Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri

Visiting Pearl Harbor with the USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri offers a compelling glimpse into a pivotal moment in history. Priced at $163 per person and lasting about 6 hours, this tour combines meaningful sites, engaging exhibits, and a smooth logistics setup, making it a practical choice for those interested in American history and WWII. The tour departs from Waikiki, with return transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

One of the key strengths of this experience is the guaranteed access to the USS Arizona Memorial, which can be limited during peak times or renovations. The inclusion of the Battleship Missouri allows visitors to explore the ship where Japan signed surrender documents, providing a tangible link to the end of WWII. While the tour is very well-organized and praised for its guides, it is best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and standing for periods.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $163, lasts 6 hours, including transportation and site visits.
• Highlights: Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri, with an in-depth look at the events of December 7, 1941, and WWII surrender ceremonies.
• Included amenities: Return transfers from Waikiki, boat ride to the Arizona, and admission to the Missouri.
• Guides and commentary: Guides like Art, Ro-Ro, Cliff, and Ian are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling.
• Flexibility & accessibility: The tour offers skip-the-line entrance, wheelchair accessibility, and pay-later options for flexible booking.
• Reviews highlight: the informative guides, moving experiences, and the opportunity to beat crowds with early start times.

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How the Tour Begins with Easy Waikiki Pickup

The tour starts with a pickup from Waikiki, simplifying the logistics for visitors. You are picked up directly from your hotel, with the driver arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride to Pearl Harbor, reducing stress and making the journey pleasant.

Once at Pearl Harbor, the guide leads you into the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center. Here, guests can explore several exhibits, including the “Road to War” and “Attack” gallery, which display photographs and recovered items from December 7, 1941. The film shown during the visit adds context, setting an emotional tone before the boat ride.

The Significance of the USS Arizona Memorial Tour

The boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial is a poignant part of the experience. The ship’s final resting place holds 1,177 crew members, and the tour guarantees reserved tickets, avoiding long lines. This site offers a powerful chance to reflect on the lives lost during the attack, which is often described as emotionally moving in reviews.

Visitors can enjoy a short but meaningful visit at the memorial, with the opportunity to see the sunken ship from the water. Access is guaranteed, but note that after September 3, access might be limited or through standby if renovations are ongoing. During crowded times, the tour allows for early entry to beat other visitors.

Exploring the Battleship Missouri on Ford Island

After the memorial, the tour includes admission to the Battleship Missouri, also known as “Mighty Mo”. The self-guided exploration allows visitors to walk through the historic vessel, seeing where Japan signed the surrender documents in WWII, marking its official end.

The Missouri offers a look into life at sea on a battleship, with areas like the gun decks and command centers. Many reviews mention guides like Kory and Ian, who provide insightful commentary during the visit, making the experience more engaging. The ship’s size and historical importance make it a highlight of the tour.

Visiting the Pearl Harbor Museum and Exhibits

Prior to the boat ride, guests have the chance to browse the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center and its exhibits, including photos, artifacts, and recovered items from WWII. The “Road to War” exhibit and “Attack” gallery deepen understanding of the events leading up to the attack.

A short film is included, providing a moving overview of the attack and its aftermath. The exhibits are well-regarded for their clarity, helping visitors grasp the significance of the day while maintaining a respectful tone.

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Practical Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor

The tour includes lunch breaks, where visitors can grab snacks from the food trucks or snack shop. It’s advisable to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and water for the day. As bags are not permitted inside, travelers should plan accordingly.

Participants should bring their passport or ID and cash for additional purchases. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, but it is accessible for those with mobility issues with prior arrangements. Visitors should also be aware that camera lenses longer than 6 inches are not allowed.

The Route Includes a Drive Through Honolulu’s City Highlights

On the way back to Waikiki, the tour features a quick drive through Honolulu, showcasing sites like the National Cemetery of the Pacific and Historic Honolulu City. This provides a brief glimpse of the island’s capital and its connection to the historical sites visited.

Booking Flexibility and Visitor Support

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, making planning flexible. Tour times vary daily, and guests will receive a text message the day before with their exact pickup time.

Guides operate in English, with many guests praising the knowledge, friendliness, and humor of the guides such as Ro-Ro, Cliff, and Art. Many reviews highlight the informative commentary and the respectful handling of the site’s emotional significance.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in WWII and American history. It suits visitors who prefer organized, guided visits with reserved tickets and skip-the-line access. However, it is best for those who are comfortable with walking and standing for periods.

While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it remains accessible for most mobility issues with advance notice. The 6-hour duration means participants should be ready for a full, active day.

Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri – A Fitting Tribute

This tour delivers a well-rounded experience of Pearl Harbor’s most notable sites with clear logistics, informative guides, and meaningful sites. It balances visiting the historic memorials and learning about the events that shaped history, making it a valuable addition to any Hawaii itinerary.

The early start times help beat crowds, and the inclusion of admission tickets ensures smooth access. Many reviews praise guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling, elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing.

While some visitors wish for more time at certain stops or longer durations, the tour offers a rundown within a manageable timeframe. It’s particularly suited for those seeking a respectful, educational experience with a focus on history and remembrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, return transfers from Waikiki are included, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial guaranteed?
Yes, the tour guarantees tickets, which can be otherwise limited during renovations or busy periods.

What should I bring on the tour?
Visitors should bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, water, and cash. Bags are not permitted inside the memorial and the ship.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users but offers mobility support with prior arrangements.

What is included in the tour?
The price covers admission to Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center, boat ride to the Arizona, admission to the Missouri, and return transfers.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, including travel and site visits.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
No, the guides operate in English, but reviewers consistently praise their knowledge and storytelling.

What is the best time to book?
Booking early is recommended to secure guaranteed tickets and enjoy early start times to beat crowds.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are snack options available at the site.

Can I extend my visit at Pearl Harbor?
The standard tour is about 6 hours, and additional time depends on ticket availability and site policies. Access to the Arizona Memorial after September 3 may be limited or on a standby basis.

This tour offers a carefully curated look at Pearl Harbor’s most significant sites with detailed guided commentary, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a meaningful, well-organized visit. Many visitors praise the knowledgeable guides and emotional resonance of the experience, ensuring it leaves a lasting impression.

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