Pearl Harbor- What time should I arrive
 

We are early birds and want to know the earliest time we should arrive at the Memorial to be one of the first people in line. <BR><BR>Also we are staying in Waikiki. We want to know if any one would recommend a shuttle or cab to get there? What would be our best bet. <BR><BR>Thanks in advance.

I believe they start handing out passes around 8:30. My suggestion (would be to get there as close to that as possible. If it's a weekend, get there a little earlier. FYI- The city bus will get you there for a buck or two.

Some good information and directions here:<BR>http://home.att.net/~merylh/misc/Missouri.html

My wife and I arrived at Pearl Harbor at around 7:30 AM. This was on a Sunday if I remember correctly. Anyway, the day of the week might not matter as much since there are always tourists there. We arrived at 7:30 and the line was already long. We got in with the first group, but barely. I'd say if you get there between 7:00-7:30 AM you will be fine. Also, take your own car. It's much easier. It's about 10 minutes from the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki. Have a safe trip.

Instead of going by yourself, I would recommend taking a tour. They'll come pick you up, you will be in the first group (do the early morning one) - and you don't have to try to figure out how to get from one place to another. We did that activity with a tour (even though we had a car) - and we're really glad we did.... There are a ton of tour companies that do this.....

I'd either take a taxi or your own car. While TheBus is a great cheap way to get around the island, it will take a long time get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki, probably about an hour. I'd definitely arrive early. While there, don't miss the USS Bowfin and Missouri.

I agree with the 7-7:30 AM arrival - you will wait in line, but you want to be on one of the first 2 or 3 ferries out to the memorial. Have heard stories of people arriving around 10 then waiting 5 hours in the limited national park area to get their ferry ride out to the memorial. Do it the first day, when your body is still on mainland time - I'm usually awake at 4 AM the first day I'm in Hawaii. Also agree that you could do the Bowfin.

Thanks for all of the information. Is parking a problem? Does it cost to park?