A Complete Guide to Pearl Harbor Tours
To get the most of your time at Pearl Harbor, an organized tour is highly recommended. It’s the most efficient way to explore the history of December 7, 1941. To help you prepare for your visit, we’ve compiled this definitive guide to Pearl Harbor tours that covers what there is to see, which tours include what, and answers to questions you might not even know you had.
Before you decide on a tour, read on for everything you need to know about your time at Pearl Harbor.
What Are the Major Pearl Harbor Sites?
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
Part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, The Visitor Center includes two exhibits, Road to War and Attack!, each featuring memorabilia from the time of the attack such as newspaper clippings, photographs, and artifacts. Interactive kiosks relay stories from Pearl Harbor survivors and witnesses.
USS Arizona Memorial
Dedicated to the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed when the USS Arizona (BB-39) exploded and sank after being hit by Japanese bombs. The Memorial sits directly above the sunken battleship. The USS Arizona Memorial program includes a 23-minute documentary about the battleship and the December 7, 1941 attack, followed by a US Navy shuttle boat ride and time aboard the Memorial.
USS Bowfin Submarine & Park
Known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the USS Bowfin (SS-287) was launched exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Bowfin was one of the most successful submarines in World War II. The USS Bowfin Submarine & Park also includes the Waterfront Submarine Memorial, dedicated to the vessels and men lost during the War in the Pacific.
Battleship Missouri
Commissioned into service on June 11, 1944, USS Missouri (BB-63) saw active service on and off until 1992, through multiple conflicts. Missouri was the site of the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. Visitors can tour the “Mighty Mo,” see the Surrender Deck where the documents ending World War II were signed, and explore inside the World War II-era battleship.
USS Oklahoma Memorial
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) was lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor, taking the lives of 429 crewmen. The memorial, located on Ford Island, features 429 white pillars, each inscribed with the name of one of Oklahoma's fallen men.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Located within historic hangars that were damaged during the Pearl Harbor attack, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum explores aerial warfare from World War I through modern conflicts. Historic aircraft, a flight simulator, and informational displays are available for viewing and interaction.
*The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is administered by the National Park Service and encompasses the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and Memorial Theater, the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and USS Utah Memorials, six officers bungalows on Ford Island, and three mooring quays.
Honolulu City Tour
Most Pearl Harbor tours include a drive through historic downtown Honolulu, taking in views of:
- Hawaii State Capitol
- ‘Iolani Palace
- King Kamehameha Statue for a brief photo op stop
Guide to Pearl Harbor Tours from Oahu
Pearl Harbor Excursion
- Round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels
- Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
- USS Arizona Memorial program
Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour
- Round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels
- Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
- USS Arizona Memorial
- Historic Downtown Honolulu
Remember Pearl Harbor - Arizona Memorial & Missouri Battleship
- Round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels
- Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
- USS Arizona Memorial
- Battleship Missouri
- USS Oklahoma Memorial
- Historic Downtown Honolulu
Luxury edition available with lunch and an upgraded tour vehicle
Complete Pearl Harbor Experience
- Round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels
- Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
- USS Arizona Memorial
- USS Bowfin Submarine & Park
- Battleship Missouri
- USS Oklahoma Memorial
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
- Historic Downtown Honolulu
What Time Do Pearl Harbor Tours Start?
Every tour has a different start time, but Pearl Harbor is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Many tours begin picking up guests around 6:00 AM. Others have multiple start times to choose from, with the latest typically being around 10:00 AM.
Tours finish at different times depending on which sites they visit. Tour times range from approximately five hours to upwards of 12 hours.
What's Included in All Pearl Harbor Tours?
- Round-trip transportation from Waikiki-area hotels
- Professional, friendly tour guide
- Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
- Tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial program
Some tours offer upgrades that include pickups from the Honolulu International Airport and the cruise ship piers. Other Pearl Harbor tours originate in Ko Olina, on Oahu's leeward side.
What Should I Bring?
When taking part in a Pearl Harbor tour, remember that bags of any kind are not allowed. You'll need to carry everything in your pockets. In addition to your wallet (ID, cash or credit cards for incidental purchases), we recommend bringing a camera (or smartphone) and sunscreen. Much of your time on tour is spent outdoors, so sunglasses and a hat are useful to protect against the tropical sun.
What Can't I Bring?
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial does not allow bags, such as purses, camera bags, diaper bags, or luggage. Anything that can conceal items is not permitted. There is a bag storage facility near the entrance for a fee.
No weapons of any kind are permitted at Pearl Harbor.
Pets are prohibited, but ADA-certified service animals are welcome.
Is There a Dress Code?
While there is no official dress code for civilian visitors, guests should be mindful to wear respectful attire. Avoid shirts with profanity and clothing that shows excessive skin. No bathing suits are allowed. Any footwear is acceptable, but since there's quite a bit of walking, we recommend that you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
What About Food?
Depending on the tour you choose, lunch may be included. See tour descriptions for details. All tours have time for lunch built in.
We suggest eating a good breakfast before your tour. There's a lot of walking and breakfast will help keep your energy up.
Other Things To Keep in Mind
Pearl Harbor tours with airfare included are available from Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. It is highly recommended booking one of these tours rather than trying to coordinate flight times with tour times. All inter-island tours include round-trip airfare to Oahu and ground transportation between Honolulu Airport and Pearl Harbor.
All tours follow a set schedule. The exact order of sites visited may vary due to traffic or other circumstances.
There are no hidden costs on your tour, but bring money for souvenirs and incidentals.
Tipping your tour guide is appropriate and recommended. Your guide provides a great deal of information and tips for getting the most from your visit; they're also happy to answer any questions you have and they'll even take photographs.
Pearl Harbor is a place of solemn remembrance. Be mindful of your tone, volume, and language.
We hope this guide to Pearl Harbor tours gives you all the information you need to choose the best tour for your interests, and to make the most out of your day at this site of such historic importance.