Deluxe Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour

Experience Honolulu’s Historic and Cultural Landmarks in One Tour

The Deluxe Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour offers an engaging half-day exploration of Hawaii’s most significant WWII sites and iconic city sights. Priced at $94.03 per person, this tour lasts approximately 5 to 9 hours and is ideal for travelers eager to enjoy history while enjoying the comfort of air-conditioned transport. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off at selected hotels, making logistics hassle-free.

This tour stands out with guaranteed admission to the Arizona Memorial through advance or on-site tickets, ensuring you don’t miss this key site. With options to upgrade to visit the USS Missouri or explore the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, it offers flexibility to deepen the experience. While most find the pace manageable, some reviews highlight the need for more wheelchair accessibility due to walking involved.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Pearl Harbor Experience with guaranteed Arizona Memorial tickets
• Optional upgrades include visiting the USS Missouri or Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
• City highlights include Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha statue, and Punchbowl Cemetery
• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioned coach and hotel pickup for selected locations
• Insightful narration provided by a professional driver-guide throughout the day
• Tour duration varies from 5 to 9 hours, with plenty of time for sightseeing and reflection

Starting the Tour at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

The journey begins early in the morning with hotel pickup at 8:00 am at selected hotels in Honolulu. The tour then heads directly to Pearl Harbor, where admission to the Arizona Memorial is either guaranteed by pre-reserved tickets or tickets obtained on site. The 23-minute documentary film shown at the memorial provides context before visitors shuttle to the actual site, where the USS Arizona lies beneath the memorial structure.

This stop typically lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and leaves visitors with a poignant sense of history. The admission fee of $1.57 for the documentary and shuttle is included in the tour price, ensuring a smooth entry process. Some reviews note that waiting in line for tickets can be a minor inconvenience, but the guided tour aims to reserve tickets in advance to minimize delays.

Exploring Pearl Harbor’s Museums and Grounds

Next, the tour takes visitors to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center for a 30-minute exploration of the exhibits and grounds. Here, the extensive displays detail the attack on December 7, 1941, and the broader history of the Pacific War. Visitors can walk through the museum’s galleries and get a closer understanding of this pivotal event.

While the visit is relatively short, it provides important background, and the guide’s commentary helps put the exhibits into context. Accessibility and walking distance are considerations, so travelers with mobility challenges may want to plan accordingly, as some reviews mention the need for more wheelchairs to ease walking.

Visiting the Battleship Missouri Memorial

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to the Battleship Missouri, often called the “Mighty Mo”. This ship is where Japan’s formal surrender took place, marking the end of WWII. The 1.5-hour tour of the Missouri allows guests to walk the decks, see the captain’s quarters, and learn firsthand about life at sea for over 2,700 sailors.

The admission to the Missouri is included if the upgrade option is selected. Visitors appreciate the chance to climb aboard this historic vessel, gaining a tangible connection to the war’s end and Hawaii’s strategic role during WWII. Some reviews mention the emotional impact of seeing the ship up close and the informative narration provided by guides.

Exploring the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

For those choosing the Ultimate upgrade, the tour continues at Hangar 79 and the outdoor pavilion of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. This exhibit showcases aircraft that participated in the attack and other pivotal moments in military aviation history.

The 1 hour 30 minutes spent at the museum offer ample opportunity to view aircraft and learn about the development of military flight. Visitors often find this exhibit deeply engaging, especially due to Hangar 79’s significance in withstanding the December 7 attack. The museum’s outdoor location and indoor hangars make for an immersive experience, enriching the overall tour.

Downtown Honolulu and Punchbowl National Cemetery Highlights

Beyond Pearl Harbor, the tour includes a scenic drive through downtown Honolulu, highlighting key landmarks like Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue. An extended stop at the Punchbowl National Cemetery allows reflection at this historic military cemetery, offering panoramic views of Honolulu.

The driver-guide provides insightful narration about the city’s history, culture, and notable figures. The visit to Punchbowl is particularly moving, as it honors fallen soldiers and offers a chance to soak in Hawaii’s natural beauty from a high vantage point.

Practical Details: Logistics, Pacing, and Accessibility

This tour begins at 8:00 am with hotel pickup at selected locations. The air-conditioned coach maintains comfort throughout the day, with plenty of time allocated to each site. The total duration varies between 5 and 9 hours, depending on options selected and crowd levels.

Bags are not permitted at the Arizona Memorial for security reasons; however, storage facilities are available at the Visitor Center for a nominal fee. The tour’s pace is generally manageable, but some reviews note the need for more wheelchair availability due to the amount of walking involved. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended.

The Guide and Commentary: Knowledgeable and Engaging

The driver-guides are praised for their friendly, informative, and entertaining narration. They share stories about the sites, Hawaii’s culture, and historical events, making the experience more meaningful. Guides like Kimo and Patrick are specifically noted for their engaging delivery.

The tour aims to keep to its schedule, reserving tickets well in advance to avoid long queues. However, some guests mention occasional delays, especially in ticket lines. The guides enhance the experience with their historical insights and local knowledge.

Value for Money and Optional Upgrades

At $94.03, the tour is considered good value, especially given the inclusion of all taxes, fees, and admission costs for the sites. The Deluxe option includes a visit to the USS Missouri, while the Ultimate option adds the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, offering a deeper dive into military history.

Upgrading to these options provides a richer experience but requires more time. The tour remains one of the most comprehensive options for visiting Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s highlights in a single day, making it suitable for travelers with limited time.

Honest Review of Limitations and Considerations

While most travelers find the tour informative and enjoyable, some reviews mention issues like waiting in standby lines for Arizona tickets, which can cut into time at other sites. It’s important to understand that ticket reservations are subject to availability, and delays may occur.

Accessibility could be improved, as walking distances and the lack of sufficient wheelchair facilities pose challenges for some. The tour is best suited for those who are comfortable with light walking and have good mobility.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour offers a practical, informative way to experience Honolulu’s WWII sites and city landmarks in a single day. It’s suited for history buffs, first-time visitors, and those interested in military history, thanks to its well-rounded stops and expert guides.

The flexible upgrade options and included transportation make it convenient and educational. However, travelers seeking a slower, more accessible experience might need to consider additional arrangements. This tour provides a respectful and rundown of one of Hawaii’s most important historical sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include guaranteed tickets to the Arizona Memorial?
Yes. Admission is guaranteed through advance reservation or on-site tickets, which the tour reserves to minimize wait times.

Can I visit the USS Missouri and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum?
Yes. These are optional upgrades included in the Deluxe and Ultimate versions of the tour, respectively.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts around 5 to 9 hours, depending on options selected and group pace.

What should I bring for this tour?
Wear comfortable shoes and casual clothing, bring sunglasses and a camera, and note that bags are not allowed at the Arizona Memorial.

Is accessibility improved for travelers with mobility challenges?
While the tour is manageable for most, some reviews suggest the need for more wheelchair facilities due to walking involved. Travelers with mobility issues should plan accordingly.