POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER & ARIZONA MEMORIAL TOUR FROM KAUAI, BIG ISLAND & MAUI
Oahu’s most popular attractions are on this tour starting with Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial and includes stops Windward Shores of Oahu and the Polynesian Cultural Center along with multiple overlook stops and interpretive information from your expert guide along the way.
We’ll arrive on the lush northern-windward (northeast-facing) side of the island, home to the Polynesian Culture Center. For over 50 years this location has evolved into one of the most authentic and diverse examples of the Polynesian culture, spanning across 70,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean. After lunch, we’ll explore the Center with your expert guides. Guests learn and experience the Polynesian customs, songs, dances, and games of six different island nations, each within its own traditionally built village! The Polynesians who work at the center are not actors playing a part but the actual islanders themselves from these tropical island nations.
TOUR SITES VISITED
Polynesian Cultural Center
Tucked away in the sleepy “country” town of Lai’e, The Polynesian Cultural Center is the culmination of over 100 years of the Mormon Church’s missionary work throughout the Pacific island nations. Students are sponsored from a half dozen Pacific island nations to attend nearby BYU-Hawaii and work at the center. This means you are not just learning about these cultures that migrated to Hawaii centuries ago but your meeting the actual islanders sharing their customs that are still in practice on their home islands today. Guests can explore six authentic villages from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, and New Zealand. See, hear, and feel the hospitality of these islands through authentic and entertaining performances and demonstrations while participating in games and activities. The “Parade of Canoes” show in the center’s lagoon is world-renowned as are the award-winning luau and iMax theater films. This venue is something everyone who visits Oahu should experience!
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is our first stop where multiple exhibits, museums and memorials tell the story of the December 7th 1941 Japanese attack that abruptly launched the United States into World War 2. Stroll the grounds along the water’s edge where interpretive displays explain life at Pearl Harbor from ancient times through the war years of the 1940’s. The visitor center is also a good place to grab a no host coffee or snack or just relax before embarking on your ticketed trip out to the Arizona Memorial.
USS Arizona Memorial
It’s a humbling experience seeing the USS Arizona Memorial, which includes a short documentary film of the events before, during, and after the Japanese attack including archival footage of that fateful day. Next, you’ll board a Navy boat that crosses the harbor to the memorial building that is suspended over but not touching the remains of the sunken battleship. It is a solemn reminder of the lives lost that day and the high price an entire generation paid to fight for the freedom of so many people across the Pacific. From the marble wall of honor listing the 1,177 names of those entombed in the ship below to the viewing deck that looks out over the USS Arizona wreckage to the beautiful harbor views which include the nearby USS Missouri Battleship floating museum, visiting this memorial is an awe-inspiring experience for young and old alike.
A Fun Journey Along The Way
After departing from Pearl Harbor, your journey continues across Oahu to the Windward side of the island, where the lushness and beauty of the isle surround you. The tour includes stops at beautiful overlooks, beaches, and a Mac Nut Farm, where you can sample delicious macadamia nuts and coffee. We will take some time to explore historic downtown Honolulu. You can see where historical events occurred even before the islands were part of the US.
The drive culminates on the island's lush northern-windward (northeast-facing) side, home to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Here, you can immerse yourself in Polynesia's rich heritage and traditions. Not only in what is now Hawaii but Polynesian culture across 70,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean.
Polynesian Cultural Center & Pearl Harbor Tour Details
Features
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Round-trip Honolulu Airport Pickup (Flights included from outer islands Maui, Big Island & Kauai)
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Historic World War II Narration
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Visit Oahu’s World War II Valor In The Pacific National Monument
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Film Footage of the Attacks
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Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
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USS Arizona Memorial
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Polynesian Cultural Center Admission
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Lunch Included At Hukilau Marketplace
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Demonstrations at Island Villages
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Guided Vip Tour Of The Polynesian Cultural Center
Overview
Experience Oahu’s most most historic locations as well as its most popular attractions on this comprehensive tour of the island. The day begins with a short flight from the neighboring islands, pickup at the Honolulu airport, and then a tour of Pearl Harbor including the interpretive museums at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, a short film about the solemn “day of infamy” in which the Japanese attacked Oahu, followed by water transport by a Navy launch boat to the Arizona Memorial.
After departing from Pearl Harbor we continue across Oahu to the Windward side of the island where the lushness and beauty will awe you. We will make stops along the way at beautiful overlooks, beaches, and a Mac Nut Farm too! Sample some great macadamia nuts and wonderful coffee.
We’ll arrive on the lush northern-windward (northeast-facing) side of the island, home to the Polynesian Culture Center. For over 50 years this location has evolved into one of the most authentic and diverse examples of the Polynesian culture, spanning across 70,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean.
Before going in, we will enjoy lunch at the marketplace. This is included in your tour. You will be able to choose from a variety of entrees and a drink.
After lunch, we’ll explore the Center with your expert guides. Guests learn and experience the Polynesian customs, songs, dances, and games of six different island nations, each within its own traditionally built village! The Polynesians who work at the center are not actors playing a part but the actual islanders themselves from these tropical island nations.
After a fun and informative day on Oahu, we will return you to Honolulu Airport around 5:30 for your departure to your originating island in time to see a beautiful Hawaiian sunset from the air! It is the perfect way to see the best of Oahu in one day!
*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 are still free to enjoy the Visitor’s Center, exhibits, and park monuments. Please accept our apologies in advance.
Schedule
For Visitors from Maui, Big Island, and Kauai - 10-Hour Excursion
(Subject to alterations based on Pearl Harbor Ticket Time)
7:00 AM | Flight to Honolulu |
7:30 AM | Curbside pickup at the Inter-island terminal |
8:00 AM | Ride to Pearl Harbor Visitor's Center |
8:30 AM | Ride on a Navy Launch to the historic USS Arizona Memorial |
10:30 AM | Journey to a locally-owned tropical farm |
11:30 AM | We transport you to the renowned Polynesian Cultural Center |
12:00 PM | Lunch at the Hukilau Marketplace in the Polynesian Cultural Center |
12:40 PM | Time to browse the Center's many shops |
1:00 PM | Guided tour of the center. See the fascinating villages, shows, and exhibits. |
1:15 PM | Visit the main shows and engaging activities across the center. You can explore opportunities for canoe rides, fishing, games, and more. |
5:00 PM | Return to Honolulu Airport |
6:30 PM | Return Flight to Maui, Kauai, Hilo or Kona (approximate flight departure) |
8:00 PM | Flight Arrival In Outer Island (Meet your guide if you have chosen the airport to accommodation transfer service) |
*Tour itinerary may be adjusted slightly due to weather and safety considerations.
Meal Options
We are currently providing a fixed-price menu with several choices of entrees and a non-alcoholic drink at Pounders Restaurant (named after a beach nearby). The food is excellent and in good portions. The wait staff can adjust any of those items for allergies and other preferences when you order.
Policy
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.
Bags are not allowed in Pearl Harbor Visitor Center but if needed may be checked and stored for $7.00 per small bag or $10.00 per large bag. It is recommended only essential items such as phones, wallets, and a water bottle or any needed medicines be brought on tour.
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 if you purchase trip insurance there is no charge for date change or tour change based on tour availability but must be made 72 hours prior to the original tour day. No refunds issued for any tours within the 72-hour period, prior to the start of your flights.
Pearl Harbor Tours that include airline flights from Maui, Big Island of Hawaii, or Kauai can qualify for a refund if guests add the $20 per person insurance during checkout. If you do not purchase insurance, there are no refunds for cancellations or no-shows. Rescheduling fees will be applied to change your dates. Tickets are non-transferrable.
No stop is guaranteed to be operating on the day of your tour. We have no control of Navy and Army operations which may result in the closure of Ford Island or the boats going to the Arizona Memorial without notice. In the event of this occurring, our guides will make up for it in a variety of ways so your experience is always worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
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