Oahu: Pearl Harbor Tour with USS Arizona Memorial

An Informative and Respectful Tour of Pearl Harbor from Waikiki for $135

This 7-hour tour from Waikiki offers a detailed look at Pearl Harbor, making it a meaningful choice for history enthusiasts and those wanting a comprehensive visit. For $135 per person, the tour covers key sites such as the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri, and the WWII Valor in the Pacific exhibits. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. With a 4.5-star rating based on 107 reviews, it proves to be a popular and well-regarded option for travelers seeking an educational experience with expert guides.

While the tour’s main strength lies in its informative narration and well-organized itinerary, a few considerations include the need to leave belongings behind and the potential for limited time at each stop. This tour is ideal for visitors who want a full day of learning without the hassle of planning individual entries or transportation. It suits those interested in military history, patriotism, or memorial visits, and it’s accessible for travelers with wheelchair accommodations.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $135 and lasts 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.
• Comprehensive Visit: Includes hotel pickup, guided tour of the Battleship Missouri, visit to WWII exhibits, and a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Nani and Gene are praised for their knowledgeable and personable commentary.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes special arrangements if requested in advance.
• Limitations: Time at each site can be short, and bags are not allowed in the memorial area, so plan accordingly.
• Weather and Logistics: External factors like weather and boat launch availability can impact the Arizona Memorial visit, but visitors still gain access to exhibits and museum displays.

Starting at Waikiki: Easy Pickup and Drop-off

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Waikiki, with the driver calling out your name for easy identification. Travelers are advised to be on time and to bring a passport or ID card for verification. The pickup vehicle is an orange double-decker bus or similar. The drop-off returns to downtown Waikiki, completing a seamless round trip that eliminates the need for additional transportation planning.

Visiting the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument

Upon arrival, the tour explores World War II Valor in the Pacific, which features museum exhibits, historical footage, and memorials. Here, visitors learn about December 7, 1941, through display panels and videos that bring the events to life. Exhibits include artifacts and informative panels, providing context for the attack on Pearl Harbor.

It’s worth noting that time at the museum may be relatively short, so visitors are encouraged to read the signs carefully and prioritize key exhibits. The guided narration enhances understanding and keeps the group moving efficiently.

The Boat Ride to USS Arizona Memorial

A highlight of the tour is the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, which floats over the sunken battleship. The Arizona is a powerful symbol of American sacrifice, and the boat ride offers a peaceful, reflective experience. However, external factors such as weather or boat launch tickets can occasionally prevent access to the memorial itself. Despite this, visitors still see the memorial exhibits and learn about the ship’s history from the visitor center.

The admission to the memorial is included in the tour, but bags are not permitted on the platform, which is a practical consideration for storage — options are available at an additional $6 per item.

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Exploring the Battleship Missouri with an Expert Guide

Next, the tour takes visitors across the Admiral Clarey Bridge to the USS Missouri, known as the “Mighty Mo”. The ship’s guided tour, led by an expert docent, reveals key areas such as the gun decks, bridge, and historic significance. The Missouri is famous for hosting the surrender of Japan and is an essential part of World War II history.

Guides like Nani, Devin, or Gene are praised for their knowledgeable and engaging storytelling, which makes the visit more meaningful. The guided tour offers insights into the ship’s role in history, adding depth to the experience.

Additional Highlights and Practical Details

Throughout the day, the tour includes visits to other monuments such as the Oklahoma Memorial and drives past the Punchbowl Cemetery (although the drive-through is temporarily unavailable). Time management can be tight, so visitors should allocate enough time to fully appreciate each site.

The tour excludes food and drink, so travelers are encouraged to bring snacks or purchase at the park. Also, bags are prohibited from the memorial area, emphasizing the importance of light packing or picking up a small fanny pouch ahead of time.

Accessibility and Flexibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate special requests such as wheelchair assistance if notified beforehand. The “Reserve now & pay later” option offers flexibility, allowing travelers to book with confidence and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour stands out for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience with expert narration and organized logistics. It suits history buffs, patriots, or anyone eager to pay respects at Pearl Harbor. The full-day format is best suited for visitors comfortable with a busy schedule and shorter stops at each site.

While the short time at certain exhibits might be a drawback for some, the quality of guides and the variety of sites visited compensate well, especially considering the ease of transportation and included access.

Final Thoughts on the Pearl Harbor Tour

This 7-hour tour from Waikiki offers a balanced mix of education, remembrance, and sightseeing. The guided tours of the Battleship Missouri and exhibits deepen understanding of WWII history, while the boat ride to the Arizona Memorial provides a somber and reflective experience.

Its value lies in convenience, expert commentary, and access to key monuments, making it a strong choice for those wanting a comprehensive Pearl Harbor visit without the stress of planning individual entries. The price of $135 reflects the full-day experience, including transportation, guided narration, and memorial access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with transport provided by an orange double-decker vehicle.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 7 hours, covering all major stops and offering enough time to explore each site with guided commentary.

What should I bring?
It is recommended to bring your passport or ID and comfortable shoes. Bags are not allowed at the memorial, so plan to bring only essentials or use the $6 bag storage.

Can I visit the Arizona Memorial if the boat ride is unavailable?
Yes, while external factors can prevent boat access, visitors can still explore exhibits and view other monuments at the park.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is accessible for wheelchair users and can accommodate special needs with prior notice.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. The “Reserve now & pay later” option offers added flexibility.

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