The Oahu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and City Highlights Tour offers a captivating journey through Hawaii’s rich history and the pivotal events of December 7, 1941. Guests embark on a poignant exploration of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, pay their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, and discover the vibrant highlights of Honolulu’s historic district. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, this tour provides a deep understanding of the sacrifices made and the resilience that shaped the islands. As the day unfolds, participants uncover the stories that have become integral to the fabric of Hawaii’s past and present.
Key Points
- This 6-hour tour covers the Pearl Harbor site, including a Navy-operated boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, and a scenic drive through Honolulu’s historic district.
- The tour provides insights into the events of December 7, 1941, through interactive exhibits at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and a knowledgeable local guide.
- Highlights include visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, and passing notable landmarks like Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha Statue.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select Waikiki accommodations, as well as the boat tour to the USS Arizona Memorial.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and transportation services.
Tour Overview
This Oahu tour typically begins with pickup from select Waikiki hotels, where travelers can expect to depart approximately 5 minutes after the scheduled start time.
The tour covers the iconic Pearl Harbor site, including a Navy-operated boat tour to the USS Arizona Memorial, as well as a scenic drive through Honolulu’s historic district, showcasing landmarks like the Iolani Palace and King Kamehameha Statue.
At just $53.13 per person, this 6-hour experience offers an in-depth look into Hawaii’s past, with a knowledgeable local guide sharing legends and lore along the way.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a popular choice that’s likely to sell out, so booking early is recommended.
Itinerary and Highlights
The tour begins with a visit to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where travelers can gain insight into the events of December 7, 1941.
From there, participants board a Navy-operated boat for a poignant tour of the USS Arizona Memorial, a somber yet powerful experience honoring those who lost their lives during the attack.
Next, the tour travels through Honolulu’s historic district, passing by landmarks like Iolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, and the King Kamehameha Statue.
Along the way, the knowledgeable local guide shares captivating legends and lore of Hawaii, providing a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich history and culture.
The tour culminates at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served.
Main Stops
The tour starts at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where guests can gain insight into the fateful events of December 7, 1941. Here, they’ll explore the museum’s exhibits and watch a documentary film that sets the stage for their visit to the USS Arizona Memorial.
Next, they’ll board a Navy-operated boat for a poignant journey across the harbor, where they’ll stand in solemn silence on the memorial, which sits atop the sunken battleship.
The tour also includes a stop at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as Punchbowl, where visitors can pay their respects to the fallen.
Throughout the experience, a local guide shares captivating legends and lore, bringing the history to life.
Pass By
Along the scenic drive through Honolulu’s historic district, the tour passes by several iconic landmarks, including the grand Iolani Palace, the beautiful Kawaiahao Church, the towering King Kamehameha Statue, and the stately Hawaii State Capitol building. These structures offer a glimpse into Hawaii’s rich history and cultural heritage.
As the tour bus winds through the city streets, passengers can admire:
- The Iolani Palace, a stunning example of Hawaiian monarchy architecture and the former residence of Hawaiian royalty.
- The Kawaiahao Church, a beautiful coral-constructed church that has stood as a symbol of Hawaiian Christianity for over 170 years.
- The majestic King Kamehameha Statue, honoring the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands.
- The impressive Hawaii State Capitol building, a modern interpretation of traditional Hawaiian architecture.
Experience
Visitors on the Oahu tour gain unparalleled insight into the fateful events of December 7, 1941, as knowledgeable local guides recount the harrowing details of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
At the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, guests are immersed in the powerful history, exploring interactive exhibits and watching a stirring documentary that transports them back in time.
The highlight of the tour is the Navy-operated boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, where they solemnly pay tribute to the fallen.
Along the scenic drive through Honolulu’s historic district, the tour offers a glimpse into Hawaiian legends and lore, complemented by Instagram-worthy photo opportunities at landmarks like the Iolani Palace and King Kamehameha Statue.
Inclusions
Amidst the comprehensive tour package, visitors receive hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Waikiki accommodations, transporting them seamlessly to and from the historic landmarks.
Aboard the Navy-operated boat, they’ll embark on a poignant journey to the iconic USS Arizona Memorial, where a live tour guide (speaking English) provides invaluable insight into the events of December 7, 1941.
While gratuities remain optional, the tour’s inclusions ensure a comprehensive and enriching exploration of Oahu’s most significant sites.
The tour package includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Navy-operated boat tour to the Arizona Memorial
- Live tour guide (English)
- Optional gratuities
Important Information
Certain restrictions apply for this tour, including a prohibition on bringing large bags or luggage.
Participants must wear a shirt and shoes to board the Navy-operated boat for the Arizona Memorial visit. Plus, no bags are permitted at the Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center, with only small cameras allowed.
This tour isn’t available on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Visitors should be at their designated pickup location five minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
Customer Reviews
Travelers have broadly praised the Oahu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and City Highlights Tour, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 172 reviews.
Highlights of the customer feedback include:
- Overwhelmingly positive experiences with the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, who earned a 4.7/5 rating.
- Satisfaction with the transportation, which received a 4.6/5 rating.
- Mixed reviews regarding the city highlights portion, with some participants wishing for more time to explore Honolulu’s historic district.
- Suggestions for additional services, such as airport pickup, to enhance the overall convenience of the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?
Visitors can take photos during the tour, but there are some restrictions. Small cameras are permitted, but large bags and luggage are not allowed at the Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center.
What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
For this tour, visitors should pack light and avoid bringing large bags or luggage. Small cameras are permitted, but no food, drinks, or carry-on items are allowed at the Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center due to strict security policies.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is generally wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the Navy-operated boat tour to the USS Arizona Memorial. Visitors using wheelchairs can explore the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and other highlights of the city tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour generally doesn’t have any age restrictions, though younger children may find the content and pace challenging. Most participants are adults, but families with children are welcome to join if they can engage with the historical information.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?
No, this tour generally has a set itinerary that can’t be customized. However, you can opt to explore some sites on your own before or after the scheduled tour to personalize your experience. The tour provider give you a rundown of key highlights.
Recap
The Oahu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and City Highlights Tour offers an immersive experience that delves into Hawaii’s history and the momentous events of December 7, 1941.
With a knowledgeable guide, visitors explore the somber USS Arizona Memorial, stroll through Honolulu’s historic sites, and gain deeper insights into this pivotal chapter in American history.
It’s a poignant and informative tour that leaves a lasting impression on all who participate.
