Battleships of WWII at Pearl Harbor Departing from Waikiki

Discover the Battleships of WWII at Pearl Harbor with a Comprehensive Guided Tour

The “Battleships of WWII at Pearl Harbor Departing from Waikiki” tour offers a detailed exploration of Oahu’s most significant military landmarks. Priced at $116.99 per person, this 7 to 9-hour adventure includes pickup from most Waikiki hotels and visits to iconic sites such as the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, and the USS Oklahoma Memorial. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, especially those interested in the naval history of World War II, with a focus on reflection and education.

This tour stands out for its small group size, which enhances the experience by allowing more personalized narration from knowledgeable guides. While most of the attractions are self-guided, the tour provides expert commentary and admission tickets, making it a hassle-free way to learn about the pivotal events at Pearl Harbor. The tour’s precise itinerary balances emotional reflection at memorials with engaging historical storytelling, appealing especially to those who want a well-rounded visit without the rush.

Key Points

• Price of $116.99 per person includes all entry tickets and transfers.
• Tour duration ranges from 7 to 9 hours, with a flexible pace.
• Pickup service from most Waikiki hotels simplifies logistics.
• Includes visits to Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, USS Arizona, USS Missouri, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and historic downtown Honolulu.
• Small group size limits to a maximum of 24 travelers, ensuring more personal attention.
• The tour features expert narration covering Hawaii’s military and royal history, enhancing the experience.

How the Tour Starts at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

The day begins early at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center with a 2-hour exploration of its exhibits. Here, visitors receive a rundown of the events leading to the attack on December 7, 1941, including a 23-minute documentary that sets the scene for the subsequent visits. The visitor center provides the first opportunity to understand the context and significance of the sites, making it a meaningful start to the day.

The admission ticket for the visitor center is included, and the tour guides often provide additional insights into the history of Pearl Harbor. There is a focus on respectful reflection, especially at the USS Arizona Memorial, where silence is encouraged to honor the fallen sailors. The center’s exhibits create a solid foundation for understanding the events that unfolded on that fateful day.

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial: Reflection and Reverence

The USS Arizona Memorial is a key highlight of the tour, offering a 1 hour 45 minutes visit. The white, open-air structure gracefully spans the sunken battleship, serving as a somber reminder of the lives lost. Visitors access the memorial via a boat ride included in the tour, which allows ample time to reflect on the sacrifices made during WWII.

This site is a deeply emotional part of the tour, with visitors encouraged to maintain respectful silence. The memorial’s design facilitates a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, giving space for personal reflection. It’s a peaceful experience that emphasizes the seriousness of the event, making it a powerful stop for those interested in naval history and remembrance.

Exploring the USS Missouri: The Last Battleship in Action

The USS Missouri offers a 2-hour walk on its deck, providing a closer look at the last battleship built by the US Navy. Visitors can stand where General MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz once walked, and learn about its role in WWII and beyond. The ship is notable as the location where the Instrument of Surrender was signed in 1945, marking the end of WWII.

Tour guides share stories about the Missouri’s historic significance, making it more than just a vessel — it’s a symbol of American resilience and naval strength. The inclusion of admission tickets ensures easy access, and the ship’s well-preserved decks offer plenty of photo opportunities. This stop appeals to those eager to see a commanding piece of military history firsthand.

Honoring the USS Oklahoma at the Memorial

The USS Oklahoma Memorial is the only land-based memorial at Pearl Harbor, dedicated to over 400 servicemen who lost their lives aboard the ship. The tour allocates about 2 hours for this stop, which features a thoughtfully maintained space that encourages quiet reflection.

The memorial stands as a tribute to the sailors and the intense attack on December 7, 1941. Its location on solid ground offers a different perspective compared to the floating memorials, making it a meaningful addition to the day’s visits. The focus here is on remembrance and honoring the sacrifices made during a pivotal moment in history.

Experiencing Historic Downtown Honolulu

After the military sites, the tour shifts to historic downtown Honolulu for 45 minutes of exploration. Guided commentary highlights Hawaii’s royal history, local architecture, and cultural stories. This part of the tour is free of charge, offering a relaxed break from the more emotionally intense memorial visits.

Highlights include viewing the King Kamehameha Statue, a symbol of Hawaii’s unity, and passing by the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the US. The guide shares stories about Hawaii’s monarchy, including King Kalkaua and Queen Liliuokalani. This section adds context about Hawaii’s unique history, blending cultural education with sightseeing.

Visiting the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

Perched atop the extinct volcano known as Punchbowl Crater, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific offers a poignant final stop. The tour allocates about 15 minutes to stroll among the graves of thousands of US military members. The cemetery’s beautifully maintained grounds provide a place for quiet remembrance with panoramic views over Honolulu.

This site emphasizes the ongoing legacy of military service and offers a moment of reflection on the sacrifices of American service members. Its location on a dormant volcano adds a striking natural backdrop to the solemn landscape.

The Role of the Guide and Tour Logistics

Throughout the day, expert narration enhances the experience, offering insights into Hawaii’s royal history, military significance, and cultural heritage. The tour provides air-conditioned transportation, with pickup and drop-off services within Waikiki, making logistics easy and stress-free.

The small group size ensures more personalized attention, and the admission tickets to all attractions are provided by the guide, avoiding extra hassle. The tour begins promptly at 7:00 am, allowing ample time to visit all sites comfortably.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Participants should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as the tour involves several stops and walking around large ships and memorials. Bags are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor, with storage available for $7 each. Since food is not included, travelers should plan to buy meals or snacks at food trucks or cafes near the Visitor Center.

The tour is suitable for most travelers but not recommended for those unable to walk four city blocks comfortably. Visitors should also respect the quiet atmosphere at memorial sites and plan for weather conditions, as sites may close due to stormy weather.

Why Choose This Tour?

This guided tour offers a comprehensive look at Pearl Harbor’s WWII battleship history with the convenience of hotel pickup, all admission tickets, and expert narration. It balances emotional reflection with educational storytelling, making it ideal for history buffs and those seeking a meaningful experience.

While most of the sites are self-guided, the tour’s detailed itinerary and small group size ensure a personal, respectful, and informative visit. The inclusion of stops in historic Honolulu and the Punchbowl Cemetery broadens the cultural and historical scope, providing a well-rounded day.

The Sum Up: An Engaging and Respectful WWII Naval History Tour

The “Battleships of WWII at Pearl Harbor Departing from Waikiki” tour delivers a thorough and respectful exploration of key WWII naval sites, with the convenience of included transportation and tickets. Its small group size and expert guides create a more intimate experience, allowing for personalized storytelling and reflection.

This tour suits those interested in military history, Hawaii’s royal heritage, and cultural remembrance. The emotional impact of visiting the USS Arizona and Oklahoma Memorial pairs well with the educational stops at Iolani Palace and Punchbowl Cemetery.

While most of the experience is self-guided, the knowledgeable narration and organized logistics make this a hassle-free way to understand the significance of Pearl Harbor. It’s a worthwhile choice for visitors seeking a balanced mix of history, culture, and reflection in a single, well-structured day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $116.99 per person, which includes all entry tickets and transportation.

How long does the tour last?
The experience typically lasts between 7 and 9 hours, depending on pacing.

What stops are included?
Stops include Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, USS Oklahoma Memorial, historic downtown Honolulu, and the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transportation with pickup and drop-off from Waikiki is included.

Are admission tickets included?
All attraction tickets, including the Arizona Memorial boat ride, USS Missouri, and other memorials, are provided on the day of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It is suitable for most travelers but not recommended for those who cannot walk four city blocks comfortably.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and plan for the weather. Bags are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor unless stored for $7.

Can I buy food during the tour?
Food is at your own expense; there are food trucks and cafes near the visitor center.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 24, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I expect a guided commentary?
Yes, expert narration covers Hawaii’s history, military events, and cultural sites throughout the day.