POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER & ARIZONA MEMORIAL TOUR FROM KAUA'I, BIG ISLAND & MAUI
Oʻahu’s most popular destinations are on this tour, starting with Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial and moving on to the Windward Shores of O'ahu. Gaze out from multiple overlooks to give yourself a wide view of the island.
We’ll arrive on Oʻahu's lush north-windward (northeast-facing) side, home to the Polynesian Cultural Center. For over 50 years, this location has stood as one of the most authentic and diverse examples of the Polynesian culture, representing the history and people of over 70,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean.
TOUR SITES VISITED
Polynesian Cultural Center
Tucked away in the sleepy country town of Lāʻie, The Polynesian Cultural Center is the culmination of over 100 years of work to collect and showcase the rich culture of the Pacific. Owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is a labor of love and respect for the culture and history of the area. Students from a half dozen Pacific island nations are sponsored to attend nearby BYU-Hawai'i and work at the center. This means you are not just learning about these cultures that migrated to and helped to shape Hawai'i centuries ago, but you are meeting the actual local islanders who will share customs that are still practiced on their home islands today.
Guests can explore six authentic villages from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawai'i, and New Zealand. Immerse yourself in the customs and lifestyle of these islands through authentic and entertaining performances, as well as demonstrations. Enjoy all of this 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 O'ahu 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 hurled the United States into World War 2. Stroll the grounds along the water’s edge, where interactive displays explain what life was like at Pearl Harbor from ancient times through the war years of the 1940s.
The visitor center is also a good place to grab a no-host coffee or snack. This is the perfect chance to relax a bit before embarking on your ticketed trip out to the Arizona Memorial.
USS Arizona Memorial
It’s a humbling experience, seeing the USS Arizona Memorial. This location, placed above the real ship that went down that fateful day in 1941, serves as a reminder of the violent start of the United States' involvement in history's largest war. The memorial includes a short documentary film of the events that occurred before, during, and after the Japanese attack. This includes archival footage of the day itself.
Board a Navy boat that crosses the harbor to the memorial building that rest over the water, allowing a view of the ship without touching or damaging its sunken hull. The silent form of the Arizona 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, visiting this memorial is an awe-inspiring experience for young and old alike. When looking out at the harbor, spot the nearby USS Missouri Battleship floating museum.
A Fun Journey Along The Way
After departing from Pearl Harbor, your journey continues across O'ahu to the island's windward side. Here the lush natural beauty of the isle will utterly surround you. Tropical trees rise overhead, hills roll away in all directions, and rare plants and animals can be spotted right from your window.
The tour includes stops at beautiful overlooks, beaches, and a Macadamia Nut Farm, where you can sample delicious macadamia nuts and coffee. We will take some time to explore historic downtown Honolulu. Here, you can see a building who's rich history stretches back to far before the island was a part of the United States. There are buildings from eras long past, statues to figures who defined the island, and a vibrancy to the city life that is a real treat to experience firsthand.
The drive culminates at the Polynesian Cultural Center. A classic location, and one built to highlight the islands of Polynesia like nowhere else, it is a must-see location on O'ahu. Here, you can immerse yourself in Polynesia's rich heritage and traditions, in what is now Hawai'i and 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, The Big Island, And Kaua'i)
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Historic World War II Narration
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Visit O'ahu’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 Of Island Villages
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Guided Vip Tour Of The Polynesian Cultural Center
Overview
Experience O'ahu’s 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, pick up at the Honolulu airport, and then a tour of Pearl Harbor, including the interpretive exhibits at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. These are designed to help the visitor to envision themselves as being there on the day the world changed. There will also be a short film about the solemn “day of infamy” in which the Japanese attacked O'ahu, followed by water transport by a Navy launch boat to the Arizona Memorial.
After departing Pearl Harbor, we continue across O'ahu to the Windward side of the island, where the lushness and beauty of the island make for a stunning drive. We will make stops along the way at beautiful overlooks, beaches, and a Mac Nut Farm, too! Sample some delicious macadamia nuts and excellent coffee.
We’ll arrive on the lush northern-windward (northeast-facing) side of the island, home to the Polynesian Culture Center. 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, which is included in your tour. You can 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 O'ahu, 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 O'ahu 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, the Big Island, and Kaua'i - 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, and must not exceed dimensions of 1.25" x 2.25" x 5.5".
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 Hawai'i, or Kaua'i 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-transferable.
No stop is guaranteed to be operating on the day of your tour. We have no control over 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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