Parking At The Pearl Harbor
If you are driving yourself to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, please keep in mind that the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center has a limited amount of parking and the spaces fill up quickly, especially during peak times. The public parking for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is the most secure. It is patrolled by federal police and is under video surveillance. Even so, it is good to take precautions regarding leaving things in your car. Especially since the adjacent Navy parking is not secure, and that is where most of the break-ins occur. Remember, even though the Visitor Center has a no-bag policy, the better and more secure option would be to check your valuables in at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center bag storage. There is a charge of $5.00 per piece, but that is a better option than possibly having your valuables stolen. Of course, the safest option is to not have it with you in the first place and leave it at home or at the hotel. If you do leave anything in your car, be sure to leave them out of sight, such as in the trunk or under the seats. If no one sees anything, then they are less likely to try and break in. Remember, wherever you park, especially in the unpatrolled parking lot, you are responsible for your own property, and you leave valuables in your car at your own risk. Another thing to keep in mind is that having the cars in the baking sun all day will make them very hot. Please exercise care when entering your vehicle, especially if you have spent all day at Pearl Harbor. Another thing to keep in mind, especially with more and more cars being keyless, please remember to take your keys or key fobs with you. There have been incidents in the past where people have locked themselves out of their cars at Pearl Harbor, and you will have to call for a locksmith to open the car for you. Just a few moments to make sure that you have everything you need and that your possessions are secure will ensure that you have a safe and memorable time at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
When you turn off Kamehameha Highway to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, you immediately see two parking lots, one to your right (employee parking only) and one to your left (commercial tour vehicles only).
Proceed to the stop sign and make a right; the following two parking lot entrances to the left are designed for public parking for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. There are a couple of hundred parking spaces to choose from.
National Park Service Law Enforcement Officers are paroling the Visitor Center parking lots, and dozens of security cameras monitor the vehicles. Still, please be advised not to leave any valuables in your car.
If these Pearl Harbor Visitor Center parking lots are full, there are another hundred free Navy parking spaces nearby to the north. Just be sure you do not block any gate, so the Navy doesn’t tow your vehicle away. Please be informed that this area is not patrolled by anyone or monitored by cameras, so most of the break-in occurs in these free parking lots.
Parking Safety Tips
Here are some general tips to ensure that you have an enjoyable time at Pearl Harbor.
- Please be sure to remember to lock the doors to your car.
- Do you have your keys? Wallet? Purse?
- If you leave anything in the car, do not leave them in a visible place.
- If you have any valuables, it would be better to take them with you and check them in at the bag storage.
- Try to avoid parking in areas with obscured visibility. Try to find a place with clear lines of sight. Thieves may consider your car a better target if no one can see them.
- The parking lot at Pearl Harbor is a very busy place. Be mindful of traffic coming into and leaving Pearl Harbor.
- The sun in Hawaii can be pretty intense, especially during the summer months. The interior of your car can become quite hot. Please use care when returning to your vehicle after your tour, and Do not leave heat-sensitive items in your car.
- Please pay attention to the “no parking” signs. Your car may be towed away.
- Please observe the crosswalks. Pearl Harbor is a busy place, and all manner of vehicles enter and exit Pearl Harbor.
While the public parking is patrolled and there are cameras, it never hurts to use additional caution. After all, a little extra care can mean the difference between a fun-filled vacation and a regretful one.
Another thing should be mentioned. Reserving a Pearl Harbor Tour from one of good and qualified tour companies on Oahu one could avoid all of the hassles associated with getting to and parking at Pearl Harbor. Everything is taken care of for you, from tickets to finding parking.
