Pearl Harbor, National Memorial Cemetery and Honolulu City Tour

Explore Honolulu’s Rich History and Iconic Landmarks in One Tour

This Pearl Harbor, National Memorial Cemetery, and Honolulu City Tour offers a well-rounded experience at a competitive price of $58.06 per person. Spanning 6 to 8 hours, it provides a deep dive into Hawaii’s historical and cultural highlights, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those eager to reconnect with Honolulu’s past. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Waikiki, ensuring a convenient start and end without the hassle of local transportation. With an average booking window of 31 days in advance, this tour is popular among travelers seeking a structured, informative day exploring key sites.

The tour’s core features include a visit to Pearl Harbor, where you’ll board Navy launch boats to see the USS Arizona Memorial up close, and explore the harbor side exhibits at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Plus, the downtown Honolulu drive passes several historic landmarks, such as Kawaiahao Church, the King Kamehameha statue, and the Iolani Palace. While the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and emotional depth, some reviews note that the experience can feel rushed at times. This tour offers a solid balance of history, culture, and scenic views.

Key Points

• Includes Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial for a moving historical experience
• City tour features Kawaiahao Church, King Kamehameha statue, and Iolani Palace
• Drive through Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
• Pickup and drop-off at Waikiki hotels simplify logistics
• Duration ranges between 6 and 8 hours, with some reviews noting a slightly rushed feel
• Admission to the Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is included in the price

Visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial

The Pearl Harbor visit is the tour’s highlight, with admission included to the USS Arizona Memorial. This memorial marks the resting place of 1,102 sailors and Marines who died during the 1941 attack. The experience involves boarding Navy launch boats to access the memorial, offering an intimate connection to history. The time allocated for this stop is approximately 40 minutes, providing enough time to reflect and take photos.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center features exhibits and displays that bring the events of December 7, 1941, to life. Visitors can browse the gift shop for memorabilia, although bag policy restrictions mean travelers should bring only essential items like ID and wallets. Weather conditions may impact the boat rides, and in rare cases, the Arizona Memorial might be unavailable, but the exhibits and shoreline views remain accessible. The guided narration enhances understanding, and some reviews emphasize the emotional impact of visiting the site.

The Downtown Honolulu Tour: Landmarks and Cultural Insights

After Pearl Harbor, the tour continues with a drive through downtown Honolulu. Key stops include Kawaiahao Church, known as the Westminster Abbey of the Pacific, and the King Kamehameha statue, which honors the monarch credited with uniting the Hawaiian Islands in 1810. The Iolani Palace, the only royal residence remaining in the United States, also features in the drive, showcasing stunning architecture and Hawaiian history.

The Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery is a somber drive-through stop set within a dormant volcanic crater. This site honors WWII veterans and other fallen soldiers, offering a reflective pause amid the sightseeing. The drive-by narration provides context about Hawaiian leaders and historic sites, though some reviews mention the tour can feel rushed, especially during the city drive.

Navigating the Logistics: Pickup, Duration, and Group Size

Pickup in Waikiki hotels is included, making the start of the day straightforward for most travelers staying in central Honolulu. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the guided narration is led by a professional driver or guide, blending historical facts with local insights. The tour group size is capped at 52 travelers, maintaining a comfortable environment for sightseeing and commentary.

The total duration spans approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and the pace of stops. While some reviews note a slight feeling of being rushed, especially during the city drive, most appreciate the well-organized itinerary and comprehensive coverage. The tour ends with drop-off at Waikiki hotels, making this a convenient and hassle-free option for visitors.

Practical Tips and Important Policies

No lunch is included in the tour, so travelers should plan to eat beforehand. The no bags policy at Pearl Harbor means only small cameras and essentials are permitted; bag storage is available at the visitor center for a fee. Shirt and shoes are required to board the memorial boats, and swimsuits are not allowed.

Weather can impact the experience, especially the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. The tour does not operate on Thanksgiving, Christmas, December 7, and New Year’s Day. Special requests, including ADA accommodations, should be made at least 7 days in advance with the tour provider.

The Experience at Pearl Harbor: Emotional and Educational

The reviews unanimously praise the emotional depth and educational value of the Pearl Harbor visit. Many note the powerful impact of standing at the memorial, especially when viewing sailors saluting or witnessing prayer services. The 26-minute documentary shown at the theater provides essential background and enhances the visit.

While some reviews mention feeling rushed or disappointed with limited time, the majority agree that the experience is worth the visit. The guide’s knowledgeable narration and the respectfulness of the site contribute to a meaningful, reflective atmosphere.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Tour

This tour suits history enthusiasts, families, and first-time visitors eager to see Pearl Harbor alongside key Hawaiian landmarks. The price point of $58.06 offers good value, especially considering the admission costs included. People with limited time will appreciate the organized itinerary and hotel pickup, while those interested in Hawaiian royalty and military history will find the stops particularly engaging.

However, travelers seeking a more leisurely or more in-depth experience might find the time constraints slightly challenging, especially during the city drive. It’s a recommended choice for visitors who want a rundown without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets on their own.

Pearl Harbor, National Memorial Cemetery and Honolulu City Tour: Final Thoughts

For $58.06, this 6 to 8-hour tour offers a compelling combination of historic sites, memorials, and Hawaiian culture. The Pearl Harbor visit remains the emotional core, with memorial and exhibit access included. The downtown drive provides cultural context through landmarks like Kawaiahao Church and Iolani Palace.

While some reviews highlight time limitations and the need to eat before the tour, the overall feedback is positive, especially regarding guides’ knowledge and the respectful atmosphere at Pearl Harbor. The hotel pickup and drop-off make it accessible and convenient for most visitors. This tour is a solid choice for those wanting a balanced, informative day exploring Honolulu’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. It is recommended to eat before the tour starts.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $58.06 per person.

How long does the tour last?
The duration is approximately 6 to 8 hours.

Does the tour include visits to the USS Arizona Memorial?
Yes, admission to the USS Arizona Memorial is included, and you will board Navy boats to visit the site.

What stops are part of this city tour?
Stops include Kawaiahao Church, the King Kamehameha statue, the Iolani Palace, and the Punchbowl Cemetery.

Are there any restrictions at Pearl Harbor?
Yes, bags are not allowed, and shirt and shoes are required to board the boats. Swimsuits are prohibited.

What happens if the USS Arizona Memorial is closed?
You will still visit the exhibits and shoreline views, as external factors like weather or closures may impact access.

Is the tour suitable for people with disabilities?
You should contact the provider at least 7 days in advance for ADA requests; accessibility details are not specified in the data.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there is free cancellation available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.