint Base PHH lane and go to exit 15a. Go to H-99 West, then go left at Arizona Memorial Pl.
Try using GPS if you can. It can give you useful information on how to get there the fastest.
6. Other Transportation from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor
You can find many different options than the ones above. Ubers are great options as well, taking around 30 minutes. Uber costs a bit less than Taxis, with prices of around $30 to $40.
Lyfts can also take you to where you need to go, but they have a higher price tag. You can always check their respective apps to see the current prices and details.
Waikiki to Pearl Harbor FAQs
If you’re at Waikiki or Ala Moana Shopping Center. #20 and #42 public buses (TheBus) are the options you should take to get there. Each ticket has a price of $2.50.
Yes! You can definitely visit the attractions on your own. You will need tickets to explore the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Battleship Missouri, USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Try going in the morning, as it’s the best time to go. The latest tour at Pearl Harbor starts at 3:00 PM. These tours can last 5 – 10 hours.
Pearl Harbor to Waikiki Wrap Up
Regardless of the method you choose, you can get to Pearl Harbor without too much fuss! I hope you found at least one of these methods of travel useful!
However, be sure to plan where you’ll go, and make sure you’re on time so you don’t run into too many bumps along the way.