Oahu: The Complete Pearl Harbor

Oahu’s Pearl Harbor is a solemn reminder of a pivotal moment in American history. ‘The Complete Pearl Harbor’ tour offers visitors an immersive and comprehensive experience, guiding them through the most significant sites related to the 1941 attack. Spanning 10 hours, the tour takes guests on a profound journey, allowing them to witness chilling footage, explore the USS Arizona Memorial, and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made and the resilience displayed. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a meaningful travel experience, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This comprehensive Pearl Harbor tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore major historical sites over 10 hours.
• Guests witness firsthand the chilling footage of the 1941 attack and pay respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and USS Missouri Battleship Museum.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, streamlining the experience and allowing participants to focus on the profound historical exploration.
• Visitors must adhere to the dress code and bag restrictions for the USS Arizona Memorial, a hallowed site of reflection and respect.
• Exploring the USS Bowfin and USS Missouri Battleship provides a humbling and enlightening look into the might and sacrifices of the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Tour Overview

This comprehensive Pearl Harbor tour provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the major sites and learn the history of the infamous December 7th attack.

Lasting 10 hours, the tour takes guests on a journey through the Pacific Historic Park, where they’ll witness firsthand the chilling footage of the 1941 attack.

Visitors will then visit the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the USS Missouri Battleship Museum, gaining a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded on that fateful day.

The tour also includes a stop at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, allowing guests to enjoy the rich history and significance of this pivotal moment in American history.

Key Highlights

Visitors explore the captivating history of the Pearl Harbor attack at the Pacific Historic Park, where they witness the chilling December 7th attack footage firsthand. They then explore the iconic USS Arizona Memorial, which stands as a solemn tribute to the lives lost during the devastating event. Afterwards, guests board the USS Bowfin, a WWII submarine known as the ‘Pearl Harbor Avenger,’ and visit the USS Oklahoma Memorial, which honors the brave sailors who perished on that fateful day. The tour also includes visits to the USS Missouri Battleship Museum and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, offering a comprehensive understanding of the historic events that unfolded on that pivotal day.

Key Highlights	Description
Pacific Historic Park	Witness the December 7th attack footage
USS Arizona Memorial	Solemn tribute to the lives lost
USS Bowfin	WWII submarine, the ‘Pearl Harbor Avenger’
USS Oklahoma Memorial	Honors the brave sailors who perished

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the Pearl Harbor experience. Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are also provided, granting visitors access to this hallowed site.

This means guests can enjoy the history and significance of the December 7th attack without the hassle of navigating transportation or securing admission on their own. By including these essential elements, the tour organizers have streamlined the process, allowing participants to focus on the profound exploration of the Pearl Harbor sites.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to experience this pivotal moment in American history.

Exclusions

While the tour package includes essential elements like transportation and entry to the USS Arizona Memorial, it doesn’t cover certain expenses.

Specifically, the cost of food and drinks during the 10-hour tour isn’t included in the tour price. Plus, gratuities for the tour guide or driver are excluded, allowing participants to provide discretionary tips based on their satisfaction with the service.

These exclusions provide visitors with the flexibility to manage their own dining preferences and show appreciation for the tour staff as they see fit.

Visitors are responsible for their own meals and refreshments throughout the day.

Tips for the tour guide and driver aren’t covered, enabling guests to reward exceptional service.

Guests should bring money to cover personal expenses not outlined in the tour inclusions.

Dress Code

When visiting the Pearl Harbor sites, participants must adhere to a specific dress code to gain access to certain areas. Shirts and shoes are required on the USS Arizona Memorial, as it’s a solemn and reverent environment. Swimsuits aren’t permitted, as the memorial is a place of reflection and respect.

Plus, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center has strict bag restrictions in place to ensure the safety and security of all visitors. Guests are advised to leave large bags and backpacks at their hotels or in their vehicles.

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial

At the heart of the Pearl Harbor tour lies the iconic USS Arizona Memorial, a solemn tribute to the lives lost during the infamous attack on December 7th, 1941.

Visitors embark on a poignant journey as they board the shuttle boat and make their way to the memorial, which straddles the sunken remains of the battleship.

Once there, they’ll have the chance to:

• Reflect on the powerful history and significance of the site
• Observe the names of the 1,177 crew members etched into the walls
• Pay their respects with a moment of silence, honoring the ultimate sacrifice made that fateful day

The USS Arizona Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the tremendous cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

Exploring the USS Bowfin

Nestled within the Pearl Harbor National Historic Landmark, the USS Bowfin stands as a poignant tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the American submarine force during World War II.

Visitors can explore this legendary ‘Pearl Harbor Avenger’ submarine, learning about its remarkable achievements and the courageous crews who served aboard her. The interactive exhibits and guided tours provide a fascinating glimpse into the claustrophobic confines of a WWII submarine, complete with the sights, sounds, and smells that the submariners experienced.

From the control room to the torpedo bay, each compartment tells a story of the Bowfin’s nine patrols and the vital role she played in the Pacific theater. Exploring this historic vessel is a humbling and enlightening experience for all who visit.

Touring the USS Missouri Battleship

Towering majestically within the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, the legendary USS Missouri Battleship invites visitors to embark on a captivating journey through its storied past.

Guests can explore the decks and compartments of this iconic vessel, where history was made on September 2, 1945, as Japan formally surrendered, marking the end of World War II.

Visitors can stand on the exact spot where the surrender took place, feeling the weight of the moment that changed the course of history.

The battleship’s impressive size and powerful armaments provide a vivid glimpse into the might of the U.S. Navy during the war era.

Knowledgeable guides share captivating tales of the ship’s service, bringing the USS Missouri’s legacy to life for all who step aboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour, but food and beverages are not included in the tour price. The tour operator recommends checking the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center’s bag restrictions before arrival.

Is There a Designated Lunch Break During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include a designated lunch break, but there are opportunities to grab a quick bite during the day. Visitors can either pack their own snacks or purchase food at the various sites along the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour has no age restrictions, making it suitable for participants of all ages. Children are welcome to join the comprehensive Pearl Harbor tour, which provides an educational and insightful exploration of the site’s history.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Visitor Center and Museums?

Visitors can take photos inside the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and museums, but they must follow certain guidelines. Photography is generally allowed, but using flash and tripods may be restricted in some areas to preserve the historic artifacts.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit Pearl Harbor?

The best time to visit Pearl Harbor is typically in the morning, as crowds tend to be smaller and the weather is cooler. Most visitors arrive early to beat the heat and crowds, ensuring a more enjoyable experience.

Recap

The Oahu: The Complete Pearl Harbor tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to honor the sacrifices made and the resilience displayed during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

Spanning 10 hours, the tour takes visitors through the Pacific Historic Park, offering a profound understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.

From the USS Arizona Memorial to the USS Missouri Battleship, the tour ensures a profound and impactful exploration of this historic site.