Oahu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, Might Mo, & Honolulu Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, this tour offers a compelling way to dive into some of the island’s most iconic and meaningful sites. From the haunting waters where the USS Arizona rests to the decks of the mighty Battleship Missouri, you’ll get a full dose of history wrapped in a scenic day. We haven’t done this tour ourselves, but based on detailed reviews and the tour description, it’s clear this offers a balanced mix of education, sightseeing, and comfort.

What really stands out are the expert guides who deliver a wealth of information and the well-organized itinerary, making it easier to see everything without the hassle of planning each stop. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and skip-the-line access at key attractions takes some of the stress out of a busy day. That said, a potential consideration is the price — at $142 per person, it’s not the cheapest way to see these sights, but many reviewers feel it’s worth the value.

This tour is particularly suited for history buffs, first-time visitors wanting a rundown, or anyone who prefers an organized, guided experience over DIY planning. If you’re looking for a deep, respectful understanding of Pearl Harbor’s significance combined with a scenic tour of Honolulu, this could be a solid pick.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience including Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and Battleship Missouri
• Expert guides and audio guides enrich the storytelling and provide valuable insights
• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and skip-the-line tickets
• Includes scenic drives passing landmarks like Kamehameha Statue and Punchbowl Cemetery
• Cost reflects value for a full day of guided sightseeing and historical context
• Accessible for travelers with mobility needs, though no large bags or strollers allowed

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This 7-hour adventure begins early with pickup from a selection of hotels and locations around Honolulu. From the start, you’ll notice how smooth the process is — with reserved boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial securing your spot and avoiding long waits. The tour’s organized to balance history with sightseeing, so you won’t feel rushed but will get a thorough look at each site.

Visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial

Once at Pearl Harbor, you’ll board a navy boat shuttle that takes you to the USS Arizona Memorial. This boat ride is a memorable part of the experience, giving you a direct, tangible connection to the site where an important chapter of history unfolds beneath the surface. The memorial itself is a powerful sight, and the audio guide takes you through footage, memorabilia, and stories about the attack that changed the world. Several reviews mention how moving and informative this part of the tour is — “a very moving experience that you cannot miss” (reviewer Belinda).

Walking the decks of Might Mo

After Pearl Harbor, you’ll head to the Battleship Missouri, aka “Might Mo”. This giant warship played a crucial role in ending WWII, and stepping onto its decks offers a sense of the scale and gravity of military history. Visitors often appreciate how the guide provides context about the ship’s storied past, making it more than just a walk-around. One reviewer notes, “Learn about the history of the ship and its role in ending WWII,” which highlights how the tour educates while entertaining.

Scenic Drive Through Honolulu

Post-visit, you’ll enjoy a drive through Honolulu, passing by notable sights like the King Kamehameha Statue, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, and the Hawaii State Capitol. The drive offers a taste of Honolulu’s city life and scenic beauty, and many comments highlight the comfort of the transportation and the guide’s storytelling.

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The Guide and Transportation

Many reviews specifically praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. From “Fred,” who shared lots of information during the drive, to “Cousin Elaine,” who was described as “wonderful and a wealth of information,” the guides make or break the experience. The bus itself is described as very comfortable, accommodating, and in good condition, making the long day more enjoyable.

The tour includes reserved tickets and a skip-the-line advantage at Pearl Harbor, which can save hours of waiting — a real plus if you’re tight on time or just want a hassle-free experience. The audio guides are available in multiple languages, which broadens the appeal.

Duration and Group Size

With a 7-hour window, you’ll have enough time to explore without feeling overwhelmed. The group size isn’t explicitly mentioned, but reviews suggest it’s a well-managed, comfortable experience. The pickup times are early, starting around 8:00 AM, so be prepared for a full day.

Cost and Value

At $142 per person, this tour falls into the mid-range price point, but many reviewers feel it’s a good value considering what’s included. The convenience of transportation, guided tours, and entry fees makes it a hassle-free way to see key sites. Plus, the detailed narrative and quality of the guides seem to justify the expense — “the cost is a bit pricey but worth it at the end,” one reviewer states.

Note that food and drinks aren’t included, so plan to bring a water bottle and perhaps a snack or two. Also, the tour’s policies on bags and strollers mean careful packing if you have larger items.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is great for travelers with mobility needs. Still, it’s worth noting that large bags or strollers aren’t permitted, and you should bring comfortable shoes, a jacket, and some water to stay hydrated. Cameras are allowed, but camera bags are not, so pack light.

Weather can be unpredictable, so consider bringing a light jacket or raincoat. The boat ride to the USS Arizona might be affected by weather conditions, so check ahead if you’re concerned about seasickness or weather delays.

Authentic Reviewer Insights

From real travelers, we get some valuable perspectives:

• “Fred was our bus driver and tour guide. He shared tons of information as he drove around Honolulu,” says one reviewer, highlighting the importance of a knowledgeable guide.
• “It’s pretty comprehensive if you want to do Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri,” mentions another, emphasizing the value of the full-day experience.
• Several reviewers note the guides’ storytelling skills bring history to life, making the experience more engaging than just a sightseeing checklist.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those wanting a structured, thoroughly narrated experience that covers the major Pearl Harbor sites and some Honolulu highlights. It’s particularly suited for first-timers or history enthusiasts who appreciate guided context. If you’re traveling with limited time but want to see the key sites with minimal hassle, this package delivers.

However, if you prefer to explore at your own pace or have specific dietary needs, keep in mind that food isn’t included, and the schedule is fairly tight. Those who dislike guided tours might find it a bit restrictive, but most reviews suggest the guides deepen the understanding and emotional impact of the sites.

The Sum Up

This 7-hour Pearl Harbor and Honolulu tour provides an accessible, well-organized way to experience some of Hawaii’s most meaningful historical sites. The combination of expert guides, skip-the-line access, and scenic drives makes it a popular choice — and for good reason. It balances education, comfort, and convenience, making it suitable for travelers who want a rundown without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

While it’s priced higher than some might prefer, many reviewers feel the high-quality narration, smooth logistics, and impactful sites justify the cost. This is especially true if you value guided storytelling and want to learn about Pearl Harbor’s significance from knowledgeable guides.

If history, stunning views, and hassle-free sightseeing appeal to you, this tour would be a smart pick for your Oahu itinerary. Just remember to come prepared with comfortable shoes, a light jacket, and an open mind ready to absorb one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. and world history.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, including pickups and site visits, so plan your day accordingly.

What attractions are included?
You’ll visit Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Battleship Missouri, along with scenic drives around Honolulu.

Are the tickets included?
Yes, the tour provides reserved boat shuttle tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial and entry to all visited attractions.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible, but large bags and strollers are not allowed, so pack accordingly.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a jacket, and water are recommended. Cameras are allowed, but avoid bringing large bags or luggage.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals are not included, so bring snacks or plan to buy food during the day.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially since shuttle tickets can sell out, and the tour offers flexible cancellation with 24 hours’ notice.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for last-minute adjustments.

You can check availability for your dates here: