Honolulu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial and City Tour

This Honolulu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial and City Tour offers a compelling way to explore Hawaii’s most iconic historic sites along with a scenic tour through downtown Honolulu. Priced at $79 per person and lasting around 6.5 hours, this guided experience includes tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial, an audio guide, and a comprehensive city tour. With a small group size of 4 to 14 participants, the tour provides an intimate setting and personalized attention. The tour departs from Waikiki hotels with free pickup, making it convenient for visitors staying in the area, though there is a $50 surcharge for pickups from the airport or harbor.

This tour is particularly attractive for those interested in WWII history, Hawaiian royalty, and local landmarks. Its family-friendly approach, combined with a knowledgeable guide and diverse stops, ensures a balanced mix of education and sightseeing. However, potential visitors should be aware that visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is subject to external factors like weather or ticket availability, which can sometimes affect access. This tour offers good value and a well-rounded look at Honolulu’s historical and cultural layers.

Key Points

• Includes USS Arizona Memorial tickets and an audio guide for a deeper understanding of Pearl Harbor’s history
• Duration of 6.5 hours with a small group for a more personalized experience
• Visit more than 10 sites, including Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha Statue, and downtown Honolulu
• Pickup and drop-off in Waikiki are free; additional surcharge applies for airport or harbor pickups
• The tour combines battlefield history with city sights and Hawaiian cultural highlights
• Not suitable for wheelchair users and large bags are not permitted at Pearl Harbor

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Pearl Harbor National Park and USS Arizona

The tour begins with a visit to Pearl Harbor National Park, where tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are included. The memorial is the resting place of 1,177 fallen crewmen, and the boat ride there is part of the experience. The audio guide, known as the Chiefs Tour, offers detailed narration about the attack on Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Visitors also have approximately 3 hours at Pearl Harbor, which allows ample time to explore exhibits and take in the solemn atmosphere.

The Road to War Museum is part of the visit, providing context about the buildup to WWII and the attack itself. While external factors can sometimes prevent boat rides, the exhibits and memorials at Pearl Harbor are accessible, and the full 3 hours generally give enough time for a thorough visit.

Visiting the Historic Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

The Pearl Harbor Visitors Center serves as the starting point for the tour. Here, visitors are guided through the exhibits and films that set the scene of December 1941. The center also features more than 10 spots for sightseeing, including the Attack Museum and the Eternal Flame, which honors the fallen soldiers. The guided tour ensures you don’t miss key exhibits and get a rundown of this pivotal event in American history.

The Significance of the USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona Memorial is the tour’s centerpiece. Resting above the sunken battleship, it offers a poignant reminder of the conflict. The boat ride to the memorial is included, but availability can be affected by external factors like weather or ticket shortages. Regardless, visitors can explore the exhibits at the memorial and gain insights into the ship’s history.

Downtown Honolulu: Landmarks and Cultural Spots

Following Pearl Harbor, the tour moves into downtown Honolulu, where you will see landmarks such as Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the US, and the Hawaii State Capitol. The King Kamehameha Statue, a prominent Hawaii Five-0 filming location, is a major photo stop. The guide shares stories about Hawaiian royalty and the island’s history, providing context about how Hawaii became part of the United States.

The Aloha Tower, often called the Statue of Liberty of Hawaii, is another highlight. Visitors get a glimpse of the city’s bustling port and business district, offering a contrast to the solemnity of Pearl Harbor.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Hawaii Five-0 Connection and Other Landmarks

A visit to the Hawaii Five-0 headquarters at Ali’iolani Hale is included, where the King Kamehameha Statue is located. This spot is recognizable from the popular TV show, adding a pop culture element to the tour. The Queen Liliuokalani Statue reminds visitors of Hawaii’s last reigning queen before the overthrow.

The Honolulu City Tour and Local Highlights

The city tour covers the main streets and neighborhoods, including Kaka’ako, where luxury apartments start at $800,000, and the Ala Moana Shopping Mall, the biggest outdoor shopping mall in the USA. The tour provides a good overview of Hawaii’s commercial and cultural hubs. This sightseeing is driven by a professional guide who shares insights into local life, history, and politics.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour includes transportation in a spacious vehicle, ensuring comfort during long stops. Pickup and drop-off in Waikiki are included for free, making it easy for visitors to join without extra hassle. For those arriving via cruise ship or at the airport, an additional $50 surcharge applies. The tour begins with a coordinated start time between 6:30 am and 10:30 am, with Daniels Hawaii providing the exact time afterward.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing, and cash. Large bags are prohibited at Pearl Harbor, though small bags can be stored in the vehicle or at the bag drop-off.

Guided Tour Experience and Review Highlights

The guide’s role is central to the experience. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable, friendly guides, such as Christine, Heather, and Daniel, who are described as informative, engaging, and respectful. Several reviews mention that the reserved tickets to the USS Arizona are a major benefit, preventing the uncertainty of ticket shortages common with other tours.

Most reviewers appreciate the balance of history and sightseeing, with stops that are well-paced. Some note that food options at Pearl Harbor may be limited, and suggest eating beforehand. The small group size adds to the personalized feel, and many express a willingness to rebook or recommend the tour.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is comprehensive, access to the USS Arizona Memorial can be affected by external factors like weather or ticket availability. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and large bags are not allowed at the memorial. Some reviews also indicate that photo stops at places like Aloha Tower and Iolani Palace may be limited or hurried, depending on the driver.

Honolulu’s History and Cultural Highlights in Context

This tour offers more than just battlefield history; it provides a broad view of Honolulu’s cultural and political history. Visiting the state capital and the royal palace highlights Hawaii’s unique monarchy and its transition to statehood. The Eternal Flame memorial and the Queen Liliuokalani Statue deepen understanding of Hawaiian sovereignty and legacy.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This 6.5-hour guided experience suits those interested in history, culture, and local landmarks. It appeals to travelers who want to see Pearl Harbor, learn about Hawaiian royalty, and explore downtown Honolulu with expert commentary. The small group size enhances the experience for those seeking a more intimate and informative outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, free pickup and drop-off in Waikiki are included. There’s a $50 surcharge for pickups from the airport or harbor.

Can I visit the USS Arizona Memorial?
Tickets are included in the tour price and are generally reserved in advance to ensure access. However, external factors like weather or ticket shortages can sometimes prevent boat rides.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6.5 hours, with about 3 hours at Pearl Harbor and multiple stops at important city landmarks.

What sites are included in the city tour?
Stops include Iolani Palace, Hawaii Five-0 headquarters, Queen Liliuokalani Statue, Hawaii State Capitol, Aloha Tower, and drive-throughs of downtown Honolulu and Kaka’ako.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, it is family-friendly, with a professional guide and easy-paced stops, but not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing, and cash are recommended.

Are large bags allowed?
No, large bags are not permitted at Pearl Harbor; small bags can be stored in the vehicle or at the bag drop-off.

How do I know what time my tour starts?
Daniel Hawaii will contact you with the exact start time after booking, which ranges from 6:30 am to 10:30 am.

What makes this tour stand out?
The inclusion of reserved USS Arizona tickets, small group size, and a comprehensive mix of historic and city sightseeing set this experience apart.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Regrettably, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility limitations.

This Honolulu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial and City Tour offers a well-rounded, educational experience with value for money and attention to detail. It’s ideal for history buffs, culture seekers, and those wanting a personalized tour through Honolulu’s key sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby