Pearl Harbor USS Arizona and Honolulu City Tour

Key Points

• Affordable and Convenient: This $69 tour offers a comprehensive visit to Pearl Harbor and Honolulu city sites with hotel pickup included.
• Includes USS Arizona Memorial Tickets: Your entry to the famous USS Arizona Memorial is secured, subject to availability.
• Informative Guides: Knowledgeable driver-guides lead the experience, sharing insights and making the tour engaging.
• Short but Impactful Stops: Highlights include the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, Iolani Palace, and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
• Group Size: The tour limits to 25 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Booking and Flexibility: Free cancellation available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Overview of the Pearl Harbor USS Arizona and Honolulu City Tour

This 5 hour 30 minute group tour departs from Honolulu, offering a well-rounded introduction to the city’s historic and cultural sites. Priced at $69 per person, it is an accessible way to explore key landmarks without the hassle of driving or paying for multiple taxis.

The tour starts with convenient hotel pickup, with specific times ranging between 6:30 and 8:30 AM, depending on the selected schedule. It includes tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial—a solemn and iconic site—making it ideal for those wanting a meaningful historical experience. Review highlights praise the knowledgeable guides, especially for their ability to balance historical insights with engaging storytelling.

While the tour offers a timed visit to Pearl Harbor, some reviews mention a desire for longer stays, which can be a consideration for history enthusiasts or those eager for more time at each stop. The tour’s pacing aims to cover the major highlights efficiently, making it suitable for visitors with limited time on the island.

From the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to the USS Arizona Memorial

The first stop at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center provides access to a walk-through museum display and a short film that sets the scene for the visit. Here, viewers get a chance to understand the events of December 7, 1941, through exhibits and multimedia presentations.

The USS Arizona Memorial is the main highlight. The memorial itself is a symbol of patriotism and sacrifice, and the tickets are included with this tour, although availability can vary. Visitors can expect to spend around 3 hours at this site, which is enough to absorb the sobering history and reflect on the significance of the shipwreck below.

Some reviews note that the timing at Pearl Harbor can be tight, with only limited free time to explore, but most agree that the experience is impactful and well-organized. The walk-through museum and film enhance understanding and provide context for the memorial’s importance.

Visiting Iolani Palace and Honolulu’s Historic Sights

Following Pearl Harbor, the tour includes a drive-by view of Iolani Palace, the only royal residence on U.S. soil. While visitors don’t go inside, the drive-by offers a glimpse of this historic landmark and gives insight into Hawaii’s royal past.

The guide provides narration about the palace’s significance, enriching the sightseeing experience. The drive through Honolulu offers additional perspectives on the city’s architecture and layout, with some reviews mentioning the guide’s knowledgeable commentary, although opinions vary on the tone—some find the guide’s remarks about Honolulu’s current state to be more negative.

This part of the tour is a quick overview, but it complements the historic theme by connecting the past with today’s Honolulu.

Visiting the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)

A prominent highlight is the drive through Punchbowl Crater, known locally as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. This 20-minute drive offers stunning views of the cemetery, which serves as the resting place for many U.S. military personnel.

The site’s serene atmosphere and panoramic vistas provide a moment of reflection. It’s a free stop that adds a respectful and somber tone to the tour, appreciated by visitors who value the opportunity to honor the service members.

The drive-through experience is brief but meaningful, giving insight into the sacrifices made by U.S. armed forces, and it rounds out the historical theme of the tour.

The Practical Aspects: Logistics and Group Size

This tour’s group size is capped at 25 participants, which helps ensure a more personalized experience. The pickup service from select hotels simplifies logistics, removing the stress of navigating public transport or arranging individual transfers.

The mobile ticketing feature streamlines check-in, and local taxes and park fees are included in the price. The tour begins at 8:45 am, with some tours starting earlier depending on the chosen schedule.

Travelers should be aware of the bag policy: no purses, backpacks, or concealed items are permitted inside the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, but wallets, cameras, and bottled water are allowed. A bag storage service outside the main gate is available for $5 per bag.

The Experience of the Guides and Overall Atmosphere

Multiple reviews praise the driver-guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging storytelling. One guide, affectionately called Auntie Mary, is noted for adding a multigenerational Hawaiian perspective, making the experience more authentic and warm.

However, some reviews mention moments of negative commentary about Honolulu from guides, which may influence the overall tone. Still, the majority find guides professional, informative, and helpful, significantly enhancing the experience.

The solely group-oriented nature keeps the atmosphere lively without feeling crowded. The timing and pace are generally well-managed, though some wish for more time at certain stops.

Pricing, Cancellation, and Booking Tips

At $69 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering included tickets and hotel pickup. Booking is recommended at least 21 days in advance, given the popularity of the Pearl Harbor site.

The free cancellation policy allows travelers to cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund, providing flexibility in case of weather issues or schedule changes.

Travelers should plan for good weather, as the tour is subject to cancellation if conditions are poor, with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for history buffs interested in Pearl Harbor, as it offers structured, educational visits with included memorial tickets. It’s also suitable for those who prefer guided tours with transportation included, saving on costs and logistical stress.

Families, groups, and first-time visitors to Honolulu will find this a convenient and insightful way to see key sites. However, those seeking more time at each stop or a deep dive into Honolulu’s local culture might find it somewhat limited.

The Sum Up on the Pearl Harbor USS Arizona and Honolulu City Tour

This $69 tour provides a solid introduction to Pearl Harbor’s historic significance, combined with a quick tour of Honolulu’s key sights. The inclusion of USS Arizona Memorial tickets and hotel pickup makes it an accessible, hassle-free choice for visitors short on time.

While the pace can be brisk, and some may wish for more time at individual stops, the knowledgeable guides and organized logistics make this tour a reliable option. It suits those who want a respectful, informative experience without the hassle of independent transportation.

This tour offers good value, especially for first-time visitors eager to learn about Hawaii’s history with the convenience of guided transportation and included entry. It’s a practical choice for anyone interested in exploring Pearl Harbor’s legacy and Honolulu’s landmarks in a compact, well-organized format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial?
Yes, tickets are included and subject to availability.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from select Honolulu hotels.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
Yes, no purses, backpacks, or concealed items are permitted inside the memorial; wallets, cameras, and bottled water are allowed.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but specific mobility details are not provided.