Pearl Harbor & Hawaiian History Tour

From$57
5 hours
Honolulu, USA

About this activity

Explore Pearl Harbor's history and Hawaiian Kingdom heritage on this guided tour from Honolulu, including the USS Arizona Memorial visit.

Highlights

  • Visit the USS Arizona Memorial
  • Explore Hawaiian Kingdom history
  • Learn about Pearl Harbor events
  • Discover Oahu's rich heritage
  • Enjoy guided tour with expert insights

Full description

Dive into Hawaii's rich history with a guided tour that takes you to the iconic USS Arizona Memorial, where you'll pay respects to those lost during the Pearl Harbor attack. Delve into the fascinating story of the Hawaiian Kingdom, uncovering tales of its monarchy, culture, and eventual annexation. This immersive experience offers a unique blend of historical insights and cultural exploration, all within a convenient 5-hour tour from Honolulu. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with Hawaii's past in a meaningful way.

Included / Excluded

  • USS Arizona Memorial visit
  • Hawaiian Kingdom history exploration
  • Round-trip transportation from Honolulu
  • Meals and personal expenses

Itinerary

1

The USS Arizona Memorial is an essential stop on your itinerary! Begin your experience by embarking on a Navy-operated vessel after watching an immersive film that vividly portrays the significant events of December 7, 1941. This moving journey seamlessly transitions to a serene and reverent visit to the iconic USS Arizona Memorial, carefully built directly over the submerged battleship USS Arizona. Here, you'll have plenty of time for introspection and honoring the lives lost on that momentous day in history.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
2

Delve into the immersive storytelling of the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center, where you can fully absorb the detailed account of the attack and its repercussions through engaging interactive displays and multimedia showcases. Gain insights into how the events of December 7, 1941, profoundly altered the course of Hawaii’s history and left a lasting impact on the global stage. Inside the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center, you’ll find the Road to War Exhibit, which offers a deep dive into historical artifacts related to the battle, photographs taken during the attack, live interviews, and personal mementos. This gallery presents a detailed and immersive journey, encouraging visitors to explore the profound historical significance of the events surrounding December 7, 1941.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
3

Pass by: The King Kamehameha Statue is a monumental bronze sculpture located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It depicts King Kamehameha I, the first monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, standing majestically with a spear in his left hand and his right hand extended, symbolizing peace. The statue is about 18 feet tall and weighs over 15,000 pounds, making it an impressive and iconic landmark in the city. It was commissioned in 1878 by King David Kalakaua and sculpted by Thomas Ridgeway Gould, a prominent American sculptor. Today, the King Kamehameha Statue is a symbol of Hawaiian heritage and a popular tourist attraction.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Pass by: Iolani Palace, located in downtown Honolulu, is the only royal palace in the United States. It was built in 1882 during the reign of King David Kalakaua and served as the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchs until the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. The palace is a masterpiece of Hawaiian architecture, blending elements of European and Hawaiian styles, featuring grand halls, elegant rooms, and intricate woodwork. Today, Iolani Palace is a museum that offers tours to visitors, showcasing the history and culture of Hawaii's monarchy. Its rich heritage and regal charm make it a significant historical landmark in Hawaii.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Pass by: Downtown Honolulu is the historic and political heart of Hawaii, where past and present meet. On the tour, you'll stop at ʻIolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S., and the King Kamehameha Statue, honoring the great Hawaiian ruler who united the islands.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Pass by: The Hawaii State Capitol is a striking architectural landmark located in downtown Honolulu. Designed by renowned architect John Carl Warnecke, it was completed in 1969 and serves as the seat of government for the state of Hawaii. The building's unique design features a distinctive volcano-inspired shape with two legislative chambers resembling lava flows and a central rotunda symbolizing the eye of a hurricane. Surrounding the Capitol is a lush open-air courtyard filled with native Hawaiian plants and a reflecting pool, creating a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The Capitol is home to the Hawaii State Legislature, Governor's office, and other state government agencies. Its modernist design and cultural significance make it a must-visit for tourists and a focal point of political life in Hawaii.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Pass by: The Mission Houses Museum in Honolulu is a historic complex consisting of three restored missionary homes: the Frame House (1821), the Chamberlain House (1831), and the Printing Office (1841). These houses offer a glimpse into the lives of American Protestant missionaries who arrived in Hawaii in the early 19th century. The museum's exhibits include period furnishings, artifacts, and documents that showcase the missionaries' daily activities, cultural exchanges, and contributions to Hawaiian society. Visitors can explore the museum to learn about missionary life, Hawaiian history, and the impact of Western influence on the islands. The Mission Houses Museum serves as an educational resource, preserving the heritage of Hawaii's missionary era and fostering an understanding of its complex cultural dynamics.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

Pass by: Kawaiahao Church, established in 1820, is a historic landmark in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its distinct coral block construction and towering steeple make it a prominent feature in the city's skyline. The church's interior boasts elegant koa wood furnishings and a serene atmosphere conducive to worship. With a rich history intertwined with Hawaiian royalty, Kawaiahao Church remains a significant cultural and spiritual center in the community. Its ongoing role in preserving Hawaiian traditions and hosting religious services makes it a cherished symbol of faith and heritage in Hawaii.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.
  • Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow guide instructions.
  • Be prepared for security screenings at memorial sites.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
  • Ensure you have a valid ID for entry to certain sites.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Infants Required On Laps

Good to know

  • The total duration including the transportation from one place to another
  • Will you be bringing a wheelchair? If yes, please write this in the Special Instructions section so we can assign you to a bus with a storage compartment. We only accept standard foldable wheelchairs. Guests must be accompanied and able to walk a short distance to board the bus, as we do not have a ramp.

Traveler reviews

4.7
247 reviews
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Great tour

Information shared was perfect and entertaining.

mvM5491ZMMay 15, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Go Hawaii

Excellent service and extremely knowledgeable guide kanoi.

Sandra VMay 14, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Must see Pearl Harbour

Great day out and guide was so informative and professional

G7417SDphilipdMay 14, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Pearl Harbour with Kanoe

This was a well organised tour from start to finish, helped enormously by Kanoe’s introductions of fellow passengers and non-stop running commentary on the journey to Pearl Harbour. This was both informative and entertaining, further helped by Kanoe’s wonderfully dry sense of humour. Once at Pearl Harbour Kanoe explained the geography of the site, must see exhibits and procedure for visiting the USS Arizona Memorial before we were left to our own devices for 3 or more hours. For the return journey to Waikiki, Kanoe worked just as hard, fielding questions from passenger and telling us more about the history, the local area and the Hawaiian language. We thoroughly recommend a visit to Pearl Harbour organised by Go Hawaii, especially with Kanoe as tour guide.

X6658SLmarklMay 8, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Exceptional Pearl Harbor Tour with Kanoi

Our group had an unforgettable experience on our Pearl Harbor tour, thanks to our guide, Kanoi. She was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and attentive, and she brought the history of Pearl Harbor to life with clarity and respect. Her storytelling made the experience both educational and deeply meaningful. She kept our group engaged throughout the entire tour, answered every question with patience, and added thoughtful context that helped us understand the significance of the site, including the local area (and where each of our groups were from!). What stood out most was how she made the tour feel personal and special for our entire group. The information was rich, and her passion for the history truly elevated the experience. We left feeling informed, moved, and grateful for her guidance. Highly recommend booking a tour with Kaoni if you want a memorable and impactful visit to Pearl Harbor.

Sharon PApr 30, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

The total duration including the transportation from one place to another Will you be bringing a wheelchair? If yes, please write this in the Special Instructions section so we can assign you to a bus with a storage compartment. We only accept standard foldable wheelchairs. Guests must be accompanied and able to walk a short distance to board the bus, as we do not have a ramp.