Permits and Reservations

Reservations and Fees Details

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is free to the public and does not require reservations. Visitors are welcome to explore the museums, temporary exhibits, and watch the park film. Please note that the park film and the USS Arizona Memorial program are currently not linked. For more information, visit the FAQs page.

USS Arizona Memorial Program

The USS Arizona Memorial program is free, but reservations are recommended due to the high volume of visitors.

Ford Island Bus Tour

The Ford Island Bus Tour is currently free; however, reservations are required.

 

Permits at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Special Events, Ceremonies, and Performances

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center provides a meaningful space for visitors to connect with both national and personal histories of World War II in the Pacific. Special events at the memorial, such as ceremonies and performances, require a Special Use Permit (SUP). These events must align with the memorial’s purpose as a place of remembrance and contemplation of the nature of war and the sacrifices made during the Pacific War.

Events authorized through a permit must meet the following criteria:

• The activity will not impair park resources or visitor enjoyment.
• There is a meaningful association between the park and the event.
• The event enhances visitor understanding of the park’s significance.

To apply for a permit

1. Download and complete the Special Use Permit Application
   Then Email the Completed Form
2. Processing Time
   • Please allow at least five business days for processing.
   • Only fully completed applications will be considered.

For more information on obtaining commercial use authorizations or special permits, please visit our Do Business With Us page.

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Filming at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

  • Occurs in areas open to the public;

  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;

  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;

  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and

  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.

• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

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Underwater Photography Guidelines for the USS Arizona and USS Utah

Underwater photography of the wrecks of the USS Arizona and USS Utah is exclusively conducted by the National Park Service (NPS). These wrecks are sacred resting places for service members who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This restriction honors the solemn nature of these sites and aids in their preservation. Below are the key guidelines that permit applicants must acknowledge:

• NPS-Exclusive Photography

  • Only the NPS is authorized to conduct underwater photography of the USS Arizona and USS Utah. Commercial and individual photography is not permitted.

• Access to NPS Imagery

  • Permit applicants may request access to existing underwater video footage or still images of the USS Arizona and/or USS Utah through the NPS film application process.
  • The NPS will provide details on what imagery or footage is available.

• Support for New Footage

  • If the available imagery does not meet the needs of the permit applicant, they may choose to cover all government costs associated with acquiring new video footage or still images. The NPS will conduct the photography.

• Ownership of Imagery

  • All existing or newly acquired footage or imagery remains the property of the U.S. Federal Government.
  • The government retains full rights to use, reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the footage or images, and may allow others to do so as well.

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First Amendment Events

Designated areas within the memorial are available for individuals or groups who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights. These areas ensure that such activities do not interfere with other visitors or park operations. For more information on First Amendment events, please contact the park’s administration.

For more information, see this document about First Amendment areas.

For further inquiries or to submit permit applications:
Email the Commercial Services Office