Private Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour

A Personal Take on the Private Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Honolulu and want a more intimate, flexible way to see the key sites, this private tour could be just what you need. It offers the chance to explore Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona Memorial, plus a visit to the USS Bowfin submarine, and a quick driving tour of Honolulu’s most iconic landmarks—all in a single day.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the private, door-to-door service which eliminates the chaos and typical wait times of larger group tours. You’ll ride comfortably in a private minivan, with a chauffeur who speaks fluent English, giving you a more relaxed and personalized vibe. Plus, the inclusion of tickets to the Arizona Memorial means no stressing over availability or waiting in long lines, which is a huge bonus.

However, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t designed for those wanting a deep dive into each site. With a total duration of around 7 hours, it’s a quick but rundown—perfect if you’re short on time or prefer a tailored experience. It’s best suited for travelers who value comfort and efficiency and dislike large crowds or rigid itineraries.

Overall, if you’re after a comfortable, private, and well-rounded day exploring some of Honolulu’s most significant sites, this tour could work well. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to book in advance (most people do about 10 days ahead) and that meals aren’t included, so plan accordingly.

Key Points

• Private transportation: A comfortable minivan means no crowded buses or confusing schedules.
• All-inclusive tickets: Your Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin tickets are included, saving time and hassle.
• Flexible itinerary: You get a guided orientation and a short city tour, which can be tailored for a more personalized experience.
• Limited group size: Only your party (up to 3 people) allows for a more relaxed and private day.
• Duration: About 7 hours, making it a manageable half-day tour for most travelers.
• Cost: At $895 per group, it’s a pricier option, but the private setup and included tickets add value.

Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point: Waikiki Hotel Pickup

The tour kicks off with a private round-trip pickup from your Waikiki hotel. This is a big plus—no figuring out transportation or waiting around for shuttles. The driver is professional, speaks fluent English, and will handle all the logistics, giving you a stress-free start.

Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial

Your first major stop is the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you’ll be greeted by an orientation to help you make the most of your time. The highlight here is the USS Arizona Memorial. Your ticket is included in the tour, which is a relief since getting tickets on your own can sometimes mean long waits or even missing out. The memorial itself is poignant—riding the navy shuttle boat out to it offers a unique perspective on the site.

The visit typically lasts about 2.5 hours, which includes exploring two museums, “Road to War” and “Attack”, watching original footage of the December 7, 1941 attack, and walking around the memorial. One reviewer mentioned, “We were walked to security and then we were on our own,” which suggests some degree of independence once inside, but the overall experience is guided by the included tickets and orientation.

USS Bowfin Submarine & Museum

Next, you’ll head to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park. This part of the tour lasts around 2.5 hours and includes a tour of the submarine itself with an audio guide. The Bowfin is a real WWII vessel, and exploring inside gives you a tangible sense of what life aboard a submarine was like.

A reviewer pointed out that this part was well-organized with an audio set tour, which enhances the visit. It’s a great stop if you’re interested in military history or just want a different perspective from the memorial.

Honolulu City Drive

The last leg of your journey is a short drive through Honolulu, where you’ll see key sites like the Iolani Palace, Hawaii State Capitol, and the Golden statue of King Kamehameha the Great. Other highlights include Washington Place and Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery.

This portion lasts about 1.5 hours and offers a quick glimpse of Honolulu’s history and politics. It’s a nice way to round out your day, especially since it’s a free viewing and doesn’t require extra tickets.

Return and Reflection

Finally, your chauffeur will transfer you back to Waikiki, completing a personalized, stress-free day. The tour includes a bottle of water and a tropical juice or cappuccino to keep you refreshed.

Real Traveler Perspectives

One review noted, “This tour is not what we expected,” mentioning they were dropped off and left to explore on their own at Pearl Harbor. It highlights the importance of understanding that this is more of a guided orientation with included tickets rather than a fully guided tour with narration at each stop. So, if you’re looking for a deeply narrated experience, this may not fully meet that expectation.

Pricing and Value

At $895 for up to 3 people, this tour is on the pricier side. However, considering the private transportation, the included tickets, and the flexibility, many travelers might find it offers good value—especially if you prefer avoiding crowded group tours. If you’re traveling as a couple or a small family, splitting the cost could make it quite reasonable for a comprehensive, hassle-free day.

What’s Not Included?

Remember that lunch isn’t included**, so plan to bring snacks or eat before or after the tour. Also, the tour doesn’t meet outside of designated pickup zones, so make sure your hotel is within the pickup area or arrange additional transportation.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re seeking a more private, personalized way to see Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s sights. It’s perfect for travelers who dislike large tour groups, want the convenience of door-to-door service, and appreciate a flexible schedule. History buffs and those interested in military sites will find it particularly interesting. However, if you’re expecting a narrated, highly guided experience at each stop, you might find it a bit sparse.

FAQs

Is the Arizona Memorial ticket included in the tour?
Yes, your ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial is included, which saves you time and potential disappointment. Just note that the memorial itself isn’t free; the ticket is part of the package.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, there’s some flexibility in how long you spend at each site, but the core stops are fixed. The chauffeur will give you an orientation and handle the schedule.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 7 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that covers major highlights without feeling rushed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The information doesn’t specify, but given the sites involved, it’s likely appropriate for older children interested in history. Always check with the tour provider if you have young children.

Are meals included?
No, lunch isn’t included. You might want to bring snacks or eat before/after the tour.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which provides some peace of mind if your plans change.

What is the transportation like?
You’ll be riding in a private minivan, which offers comfort and convenience. The driver will handle all pickup and drop-off logistics.

Is this tour available year-round?
Yes, as long as the weather permits, and most travelers can participate. Cancellations due to weather are possible, and you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers a relaxed, hassle-free way to experience some of Honolulu’s most meaningful sites without the crowds typical of group excursions. Its key strength lies in the personalized service and included tickets, making it a good choice for travelers who value comfort and efficiency.

If you’re traveling with a small group and want to maximize your time at Pearl Harbor, the USS Bowfin, and Honolulu’s historic sights while avoiding the bus crowds, this tour can deliver a well-rounded, memorable experience. Just be mindful of the price tag and the fact that it’s more of a structured overview than an in-depth guided narration—perfect if your goal is a smooth, private day rather than a detailed historical lecture.

Overall, it’s an experience that balances comfort with meaningful sights, suited for those who prefer the freedom of a private guide and the convenience of all-in-one tickets. For anyone craving a personalized day on Oahu, this could be just the ticket.