Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona and Honolulu City Tour

The Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona and Honolulu City Tour offers a comprehensive half-day experience that combines historical insights with local sightseeing. Priced at $72.50 per person and lasting approximately 5 hours, this tour departs from Waikiki or Kahala hotels with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included. It’s a well-rounded option for visitors who want to explore the key highlights of Honolulu’s historic sites and landmarks with the comfort of air-conditioned transportation and an informative guide.

The tour is especially popular among those who have limited time but still wish to gain a meaningful understanding of Pearl Harbor’s significance, as well as see notable downtown Honolulu sites. With an average booking window of 53 days in advance, this experience balances efficiency with depth, making it suitable for travelers seeking both education and sightseeing.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: The tour costs $72.50 per person, including admissions and transportation.
• Duration: It lasts about 5 hours, making it a concise but comprehensive visit.
• All-Inclusive: Hotel pickup and drop-off from Waikiki and Kahala are provided, along with admission tickets to attractions.
• Main Attractions: Visit Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and explore downtown Honolulu landmarks including the Hawaii State Capitol and Iolani Palace.
• Memorial Visit: The tour includes a shuttle boat ride to the USS Arizona and a stop at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
• Guided Experience: An expert guide leads the tour with informative commentary, highlighting historical context and local significance.

Starting from Waikiki and Kahala Hotels for Convenience

This tour begins with hotel pickup in the early morning from Waikiki or Kahala hotels. The exact pickup times depend on the specific location, and most guests are contacted via email or phone to confirm their schedule. The transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey across the dispersed sites, with a maximum group size of 25 travelers for a more personalized experience.

The round-trip transportation makes logistics simple, allowing focus on the sights and stories rather than navigating Honolulu on your own. Passengers should wear comfortable walking shoes and consider bringing a light jacket, especially for indoor museum visits where air conditioning may be strong.

Visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial

The first stop on the tour is Pearl Harbor’s Memorial and Museum complex. The visit includes an admission ticket to explore the World War II galleries, exhibit galleries, and displays, along with a short film that sets the historical scene of the December 7, 1941 attack. This film is praised for its clarity and background, offering visitors a strong contextual foundation.

Next, travelers board a Navy shuttle boat to reach the USS Arizona, which rests beneath the ocean floor. This boat ride is a highlight, providing a perspective of the sunken battleship and its significance as a war memorial. Due to safety protocols, bags and purses are not allowed on the boat or inside the memorial, and cameras are permitted but camera bags are not.

The USS Arizona Memorial is a powerful sight, with many noting its emotional impact. The site honors the lives lost during the attack, and visitors can pay their respects at the Eternal Flame, along with other memorials such as the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials.

Exploring Pearl Harbor Museums and Exhibits

The Pearl Harbor complex offers several galleries and displays that detail the events of December 7th, 1941. The short film shown before boarding the shuttle boat provides a clear and moving background to the attack, making the experience both educational and emotionally resonant.

Many visitors appreciate the well-managed museums and exhibits, although some mention that the indoor spaces can become quite warm, especially on hot days. Tour organizers appreciate this feedback and often relay it to Pearl Harbor Museum staff for future improvements.

Visiting the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

After exploring Pearl Harbor, the tour proceeds to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Here, visitors have time to pay respects to fallen veterans and view the landscape of the memorial grounds. It’s a serene space that underscores the sacrifice of American servicemen and women, adding a solemn, reflective dimension to the day’s sightseeing.

This stop is appreciated for its quiet dignity, with many noting that it offers a meaningful way to honor those who served, complementing the historical focus of the morning.

Downtown Honolulu Landmarks and Historic Buildings

The latter part of the tour covers downtown Honolulu, where several significant landmarks are highlighted. The Hawaii State Capitol stands out as an important government building, and the Honolulu Hale (city hall) is a historic structure on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors also see the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States, and Kawaiahao Church, which is recognized as the Westminster Abbey of the Pacific. The guide provides insights into the history and architecture of these sites, enriching the understanding of Honolulu’s rich past.

Lunch Options During the Tour

The tour includes a stopping point at the USS Bowfin Snack Bar, where a dining stop is made. The snack bar offers a variety of soups, hot dogs, chili, sandwiches, and other options. The covered pavilion provides a comfortable area for a quick meal, allowing guests to refresh before continuing to the next sites.

Food and drinks are not included in the main tour price, but the snack bar offers a convenient and casual dining experience, with a range of choices to suit different tastes.

The Tour Guide’s Role in Enhancing the Experience

Multiple reviews highlight the presence of knowledgeable guides such as Georgia and Cousin Elaine. These guides are praised for friendly, detailed explanations and their ability to show behind-the-scenes aspects of Hawaii that visitors might not discover on their own.

The guides’ storytelling skills contribute significantly to the tour’s positive atmosphere, making the historical sites feel alive and personal. Many reviewers mention the warm and personable attitude of guides, which helps create an engaging, respectful, and educational environment.

Practical Tips for Tour Participants

Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes since the tour involves walking through museums and outdoor memorial grounds. Light jackets are recommended, especially for indoor spaces where air conditioning can be intense. Since bags and purses are not allowed on the boat or inside the memorial, packing light is advisable.

The tour is suitable for most guests; however, strollers are not permitted in museums or on the Navy shuttle boat, and accessibility for those with mobility challenges may be limited. Guests are advised to arrive promptly at their pickup time, as the schedule is tightly managed.

Final Thoughts on the Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona and Honolulu City Tour

This half-day experience offers a well-organized, respectful introduction to one of the most significant moments in American history, combined with a tour of Honolulu’s historic sites. The $72.50 price includes admissions, transportation, and expert guides, making it a good value for the quality and depth of the experience.

While the tour duration means it provides a broad overview rather than an in-depth exploration, it suits travelers with limited time who want to see the essential sights and pay homage to those who served. The positive reviews about guides and memorable visits to Pearl Harbor back up its reputation as a worthwhile and meaningful activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are provided from Waikiki and Kahala hotels.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 5 hours.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the USS Arizona Memorial, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, and downtown Honolulu landmarks like Iolani Palace and Kawaiahao Church.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the transportation is in an air-conditioned coach or minivan.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but a snack bar at USS Bowfin offers various food options during a scheduled stop.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and a light jacket may be helpful for indoor spaces with air conditioning.

Are children or people with mobility issues able to participate?
Most travelers can participate, but strollers are not allowed in museums or on the boat, and accessibility might be limited.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

Can I revisit Pearl Harbor on my own afterward?
Yes, the experience is designed as a half-day tour, so you are free to explore further on your own after the tour.

How do I confirm my pickup time?
The local operator contacts guests via email or phone after booking to confirm pickup details.