When kamaaina think of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (PHAM), they often picture historic aircraft, stories, and exhibits about World War II, and iconic hangars. While all of that is certainly here, many are surprised to discover that the museum also offers family events, hands-on activities, educational programs, and experiences designed to spark curiosity and inspire keiki of all ages.
Located on historic Ford Island, PHAM offers families something increasingly rare: the chance to explore together, learn something new, and experience history in a place where it actually happened. From PHAMily Fun Days and hands-on activities to youth education programs, family memberships, and even birthday celebrations, there is always something happening at the Museum.
Family Fun with a Purpose
One of the museum’s most popular community events is PHAMily Fun Day, a recurring program designed specifically for kamaaina. Thanks to our 2026 Presenting Sponsor, CarWash808 Express, admission is just $5 per person (and free for members). These themed events transform the museum into an interactive playground where keiki can climb into aircraft cockpits, participate in scavenger hunts, launch paper rockets, fly kites, try remote-control flight simulators, meet aviation professionals, and enjoy a variety of hands-on STEM activities.
Each PHAMily Fun Day is a little different, but the mission remains the same: create opportunities for families to learn, play, and discover together. Many events feature local aviation organizations and community partners who help introduce keiki to the exciting world of aviation and show them that a future in flight is well within their reach.
It’s not unusual to see a child sit in a historic cockpit in the morning and leave that afternoon talking about becoming a pilot, engineer, air traffic controller, or aircraft mechanic!
A Membership That Keeps Giving Back
For families looking for year-round adventures, a Family Membership offers tremendous value. Beyond unlimited visits to the museum, a family membership includes free admission to PHAMily Fun Days and special events, giving families the freedom to return whenever they like and discover something new each time.
Members also receive discounts at the Museum Store and Hangar Café, including access to an exclusive members-only menu featuring favorites such as $1.41 hot dogs, $2.41 Spam bowls, and a $19.41 Family Meal Pack with four sandwiches and a family-size order of fries.
Best of all, every membership directly supports the preservation of one of Hawaii’s most significant historic sites and the expansion of education programs that inspire young minds across our islands.
Parties with Wings
Looking for a venue to celebrate your child’s birthday or one of life’s big milestones in a place your guests will never forget? PHAM offers an unforgettable setting for celebrations of all ages!
Kids can celebrate surrounded by historic aircraft, interactive exhibits, and inspiring spaces that make every birthday feel like an adventure. It’s a one-of-a-kind setting where young guests can explore, discover, and make memories while celebrating their special day.
And the fun isn’t just for kids. From milestone birthdays and graduations to weddings, retirements, reunions, anniversaries, and other special occasions, the Museum provides a backdrop unlike anywhere else in Hawaii. Celebrate inside an authentic World War II hangar or alongside aircraft that helped shape aviation history.
Inspiring Hawaii’s Future Aviators
Some of the Museum’s most important work happens beyond the exhibit floor.
From school field trips and youth summer programs to scholarships and our Aviation Pathways workforce development initiative, PHAM helps connect Hawaii’s youth with future careers in aviation and aerospace. Together, these educational offerings expose students to real-world possibilities through mentorship, career exploration, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning experiences.
The aviation industry faces ongoing workforce shortages worldwide, and Hawaii is no exception. By introducing young people to aviation careers early, PHAM helps create pathways to rewarding careers while strengthening the state’s future workforce. Through its Aviation Pathways programs, students can participate in the Pilot Training or Aviation Mechanic Programs that provide hands-on experience and prepare them to pursue key industry credentials, including an FAA Private Pilot Certificate and an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate.
For many families, that community impact is one of the most meaningful reasons to support the museum. Every visit helps fuel educational programs that inspire and directly support the keiki here in Hawaii.
Plan Your Family’s Next Adventure
Whether you’re visiting for a PHAMily Fun Day, exploring with a Family Membership, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for something meaningful to do together, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum offers families a chance to remember the past while giving keiki plenty of reasons to look toward the future.
Sometimes all it takes is one cockpit, one airplane, or one conversation to spark a lifelong interest in aviation.
Visit PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org.
