Pack for a secure historic site

Pearl Harbor bag policy and visitor safety

Arrive with only permitted essentials, understand where storage fits into the day and prepare for heat, walking, boats and an active military environment.

Read the official bag policy Start with the essentials

Independent visitor guidance. Always confirm current conditions with the official operator before travel.

Most bagsNot permittedConcealment bags exceed the small limit

Clear bagsPermittedContents must be readily visible

StorageAvailable for a feeNear the visitor center entrance

ScreeningRequiredPermitted bags may be inspected or tagged

The rule that shapes arrival

Pearl Harbor uses a concealment-based bag policy

The current National Park Service policy prohibits bags, packages and containers that offer concealment when they exceed the listed small-wallet dimensions of 1.25 by 2.25 by 5.5 inches. That includes common purses, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, diaper bags and luggage. The rule is stricter than many museum policies because the visitor center provides access to memorial operations and partner transportation within an active military environment.

Clear plastic bags with contents readily visible are permitted, similar to clear bags used at stadiums. Small wallets or clutches within the stated dimensions are also allowed. All permitted bags may be inspected or tagged. A clear bag does not make a prohibited object acceptable: weapons, knives, multitools, pepper spray, aerosol cans, alcohol, recreational equipment and several other categories remain prohibited regardless of the container.

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum operates paid baggage storage near the visitor center entrance, including storage for luggage. Storage can serve visits across the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, but it adds time before security and after the visit. The smoothest plan is to leave ordinary daypacks at the hotel and bring only a clear water container, phone, small wallet, medication, sun protection in an allowed format and other genuine essentials.

Safety planning continues after security. Outdoor paths can be hot and bright, boats move underfoot, rain showers arrive quickly and historic ships may have steep stairs, narrow passages or high thresholds. Pearl Harbor National Memorial itself is broadly accessible, but partner vessels and below-deck routes vary. Each person should choose attractions based on mobility, balance, heat tolerance and comfort in confined spaces.

Pack by category

What to bring, store or leave behind

Think about both the container and its contents before leaving your accommodation.

Bring in a permitted format

Phone, identification, small wallet, clear water, essential medication and compact sun or rain protection can usually be carried openly or in an approved clear format, subject to inspection.

Use paid storage

Ordinary backpacks, purses, diaper bags, camera bags and luggage should be stored before security. Keep the retrieval receipt and allow time to collect items after the visit.

Leave prohibited objects behind

Knives, multitools, pepper spray, aerosol containers, alcohol, toys that shoot projectiles and other weapons or hazardous items should remain at your accommodation.

Ask about medical needs

Medical bags containing equipment that cannot be transferred to a clear lightweight bag are permitted, subject to screening. Notify staff when you arrive.

Current NPS policy

Common items and how the rule applies

This table summarizes official guidance reviewed in July 2026. Security personnel retain authority at the checkpoint.

Item	Current status	Planning note
Backpacks, purses, camera and diaper bags	Prohibited when they offer concealment and exceed the stated small-wallet dimensions.	Use the paid storage facility or transfer permitted essentials into a clear visible bag before arrival.
Clear plastic bags	Permitted when contents are readily visible.	The bag and contents remain subject to inspection; do not place prohibited objects inside.
Small wallet or clutch	Permitted at or below 1.25 × 2.25 × 5.5 inches.	Measure rather than guessing. A larger purse does not qualify because it has a short strap.
Medical bag	Permitted when it contains necessary equipment that cannot be placed in a transparent lightweight bag.	Declare the need at security. Keep medication labeled and accessible.
Stroller with fixed pouch	Permitted at the visitor center, subject to screening.	Strollers are not permitted on Navy boats or the USS Arizona Memorial; use the designated parking area and bring a carrier if needed.
Food and water	Allowed when not concealed in a package; clear water rules apply to the Arizona program.	Avoid glass except the specifically permitted exceptions. Use restrooms before the 45-minute boat program.
Knives, multitools, sprays and weapons	Prohibited.	This includes pocket knives, pepper spray, tasers, stun guns and toy projectile devices. Do not bring them to storage as a workaround.
Aerosol sunscreen	Aerosol containers are prohibited.	Choose a non-aerosol sunscreen or apply it before arrival.
Helmets	Permitted.	Bicycles, scooters and other rideable devices themselves are prohibited on the visitor center grounds.
Flowers and commemorative items	Some flowers may be carried without prohibited containers; potted plants, vases, balloons and many stands are prohibited.	Ask the NPS in advance for ceremonies, wreaths, flags or organized commemorative activity.

A clear bag is not a universal exception

It solves the concealment issue, but security still inspects contents. Prohibited items remain prohibited, and staff may refuse anything considered a weapon or safety risk.

Safety and respectful conduct support the memorial character of the visit.

Beyond the checkpoint

Prepare for weather, water and historic structures

The visitor center is mostly flat, but the day can include substantial walking, long periods outdoors and boarding a moving Navy vessel. Use handrails, follow crew instructions and remain seated when directed. The Arizona program has no restroom on the boat or memorial, so use facilities before entering the boarding room.

Historic vessels add different risks. Bowfin requires narrow passage through watertight doors. Missouri includes optional stairs and steep routes. Visitors should not let a desire to “see everything” override balance, fatigue or medical judgment.

Sun and heat
Use non-aerosol sun protection, drink water and take breaks. Reflected light from the harbor can make conditions feel hotter.

Rain and wind
Bring a compact permitted rain layer. Navy boat service may pause even when the park remains open.

Footwear
Stable shoes improve safety on ramps, boats and historic ships. Loose sandals are a poor choice for submarine thresholds.

Respectful behavior
Smoking is prohibited. Keep voices low at memorials and follow staff direction around ceremonies and restricted areas.

There are no doctors or nurses stationed onsite, although emergency medical services are available and a hospital is nearby. Tell staff at security or a ranger about an urgent medical need or accommodation concern.

Practical decisions

Special situations to plan before arrival

Families, photographers and visitors with medical needs can visit successfully when the policy is handled deliberately.

Infants and diaper supplies

Ordinary diaper bags are prohibited. Transfer essential items to a clear bag, use storage for the rest and remember that strollers cannot board the Arizona boat.

Medication and equipment

Necessary medical bags are permitted when equipment cannot be moved to a clear bag. Explain the need at screening and keep urgent medication with you.

Photography

A handheld camera is generally manageable, but camera bags are prohibited. Photography from the Ford Island shuttle is not allowed.

Vehicle security

Lock the vehicle and keep valuables out of sight. Patrols operate in parking areas, but the NPS is not responsible for stolen property.

Children

Explain that this is a memorial and active waterfront environment. Keep children close near docks, historic vessels and crowded boarding areas.

Mobility devices

Wheelchairs and scooters are allowed throughout the visitor center and Arizona program. Wheelchairs with fixed non-removable bags are permitted.

Pack once, pass security once

A simple morning checklist

A few decisions at the hotel prevent the most common arrival frustration.

Empty every pocket and bag

Remove multitools, sprays, knives and travel leftovers that may have been carried on another day.

Move essentials to clear carry

Keep contents visible and minimal. Do not assume a small opaque bag qualifies without measuring it.

Plan storage time

If luggage or a daypack must come with you, arrive earlier and know that storage is paid.

Check each attraction

Partner museums may add vessel-specific age, footwear, mobility or access rules beyond the campus bag policy.

Continue planning

Turn this information into a complete visit

These guides connect the practical decision on this page with the sites and experiences you may want to add.

Primary memorial

USS Arizona Memorial

Understand the reservation, boat program, timing and visitor etiquette for Pearl Harbor’s central memorial experience.

Plan the USS Arizona Memorial

Ford Island

Battleship Missouri

Explore the battleship where World War II formally ended, with shuttle access from the visitor center.

Plan Battleship Missouri

Aviation history

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Add the story of the air attack, Ford Island hangars and Pacific aviation to a full-day visit.

Plan the Aviation Museum

Independent visit or organized tour

A tour does not remove the security rules

Tour vehicles and guides still operate within Pearl Harbor’s security environment. Ask whether luggage can remain securely on the vehicle and whether you will have access to it during the visit.

Do not assume the operator will store prohibited personal items. Arrive at pickup already packed for the memorial policy.

Compare Pearl Harbor tours Plan independently

Affiliate disclosure: PearlHarbor.info may earn a commission from eligible bookings, at no extra cost to you. Verify every tour’s current schedule, admissions and accessibility before booking.

Vehicle storageConfirm whether bags may remain locked on the vehicle and whether the same vehicle returns.

Mobility disclosureTell the operator about wheelchairs, scooters, walkers or assistance needs before booking.

Site restrictionsAsk which historic vessels are included and whether their physical routes suit your group.

Frequently asked questions

Pearl Harbor security and bag policy

Can I bring a backpack into Pearl Harbor?

Ordinary backpacks that offer concealment and exceed the small-wallet limit are prohibited. Use the paid baggage storage near the visitor center or leave the backpack at your accommodation.

Are clear bags allowed?

Yes. The current NPS policy permits clear plastic bags with contents readily visible. They may be inspected or tagged, and prohibited items remain prohibited inside them.

Can I bring a diaper bag?

A conventional diaper bag is prohibited if it offers concealment and exceeds the size limit. Transfer essential supplies to a clear permitted bag and store the rest.

Can I take a stroller to the USS Arizona Memorial?

Strollers are welcome at the visitor center but must be left in the designated pre-boarding area. They are not permitted on the Navy vessel or memorial, so a baby carrier may be needed.

Where can I store luggage?

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum operates a paid baggage storage facility near the visitor center entrance for various sizes, including luggage. Allow extra time before security and after your visit.

Can I bring medication or a medical bag?

Necessary medical equipment is allowed, including a medical bag when items cannot be moved to a lightweight transparent bag. Inform security staff and expect screening.

Can I bring food and water?

The NPS permits food and water when not concealed in a package, subject to site rules. For the Arizona boarding experience, follow the current clear-water-only instruction and use restrooms before departure.

Security guidance reviewed July 28, 2026 against the official National Park Service bag policy updated July 8, 2026. Security staff make final onsite decisions, and rules can change without notice.