Private Tour-Pearl Harbor with Arizona Memorial + Scenic Lookouts

Discover Honolulu’s Iconic Landmarks with a Private, Customizable Tour

This private tour in Honolulu offers an engaging and flexible way to experience some of the city’s most notable sights in a single day. For $189 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including a visit to Pearl Harbor with the Arizona Memorial, scenic lookouts like Nuuanu Pali and Diamond Head, and key landmarks such as Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha Statue. The tour includes pickup services from your accommodation or cruise port, a comfortable air-conditioned minivan, and a guide who helps capture moments with a high-resolution camera.

What makes this experience stand out is its customizable nature—you can tailor the stops to your interests, whether you’re interested in history, photography, or simply enjoying panoramic vistas. While admission to Pearl Harbor is included, some other sites are visited from the outside, and meal costs are separate. This tour suits history enthusiasts, photographers, and visitors eager to see Hawaii’s most famous landmarks without the rush of larger group tours.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience in Honolulu lasting about 8 hours
• Includes Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial with free admission
• Scenic lookouts like Nuuanu Pali and Diamond Head showcase panoramic views
• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or cruise terminal
• Comfortable transportation in a clean, air-conditioned minivan
• Guide assists with photos and provides insights into Hawaiian culture and history

Starting Point: Pickup and Drop-Off in Honolulu or Waikiki

This tour starts at 9:00 am with pickup from your hotel, Waikiki, or Honolulu cruise terminal. The flexible pickup makes it easy to incorporate the tour into your schedule without extra hassle. The private nature of the experience means only your group participates, offering a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere. The air-conditioned minivan ensures comfort throughout the day, especially on warm days.

Visiting Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial and National Memorial

The tour’s first stop is Pearl Harbor, a site of profound historical significance. You spend about 1 hour 15 minutes exploring the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which features exhibits and monuments dedicated to World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial, included in the tour, takes 45 minutes and offers a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives during the 1941 attack. Reservations are handled for you, and admission tickets are included, ensuring swift access despite high demand.

This stop is especially moving, and guides provide context about the attack’s impact on Hawaii and the nation. Since access to the memorial is limited, guides may only accompany guests briefly at the visitor center, but they offer valuable insights beforehand.

Tasting Local Flavors at a Honolulu Restaurant

Midway through the tour, a carefully selected local restaurant allows guests to sample authentic Hawaiian cuisine. The one-hour stop lets visitors enjoy local flavors, providing a delicious break from sightseeing. The restaurant choice depends on your preferences and guide recommendations, ensuring a personalized experience.

This culinary pause not only satisfies hunger but also offers a glimpse into Honolulu’s vibrant food scene, which is a highlight for many visitors.

Exploring Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha Statue

After lunch, the tour continues with a quick exterior visit to Iolani Palace, the only royal palace within the United States. In about 15 minutes, guests learn about Hawaii’s monarchy and the palace’s role in the islands’ history.

Next, the King Kamehameha Statue stands as a striking tribute to the monarch who united the Hawaiian Islands. It’s another brief stop of 15 minutes, offering excellent photo opportunities and a chance to hear about Kamehameha’s leadership and legacy.

Both sites are free to view from the outside, but they offer rich stories that enhance understanding of Hawaii’s royal past.

Scenic Lookouts: Nuuanu Pali and Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Park

The tour emphasizes breathtaking vistas at Nuuanu Pali and Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Park. At Nuuanu Pali, a 15-minute stop provides panoramic views of Oahu’s windward coast, with lush valleys, mountains, and historic significance. The lookout is a popular spot, offering stunning photo opportunities.

Similarly, Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Park offers sweeping views of Honolulu, Diamond Head, and the surrounding mountains. This 15-minute stop is perfect for capturing the scenic beauty and taking a moment to appreciate Hawaii’s natural landscape.

Both lookouts are included in the tour and do not require additional admission fees.

Honoring the Military at Punchbowl National Memorial

Driving through the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific, guests experience a serene drive past the hallowed resting place of many U.S. military members. This stop isn’t long—just enough to appreciate the atmosphere and respect the sacrifices made by service members. It’s a drive-by experience with commentary on its significance.

Visiting Diamond Head and the Amelia Earhart Marker

The highlight of the afternoon is the visit to Diamond Head State Monument. The 15-minute stop at the Diamond Head Lookout offers spectacular views of the coastline and ocean. This site is also home to the historic Amelia Earhart marker, adding a touch of aviation history to the scenic viewpoint.

This vantage point provides an excellent backdrop for photos and an opportunity to learn about one of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks.

Flexibility and Customization of the Tour

Being private and customizable, this tour allows guides to adjust stops and pacing according to your interests. If a particular site captivates you, more time can be allocated, while less-interest stops can be shortened. The high-resolution camera provided by the guide helps capture memorable moments without needing your own equipment.

Guides are knowledgeable about Hawaiian culture, history, and natural scenery, enriching the experience with insights at each stop.

Practical Details and Additional Considerations

The tour includes cold bottled water, umbrellas, and sunscreen—essentials for outdoor sightseeing. While admissions to some sites are included (like Pearl Harbor), others are viewed externally, and lunch is not included in the price. Gratuities are optional but appreciated.

Cancellation is free if made 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility. The tour requires good weather, and in case of cancellations due to poor weather, a different date or full refund is available.

The Value of a Private, Guided Experience in Honolulu

This $189 tour offers a well-rounded look at Honolulu’s historic and scenic highlights with the convenience of private transportation and a dedicated guide. The customizable nature allows for a tailored experience that suits your interests, making it ideal for those who prefer a more intimate and flexible approach to sightseeing.

The inclusion of must-see landmarks like Pearl Harbor, combined with panoramic lookouts and cultural stops, makes this tour a comprehensive option for visitors wanting a curated overview of Oahu in a single day.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

History buffs will benefit from the detailed insights into Pearl Harbor and Hawaiian monarchy, while photographers will find plenty of scenic vistas at Nuuanu Pali, Diamond Head, and Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a. Anyone seeking a private, personalized experience with flexible pacing and local guidance** will appreciate the customization options.

This tour is not suited for those wanting an active or physically demanding experience, as most stops are brief and involve minimal walking.

Final Thoughts on the Private Pearl Harbor and Scenic Lookouts Tour

This private tour provides a meaningful and scenic way to explore some of Honolulu’s most important landmarks. The combination of historical sites, panoramic viewpoints, and cultural stops makes for a well-balanced day, especially with the ability to tailor the experience.

While some sites are viewed from the outside, the inclusion of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial adds significant emotional weight and historical context. The comfortable transport and knowledgeable guide further enhance the experience, making it a worthwhile choice for visitors seeking a personalized, informative, and scenic tour of Oahu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour’s flexible pacing makes it suitable for families, especially with the included water, umbrellas, and sunscreen.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, since this is a private tour, your guide can adjust the itinerary to focus more on sites of particular interest or add optional stops if desired.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but a stop at a local restaurant provides an opportunity to enjoy Hawaiian cuisine. Lunch expenses are separate.

What should I bring?
We recommend bringing sunscreen, umbrellas, and bottled water. The guide provides a clear plastic bag for your belongings inside Pearl Harbor.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If canceled due to weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. Good weather is required for most outdoor scenic stops.

How long does each site typically take?
Most stops range from 15 to 45 minutes, with longer visits at Pearl Harbor and scenic lookouts to enjoy the views and take photos.