If you’re planning a trip to Honolulu and want a meaningful, educational experience, the Salute to Pearl Harbor Including USS Arizona tour might be just what you’re looking for. This half-day adventure blends history, reflection, and stunning sights, all wrapped into about five hours. It’s a solid choice for anyone eager to understand the significance of Pearl Harbor, especially if you appreciate guided commentary and the convenience of hotel pickups.
What we like about this tour are two things right off the bat: the knowledgeable guides who give detailed insights, and the ease of access with hotel pickup and drop-off in Waikiki. These features make the experience smooth and informative, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a streamlined way to visit the memorial.
However, one aspect to keep in mind is the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial isn’t always guaranteed—reservations are non-refundable, and weather can impact boat trips, which some travelers noted as a bit disappointing if they couldn’t see the memorial from the water. Still, you’ll get plenty of impactful content at the visitor’s center and the museums, making this a worthwhile option for most visitors.
This tour is best suited for history buffs, those wanting a respectful, structured visit, and travelers who value guided commentary. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with friends or family who want a comprehensive but manageable look at Pearl Harbor’s significance.
Key Points
- Concise, 5-hour experience perfect for travelers with limited time
- Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience
- Expert guides provide engaging, informative commentary
- Access to Pearl Harbor sites, museums, and exhibits
- Boat ride tickets to USS Arizona may be affected by weather
- Cost-effective at $57, offering good value for the depth of experience
A Complete Look at the Tour Experience
If you’re leaning toward a respectful yet engaging way to explore Pearl Harbor, this tour is designed to tick those boxes. For a relatively modest price of $57, you’ll get a rundown of the site, complete with transportation, museum visits, and the chance to pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial.
Planning more time in Honolulu? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect
The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Waikiki, making it straightforward to start your day without the hassle of navigating public transport or hailing a cab. You’ll be driven by a certified professional driver and guide, who is often praised for their storytelling skills and deep knowledge of Hawaiian and Pearl Harbor history.
First stop: USS Arizona Memorial. Here, you’ll watch a 23-minute documentary that sets the tone for understanding the attack on December 7, 1941. This film is often highlighted as an emotionally impactful part of the experience, giving context to what you’ll see at the memorial. Afterward, you’ll take a shuttle boat ride (weather permitting) to reach the memorial itself. The boat ride itself is a highlight for many travelers, offering a peaceful journey across the waters as you approach the stark memorial floating above the sunken battleship.
Next: Pearl Harbor National Memorial. This is where you’ll explore museums, view actual attack footage, and see memorials along the waterfront. This part of the experience is especially appreciated for its educational value. Several reviews mention how much they learned from guides like Turk and RJ, who share stories that go beyond the basic facts. One traveler raved about how their guide, Oli, made the history both engaging and accessible, even teaching a few native words along the way.
Additional highlights include a drive by the iconic Aloha Tower. This brief drive-by offers a chance to see a historic symbol of Hawaii, with many reviews noting it as a neat photo opportunity and a bit of local flavor added to the tour.
The Pros of the Tour
The value is definitely a standout here. For $57, you get not only the entrance to key sites but also the convenience of transportation and guided commentary. Many reviews emphasize the knowledgeable guides who made the history come alive, explaining the events with a mix of respect and storytelling flair. Reviewers like Gwendolyn and Kathy appreciated how their guides, Turk and RJ, enriched their understanding of Pearl Harbor, making the visit more memorable.
The ease of logistics is another important factor. With hotel pickups in Waikiki, the tour takes some of the stress out of planning. Plus, the small group size, capped at 70 travelers, ensures that you’re not lost in a crowd, and the experience remains intimate enough to ask questions or engage with your guide.
The Cons and Considerations
On the flip side, the boat trip to the USS Arizona Memorial isn’t 100% guaranteed. Weather conditions, such as high winds, can prevent boat rides, although you can still explore the exhibits and visitor’s center. This was noted by some travelers as a disappointment, especially if they wanted to see the memorial from the water.
Customer service hiccups did surface in some reviews—one mentioned a failure to pick up at the scheduled time and difficulty contacting support, which can be frustrating if you’re counting on punctuality. The tour’s cancellation policy is straightforward: full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, but less than that, and you might lose your money.
Another thing to keep in mind is dress code and security restrictions. The memorial requires smart casual attire, with shoes and shirts mandatory, and no large bags allowed. Storage lockers are available nearby but at an extra fee, so plan accordingly. Also, some reviewers mentioned the limited time allocated at the memorial—about 20 minutes—which might feel rushed if you want to absorb everything deeply.
How to Make the Most of It
To fully enjoy the experience, arrive with an open mind and some patience—weather can impact the boat ride, and the site can be busy. If you’re traveling with children, note that this is a respectful, solemn site, and the structured nature of the tour helps keep you on schedule.
Plan to spend some time at the visitor’s center and museums if you’re interested in the detailed exhibits and attack footage. The tour’s guided commentary is often praised, so engaging with your guide and asking questions can deepen your understanding.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, guided look at Pearl Harbor without the hassle of planning individual visits. It’s also suited for travelers who value historical context and storytelling, as guides like RJ and Turk are often praised for their knowledge and engaging style.
Because of the limited time at the memorial and the unpredictability of boat rides, it might not be the best fit for visitors who want an all-day, immersive experience or are hoping to spend extensive time on the boats or in the museums. Still, for a well-organized, respectful overview that combines site visits with storytelling—especially if you’re in Honolulu for a short stay—it hits the right notes.
Final Thoughts
The Salute to Pearl Harbor Including USS Arizona tour offers a balanced mix of history, reflection, and convenience. It’s a respectful way to pay tribute and learn about a pivotal moment in American history, delivered by guides who often receive high praise for their storytelling and knowledge. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it accessible, and the overall value for the price is hard to beat.
If you’re looking for an experience that’s both educational and meaningful, and you’re okay with possible weather-related hiccups or short time at the memorial, this tour serves as a solid choice. It’s particularly suited for those who want a guided, well-organized visit without the stress of planning every detail themselves.
For travelers who prioritize deep exploration or are seeking a more flexible, self-guided experience, you might want to consider other options. But if a respectful, rundown with good storytelling sounds appealing, this tour is worth considering.
Salute to Pearl Harbor Including USS Arizona
“Sorry this is late, but our day at PH was great. Your bus picked up at a very close location to our Hotel.”
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally appropriate for most travelers, including children, especially given it’s guided and structured. However, the site is solemn and respectful, so young children should be supervised.
What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is recommended. Shirts and shoes are required at the USS Arizona Memorial. No swimsuits, and high heels, dresses, or skirts are not recommended for comfort and safety.
Are there lockers for storage?
Yes, lockers are available nearby at Pearl Harbor for $7. If you bring large bags, you’ll need to store them there.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.
What happens if the boat ride is canceled?
If the boat to USS Arizona is canceled due to weather or other reasons, you can still enjoy the exhibits, film, and memorials at the visitor’s center.
How long is the tour?
Approximately 5 hours, including pickup, site visits, and drop-off.
Is the tour good value for the price?
Absolutely. For $57, you get guided commentary, museum access, site visits, and transportation, making it a worthwhile option for a respectful and informative visit.
In summary, this tour is a respectful, well-organized way to learn about Pearl Harbor without a lot of fuss. It’s excellent for history enthusiasts, those new to Pearl Harbor, or travelers looking for a meaningful half-day experience in Honolulu. Just keep in mind the weather variability and brief time at the memorial when planning your visit.
