Honolulu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona and Battleship Missouri

If you’re planning a trip to Honolulu and want a meaningful, eye-opening experience, a tour of Pearl Harbor featuring the USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri is hard to beat. This experience is designed to give you a close-up look at one of the most significant moments in American history—without feeling rushed or inaccessible.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines powerful historical sites with expert guides who make the stories come alive. Plus, the overall value for the price of around $163 per person is quite reasonable given the depth of information and access you get. That said, a potential snag is the limited time to explore some of the sites, especially if you’re hoping to see everything in detail.

This tour is especially well-suited for history enthusiasts or anyone wanting to pay respects while gaining a clearer understanding of the events that shaped modern America. It’s also a good choice if you’d like a guided, organized experience that handles transportation and tickets for you—making your visit smoother.

Key Points

• Historical significance: Visit two pivotal WWII sites—the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri—on one tour.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging narratives, enhancing your understanding of the events.
• Convenient logistics: Pickup and drop-off from Waikiki Hotels make planning easier.
• Limited access during certain times: Due to ongoing renovations, access to the Arizona Memorial may be limited or on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Value for the price: Includes boat ride tickets, museum entry, and guided commentary, offering good value.
• Time considerations: The 6-hour duration is generally sufficient, but some reviews mention wishing for more time to explore.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Our review is based on a comprehensive look at the tour details, reviews from past travelers, and the overall structure of the experience. It’s clear that this tour aims to balance respectful remembrance with informative storytelling, all wrapped into a manageable six-hour trip.

Starting Point: Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

Your day begins with a pickup from Waikiki Hotels, which is a real convenience. No need to worry about driving or parking—just hop aboard and relax. Once you arrive at Pearl Harbor, you’ll be greeted with a brief in-person briefing about what to expect, which helps set the tone for the visit.

At the Visitor Center, you’ll find exhibits, artifacts, and oral histories that set the scene for December 7, 1941. Many reviews mention that the museum offers a well-thought-out layout, giving visitors a solid background before the boat ride and ship tours. Travelers appreciate the way the exhibits make the history accessible and engaging, especially since this site holds so much weight.

The Boat Ride to USS Arizona Memorial

One of the most poignant moments of the tour is the boat trip across the harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial. The boat ride itself is included in your ticket and is quite a moving experience—gliding over the waters where so many lives were lost. Several reviews highlight the serenity and solemnity of this moment, with comments like, “Paying respects at the Arizona was truly humbling.”

However, it’s important to note that during renovation periods, access to the Arizona Memorial itself might be limited or on a first-come, first-served basis. Some travelers have found that they couldn’t get on the boat or visit the memorial due to ongoing repairs, so it’s worth being flexible with your expectations.

Touring the USS Missouri

From the harbor, you’ll board another ship—a tour of the USS Missouri, famously known as the “Mighty Mo.” This battleship is where the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed, marking the end of WWII. Walking its decks gives you a sense of the scale and history of naval warfare, and many find it incredibly moving to stand on the same ground where history was made.

Guides at this site provide detailed stories about the ship’s past, from its role in the war to its present status as a museum. The reviews note that guides like Robert and Arlaine are very knowledgeable and friendly, adding a personal touch to the experience. One reviewer mentioned that their guide, RloRoe, was especially engaging and on time—highlighting the professionalism of the tour staff.

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The Overall Experience

Throughout the day, guides paint a vivid picture of what occurred during Pearl Harbor’s attack, the subsequent war effort, and the significance of the USS Missouri. Many reviews mention how informative and captivating the guides are, with multiple travelers calling out their enthusiasm and knowledge as a highlight.

Time management is a mixed bag. While most find the 6-hour duration manageable, some wish there was slightly more time at each stop to explore independently. For example, one reviewer noted, “6 hrs is not nearly enough; we stayed longer and took an Uber back,” emphasizing how emotionally impactful and engaging these sites can be.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes audio guides in English, making it accessible for most travelers. Pickup and drop-off are only available from Waikiki Hotels, which simplifies logistics but could limit options for those staying elsewhere. The tour also offers flexible cancellation—up to 24 hours in advance—for peace of mind.

Price and Value

At $163 per person, this tour offers a lot of value considering it includes tickets, transportation, guided commentary, and a boat ride. Given the historic importance of these sites, many travelers feel it’s worth the cost, especially since they don’t have to worry about arranging tickets or navigating the logistics themselves.

Some reviews compare this tour favorably to other options, praising the knowledgeable guides and well-organized schedule. A few mention that the experience feels rushed at times, but overall, most agree the value matches the price.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those interested in history and WWII or anyone wanting to pay respects at a site of national significance. It’s well-suited for travelers who prefer guided tours to self-explore, as the guides provide rich narratives that add context to each location.

If you’re traveling with a group that appreciates a respectful, contemplative atmosphere, this tour will resonate. However, if you’re expecting to spend hours exploring every exhibit at each site, keep in mind that time is limited, and you might need to prioritize.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Pearl Harbor on a guided tour like this balances the emotional weight of the sites with educational storytelling. The inclusion of the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri makes for a powerful day, especially with the assistance of guides who bring history to life. While access to some areas can be affected during renovations, the overall experience remains profound and meaningful.

The tour offers solid value for its price, combining transportation, tickets, and expert narration—all designed to deepen your understanding of a defining chapter in world history. It’s particularly suited for those who want a respectful, organized way to connect with this history without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

If you’re a history lover or simply curious about Pearl Harbor’s significance, this tour provides an accessible and respectful way to reflect on the past while enjoying the beautiful setting of Honolulu.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, pickup and drop-off from Waikiki Hotels are part of the package, making logistics straightforward.

Can I visit the USS Arizona Memorial on this tour? You will visit the memorial via a boat ride, but access may be limited or on a first-come, first-served basis during renovations. Tickets are included, but availability can vary.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, including transportation, tours, and free time. Some reviews mention wishing for more time at each site.

Are guides available during the tour? Yes, knowledgeable guides in English lead the tour, providing engaging stories and context.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the experience is wheelchair friendly.

What’s the price, and is it worth it? It costs around $163 per person, which many travelers find reasonable considering the tickets, transportation, and guided insights included.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply want to pay your respects, this tour brings the story of Pearl Harbor to life in a respectful, manageable way. Its combination of meaningful sites, expert guides, and convenience makes it a solid choice for your Honolulu itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: