Honolulu: Pearl Harbor, Dole & Polynesian Cultural Center

Three Oahu landmarks in one day: Pearl Harbor's memorial, pineapple history, and six Pacific island villages

You visit Pearl Harbor's USS Arizona Memorial with a boat shuttle and exhibits, stop at Dole Plantation for a Dole Whip and the gift shop, drive the scenic North Shore past famous surf breaks, then spend the afternoon at Polynesian Cultural Center exploring six island villages, watching dances, taking a canoe ride, and eating a barbecue lunch. Round-trip transport from Waikiki, a professional guide, and all attraction entry are included. You'll need to bring cash for extras and wear shoes that handle several hours of walking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. USS Arizona Memorial1h · entry included
2. Dole Plantation1h
3. North Shorepassing by
4. Polynesian Cultural Center3h · entry included

Visit Pearl Harbor, Dole, and Polynesian Center

• Explore Pearl Harbor exhibits
• Watch Pearl Harbor documentary
• Boat ride to USS Arizona Memorial
• Visit USS Arizona Memorial
• Shop at Dole Plantation Store
• Try frozen Dole Whip treat
• Walk to Rainbow Eucalyptus trees
• Arrive at Polynesian Cultural Center
• Explore Polynesian villages and meet islanders
• Take canoe ride and learn cultural activities
• Enjoy Polynesian Canoe Pageant
• Relax with barbecue lunch

The experience

"You're going to walk a lot today, but it's worth every step," our driver said as we pulled out of Waikiki before dawn. He wasn't wrong. The Honolulu tour hits three major sites (Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, and Polynesian Cultural Center), and the pace is tight but manageable if you wear shoes that don't punish you. Pickup happens up to 30 minutes before the listed tour time (the operator texts you the exact location the day before), and then it's a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned van with a small group, usually under a dozen people.

Pearl Harbor comes first. You'll spend time in the visitor center looking at exhibits about December 7, 1941, then watch a 23-minute documentary before boarding a 10-minute boat shuttle out to the USS Arizona Memorial itself: that white, open-air structure floating over the sunken battleship. The memorial lists 1,177 names on the Remembrance Wall, and the whole space carries real weight. The operator asks visitors to keep quiet and respectful, which changes how you move through it. One thing to know: bags aren't allowed inside Pearl Harbor, but there's storage for $7 each, and the boat tickets are included in your tour price. After that, you head to Dole Plantation on the way north. You get time to walk around, grab a Dole Whip (the famous pineapple soft-serve), browse the plantation store for souvenirs, and if you're quick, see the Rainbow Eucalyptus trees with their wild multicolored bark.

The drive up the North Shore is scenic. You'll pass Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach, those legendary surf spots, and the coastline is genuinely beautiful. Then comes the Polynesian Cultural Center, where things open up. You move through six different village areas representing Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand. There are actual Pacific islanders working in each village, and you can watch dances, listen to songs, try things like Tahitian spear throwing or Samoan cooking techniques. A canoe ride connects the villages, and later there's a colorful Polynesian Canoe Pageant you can sit back and watch. Lunch, a barbecue meal, is included, though drinks and extra snacks cost extra. Bring cash. Many roadside stands and food trucks don't take cards.

The whole day runs long, so comfortable shoes aren't optional. You're not climbing mountains or doing anything extreme, but you will walk several city blocks across multiple sites, and the Hawaiian sun is real. The tour wraps in the evening, and you get dropped back at your Waikiki location. One last thing: USS Arizona Memorial passes are subject to availability. If advance passes sell out, you might end up in the National Park Service standby line, which isn't guaranteed either, though the operator will do what they can.

What’s included

• Your day includes round-trip transportation from select Waikiki locations in an air-conditioned van, a professional local driver-guide, entry to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial with boat shuttle tickets, entry to Dole Plantation, entry to Polynesian Cultural Center with access to all six island villages and the Canoe Pageant, a barbecue lunch at the Cultural Center, and a scenic drive along the North Shore.
• Specialized infant seats are available, and service animals are allowed.
• Admission tickets to attractions are provided by your guide on the day of the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday and SundayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Aloha Sunshine Tours

Is this one for you?This tour works well if you want to see three major Honolulu attractions in a single day without arranging separate transport, entry tickets, and timing: the fixed schedule and included shuttle passes handle the logistics, though you'll need to be comfortable walking several miles across the day and bring cash for extras and bag storage.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the tour start from Waikiki?

Pickup happens up to 30 minutes before the listed tour time. The operator contacts you the day before via text or email with your exact pickup location and time.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a barbecue lunch is included at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Drinks, snacks, and meals at other stops are at your own expense.

Can I bring a bag to Pearl Harbor?

No, bags and purses are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor. Clear plastic bags (like those allowed at football games) are permitted. Bag storage costs $7 each. Bags with medical equipment are allowed.

How long is the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial?

The boat shuttle to the memorial takes about 10 minutes. You'll also watch a 23-minute documentary at the visitor center before boarding.

What if I can't get an advance pass to Pearl Harbor?

Advance passes are subject to availability. If they're sold out, you may join the National Park Service standby line, though admission is not guaranteed based on available space.

Is there time to swim or wear swimwear?

No, swimwear is not allowed on this tour. There is time to relax by the beach at Kualoa, but swimming is not part of the itinerary.

How many people are in a typical group?

This is a small group experience, usually under a dozen people, traveling in an air-conditioned van.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. You'll walk several city blocks across multiple sites. Bring cash for roadside stands, food trucks, local shops, and bag storage at Pearl Harbor. Sunscreen and water are also recommended.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is not recommended for travelers who cannot walk 4 city blocks. You'll be on your feet for much of the day moving between attractions and villages.

Can I tip the guide?

Yes, tipping your guide in cash is always appreciated if you enjoyed the tour.