Pearl Harbor Battleship Tour from Waikiki
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the USS Missouri battleship
- Visit the USS Arizona Memorial
- Learn about WWII history
- See the Pacific Aviation Museum
- Enjoy scenic views of Pearl Harbor
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Expert narration of historical landmarks
- Pick-up and drop-off service in Waikiki area
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Gratuities
Itinerary
At the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, you can explore various exhibits that provide historical context about the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. View a 23-minute documentary film that provides an overview of the attack, its impact, and the significance of the USS Arizona Memorial After the introductory exhibits and film, you will board a U.S. Navy-operated boat for a short ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. The 10-minute ride across the harbor is calm and offers views of the surrounding military installations Admission tickets to the attractions on your tour will be provided by your guide on the day of your tour
The USS Arizona Memorial is a white, open-air structure that spans the remains of the sunken battleship. It's a solemn and quiet place, designed to allow visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made by the sailors and Marines who were lost during the attack Viewing the Wreckage: Inside the memorial you can look down into the water to see parts of the sunken battleship. The ship's outline is visible just below the surface, and oil droplets, often referred to as "The Tears of the Arizona," can still be seen rising to the surface Remembrance Wall: At the far end of the memorial is a wall inscribed with the names of the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives aboard the USS Arizona. This wall serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war
Walk the deck of the last battleship the US ever built in footprints of General MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz. It was on the deck of the Missouri in 1945 that the Instrument of Surrender was signed ending WWII. The guided deck tour includes viewing officer and crew quarters, artillery, a kamikaze aircraft crash, and a Surrender ceremony.
The only land-based memorial at Pearl Harbor, the USS Oklahoma Memorial honors the more than 400 servicemen who lost their lives aboard the ship during the flurry of attacks on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Second only in casualties to the USS Arizona on that fateful day, the Oklahoma Memorial on Ford Island.
On the historic downtown Honolulu portion of the tour, you will experience a blend of Hawaii's rich history, cultural heritage, and modern city life all narrated by our expert guide
Pass by: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific sits on top of extinct volcano also known as Punchbowl. The cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of U.S. military members. The beautifully maintained grounds feature rows of white headstones set against lush greenery. The location of Punchbowl Crater offers stunning views of the surrounding city, including downtown Honolulu, Diamond Head, and the coastline
The only royal palace in the United States. You will learn about Hawaii's monarchy, and hear stories about King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last reigning monarchs.
Pass by: From the palace you will view the iconic King Kamehameha Statue, a symbol of Hawaii's unity and strength. The statue is in front of the Aliʻiōlani Hale, the historic building that now houses the Hawaii State Supreme Court.
Pass by: Our guide will "talk story" of the fascinating history as the original government building of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Pass by: Often referred to as the "Westminster Abbey of the Pacific," Kawaiahaʻo Church is one of the oldest Christian places of worship in Hawaii. Our guide will teach you about the church’s significance and its role in Hawaii’s religious history.
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour duration is approximately 7 to 9 hours.
- Gratuities are not included and are appreciated.
- Tour operates in English; other language options may not be available.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking.
- Bring a valid ID for entry to military sites.
- Consider bringing a camera to capture the historic sites.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
- Service Animals Allowed
Good to know
- Visiting the museums is not part of this tour. If you want to visit the museums choose the Complete Pearl Harbor Experience tour
- Purses and bags are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor. All bags may be stored for $7.00 each
- Clear plastic bags are allowed, such as those allowed at football games, in which the contents are readily visible
- Bags containing medical equipment unsuitable for lightweight, plastic, transparent shopping bags are allowed
- Meals are at your own expense
- There are a few on-site dining options at the Visitors Center and near the Battleship Missouri , such as food trucks, snack stands, or cafes where you can purchase and enjoy food before or after your tour
- Sites are subject to close due to stormy weather
- There is no smoking allowed on the visitor center grounds or at the memorial
- Wear comfortable shoes you will be walking much of the tour
- No swimwear is allowed
- Respectful Silence: Visitors are encouraged to maintain a respectful silence while on the USS Arizona Memorial to honor the fallen. The atmosphere is one of reflection and reverence, allowing tourists to connect emotionally with the events of the past
- If you enjoy your tour tipping your guide in cash is always appreciated
- All entry tickets to the attractions will be provided by your driver on the morning of your tour
- NOTE: Pick up time is up to 30 minutes or more before the listed tour time. We will contact you the day before via text/email with approx pick up time and location.
Traveler reviews
Lots of info and driver...
Lots of info and driver was very knowledgeable on everything that we saw and all of the info he gave us on the way to the battleships.
Wonderful Experience
This tour is perfect if you are not interested in the big tour bus. Smaller groups made interaction with the tour guide more personal. Will was very engaging and full of facts on our journey. I would give this higher than a 5 star!
Pearl Harbor Visit
There a lot to see here. You could spend the whole day exploring. Very emotional. Your bus driver was funny and informative on the ride too and from Pearl Harbor.
Will is the best tour guide!
Our tour guide Will was amazing. He knew so much about the history of Pearl Harbor and Hawaiian culture. We did the Pearl Harbor and city tour. He told stories in a way that kept guests of all ages engaged. He was funny and informative at the same time. We loved Will!
Would highly recommend others to go.
Summer was amazing! They are well educated on Hawaii. We thought they were great. Drive very professionally at all times. I still can't get over how educated Summer is about Hawaii.
