Remember Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona and Hawaiian History Tour

Discover the Best of Honolulu History in a Small-Group Tour

For those eager to understand Honolulu’s layered past, this Remember Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and Hawaiian History Tour offers a meaningful look at key sites. Priced at $79 per person, the tour lasts around 5 to 6 hours and is perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. It features round-trip hotel transfers from Waikiki and limits the group size to 14 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of Pearl Harbor’s somber significance with visits to downtown Honolulu landmarks like Iolani Palace and the Aloha Tower. The inclusion of a boat ride to the USS Arizona adds an authentic touch that many similar tours lack. While the tour’s pacing and depth are praised, it’s worth noting that boat ride tickets are subject to Navy availability, and the self-guided component at Pearl Harbor means some may prefer extra preparation.

This tour appeals most to those valuing historical insight, fewer crowds, and guided convenience, making it a solid choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Oahu’s history in just half a day.

Key Points

• Affordable, well-rounded tour of Honolulu’s historic sites for $79
• Includes guaranteed tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial boat ride (subject to Navy availability)
• Small group size of up to 14 travelers for a more intimate experience
• Round-trip hotel pickup from Waikiki simplifies logistics
• Tour duration of 5 to 6 hours balances sightseeing with a relaxed pace
• Highlights include Pearl Harbor Museum, Iolani Palace, Aloha Tower, and Eternity Beach

The Tour Starts with Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Museum

This tour begins at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, offering an opportunity to explore the Pearl Harbor Museum for two hours. Visitors can walk through exhibits that explain the events leading up to and following the attack on December 7, 1941. The guided assistance makes navigating the museum straightforward, providing context to the displays.

While admission to the museum is free, the tour’s key highlight is the boat ride arranged by Daniels Hawaii to the USS Arizona Memorial. This round trip boat ride is organized by the Navy, with tickets based on availability, and provides a powerful experience to pay respects while viewing the sunken battleship. Visitors are encouraged to purchase an audio guide for a richer understanding, which the guide can help arrange. The duration at Pearl Harbor allows enough time to explore both the “Road to War” and “Attack” museums, making this stop both educational and moving.

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial: An Emotional Highlight

The boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial is the tour’s emotional core. The Navy organizes and manages the boat trips, which can sometimes be affected by weather or schedule changes. Because of this, tickets cannot be guaranteed, but the tour ensures advance arrangements. The memorial itself honors those who lost their lives during the attack, making it a powerful and respectful experience.

Once at the memorial, visitors have time to photograph the structure and reflect on the history of Pearl Harbor. The tour also provides opportunities to visit the “Road to War” and “Attack” museums at Pearl Harbor, which contain exhibits about the events of 1941. The self-guided portion allows visitors to explore the visitor’s center and exhibits at their own pace.

Downtown Honolulu: Iolani Palace and Ali’iolani Hale

After Pearl Harbor, the tour moves into downtown Honolulu to see the only royal palace in the United States: Iolani Palace. This 15-minute stop offers a chance to admire the palace’s architecture and learn about Hawaii’s monarchical history. The guide explains what happened to the palace after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, providing historical context.

Following that, the Ali’iolani Hale is another 15-minute stop. Visitors often mistake this building for a police headquarters or think it’s used as such because it features in Hawaii Five-0. The guide shares the true purpose of the building, adding a layer of local insight. The guide’s storytelling makes these stops both informative and engaging.

Exploring Waikiki’s Hidden Beaches and Aloha Tower

The tour offers a brief 15-minute visit to some of Waikiki’s lesser-known beaches. These hidden spots are typically away from the busy tourist areas, providing a more relaxed view of Waikiki’s coastline. It’s a chance to snap some photos and enjoy the ocean scenery without the crowds.

Next, the Aloha Tower Marketplace is visited for around 10 minutes. Often called the “Statue of Liberty of Hawaii,” the tower is a historic landmark. The guide shares stories about what happened to the tower after Pearl Harbor and explains its significance. Visitors can take photos in front of the iconic structure, which symbolizes welcome and resilience.

Statues and Memorials in Downtown Honolulu

The tour includes a 20-minute stop at the King Kamehameha Statue. This statue is well-known from Hawaii Five-0 but holds a deeper cultural importance. The guide discusses King Kamehameha’s role in Hawaii’s history and why there are two identical statues.

Adjacent to this stop, the Queen Liliuokalani Statue is visited for about 5 minutes. As the last reigning queen of Hawaii, her statue provides an opportunity to reflect on Hawaiian sovereignty and royalty. The guide offers insights into her significance, enriching the sightseeing experience.

Relaxing at Eternity Beach and Memorials

The Eternity Beach, a 15-minute romantic cove, features in movies like “From Here to Eternity” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Visitors appreciate the scenic beauty and the chance to take in the ocean views. The tour then visits the Eternal Flame Memorial for 5 minutes, where the endless flame commemorates those who perished at Pearl Harbor.

Next, the Hawaii State Capitol is a 10-minute stop. This modern government building provides photos and insights into Hawaii’s political history. The guide explains the significance of the building and its place in Hawaii’s governance.

Additional Highlights and Cultural Stops

The tour also covers Hawaii’s vital harbor, underscoring its importance since over 80% of goods arrive there. The luxury vehicle ride through Downtown Honolulu offers views of Chinatown and the transformation of neighborhoods from commercial districts to high-end residential areas.

The Ala Moana Mall, the largest outdoor shopping mall in the USA, rounds out the tour. It’s a great spot to browse shops or grab a quick snack, especially if time allows, and adds a modern touch to the historical journey.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

Pickup from Waikiki hotels is included, removing the hassle of transportation. The tour operates daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, with confirmation provided at booking. The group size is limited to 28 travelers, with a minimum of 4 guests needed to operate.

The boat ride to the USS Arizona may be canceled due to Navy restrictions or weather, and tickets are not guaranteed. The self-guided portion at Pearl Harbor means visitors should be prepared to explore exhibits independently, with the guide available for questions.

For added convenience, the tour includes a local guide who offers rich historical insights and answers questions. Visitors are advised to dress appropriately for weather and be aware of capacity restrictions at Pearl Harbor.

Final Thoughts on the Hawaiian History Tour

This $79 tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Honolulu’s history in just over half a day. It provides a balanced mix of memorial sites, iconic landmarks, and cultural insights, making it ideal for those who want depth without a whole day commitment. The small group size and hotel pickup enhance the experience, ensuring comfort and personalized attention.

While some stops are brief, the emotional impact of Pearl Harbor combined with the cultural sites makes this tour both informative and respectful. The guaranteed Arizona Memorial tickets and knowledgeable guides receive high praise, making this tour a reliable choice for anyone visiting Honolulu interested in history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat ride to the USS Arizona included?
Yes, the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial is included and organized by Daniels Hawaii. However, tickets are based on Navy availability and cannot be guaranteed.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, covering multiple sites around Honolulu and Pearl Harbor.

What is the group size?
Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 28 travelers to ensure a more personal experience.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine. Travelers should dress appropriately for the weather.

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, free Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.