Grand Pearl Harbor and City Tour

Explore Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s Historic Sites for $69

This Grand Pearl Harbor and City Tour offers a detailed look at Hawaii’s most significant WWII landmarks alongside a tour of Honolulu’s historic neighborhoods. Priced at $69 per person, the tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours and includes pickup at or near your hotel for maximum convenience. The tour is highly rated, with a 5.0/5 score based on 310 reviews, and is recommended by 94% of participants.

With admission to the USS Arizona Memorial included, this tour provides an accessible way to experience Pearl Harbor’s most iconic sites. It also features visits to lesser-known attractions like the USS Bowfin Museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. While some reviews highlight discrepancies in specific stops, the tour generally offers a balanced mix of historical insights and Honolulu city sights suitable for most visitors.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $69 and lasts about 6 to 7 hours.
• Major Pearl Harbor Sites: Includes USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, Battleship Missouri, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
• City Highlights: Visits to Kawaiahao Church, the Aloha Tower Marketplace, King Kamehameha statues, and the Hawaii State Capitol.
• Convenience: Pickup at or near your hotel is included, simplifying logistics.
• Tour Experience: Known for knowledgeable guides and well-paced visits, though some reviews mention schedule adjustments and stop discrepancies.
• Booking: Most travelers secure reservations approximately 33 days in advance.

Pickup and Meeting Points in Honolulu

The tour departs early in the morning, with a start time of 6:30 am. Pickup is offered at or near your hotel, providing a hassle-free start to the day. The small group size, with a maximum of 50 travelers, helps ensure a comfortable and engaging experience. Travelers should confirm their pickup details in advance for smooth coordination.

Visiting Pearl Harbor’s Most Important WWII Sites

The tour begins at the USS Arizona Memorial, which takes about 2 hours and includes admission ticket. This memorial marks the site of the 1941 attack that prompted the U.S. entry into WWII. It’s the highlight for many, offering a poignant reminder of history. Guided explanations help visitors understand the significance of the site amid the peaceful surroundings.

Next, the USS Bowfin Museum and Park offers a look into submarine warfare, with the USS Bowfin being a Balao-class submarine. This stop lasts around 1 hour, though admission tickets are not included, so visitors can choose whether to explore further inside.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is a highlight, known as the ship where Japan’s surrender took place, ending WWII. This stop lasts about 2 hours and is considered one of the most historic ships in the world. Note: Some reviews indicate that this stop isn’t always included in every booking or may be cut short, so confirm the itinerary during booking.

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum rounds out the WWII landmarks with hangars displaying damage from the 1941 attack. This visit lasts about 1 hour and is an engaging way to see artifacts and aircraft related to the attack.

Exploring Honolulu’s Historic and Cultural Landmarks

The tour includes visits to Kawaiahao Church, a historic Congregational church built by early missionaries, designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Its architecture and history offer insight into Honolulu’s colonial past.

The Aloha Tower Marketplace is a quick stop of about 20 minutes, where visitors see the retired lighthouse that has become a well-known Hawaiian landmark. The marketplace offers shops and views of the harbor, perfect for a quick photo or souvenir.

The Royal residence of Hawaiian royalty, the King Kamehameha statues, and the Hawaii State Capitol are also part of the city tour. These sites provide context about Hawaiian nobility and the state’s government, enriching the historical narrative.

Tour Logistics and Group Size

The tour begins promptly at 6:30 am, with pickup arranged at or near your hotel, making early starts manageable. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, promoting a more personalized experience. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, though physical exertion varies depending on the stops.

The tour is operated by Nui Tours, and confirmation is received at the time of booking. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if plans change. Weather considerations are in place, with full refunds or rescheduled dates available if the tour is canceled due to poor conditions.

Comparing the Experience with Expectations and Reviews

While the tour generally receives high praise, some reviews mention issues such as discrepancies between the advertised stops and actual itinerary. A few guests report that the USS Missouri and Aviation Museum were not visited as promised, leading to disappointment. Others highlight schedule changes and difficulty in coordinating pickup times.

Guide quality appears to be a highlight, with several reviewers mentioning knowledgeable and energetic guides who add value through storytelling and tips. The pace of the tour seems well-managed overall, though some find the timing tight, especially if stops are shortened or skipped.

Final Thoughts on the Grand Pearl Harbor and City Tour

This tour offers a cost-effective way to see the most significant WWII sites at Pearl Harbor, combined with a broad overview of Honolulu’s historic neighborhoods. The inclusion of admission to the USS Arizona Memorial and the convenience of hotel pickup make it appealing for visitors seeking a structured, guided experience.

However, potential guests should be aware of possible schedule adjustments or stop discrepancies, especially regarding the USS Missouri and Aviation Museum. Confirming the itinerary at booking can prevent surprises and ensure the visit matches expectations.

Overall, the tour suits those eager to learn about Pearl Harbor’s history without the hassle of logistics, especially if they value guided commentary and structured visits. For travelers who prefer complete control or want to visit specific attractions independently, driving or alternative options might be better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include the USS Missouri?
Some reviews suggest that the tour may not always visit the USS Missouri, so it’s best to confirm the current itinerary with Nui Tours during booking.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup at or near your hotel in Honolulu is included, making it easy to start the day without additional transportation arrangements.

What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility in case plans change.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While most travelers can participate, the tour involves walking and visiting historic sites, so some physical exertion may be required. The tour is generally appropriate for most age groups.