Arizona Memorial & Historic Honolulu City Tour from Waikiki Area

Explore Pearl Harbor and Honolulu in a 6-Hour Small-Group Tour from Waikiki

This $75.99 tour offers a balanced mix of history and city exploration, starting with a dedicated visit to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, with convenient pickup and drop-off services from your Waikiki hotel. It’s designed for those who want a rundown of Honolulu’s historic landmarks along with a poignant visit to the USS Arizona — all in a small-group setting that ensures a more personal experience.

The tour’s highlights include a visit to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, a calm boat ride to the memorial, and sightseeing around Honolulu’s most notable sites like Iolani Palace and the Hawaii State Capitol. With guides who provide insightful commentary and limited group sizes of up to 15 people, this tour aims to combine educational content with comfort and convenience. The only potential consideration is the physical walking involved, which is manageable for most but may be challenging for some who cannot walk four city blocks.

Key Points

• Price: $75.99 per person, with admission tickets included for Pearl Harbor.
• Duration: About 6 hours total, including transport, visits, and sightseeing.
• Highlights: The USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, Downtown Honolulu, Punchbowl Crater Cemetery, Iolani Palace, and Kawaiahao Church.
• Small-Group Experience: Up to 15 travelers for a more intimate tour with a knowledgeable guide.
• Convenience: Air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off in Waikiki.
• Limited Bags: Bags are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor, with storage available for $7.

Starting the Tour at Pearl Harbor’s Visitor Center

The journey begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where exhibits and a 23-minute documentary film set the scene for the significance of December 7, 1941. This provides context about the attack and the enduring importance of the USS Arizona. After the film, visitors board a U.S. Navy-operated boat for a short, calm ride across the harbor, offering views of military installations.

This part of the tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The boat ride is quick but scenic, leading directly to the USS Arizona Memorial. The inclusion of the admission tickets ensures a smooth experience without additional costs.

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona Memorial is a striking, open-air structure suspended over the sunken battleship. It provides a space for reflection, honoring the 1,177 crew members lost during the attack. Inside, visitors can look down into the water to see fragments of the battleship’s wreckage, with oil droplets—often called “The Tears of the Arizona”—still rising to the surface.

At the far end of the memorial is a remembrance wall inscribed with the names of those who perished. The quiet, respectful atmosphere emphasizes the memorial’s purpose as a site of tribute, making it a moving experience for visitors.

Exploring Downtown Honolulu’s Historic and Cultural Landmarks

After the somber visit to Pearl Harbor, the tour heads into downtown Honolulu for around 45 minutes of sightseeing. The guide narrates stories of the city’s evolution, from its Hawaiian monarchy to its modern role as a U.S. state capital.

Notable stops include the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States, where stories of King David Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani unfold. Visitors also view the King Kamehameha Statue, a symbol of Hawaiian unity, and learn about the historic Aliilani Hale, the former Hawaiian government building.

The tour also features a stop at Kawaiahao Church, often called the “Westminster Abbey of the Pacific”. This historic church is one of the oldest Christian sites in Hawaii and highlights the religious history of the islands.

Visiting Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery

Sitting atop an extinct volcano, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl offers stunning views of downtown Honolulu, Diamond Head, and the coastline. The cemetery is the resting place for thousands of U.S. military members and features well-maintained white headstones arranged in neat rows amid lush greenery.

The location’s natural beauty and historical significance make it a poignant stop, providing a moment for reflection and appreciation of Hawaii’s military history.

Iolani Palace and the Hawaiian Monarchy

A visit to Iolani Palace offers a rare glimpse into Hawaii’s royal past. As the only royal palace in the United States, it tells stories about Hawaii’s monarchy, including the reigns of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. The guide shares engaging stories about these last reigning Hawaiian monarchs, adding depth to the visit.

From the palace, the tour provides a view of the King Kamehameha Statue and the historic Aliilani Hale, now home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court. This stop emphasizes the historical transition from Hawaiian kingship to modern governance.

Learning about Historic Religious Sites: Kawaiahao Church

The tour includes a stop at Kawaiahao Church, often called the “Westminster Abbey of the Pacific.” This church is one of Hawaii’s oldest Christian places of worship, with its significance rooted in the islands’ religious history. The guide explains its role in Hawaiian society and its architectural appeal, offering insight into Hawaii’s spiritual heritage.

Transport, Timing, and Group Size

The transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup and drop-off service in Waikiki. The tour starts early at 7:00 am to optimize the day’s sightseeing and includes small-group numbers—a maximum of 15 travelers—to ensure a comfortable and personalized experience.

The tour’s pacing balances the contemplative visits at Pearl Harbor with the lively exploration of Honolulu’s city sites, making it suitable for most visitors who are comfortable walking up to four city blocks.

Practical Tips and Conditions

Participants should bring comfortable shoes because the tour involves walking. Bags are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor, with storage available at the site for $7. Food and drinks are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly, especially for the longer day.

The tour is most suitable for travelers who want both a deeply respectful visit to Pearl Harbor and a city overview with historic landmarks. Weather can affect site access, and stormy conditions may lead to closures or delays.

Final Thoughts on the Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour

This $75.99 guided experience offers an effective way to see key Hawaiian landmarks in half a day. The combination of a memorial visit with city sightseeing makes for a well-rounded introduction to Honolulu’s history and culture. The small-group format, friendly guides, and included tickets enhance the overall value.

While the tour covers a lot in six hours, it’s best suited for those who enjoy historical sites, reflective moments, and manageable walking. It’s an ideal choice for visitors who want a respectful, educational experience with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The admission tickets for Pearl Harbor and the air-conditioned transportation are included in the $75.99 price.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, from pickup in Waikiki to drop-off after sightseeing.

What are the main stops on the tour?
Stops include Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, USS Arizona Memorial, Downtown Honolulu, Punchbowl Cemetery, Iolani Palace, and Kawaiahao Church.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup and drop-off services in the Waikiki area are included, with travel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are bags allowed at Pearl Harbor?
No, purses and bags are not allowed inside the memorial; storage is available at $7 per bag.

Can I visit the sites if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves walking up to four city blocks, so those with mobility challenges should consider this.

What is the guide like?
Guides are praised for their knowledgeability, engaging storytelling, and friendly attitude, enhancing the overall experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is generally suitable for most travelers, but because of walking and reflective nature, very young children may need consideration.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, and check the weather forecast to dress appropriately, especially for outdoor stops.

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