Pearl Harbor & Honolulu: USS Arizona Memorial Tour with Pickup

Summary

Walk through Hawaii’s past at Pearl Harbor and downtown sites

You’ll travel from downtown Honolulu’s historic heart to Pearl Harbor with a local guide who shares real stories along the way. Walk through memorials, ride the shuttle to USS Arizona (subject to Navy operations), and stand where history happened — all with pickup included and plenty of time for quiet moments.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect to feel much when we pulled up near the old King Kamehameha statue in Honolulu. But there’s something about seeing the gold cloak glinting in that sticky morning air, with our guide (Kai) pointing out where the old monarchy buildings meet the modern glass towers. He had this way of slipping little stories in — like how his grandma used to bring him malasadas from a bakery down the street. The city felt alive, not just a backdrop.

The drive over to Pearl Harbor was quieter than I thought it’d be. Maybe everyone was thinking about what we were about to see. The visitor center smelled faintly of sunscreen and plumeria, and there were families everywhere — some chatting softly, others just staring out across the water at Ford Island. Kai handed us our tickets (he joked about “herding cats” with groups like ours), but he made sure we all got where we needed to go. There was a bit of waiting for the boat shuttle because of some dock repairs — apparently that’s normal these days — but nobody seemed bothered. It gave me time to watch an older couple tracing names on one of the memorial plaques with their fingers.

Standing on the USS Arizona Memorial, you can see oil still rising up through the water after all these years. It’s strange how quiet people get here; even kids whisper. I caught myself holding my breath as I looked down at those rainbow slicks on the surface. The guides don’t rush you — they let you take it in however you need to. On the way back, Kai told us his grandfather was stationed here once, which hit me harder than I expected. I still think about that view across the harbor, sunlight bouncing off everything, and how history feels so close you could almost reach out and touch it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu

• See historic downtown Honolulu buildings
• Visit USS Arizona Memorial by boat
• Explore Pearl Harbor National Memorial exhibits

Top questions

How long does the Pearl Harbor city tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is transportation included in this tour?

Yes, transportation is included and is wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to buy tickets for Pearl Harbor or USS Arizona Memorial separately?

No, your guide secures tickets for both as part of your booking.

What happens if boat shuttles to USS Arizona aren’t running?

If Navy shuttles are suspended or limited, you’ll still visit all exhibits and memorials at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and fully wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear for this tour?

Dress smart casual; shirts and shoes are required at USS Arizona Memorial. Avoid swimsuits, high heels, dresses or skirts.

Can I bring large bags or backpacks?

No large bags allowed due to security restrictions; storage is available onsite for $7.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Honolulu, entry tickets for Pearl Harbor National Memorial and USS Arizona Memorial (with standby line if needed), a guided drive by historic downtown landmarks like Iolani Palace and King Kamehameha Statue, plus support from a knowledgeable local guide throughout.