Description
This full Pearl Harbor experience tour takes you beyond the call of duty in luxury. Begin at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center where you see exhibits about the Pearl Harbor attack and the history of World War II. The three museums/exhibits at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial are a must-see for guests on this tour.
Your tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial program are included. The program starts with a 23-minute film highlighting the historical events of the attack on Pearl Harbor. After the movie, you board a US Navy shuttle boat for a short ride across the harbor to the Memorial (conditions permitting), built above the sunken USS Arizona Battleship, honoring the 1,177 men who gave their lives on December 7, 1941.
Next to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is the Bowfin Submarine. There, you can go inside the submarine and see what life as a submariner was like. Bowfin is called the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” a name given because she was launched on Dec 7th, 1942, exactly one year after the attack. The name was earned through her actions. The quarters were tight in this submarine, and you will appreciate the sacrifices sailors made when they answered the call to duty.
World War II ended when the Japanese signed the surrender documents on the deck of the Battleship USS Missouri. You will visit this deck and explore beneath the decks on a guided, narrated tour. This is a highlight for many guests.
Near the Battleship Missouri, we will visit the USS Oklahoma Memorial before going to the Pacific Aviation Museum. Rated one of the best aviation museums in the country. The Pacific Aviation Museum is full of planes from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as new additions that are currently in use by the United States Armed Forces.
After leaving Pearl Harbor, you’ll see more of Honolulu as your guide takes you to royal grounds and historic landmarks. The statue of King Kamehameha the Great, ‘Iolani Palace, Kawaiaha‘o Church, and Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific are fascinating sites that you will see from the comfort of your luxury mini-coach. Are you ready to go beyond the call to duty?
Peggie –
Very informative and the artifacts were very detailed and amazing. We then went aboard the submarine Bowfin. You are able to go walk onto of it and then go below deck on the second level and walk all the thru, seeing the torpedo room the kitchen and the sailors quarters as well as some of the engine room. A must for all who go to Oahu. Fascinating place to remind and teach us what happened. Would go again.
Ian –
I have learned and discovered so much at Pearl Harbor, I have absolutely no negative comments that come in mind. Visiting the Bowfin submarine was a dream come true. Pearl Harbor is a place every American should visit in order to appreciate the sacrifices made by so many. For me it was a chance to honor my grandfather who was serving on the tender, USS Vestal, during the attack.
Donald –
It was also a chance to give our eleven year old grand daughter an appreciation of the country she lives in. The Arizona Memorial is always a profound place to visit even though we were not able to get on the monument due to reconstruction. This is where major history happened. Be prepared to be humbled.
Wayne –
We watched a short but very informative movie about Pearl Harbor, and then went on a boat ride to take a look at the USS Arizona. All the employees gave great insight into the history of the place. You’re not only able to see, read, and learn, but you’re able to feel emotions you don’t normally feel when just hearing or learning about the event
Tony –
Very informational. We would say this is a must see if visiting Oahu. Learning the history of this area and of Pearl Harbor is fascinating and important. They have some monuments all around the grounds to view and read plenty to do for half the day if not a whole day. If you go to Hawaii. Make this your first stop.
Mohammad –
What a beautiful and impactful memorial Pearl Harbor is. To really understand the scale and impact of this tragic event was to the people of Oahu, the United States, and to the World you have to visit and walk thru the grounds. The memorials, starting with the Arizona and the Missouri are one of a kind. Everything that you will see will stay engraved in your mind forever and this is the least we can do in memory of all those who lost their lives during WWII.
Gene –
My husband and I took our 13 year old and 15 year old to Pearl Harbor. The dock at the USS Arizona is being repaired making it unavailable to visitors until April 2019 at the earliest, but the boat ride will take you right up to it for photos. It really drives home this monumental tragedy in World History. I was so glad to have an opportunity to share this with my family and our guides did a fantastic job that day with the tour.
Patricia –
Very historic place…the video of the bombing of Pearl Harbor is very well done. After viewing the video, we were taken onto a boat they got us pretty close to the USS Arizona. Museums well laid out with interesting commentary. Would have liked to spend more time but were limited due to being on a group tour. Will have to go again!
Williamson –
Pearl Harbor!! The one attack that is in most history books and we learned about in school. Well, I finally got a chance to visit that very location that was attacked. They do a great job here in supporting the large number of visitors and it never feels overwhelming due to crowds.
Carmen –
Here with family on vacation and had to go pay our respects at Pearl Harbor. It was was experience I feel everyone should come to experience. If you are a history geek then this is a place for you. You will really enjoy all of the history that the memorials were created for.
Sonny –
We watched movie on what occurred at Pearl Harbor than we took boat out to visit the Arizona Memorial they have. I’m not usually a big history fan but this memorial had my full attention. I’m really glad that I got to see this memorial and experience Pearl Harbor!
Alan –
I made sure that this was one of my visits while in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor is a somber, but history-filled tour that is well worth the visit. A great experience at a major historical location that will never be forgotten. Highly recommend a visit here if in the area or planning a visit.
Charles –
There was so much to take in that it got overwhelming at times to know that you were standing at the same location that was such a pivotal moment in American history. It was our first time walking through the inside of a submarine, experiencing the lives of sailors living inside, which is not an easy life.
Natalie –
I think the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is really important to include on any trip to Oahu. The museum is multiple rooms and has a lot of pictures and text. There are a few historical items. All in all a powerful visit and a must if you visit Waikiki. I will be back when the dock to the Arizona Memorial is completed.
Kerry –
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is a moving and important museum and memorial. So grateful for all who served and remembering the lives lost during this tragic event. It was a really cool experience to tour and pay our respects.
Amber –
My husband is more into active activities and less educational ones like museums. We loved how this place had different options. Being able to visit the sites of two of the major historical events that took place during my time (I have visited World Trade Center as well) meant a lot to me to be able to pay my respects.
Teresa –
The museum at the visitors center is definitely worth checking out. There is a short film you have to view before you can get on the boat. It was such a good review of that day not only for someone who learned about this back in middle school eighteen years ago but also for my husband who knew very little about the day.
Pandit –
This is place of great sacrifice and a must visit when in Honolulu. Visited on Dec 7, which made the experience even more poignant as a serving member of the military. A great way to learn more about local history. Time went quickly as you absorbed it all in.
Wasim –
Historical and informative! Great to take the full tour and walk through all of the exhibits. The memorial and its grounds is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Oahu. It provides a beautiful memorial to the military personnel and civilians lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor and a wonderful overview of some of World War II history.
Chronicle –
Through a series of storytelling through wall charts, videos, and narration, my family and I deeply appreciate the valiant efforts of those who fought the war so that we can have peace today. All respect to the Navy for maintaining this sacred location.
Leland –
For those like myself, 64, and my son, 28, both WWII history buffs, one day was not enough. Visiting this historic site was a once in a lifetime experience! Definitely a must if in Honolulu! It brought to life the history and the horror! Gratitude for those who have fought to keep peace!
Tyson –
If you have any interest in history at all, don’t miss Pearl Harbor. The memorial is very touching, and includes a nice boat ride. We don’t understand how people advise skipping it! SOOOO much information to see, hear and read, and the audio guides truly enhanced the experience. Get them. Our docent on the Missouri was a wealth of knowledge and standing on the spot where MacArthur signed the treaty to end the war was powerful.
Skinner –
Visiting Pearl Harbor is something that you must do when you are in Honolulu. My wife and I took the kids here to see the USS Arizona. Seeing the memorial is a moving and sober occasion, and fortunately the group we were with was all very respectful. It was a very informative trip and well worth the visit.
Raneesh –
When in Hawaii, you must do the whole Pearl Harbor experience. I loved the video you watched about the events of the day! Then when we were able to go over to the USS Arizona memorial and look down into the water. You can see the rusted metal and every couple minutes you can see oil coming up from the ship below. It’s very moving! All those men died protecting our country!! It was a very touching moment.
Manu –
History! This is what every person not matter what generation needs to experience. The movie sets the tone for the enormity of devastation inflicted on the US fleet. The memorial itself highlights the Arizona in a way that respects the sacrifice of so many. Everyone else has said it, but this is truly a place that cannot be missed.
Liz –
Having grown up in the 1950’s, Pearl Harbor was always a place I wanted to visit, particularly the Arizona Memorial. Memorable trip- it was set up well with lots of information and an amazing amount of memorabilia from Japan and the U.S- from the attack. The Bowfin submarine was very interesting – I recommend getting the audio.
DanKara –
The tour company was on time and great with instruction. I went to the memorial the day after Memorial day so the ceremony flowers were still out, and everyone on the tour is very respectful. We booked this trip prior to leaving UK and were very pleased with the experience – a truly humbling journey to a terrible frightening moment in history a very dignified tribute to real heroes and the survivors can also be buried with their shipmates when they pass on
Bellamy –
It’s a must-see if you ever go to Honolulu. Our tour guide was hilarious/well informed and the park service does a great job. The overall experience was extremely emotional.
Rickity –
Highly recommend this tour, our guide was fantastic. He narrated and explained the whole lead up to the Pearl Harbor attack as well as telling us
about Hawaii in general. Many men gave their life here and it is so moving to be there and learn about all that happened. Helps to appreciate life.
BrinkCleveland –
A great Stop with the Family to see and honor our Army.. We wanted them to see Hawaii is not just fun & beaches. Everyone visiting Hawaii should
visit Pearl Harbour at least once. Very Moving experience.
ExciteU –
It has great and important history for us to always remember. We learned so much more by listening to the headsets rather than just reading the
plaques and you felt you were there and could what those soldiers were going through. We were most impressed with the respect shown on the tour
by everyone from all countries. Please do yourself a favor and see this entire memorial and learn about this important part of history.
Sonya L. –
No trip to Oahu would be complete without seeing this at least once. You really get a feel for the respect that Americans feel for their Military and we also got to speak to a Veteran of the war. I’m definitely not a history fan, but I enjoyed our visit to Pearl Harbour. The memorial is deeply moving, and it is really an educational experience.
Brett –
Well worth the visit. Put years of history in perspective. Have a better understanding of both sides of the conflict. Coming to Honolulu- it’s a must see. It’s so well done- BUT – you absolutely must do this through a tour group because you get to check out other important sites like Punchbowl Memorial and the statue of King Kamehameha the Great.