Ford Island Control Tower
Overview
“AIR RAID, ON PEARL HARBOR – THIS IS NO DRILL.”
These chilling words, broadcast from Ford Island as the air raid on Pearl Harbor began, echoed across the harbor and into history, marking the beginning of a day that would change the world forever.
The opening of the Ford Island Control Tower to the public in 2022 marked a powerful new chapter in sharing Pearl Harbor’s story. After a decade-long restoration, this historic landmark now invites visitors to see the full story of Pearl Harbor. The tower is the key to understanding the attack from the air; it’s the perspective that completes that story.
Guests ascend 168-feet in a restored 1940s elevator to the observation deck, where panoramic views of the entire Pearl Harbor battlefield await. Guests are welcome to step onto the outdoor observation deck to engage with newly added interpretive plaques and viewfinders that bring the battlefield to life.
PRICING
This ticket price is added onto General Admission or Passport ticket.
- Single Tower Tour $19.99
- Two pack Tower Tour $34.99
- Four pack Tower Tour $64.99
Two Unique Offerings
Tower View Experience
If you’re short on time or want the best-value upgrade on Ford Island, this is the must‑do Tower experience. Take in the sweeping views of Pearl Harbor and key Oahu landmarks while a roaming docent shares brief, powerful short stories that bring the scene to life.
Must purchase general admission ticket
-
Reservation
Online or walk up
(based on availability) -
Schedule
Daily 10:00am – 4:00pm first come, first served
(recommended to arrive no later than 3:30) -
Duration
15 minutes -
Format
Flexible with roaming docent -
Ideal for
Visitors short on time, families, value seekers -
Physical Access
Vintage elevator ride followed by two flights of stairs -
Requirements
Minimum 42 inches tall, be able to climb two flights of steep stairs -
What You’ll Get
- Panoramic views and major landmark callouts.
- Roaming docent interpretation.
(short stories + “what you’re seeing now”)
- A flexible experience that fits almost any itinerary.
Top of the Tower Tour
Want a deeper, story-driven experience? The Top of the Tower Tour is a docent-led guided program featuring specific stories, landmark callouts, and curated moments that connect the views to the stories of December 7.
Must purchase general admission ticket
-
Reservation
Online or walk up
(based on availability) -
Schedule
One tour offered daily from
9:30am – 10:00am -
Duration
30 minutes -
Format
First-class guided tour -
Ideal for
History enthusiasts, those wanting the full story -
Physical Access
Vintage elevator ride followed by two flights of stairs -
Requirements
Minimum 42 inches tall, be able to climb two flights of steep stairs -
What You’ll Get
- 30-minute guided narrative with focused historical stories.
- Specific landmark callouts and “why this mattered” context.
- Ideal for history enthusiasts and visitors who want a structured tour.