Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial Captains Narrated Multimedia Tour

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is a poignant experience, and if you’re after a way to learn more without the rush of big groups, this self-guided multimedia tour might be just what you need. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and details, it offers a flexible, immersive way to understand one of America’s most significant historical sites.

What we really like about this tour is its self-paced nature, allowing you to spend as much time as you want at each stop. Plus, having a narrative hosted by Jamie Lee Curtis and actual Pearl Harbor survivors adds a personal touch that’s hard to beat. On the flip side, some might find the cost of $14 per person a bit steep considering certain elements like boat tickets aren’t included. Still, if you’re keen on a more intimate, educational experience, this could be a solid choice.

This tour suits visitors who prefer a more independent approach, especially those who want to explore at their own speed without a big group. It’s also great for those who appreciate multimedia storytelling and the chance to hear directly from survivors. If you’re okay with arranging additional tickets for the boat or memorial movie separately, this setup can be quite cost-effective.

Key Points

• Self-paced, multimedia narration offers flexibility and a personalized experience.
• Includes smartphone rental and earbuds, making it accessible for international visitors.
• Hosted by Jamie Lee Curtis and Pearl Harbor survivors for an authentic perspective.
• Does not include boat or memorial movie tickets, which need to be booked separately.
• Wheelchair accessible and available in multiple languages.
• Cost of $14 offers a budget-friendly way to deepen your understanding of Pearl Harbor.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Experience

The USS Arizona Memorial Captains Narrated Multimedia Tour is designed for those who want to explore the site without the constraints of a guided group. It’s a self-guided, multimedia experience that takes you through the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial, with over 4 hours of content to engage with at your own pace. Because it’s hosted on your smartphone, you can pause, rewind, or skip sections as you prefer, which is perfect if you want to spend more time at certain points or revisit your favorite stories.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you check in and pick up your audio guide and earbuds. It’s straightforward—there’s a ticket counter, and from there, you’re free to explore the two world-class museums. These museums are recognized for their impressive displays, exhibits, and artifacts that contextualize the attack on December 7, 1941. We love that the tour includes 29 narrated stops at the Visitor Center, giving you a detailed look at what happened that day and the aftermath.

Next, you’ll board the boat shuttle to the USS Arizona Memorial. While the boat tickets aren’t included in the $14 tour price, if you’ve already reserved or purchased these separately, you’ll get the added benefit of narration during the boat ride. The boat ride itself is quite brief but meaningful, offering scenic views of the memorial and Honolulu’s skyline.

Once at the memorial, the tour continues with more narration about the attack, the significance of the resting place of those who died, and the ongoing importance of preserving this historic site. It’s worth noting that no escorted tours are allowed at the memorial itself, so this self-guided approach allows you to reflect quietly and absorb the experience on your own terms.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the biggest advantages is its personal storytelling. With Jamie Lee Curtis acting as the host and actual Pearl Harbor survivors sharing their stories, you get a raw, human perspective that’s often missing from more commercialized tours. This adds emotional weight and a deeper sense of connection to the history.

Another feature we appreciate is the multilingual support—the audio guide is available in English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish. This accessibility broadens the appeal, making it easier for international visitors to engage fully with the content.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

The main advantage is the flexibility—you’re in control of how long you spend at each part of the site, which can be a real plus if you want to take your time or revisit certain stories. The audio guide quality is high, and the narration is engaging, making the experience more personal and memorable.

However, the cost of $14 per person might seem a little high considering that the boat tickets and memorial movie are not included. You’ll need to reserve and pay for those separately, which adds to the overall expense if you want a full experience. Some reviewers note that the additional fees for boat tickets and the movie are worthwhile but do factor that into your planning.

Plus, since this is a self-guided tour, you might miss the nuance and interaction offered by guided groups. If you prefer a more structured, in-person guide, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re comfortable with independent exploration and multimedia learning, it works well.

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Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Be sure to reserve your boat tickets online at www.recreation.gov in advance, as boat access is essential for visiting the memorial.
• Arrive early or plan your timing carefully, especially if you want to see the museums before or after the boat ride.
• Consider the language options if you’re traveling with non-English speakers—they’ll have access to the same narrated content in their language.
• If mobility is a concern, you’ll be glad to know the tour is wheelchair accessible.
• Remember that large luggage or bags are not allowed on site, so pack light.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a more intimate, flexible way to learn about Pearl Harbor, this tour is excellent. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer to explore independently but still want a guided narrative to enhance their understanding. History buffs, or those with a personal interest in the stories of survivors, will find the multimedia content and personal accounts compelling.

It’s also a good choice for international visitors since the multilingual options make it accessible. And because it doesn’t involve large group gatherings, it’s ideal for those who want a quieter, more reflective experience.

The Sum Up

The USS Arizona Memorial Captains Narrated Multimedia Tour presents a practical, personal, and flexible way to connect with one of America’s most historical sites. Its self-guided approach allows you to spend your time absorbing the stories and viewing the exhibits at your own pace. The inclusion of survivor stories and Jamie Lee Curtis’s narration makes the experience memorable and meaningful.

While the price might seem a bit high if you factor in additional expenses for boat and movie tickets, the content and personal storytelling justify the cost for many visitors. The tour is particularly well-suited for those who want to avoid the crowds and guided tours, preferring instead to explore privately with multimedia support.

If you’re comfortable navigating the logistics of booking separate tickets and enjoy a more customized experience, this tour offers a thoughtful way to honor history, gain insight, and reflect on the events that changed the Pacific and the world.

FAQ

Do I need to reserve boat tickets separately?
Yes, boat tickets are not included in the $14 tour price. You must reserve your boat tickets online at www.recreation.gov before your visit.

Is the tour suitable for international visitors?
Absolutely. The audio guide is available in multiple languages, including Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.

How long does the tour last?
You can explore at your own pace, but the multimedia content and stops total over 4 hours. You can take more or less time depending on your interest.

Does the tour include the memorial movie?
No, the film and boat tickets are separate. If you want to see the memorial movie, you’ll need to reserve and pay for tickets separately.

Is it accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for visitors with mobility concerns.

What’s the main benefit of this tour?
The self-guided, multimedia approach gives you control over your visit, with personal stories and multiple narration stops for a richer understanding.

What’s not included in the tour?
The boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial and the memorial movie are not included and need separate reservations.

Can I revisit sections of the tour?
Since it’s on your smartphone, you can pause, re-listen, or skip sections as often as you like.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the multimedia content and reflective nature make it suitable for older children and adults interested in history.

You can check availability for your dates here: