Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour

Key Points

• Comprehensive 7-hour tour exploring Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, USS Missouri, and downtown Honolulu
• Expert-guided experience with knowledgeable guides like Kemo, Oli, and Mimo
• Includes shuttle boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial, with some variability due to safety or mechanical issues
• Convenient hotel pickup from select Waikiki hotels, with options to skip the line and avoid crowds
• Engaging narration on historic sites, with time allocated for exploration and reflection
• Tour size is limited to 70 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience

Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour: A Deep Dive into History for $139

The Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour offers a full-day experience that covers some of the most significant moments in World War II history at a price of $139 per person. This 7-hour tour departs from Waikiki hotels, with hotel pickup included, making it a hassle-free way to visit Honolulu’s historic landmarks. The tour is highly recommended—96% of over 4,200 reviews endorse it, and it boasts a perfect 5.0 rating.

What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive itinerary, which covers Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri battleship, and a sightseeing drive through downtown Honolulu. The experience is led by guides renowned for their knowledge and passion, with reviews highlighting guides like Kemo, Oli, and Mimo. This tour appeals most to those who want a meaningful, educational visit that balances historical content with scenic city views.

While the tour offers many highlights, it’s important to know that boat ride tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are subject to availability and can be canceled or altered due to safety concerns. The tour also includes museum visits, attack footage, and a guided walk around the park monuments, making it ideal for history enthusiasts.

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and WWII Valor Exhibits

Starting at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the tour provides access to world-class museums and waterfront exhibits. Here, visitors can explore the “Road to War” exhibit and the “Attack Gallery,” which feature attack footage and artifacts. This part of the visit offers a powerful introduction to the events of December 7, 1941, giving visitors context before boarding the shuttle boat.

The museum exhibits are included in the tour price, and visitors are encouraged to spend about an hour exploring these displays. The visitor center is a peaceful place for reflection, and the viewing of historical videos deepens understanding of the attack’s significance.

USS Arizona Memorial: An Emotive Experience

The highlight of the tour is the shuttle boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. Visitors view a 23-minute documentary about the attack before boarding the boat, which transports them to the memorial itself. The memorial is built over the sunken battleship, and from the water, visitors can look down into the wreckage of the USS Arizona.

It’s crucial to plan for potential cancellations or delays of the boat ride due to mechanical issues, high winds, or safety concerns. Reservations are non-refundable, so booking early and being flexible is advised. At the memorial, visitors often find the experience sobering and deeply moving, as they see the water where many lost their lives.

USS Missouri and the Surrender Document

Next, the tour takes visitors to Ford Island to see the USS Missouri, famous for being the ship where Japan formally surrendered on September 2, 1945. The guided tour of “Mighty Mo” includes viewing a signed copy of the surrender document and learning about its wartime history.

The size of the Missouri impresses, and the guided commentary offers insights into its role during the war and beyond. Visitors typically spend about an hour at the battleship, with some reviews noting that this part of the tour can take longer due to the ship’s large size.

Walking Tour of Downtown Honolulu’s Historic Sites

After exploring Pearl Harbor, the tour proceeds with a sightseeing drive through downtown Honolulu. The guide points out historic buildings linked to the Hawaiian monarchy and important cultural landmarks. This segment offers a local perspective on Honolulu’s development and its connection to broader Hawaiian history.

The downtown tour is guided by knowledgeable locals, with stops that are mostly drive-by or brief walks, providing a well-rounded view of Honolulu’s historic core. This part of the experience typically lasts 30-45 minutes, allowing for a quick but informative city overview.

Practical Details: Logistics and Access

The tour includes hotel pickup from select Waikiki hotels, making transportation straightforward. The group size is capped at 70 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Guides like Kemo, Oli, and Mimo are praised for their engaging storytelling and historical expertise.

Visitors are advised to bring government-issued ID—especially since Ford Island is an active military base—and to avoid large bags or concealment items due to security restrictions. There is storage available for $7, and lunch can be purchased at Sliders Grill near the Battleship Missouri.

The tour runs most days, with confirmation received at booking, and full cancellation available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. This flexibility makes it easier to adapt plans if needed.

Pacing and Crowd Management

Many reviews highlight the well-paced nature of the tour, with guides maintaining a steady flow to ensure all stops are experienced without feeling rushed. Some reviewers mention that early booking can help avoid crowds and give more time at each site. Capacity is limited to 70, which keeps the group manageable.

However, some reviews note that time at certain stops, particularly the USS Missouri, can feel rushed. It’s advisable to manage expectations and plan accordingly. The tour’s timing structure is designed to balance sightseeing, reflection, and learning.

Highlights from the Guide and Tour Experience

Guides like Kemo, Oli, and Mimo receive high praise for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor. Visitors appreciate the personal stories and informative commentary, which bring history to life. Many mention that their guides made the experience more memorable through their friendly approach and depth of knowledge.

One standout is the driver Oli, known for entertaining narration about Honolulu’s history, and Mimo, described as the “best guide ever” for her enthusiasm and storytelling.

Review Highlights and Cons

The overall review score of 4.9 reflects high satisfaction, with many calling it an “excellent”, “informative,” and “moving” experience. Visitors often cite the quality of guides and the meaningful nature of the memorial visits as top reasons for their positive ratings.

A few reviews mention initial delays or time constraints, especially at the Missouri or due to boat ride limitations. Some also point out that visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial can feel hallowed and somber, which may not appeal to everyone seeking a more casual sightseeing day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for history buffs, families, and anyone wanting a full overview of Pearl Harbor’s significance. It suits those who appreciate guided narration and want to avoid the stress of planning logistics.

It’s especially ideal if you prefer all-in-one experiences that combine memorials, museum visits, and city sightseeing in a single day. However, visitors should be prepared for a respectful, reflective atmosphere and moderate walking.

Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour: An Honest Summary

The Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour offers a deep and respectful look into World War II history with expert guides and a thoughtfully curated itinerary. The inclusion of Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, USS Missouri, and downtown Honolulu ensures a well-rounded experience.

While boat ride availability can vary, the tour compensates with museum visits and engaging commentary. Its timing, logistics, and group size make it suitable for most travelers seeking a meaningful, educational day at a reasonable price.

This tour excels in providing insightful stories and historical context, appealing most to those who value guided learning and emotional reflection. For visitors who want a comprehensive and well-organized Pearl Harbor experience, this tour remains a top choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup from select Waikiki hotels is included in the tour.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, from morning pickup to hotel drop-off.

What are the main stops?
Stops include Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri, and a guided city tour of downtown Honolulu.

Are boat rides to the USS Arizona Memorial guaranteed?
Not always. Tickets are based on availability and can be canceled or modified due to safety concerns like high winds or mechanical issues.

What should I bring?
Visitors should bring government-issued ID and dress comfortably. Large bags are not allowed; storage is available for $7.

Can I purchase lunch during the tour?
Yes, lunch is available for purchase at Sliders Grill near the Battleship Missouri.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but some walking and reflection at memorial sites are involved. Service animals are allowed.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour group is limited to 70 travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by E Noa Tours.