Pearl Harbor & Hawaiian History Tour
About this activity
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
Included / Excluded
- USS Arizona Memorial visit
- Hawaiian Kingdom history exploration
- Round-trip transportation from Honolulu
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Wonderful
We had a great driver, Miss Canoy who was extremely, friendly, knowledgeable & funny!!!
A must see for first time visitors.
This tour made our experience in Pearl Harbor easy to navigate. Very informative and our tour guide made it even better with her commentary.
Changed our pickup place...
Changed our pickup place without any confirmation, so our tour never happened. Only positive is that we could reschedule it,
Our guide/driver was...
Our guide/driver was courteous, efficient, knowledgeable, and fun! Viewing the memorial was a moving experience and the ride to the site and back was quite enjoyable, giving us an opportunity to see some of the sites we might have missed!
Do it yourself. Cheaper on your own.
Honestly you could do this on your own. Will be a lot cheaper on your own but if you don't rent a car may be hard but uber is a thing. Driver was late to pick us up from pearl harbor when we all completed our activities. We all were very hungry and didn't stop for food as he was already an hour late. Do it yourself.
