Best Pearl Harbor Tours for Shutterbugs

For any photography buff,  knowing how and where to get the best shots is vital, and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is no exception. There is so much to see (and photograph) here. So, what are the best Pearl Harbor tours for shutterbugs?

When booking your Pearl Harbor tour, any of these options will help you fill those memory cards with stunning shots.

Air, Land, and Sea Pearl Harbor Tour

Nothing can compare to seeing Pearl Harbor from high in the air. The Air, Land, and Sea Pearl Harbor tour starts off like many other Pearl Harbor tours, with an itinerary that includes the USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri. Along with some beautiful shots of the peaceful memorial dedicated to the 1177 men who gave their lives when the USS Arizona exploded and sank on the morning of December 7, 1941, you’ll also be able to grab some terrific images from the decks and interiors of the Mighty Mo.

And then comes the fun part. Beyond the standard ground-level photography, you next get the opportunity to see—and photograph—Pearl Harbor from a whole new perspective: high in the air! The “Air” portion of the Air, Land, and Sea tour is a helicopter tour over Oahu and Pearl Harbor. In addition to Pearl Harbor, the flight takes you to see some incredible views from this unique vantage point, including the clear waters off Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay, and the dramatic cliffs of Nuuanu Valley.

Complete Pearl Harbor Experience

Come aboard the Bowfin Submarine on the Complete Pearl Harbor Experience

You won't miss a shot if you have access to all of the sites at Pearl Harbor. The Complete Pearl Harbor Experience shows you everything, from the USS Arizona Memorial to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, ensuring you see all of the attractions that are open to the public. This tour even gives you the opportunity to capture some awesome shots of the insides of two iconic World War II-era vessels: the USS Bowfin Submarine and the Battleship Missouri.

The Complete Pearl Harbor Experience also takes you beyond Pearl Harbor to several historic locations around Honolulu. After leaving Pearl Harbor, the tour takes you through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located inside the beautiful and serene Punchbowl Crater.

In historic downtown Honolulu you’ll see the only royal palace on American soil, ‘Iolani Palace, and the Hawaii State Capitol. The tour also makes a stop at the iconic King Kamehameha Statue, a bronze dedication to the man responsible for unifying the Hawaiian Islands two hundred years ago.

Pearl Harbor & Circle Island Tour

Nuuanu Pali Lookout, just one of the dramatic sights on the Pearl Harbor & Circle Island tour

As you plan your time on Oahu, it becomes clear that there is are many stunning sights you want to see and capture to share with friends and family back home. The vibrant island is an emerald green paradise with so many scenic views everywhere you look. Is there a way to squeeze all of this in to one day? You could try to do it on your own, but it’s not an easy easy task.

The good news is that the Pearl Harbor & Circle Island tour takes you to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial—including the USS Arizona Memorial program—before heading off on a guided tour around the island of Oahu.

So many natural and historic sites are included in the Circle Island tour, including Laie Point, Chinaman’s Hat, the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, and Hanauma Bay. You’ll also have plenty of opportunity to grab shots of Oahu’s famous North Shore.

The Pearl Harbor & Circle Island Tour offers the opportunity to capture the tragedy of the Pearl Harbor attack and the natural beauty of Oahu in one exciting day.

Photographing Pearl Harbor

Taking pictures on the Admiral Clarey Bridge is not allowed.

We think these are among the best Pearl Harbor tours for shutterbugs, offering a wide range of photo ops. When you’re taking photos, keep a few things in mind:

• Photography is prohibited while crossing the Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island.
• Pearl Harbor is an active military base, so be sure to observe all signage and don't take pictures where it's not allowed.
• Be mindful of other guests when taking pictures. Don't block passageways or hold up your tour.
• Bring a spare memory card. You'll likely need it.