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.

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.

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:
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?