Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Honolulu and want to incorporate a meaningful visit to one of America’s most significant historical sites, the Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour might just be what you’re looking for. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on the hundreds of reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this is a popular choice among travelers eager to learn, reflect, and see the key memorials of WWII’s Pacific Theater.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the guides seem genuinely knowledgeable and passionate, making the visit both educational and emotionally impactful. Second, the tour covers all the major sites— from the USS Arizona Memorial to the USS Missouri—giving you a comprehensive snapshot of Pearl Harbor’s pivotal role in history.

However, keep in mind that the entire experience lasts about 7 hours, which is quite a chunk of your day, and the boat ride to the Arizona Memorial can sometimes be subject to weather or mechanical issues. Still, for history lovers or anyone wanting a respectful, well-organized look at these historic sites, this tour is a strong contender.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re interested in WWII history, want a guided overview of Pearl Harbor’s key landmarks, and appreciate a mix of sightseeing with storytelling. It’s suitable for most travelers, especially those who prefer group tours with educational guides. If you’re sensitive about the emotional weight of memorials, you’ll find this tour respectful but impactful.

Key Points

• Comprehensive coverage of Pearl Harbor sites including the USS Arizona, USS Missouri, and the Honolulu downtown.
• Knowledgeable guides who provide engaging commentary and historical context.
• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off, plus included tickets for the USS Arizona shuttle.
• Reflective and respectful atmosphere appropriate for those interested in memorials and history.
• Good value for the price of $139, considering the full day’s itinerary and included tickets.
• Some reviews mention early pick-up and slight rushes, so plan your timing accordingly.

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting with Convenience: Hotel Pickup and Introduction

The tour kicks off with pickup from select Waikiki hotels, which is a big plus. It saves you the hassle of figuring out transport and sets the tone for a hassle-free day. The guides are often praised for their engaging stories and warmth, which makes the early morning wake-up more tolerable.

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

Your first stop is the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore world-class museums and exhibits. Expect to see attack footage, photos, and displays that bring the 1941 attack to life. It’s a sobering experience but important, especially if it’s your first visit. As one reviewer noted, the site is a place for reflection and remembrance, which is worth keeping in mind.

USS Arizona Memorial

Next comes the shuttle boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial—arguably the most iconic part of the tour. The boat ride is usually around 23 minutes, weather permitting, and provides a chance to view the sunken battleship that ignited America’s entry into WWII. Many reviews praise the emotional impact of this site. One reviewer said, “It is very sobering to visit the USS Arizona Memorial,” which many visitors find true.

Keep in mind that boat tickets can sometimes be canceled or changed due to safety concerns, and reservations are non-refundable. Some travelers mentioned that, while they couldn’t get the boat, they still enjoyed the exhibits and films at the visitor center.

USS Missouri Battleship

Afterward, you’ll visit the USS Missouri, where the Japanese formally surrendered, ending WWII. The guided tour inside the ship offers a glimpse into wartime life and the significance of the surrender documents signed on deck. This site often takes longer than anticipated because of its size, so plan accordingly. A reviewer remarked, “Touring the USS Missouri took longer than expected because that ship is SO huge.”

Additional Memorials and Downtown Honolulu

The tour rounds off with a walk around the USS Oklahoma Memorial, then transitions into a sightseeing drive through historic downtown Honolulu. Your guide will point out landmarks linked to the Hawaiian monarchy and local history, giving you a broader context of the city beyond Pearl Harbor.

End of the Day

The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, ending with drop-off at your hotel. It’s a full day but packed with meaningful sightseeing, stories, and reflection.

Diving Into the Details

The Itinerary: What Makes Each Stop Special

• Pearl Harbor Visitor Center: The exhibits here are engaging, with actual attack footage and artifacts that make history feel real. Reviewers find this part to be both informative and somber; some say it’s a place for remembering loved ones lost. A guest noted, “It’s a memorial, so a bit sad, but worth every heartfelt moment.”

• USS Arizona Memorial: The boat ride itself is part of the experience, and the view of the memorial floating above the sunken battleship is powerful. Many reviewers, like Dawn, say the experience is “amazing and somber,” highlighting the emotional weight of standing above such a pivotal moment.

• USS Missouri: Walking the decks of the ship where Japan surrendered is exciting and educational. The size of the vessel can be surprising, and many appreciate the guided insights about its WWII role. As one review put it, “The Missouri took longer than expected because it’s SO huge,” but that’s part of the charm.

• Downtown Honolulu: The city tour provides a nice change of pace. You’ll pass by historic buildings and learn about Hawaiian monarchy. Some travelers found this part to be rushed, but it adds a nice local flavor to the day.

Guides and Transportation

According to reviews, the guides are a real highlight. One reviewer said, “Oli was entertaining and very informative,” and others echo that sentiment. They seem to strike a balance between storytelling and giving you free time to explore.

The transportation is comfortable and reliable, with pickup and drop-off included, which means you don’t have to worry about navigating busy Honolulu on your own. One traveler mentioned that early pickup allowed extra sightseeing time in Honolulu before heading to Pearl Harbor, which can be a real bonus.

Cost and Value

The $139 per person price includes admission tickets, boat shuttle, and guided tours. Considering the full day, multiple sites, and the quality of guides, many say this presents good value. Some reviews mention that it’s booked about 53 days in advance on average, which suggests it’s popular for a reason.

Practical Tips

• Bring government-issued ID, as Ford Island is an active military base.
• Security is tight; no large bags are allowed, but clear bags are OK.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes—dresses and high heels aren’t recommended.
• Arrive early if you want to avoid crowds, and check for updates on boat availability.
• The tour typically has a maximum of 70 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

What We Love and What to Consider

What we love:
The guides’ storytelling skills truly stand out. Many reviewers mention specific guides like Oli and Kimo, praising their knowledge and humor. The sites themselves—especially the USS Arizona—are moving and historically significant. The inclusion of downtown Honolulu adds a nice local touch, rounding out a full picture of Hawaii’s history.

What to consider:
The boat ride to the Arizona Memorial can be canceled due to weather or mechanical issues, which might disappoint if that’s a key part of your experience. Also, as this is a memorial site, some visitors might find it emotionally heavy or a bit somber, so come prepared for that tone.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience with knowledgeable guides, seamless logistics, and meaningful sites. It’s a good pick for history enthusiasts, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting to understand the significance of Pearl Harbor in a respectful setting.

If you want a structured, informative, and impactful day that covers the major memorials and historic ships, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for travelers who value storytelling and reflection over just ticking off sights. Be prepared for a long day, but know you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of a pivotal moment in world history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from select hotels in Waikiki, making it convenient and stress-free.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, including visits to all the key sites and the city tour.

Are tickets included?
Yes, tickets for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the USS Arizona shuttle, and the USS Missouri are included. However, boat tickets are subject to availability and can be canceled due to weather conditions.

Can I bring my own food?
While the tour doesn’t include lunch, there is a place called Sliders Grill near the Missouri where you can purchase food.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably—shirts and shoes are required on the USS Arizona Memorial. Avoid high heels, dresses, or skirts, and consider bringing a hat or sunscreen for outdoor parts.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour has a cap of 70 travelers, helping ensure a more personal experience.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but be aware that the memorials are somber. Check with your group if children are particularly sensitive to such environments.

Whether you’re passionate about history or looking for a respectful, well-organized tour, the Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour is a solid choice. Just plan ahead, arrive early, and you’ll have a day that’s both educational and deeply moving.