From Waikiki: USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour

A practical look at the Waikiki USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour

If you’re considering a day trip from Waikiki to learn about Hawaii’s pivotal role in WWII and explore Honolulu’s historic landmarks, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a blend of emotional reflection at Pearl Harbor and a quick cultural tour of downtown Honolulu. While it’s not a perfect fit for everyone, it offers some solid value and insights for history buffs or first-time visitors wanting a guided overview.

Two things we like about this experience are the chance to visit the USS Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center, which is a deeply moving site, and the included expert narration, helping you understand the significance of what you’re seeing. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that the tour doesn’t guarantee pre-reserved tickets for the Arizona Memorial, which can mean waiting in line—sometimes quite a long one.

This tour is best suited for those wanting a structured, guided experience that combines history with sightseeing, especially if you prefer not navigating Pearl Harbor alone or dealing with logistics on your own. It’s also a good choice if you want a shorter, manageable overview of Honolulu’s historic spots in one day.

Key Points

• Includes a visit to Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center, offering a chance to reflect on WWII history.
• Guided commentary provides context and background, making the experience more meaningful.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off from Waikiki resorts, reducing logistical stress.
• The tour takes about 6 hours, fitting easily into a day without feeling overwhelming.
• Tickets for the Arizona Memorial are included, but boat passes aren’t guaranteed in advance, which might mean waiting in line.
• The city tour covers important sites like Iolani Palace, Kamehameha Statue, and Punchbowl Cemetery, providing a good overview of Honolulu’s history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A closer look at what to expect on this tour

Visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial

This part of the tour is undoubtedly the emotional core. You’ll start your morning at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where the atmosphere is respectful and sober. The highlight is the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, which is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during WWII. The Memorial itself is a floating structure built over the sunken battleship, serving as a solemn resting place for hundreds of sailors.

The tour includes an immersive 23-minute documentary, featuring film footage from the attack and subsequent events. This helps set the scene and enriches your understanding of the historical context. Visitors can explore exhibits and displays related to WWII, which add depth to the visit.

One point to note from reviews is that the boat to the Arizona Memorial is sometimes subject to weather, repairs, or safety issues. When that happens, you might be directed to the standby line, which can take about an hour, so flexibility is key. Also, the tour does not include pre-arranged boat passes, so some travelers may end up waiting in line, which can be a bit of a letdown.

The City Tour of Honolulu’s Historic Sites

After reflecting at Pearl Harbor, the tour continues with a drive through Honolulu’s historic districts. This part is less emotionally intense but offers a snapshot of the city’s past and architecture. You’ll pass by landmarks like the Iolani Palace, the only royal residence on U.S. soil, and King Kamehameha Statue, a symbol of Hawaiian sovereignty.

The guide provides commentary on each site, sharing insights into Hawaii’s monarchy and its transition into the modern state. Stops include Kawaiahao Church, a historic church with deep roots in Hawaiian history, and the Honolulu State Capitol, which showcases unique architecture. The tour concludes with a visit to the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific, a military cemetery overlooking Honolulu, adding a sense of remembrance.

Practicalities and Considerations

The tour is designed to be convenient, with pickup and drop-off from most Waikiki hotels, including Honolulu International Airport, the cruise terminal, and resorts. The cost is $76 per person, which we can see as a fair value considering the transportation, tickets, and guided narration included.

You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes and clothes, as you’ll be walking and spending time outdoors. Bags are not allowed at Pearl Harbor, and storage costs range from $7 to $10 if needed. The tour lasts around 6 hours, so it’s a full but manageable day.

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What about the reviews?

While most feedback is positive about the knowledgeable guides and the value for money, some reviews highlight issues. One traveler from the US pointed out that “this trip is falsely advertised” because the ticket for the Arizona Memorial isn’t included—you’re only given shuttle access, and you need to sign up for standby. That’s a crucial point to keep in mind if this is a must-see for you; it might mean an early start and some waiting.

Another traveler from France mentioned that “no one came so visit missed,” which sounds frustrating and highlights the importance of managing expectations around ticket availability. Conversely, a traveler from Ireland noted that, despite the critiques, the tour offered good value and was informative, especially with the guidance.

Who is this tour best suited for?

If you’re interested in learning about Hawaii’s role in WWII and want a structured experience, this tour offers a lot for the price. It’s especially good for those who prefer guided commentary to wandering around independently. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate historical reflection and don’t mind some unpredictability with boat ticketing.

This tour might not be ideal if you’re on a tight schedule or if you’re a history buff eager for detailed, pre-booked access to the Arizona Memorial. Also, if you’re traveling with young kids or have mobility issues, consider the walking involved and the strict bag policy.

Final thoughts

This Waikiki-based tour combines the emotional weight of Pearl Harbor with a quick cultural overview of Honolulu, making it a balanced choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a guided experience. It’s well-priced and offers the convenience of hotel pickups, which removes much of the hassle of planning logistics.

While some aspects, like ticketing for the Arizona Memorial, can be unpredictable, the included narration and the opportunity to pay respects and learn about Hawaii’s history make this a meaningful outing. If you’re looking for a comprehensive yet manageable day tour with a knowledgeable guide, this might fit the bill.

However, if you’re looking for guaranteed access to the Arizona Memorial or a more in-depth city exploration, you might want to consider other options or plan to visit Pearl Harbor on your own to avoid lines and uncertainties.

FAQ

Does the tour include entry to the USS Arizona Memorial?
Yes, the tour includes the entry ticket and navy vessel shuttle to the memorial. However, boat passes are not guaranteed in advance, and you might need to wait in line if tickets are unavailable.

What is the duration of this tour?
It lasts around 6 hours, which makes it a full but manageable half-day activity.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from most Waikiki resorts, the airport, and cruise terminals. This makes it very convenient, especially if you want to avoid figuring out transport on your own.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended. Bags are not allowed at Pearl Harbor, so consider leaving large bags behind or be prepared to pay for storage.

What if the boat to the Arizona Memorial isn’t available?
You will be directed to the standby line, which can involve about a 1-hour wait. Weather or safety issues can sometimes prevent pre-arranged boat passes.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, giving you some flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, children who can handle walking and standing for periods should be fine. Keep in mind the solemnity of the Arizona Memorial.

In essence, this tour offers a quick, guided glimpse into Hawaii’s WWII history and Honolulu’s historic sites. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a structured, hassle-free experience, provided you’re aware of the ticketing nuances and manage expectations accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here: