Each year, thousands of visitors come to Oʻahu to experience one of the most important historic sites in the United States—Pearl Harbor. While Pearl Harbor is meaningful to visit any day of the year, December 7, the anniversary of the 1941 attack, is an especially significant day marked by ceremonies, tributes, and special schedules.
Below is your complete guide for visiting Pearl Harbor on December 7, plus holiday hours for December and early January, and tips on how to plan your visit.
Call / Text +1(808) 400-4481 to make a reservation!
What Happens at Pearl Harbor on December 7?
Every year, the National Park Service and the U.S. Navy host the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony to honor the 2,403 service members and civilians who lost their lives during the attack on December 7, 1941.
Is Pearl Harbor Open on December 7?
Yes—Pearl Harbor is open on December 7, but access is limited due to the annual ceremony.
Ceremony Start & End Times
- Start: Typically 7:45 AM, commemorating the moment the attack began.
- End: Around 9:30–10:30 AM, depending on the year and program.
- Admission: The ceremony is FREE and open to the public, but seating is limited and often reserved for veterans, families, and invited guests. Standing-room areas may be available.
Visitor Center Access on December 7
Because of the ceremony:
- The parking lot may close early or fill quickly.
- The Visitor Center exhibits open later than usual (often after the ceremony concludes).
- USS Arizona Memorial boat programs are usually delayed until mid-morning or later.
- Security and traffic restrictions are common, so expect delays entering the area.
If you plan to visit Pearl Harbor on December 7, arrive very early (before 6:30 AM) or plan your visit for after the ceremony.
Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor on December 7
1. Plan for Limited Access in the Morning
Because of the ceremony, most tours and general visitor access begin after 10:00 AM. Many guests choose to visit in the afternoon.
2. Expect Heavy Traffic & Road Closures
December 7 is one of the busiest days of the year. Give yourself extra time for:
- Parking
- Security screening
- Shuttle transfer to Ford Island facilities (if included in your tour)
3. Book a Pearl Harbor Tour in Advance
December is peak season in Hawaiʻi AND the busiest travel month at Pearl Harbor. Tours sell out fast—not just on the 7th but throughout the month.
👉 DanielsHawaii Pearl Harbor Tour
Call / Text +1(808) 400-4481 to make a reservation!
Booking early guarantees you:
- Reserved transportation
- Reserved USS Arizona Memorial tickets (based on availability)
- A knowledgeable guide to explain the history
- A stress-free, fully organized day
Pearl Harbor Holiday Hours (Christmas & New Year Season)
Planning a December trip? Here is what most visitors can expect:
Open During the Holidays
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open every day except:
- December 25 (Christmas Day) — CLOSED
- January 1 (New Year’s Day) — OPEN, but often with holiday staffing and increased crowds.
Typical Hours (December–January)
- Visitor Center: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- USS Arizona Memorial Programs: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Bowfin Submarine: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Battleship Missouri (Ford Island): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Important Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Holiday Tips
- Christmas week is extremely busy. Tickets sell out weeks in advance.
- Expect longer wait times at exhibits and attractions.
- Aim for early morning (7:00–9:00 AM) for the best experience.
- Tours on December 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 almost always sell out.
Why Visit Pearl Harbor with DanielsHawaii?
At DanielsHawaii, we believe Pearl Harbor is a place everyone should experience with care, respect, and proper guidance. Our tours offer:
- Small groups for a more personal experience
- Round-trip transportation from Waikiki or hotels
- Knowledgeable, friendly guides (English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French available for private tours)
- Clear storytelling about the events of December 7, 1941
- Stress-free USS Arizona Memorial planning
Reserve Early – Limited Seats in December!
December is one of the highest-demand months of the year. To make sure you don’t miss out:
👉 Book your Pearl Harbor Tour now (click Here)
Call / Text +1(808) 400-4481 to make a reservation!
How to Plan Your Perfect Pearl Harbor Day
Here’s a simple plan you can share with guests:
If Visiting on December 7
- 6:00–6:30 AM: Arrive for ceremony
- 7:45–10:30 AM: Attend or wait for the ceremony to end
- 10:30 AM onward: Explore Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
- Late morning/afternoon: Boat to USS Arizona Memorial, museums, and exhibits
- Optional: Add USS Bowfin, Battleship Missouri, or Aviation Museum
During Christmas Week
- Arrive early (7:00–8:00 AM) for best parking and shorter lines
- Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes
- Remember: no bags allowed, only wallets & small items
- Pre-book tours to avoid sold-out time slots
- Expect crowds—December is peak season
Final Thoughts
Pearl Harbor is one of the most important historical sites in the world. Whether you visit on the December 7 anniversary or during the holiday season, planning ahead ensures a meaningful and smooth experience.
And if you want an easy, informative, and comfortable way to visit, join us at DanielsHawaii. Our experienced guides bring the history to life while taking care of all the logistics.
👉 Book your Pearl Harbor Tour here
Call / Text +1(808) 400-4481 to make a reservation!
