Visit USS Arizona Memorial and Historic Honolulu
A great value tour that allows you to see Pearl Harbor’s most important site, the USS Arizona Memorial. After a short video and a boat ride to the memorial, you can pay your respects to those who sacrificed their lives during World War II. This area is aptly named the Pearl Harbor National Monument, and it honors not only that sacrifice but also the bravery and courage the sailors, marines, and citizens showed during these dark moments in history.
You’ll be moved to tears and see why the memory of this place should be held dear to our hearts and never forgotten. Tour the Visitor Center Museums to gain even more insight into the tragic events that led up to and followed this great conflict in the Pacific. Gift shop proceeds directly benefit our Pacific National Parks, so we encourage our guests to purchase items in support of the parks.
After Pearl Harbor, our guide will take you on a tour of the city. You’ll drive by Honolulu’s most historic and sacred sites, including the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.
SITES VISITED
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
Your USS Arizona Memorial experience will start at the visitor center. Our tours to Pearl Harbor include a narrated (in 9 languages) audio tour with headsets. Experience an informative film documenting the attack on Pearl Harbor which includes actual footage of that day. Spend time browsing the informative displays along the waters edge and learn more about the events that propelled the US into WWII. There are food vendors and snack areas where you can grab a bite to eat and relax.
USS Arizona Memorial
After a short film about the Japanese attack and events that led up to it, take the brief boat ride to the memorial itself aboard a U.S. Navy launch. The memorial was built over the remains of the USS Arizona Battleship itself in 1962 to honor the lives lost on that “Day of Infamy" in 1941. You can read the names of all 1,177 sailors and marines who died on the battleship, most of whom are interned in the sunken hull. It is a solemn tribute to America's horrific entry into WW2 and the sacrifices made by what we call today "the Greatest Generation."
City & Punchbowl National Cemetery
Next, experience a scenic and narrated driving tour of downtown Honolulu. This fun and fact-filled tour includes a drive through Punchbowl National Cemetery. Here, you'll see the cemetery’s beautifully landscaped acres within this volcanic crater. Enjoy Honolulu's beauty and scenic views from this serene area as you drive through to observe the Courts of the Missing, the chapel, and the finely detailed mosaic maps of the Pacific Theaters of Operation during World War II.
Honolulu’s Historic & Sacred Sites
On this tour, You will also visit other popular historic Hawaiian sites, including the impressive Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on American soil. You’ll also see Kawaiahao Church (the church of Hawaiian monarchs), one of Hawaii's oldest standing Christian churches. At the State Library, see the 18-foot-tall statue of King Kamehameha and other historic structures of the Hawaiian monarchy, all while your expert guide shares the historical importance of these Honolulu landmarks.
Half Day Pearl Harbor & Honolulu Tour Details
Features
-
Round trip narrated tour on air-conditioned motor coach from Waikiki / Ko Olina
-
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, Arizona Memorial
-
22-minute documentary movie
-
20-minute round-trip boat ride
-
National Cemetery of the Pacific and Courts of the Missing at Punchbowl
-
Iolani Palace, the only Royal Palace in the U.S
-
Kawaiaha'o Church and Mission Houses
-
The statue of King Kamehameha the Great
-
Take in historic sites
-
Knowledgeable local guides
Overview
Our half-day Pearl Harbor tour includes hotel pickup at Waikiki / Ko Olina at 6:30 AM and 9 AM. From there, our journey takes you to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, where the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and the USS Arizona Memorial await you.
Purchase a tour with us to skip the lines and guarantee a visit to the Arizona Memorial. Access to the memorial requires a boat ride, so a ticket is required. This popular destination is busy all year long and throughout the day, so it is best to book early.
After paying your respects at the USS Arizona and learning about the ship, spend a few moments exploring the Visitor Center Museums before we take you on a tour of historic Honolulu.
Across the city, various important events and figures resided in the historic districts, which we tour through after visiting the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.
Your 5-6 hour tour returns you to your Waikiki / Ko Olina hotel/condo.
*Note: Due to unforeseeable circumstances, the Navy may need to suspend boat operations to the USS Arizona Memorial at any time, or they may impose a capacity restriction on the boat. As a result, you may be placed in a standby line. Unfortunately, in these cases, there will be no refunds. You can still enjoy the Visitor’s Center, exhibits, and park monuments. Please accept our apologies in advance.
Availability
Available daily at 6:30 and 9 AM. The tour departing from Ko Olina includes an additional charge of $100 per group. We recommend booking your Pearl Harbor tours before your arrival to Hawaii. Pearl Harbor is our #1 visitor destination and will sell out on certain days of the week. Book your tour for the 1st or 2nd full day after your arrival.
Schedule
- 6:30 AM: Depart from your place of stay in Waikiki / Ko Olina.
- 7:15 AM: Introduction and insights on the day ahead at the Visitor Center.
- 8:15 AM: Commemorate at the Arizona Memorial, a touching tribute to WWII heroes.
- 10:30 AM: Visit the solemn National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.
- 11:00 AM: Brief exploration of Downtown Honolulu's historic and governmental sites.
- 11:30 AM: Return journey to Waikiki / Ko Olina.
- 9:00 AM: Start from your Waikiki / Ko Olina accommodation.
- 9:45 AM: Receive an informative welcome at the Visitor Center.
- 10:30 AM: Reflect on the historic significance of the USS Arizona Memorial.
- 1:00 PM: Wander through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.
- 1:30 PM: Engage with the rich history and culture of Downtown Honolulu.
- 2:00 PM: Make your way back to Waikiki / Ko Olina.
Meal Options
No host lunch available at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
Attire & Bag Policy
A government-issued ID is required to enter Pearl Harbor.
While there is no official dress code to visit the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, we ask visitors to dress appropriately and respectfully. Swimsuits are not acceptable. High heels, skirts, and dresses are also not recommended. Flip-flops and sandals are permitted; however, we encourage you to wear closed-toe shoes as there is a lot of walking when visiting the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.
For security reasons, no bags are allowed. Additionally, no iPad cases or clutch wallets are permitted. A wallet must be no larger than a regular-sized cell phone.
The bag storage facility can store your belongings for a fee of $7.00 per bag or $10.00 per bag for more oversized luggage.
Bags that are allowed must be a clear bag approved by the US Navy, like the ones pictured below:
Refund
In the event of cancellation or request change to your reservation, please note the following. Tours originating from Oahu, there is no charge for date change or tour change based on tour availability.
Any request for a refund prior to 48 hours is honored with a full refund, minus a 10% cancellation fee. No refunds issued for any tours within the 48 hour period, prior to the start of your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Great Pearl Harbor Tours
USS Arizona Memorial And Historic Honolulu Tour Reviews