When is the best time to visit?

If you want to avoid crowds, typically we are least crowded first thing in the morning (9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.) and later in the afternoon (2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.).

What should I wear?

Your tour of the Battleship Missouri Memorial will require climbing and descending narrow ladders and walking through quarters. It is recommended that you dress casually and wear comfortable shoes with non-skid soles, and cool clothes that will not snag or catch. Dresses, skirts, and platform shoes are ill-advised on ladders. Remember your sunscreen.

What can I bring with me on the ship?

The Navy has instituted a "no bags" policy for all Pearl Harbor sites and memorials. Bags are not allowed on the shuttles either. This includes purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, etc. A small camera is permitted. Please bring only necessary items that can be placed in your pockets. See Visitor Information for more details.

Are the tours guided or can you browse the ship? How long do the tours take?

We have four different standard tours: 1) self-guided (general admission), 2) Acousti-guide, 3) Battleship Guided Tour and 4) Explorer’s Tour. Self-guided tours allow you to set your own pace and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to all day. It’s a really big ship! The Acousti-guide tour takes about 90 minutes, the Battleship Guided Tour takes about 60 minutes, and the Explorer’s Tour takes about 90 minutes or more.

Why can’t I drive my car directly to the Battleship Missouri Memorial?

The memorial is on an active Navy base and private vehicles are not allowed onto Ford Island unless you have a base pass issued by the Navy.

We will be traveling with an infant. How should we prepare for our tour?

If you will be bringing an infant, we recommend that the child be in a chest pack (as opposed to a back pack) while on the tour. This helps ensure that the baby will be safe from low overheads encountered on the tour. If you bring a stroller or carriage, you must leave it at the entrance gate while aboard the ship.

Can handicapped people board the ship?

We have a lift that can bring wheel chairs and mobility-impaired persons to the main deck of the ship. On that level you can access the wardroom, which is now a museum. On the main deck there is an elevator that will allow access to the Surrender Deck, one level up.

Do you ever rent out parts of the ship for special events?

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is available for both corporate and social events, and is able to accommodate groups up to 3,000 people. For more information call our Special Programs Department at (808) 455-1600 ext. 222.

I understand that the Battleship Missouri Memorial is a non-profit organization. How can I make a donation or become a Friend of the Mighty Mo?

Yes, in kind donations are a vital part of our restoration and preservation process. Visit our website at www.mightymomembers.org, call our membership office at (808) 455-1600 ext. 244, or e-mail us at development@ussmissouri.org.