Honolulu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial and City Tour

If you’re considering a trip to Honolulu and want a meaningful way to soak in the history and the sights, this Pearl Harbor and city tour might be worth your time. It’s offered by Daniels Hawaii, and it combines a visit to the iconic Pearl Harbor site with a guided tour of downtown Honolulu, all in one day.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances historical significance with local flavor. First, you get reserved tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial, which is a huge plus—there’s nothing more frustrating than missing out on this emotional and historically important site. Second, the guided city tour covers major landmarks like Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha Statue, giving you a well-rounded look at Honolulu’s past and present.

One thing to keep in mind is the timing—start times can be early, and the tour lasts around 6.5 hours, so it’s a bit of a full day. Also, the group size is small (4 to 14 people), which generally means more personalized attention but requires some planning around pick-up times. This tour is best suited for history buffs, couples, or small groups who want a stress-free, organized way to see the key sights without the hassle of figuring out transport or tickets on your own.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience combining Pearl Harbor and downtown Honolulu highlights
• Reserved USS Arizona tickets ensure you see the memorial, even during busy times
• Small group size provides a more intimate, personalized vibe
• Expert guides share insightful commentary about Hawaii’s history and culture
• Transport included with hotel pickup and drop-off—no need to worry about logistics
• Flexible start times and cancelation options make planning easier

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at What This Tour Offers

This tour is designed to be a well-rounded introduction to Hawaii’s most poignant historical site and its vibrant capital. Starting with a pickup from your Waikiki hotel (or a surcharge from the airport or harbor), you’ll head straight into Pearl Harbor. The entire visit lasts about 3 hours, giving you enough time to explore the Visitors Center, watch a short video, and see the USS Arizona Memorial.

Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial

The highlight of the day is, of course, the USS Arizona Memorial. Tickets are included in the tour price, so you won’t need to queue; just show up and enjoy. The memorial commemorates the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives during the 1941 attack, making it a moving experience that many reviewers say is a “sobering” and “emotional” visit. However, it’s worth noting that, due to external factors like weather or boat availability, there’s a slim chance you might not get to visit the memorial itself. You’ll still have access to the exhibits and the visitors center, which are quite informative.

We loved the audio guide included with this tour, as it adds context to what you’re seeing without relying solely on the guide. It’s a good way to learn more about the attack, the ships, and the aftermath, at your own pace. Some reviews mention that many tour companies don’t secure guaranteed tickets for the memorial, so this is a definite perk.

Exploring Pearl Harbor’s Exhibits

Even if the boat ride to the memorial is canceled, the Road to War Museum and other exhibits offer a comprehensive look into Hawaii’s wartime history. You’ll see artifacts, photographs, and learn stories that really bring the history to life. Travelers have appreciated the opportunity to walk through the exhibits and get a sense of the scale and gravity of the event.

Downtown Honolulu Highlights

After your time at Pearl Harbor, the tour continues with a drive through Honolulu’s central district, where you’ll see the Hawaii State Capitol, the Queen Liliuokalani Statue, and the Hawaii Five-0 headquarters. We particularly enjoyed stopping at the King Kamehameha Statue, which is a popular photo spot and featured in the TV show Hawaii Five-0.

The Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S., is a major highlight. It opens a window into Hawaiian monarchy and royalty’s history—something many visitors find fascinating. The tour also stops at the Eternal Flame, a powerful tribute to those who served at Pearl Harbor.

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Additional Stops and Local Flavor

Driving through the city, your guide will point out important landmarks, business districts, and local neighborhoods like Kaka’ako, where real estate prices start high. You’ll also see Ala Moana Shopping Center, the largest outdoor mall in the U.S., if time permits.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, small groups, and travelers who want a mix of education and sightseeing without the stress of planning each stop independently. It’s family-friendly, too, with a focus on respectful remembrance and cultural insights. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, mainly due to the logistics involved at the memorial.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour is priced at $79 per person, which, given the inclusion of USS Arizona tickets, an expert guide, transportation, and city highlights, offers good value. The small group size means you’ll get a more personalized experience, with chances to ask questions and make stops along the way.

The duration is about 6.5 hours, starting as early as 6:30 am, and includes more than five stops. The pickups are free at Waikiki hotels, but if you’re arriving via cruise or airport, there’s a $50 surcharge. Keep in mind that big bags aren’t allowed at the memorial, but you can leave them in the vehicle or at the hotel.

Weather considerations are important—be prepared for sun, rain, or wind, especially at Pearl Harbor’s outdoor memorial. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and don’t forget your camera.

The Experience in Real Life

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgable guides, often describing them as friendly, funny, and full of interesting stories. Several mention that the guides make the experience engaging, with some noting their guides’ respectful approach to the memorial and the history.

One reviewer shared, “Our guide Heather was amazing. She was very informative and great to talk to,” which highlights the importance of a good guide in making this tour memorable. Others mentioned that reserved tickets were a major advantage, as they avoided long lines or disappointment during busy times.

Potential Drawbacks

While the tour is thoughtfully organized, some reviews pointed out minor inconveniences. A few guests felt that the city tour stops didn’t always go as planned—like missed photo opportunities or rushing through sites. Also, some found the $50 surcharge for pickup from the cruise port a little steep, especially when the guide passed the port without stopping.

Plus, weather or external factors might prevent the boat from taking you to the USS Arizona Memorial, but guests say you still get a full experience exploring the exhibits and the surrounding sights.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour appeals most to those wanting a comprehensive yet manageable way to see Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s top sites. It’s well-suited for history buffs, small groups, couples, or families (if children are comfortable with the respectful tone of the memorial). It’s ideal for travelers who value guided commentary and organized logistics.

If you’re after a quick, low-effort way to cover the major spots in one day, this tour fits the bill. But if you’re looking for more time at beaches or outdoor activities, you might want to consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transport in a spacious vehicle with free pickup and drop-off at Waikiki hotels. Surcharges apply for airport or harbor pickups.

How long do we stay at Pearl Harbor?
You’ll spend about 3 hours exploring Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona Memorial and exhibits.

Are tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial guaranteed?
Tickets are included in the tour price, but boat tickets cannot be guaranteed due to external factors like weather or availability.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing, cash, and a credit card for extras. Big bags are not allowed at the memorial.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, but keep in mind that the memorial is a solemn place, so small children should be prepared for a respectful environment.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve now with flexible payment options.

What if I’m arriving by cruise or at the airport?
Surcharges apply for pickups from these locations, and there might be timing adjustments.

What if the boat ride to the memorial is canceled?
You’ll still be able to enjoy the exhibits and other monuments at Pearl Harbor; the full 3 hours at the park are still guaranteed.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-organized, respectful, and informative way to connect with Hawaii’s history, especially if you’re visiting Honolulu for a limited time. Its combination of Pearl Harbor’s significance with the vital sights of downtown Honolulu makes it an excellent choice for those who want a broad yet intimate experience.

Travelers who value guided insights and guaranteed memorial access will find this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s particularly attractive if you prefer small groups and appreciate the convenience of hotel pickups.

While it’s not perfect—for instance, some reviews mention rushed stops or the possibility of missing the boat to the memorial—the overall consensus is that it’s a worthwhile experience that delivers both education and memorable sights. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just want to check a significant box on your Hawaii trip, this tour can be a meaningful part of your vacation.

Ready to explore Pearl Harbor and Honolulu without the hassle? This tour offers a respectful, informative, and engaging way to see the highlights in one well-curated day.

You can check availability for your dates here: