Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour from The Big Island

Key Points

• All-inclusive tour for $499.99 per person, including round-trip inter-island airfare and entrance tickets
• Duration of 9 to 11 hours, with a detailed itinerary covering Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, and historic sites
• Expert narration from a local guide enhances understanding of Hawaii’s WWII history and cultural landmarks
• Convenient pickup offered from Honolulu and comprehensive transportation included
• Visit key sites such as USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, USS Bowfin Submarine, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
• Suitable for most travelers, with walking involved and a respectful atmosphere at memorial sites

Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour from The Big Island

This full-day tour offers an immersive journey into Hawaii’s WWII history and cultural heritage, starting from The Big Island with round-trip airfare to Honolulu. Priced at $499.99 per person, the tour features all admissions included, a local expert guide, and transportation that makes visiting Pearl Harbor seamless and educational.

Designed for those who want to see all the major Pearl Harbor sites in one day, this tour is a popular choice, often booked 38 days in advance. It suits travelers who appreciate detailed history, meaningful reflection, and a well-organized schedule that covers Honolulu’s historic and cultural highlights.

The Tour Includes Round-Trip Airfare and Airport Pickup

This experience starts with round-trip inter-island airfare from Kona International Airport on The Big Island to Honolulu International Airport. The airfare, transfers, and ground transportation are included, providing a stress-free way to visit Oahu’s historic sites without the hassle of separate bookings.

Once in Honolulu, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle transports the group, with pickup offered from the airport. The tour is designed for most travelers, with moderate walking and a pace that balances sightseeing with reflection.

Exploring Pearl Harbor’s Historic Sites and Museums

The journey begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where exhibits shed light on December 7, 1941, and the lead-up to the attack. Visitors spend about 2 hours here, viewing a 23-minute documentary and exploring displays that set the scene for the subsequent visits.

The USS Arizona Memorial is the next stop, a white, open-air structure spanning the sunken battleship’s remains. This emotional site offers about 1 hour and 45 minutes for quiet reflection and viewing, with preferred ticketing ensuring a smooth experience.

At the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, visitors explore the submarine and listen to narrated commentary through headphones, spending approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes at this fascinating site. It provides unique insights into submarine warfare during WWII.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial on Ford Island includes a deck tour of the USS Missouri, where visitors can walk the historic decks, and enjoy a no-host lunch at the Laniakea Cafe. This segment lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes and features all admission tickets.

The USS Oklahoma Memorial nearby honors the 429 sailors who lost their lives during the attack. This 15-minute stop is a somber moment to reflect at the marble memorial.

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum completes the array of sites, where admission is included but excludes the flight simulator. Visitors spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes exploring aircraft displays and learning about military aviation.

Honolulu’s Historic and Cultural Landmarks

After visiting Pearl Harbor, the tour continues with a 45-minute narrated drive through downtown Honolulu, showcasing the city’s blend of modern vibrancy and historic sites. The guide shares stories about the city’s evolution in this lively area.

Next, the group visits the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific atop an extinct volcano, known as Punchbowl, which serves as the resting place for thousands of U.S. military members. This beautifully maintained cemetery offers a peaceful, reflective environment.

The tour also includes stops at Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the United States. Visitors learn about Hawaii’s monarchy and hear stories about King Kalākaua and Queen Liliuokalani. This 15-minute stop features the King Kamehameha Statue, symbolizing Hawaii’s unification.

The guide “talks story” at Kawaiahao Church, often called the “Westminster Abbey of the Pacific”, explaining its historic significance. This insight adds depth to understanding Hawaii’s Christian and cultural history.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour starts at 7:00 am and includes all tickets and transportation, making it a comprehensive package. It is suitable for most travelers, with comfortable shoes recommended due to walking at multiple sites. The group size is limited to 40 travelers, allowing for personal attention from the guide.

Bags and purses are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor, but storage options are available for $7.00 per bag. The experience encourages respectful silence at memorial sites to honor those who served.

Meals are not included, but food options are available at Pearl Harbor’s visitor center and near the Battleship Missouri, including food trucks and cafes. The tour provides all entry tickets, which are handed out on the day, eliminating the need for separate purchases.

The Unique Value of This Pearl Harbor Tour

This all-in-one experience truly offers comprehensive access to the most important Pearl Harbor sites along with cultural highlights of Honolulu. The inclusion of round-trip airfare from The Big Island simplifies logistics and saves time, making it an excellent choice for those staying on The Big Island who want to explore Oahu’s history in depth.

While the transfers from Kona can be somewhat early and long—with departures around 5 am and returns after 9:30 pm—this ensures a full day of sightseeing. The expert narration enhances engagement, making history come alive through storytelling.

This tour’s positive ratings—a perfect 5.0 from a review—highlight the organized nature, knowledgeable guides, and thoughtful itinerary. Its popularity underscores its value for history buffs and cultural explorers.

Final Thoughts on the Complete Pearl Harbor Experience

For $499.99, this tour provides an immersive, educational day that covers all major Pearl Harbor attractions, plus Honolulu’s landmarks. The cost includes airfare, entrance tickets, and guided narration, offering excellent value for a full-day adventure.

It is particularly suited for those eager to see everything in one trip, with the convenience of organized transportation and expert insights. The respectful atmosphere and comprehensive itinerary create a meaningful experience that honors both history and culture.

While the long day and early start may challenge some, the depth of experience and ease of planning make this tour a top choice for serious history enthusiasts and visitors wanting a complete overview of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to Kona International Airport included?
No, the tour covers round-trip airfare from Kona to Honolulu, but transportation to Kona International Airport on The Big Island is at your own expense.

How much walking is involved?
There is moderate walking at multiple sites, including the memorials and museums, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are all tickets included?
Yes, all attraction admission tickets are included and will be provided by your guide on the day of the tour.

Can I store my bags at Pearl Harbor?
Yes, purses and bags are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor, but storage is available for $7.00 per bag.

What should I expect from the Honolulu city tour?
The 45-minute narrated drive highlights Hawaii’s history, culture, and modern city life, offering context and stories from the guide.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking. It’s not recommended for those unable to walk 4 city blocks.