Pearl Harbor & Iolani Palace Private Tour: Honolulu History

Pearl Harbor and the Royal Palace in one morning, by private car

A private limousine tour of Honolulu that starts at Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, then moves through historic sites including Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue. A live English-speaking guide shares the history of December 7, 1941, and Hawaii's royal past while you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with reserved memorial tickets, bottled water and snacks included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu Tour

• Chauffeured limousine pickup
• Visit USS Arizona Memorial
• Hear Dec 7, 1941 story
• Tour Historic Honolulu sites
• See Iolani Palace
• Photo at King Kamehameha Statue
• Return in limousine

The experience

The USS Arizona Memorial is the centerpiece. You'll arrive with reserved tickets in hand, so no waiting in line at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center. A guide walks you through the complete story of December 7, 1941, drawing on accounts from people who lived through it, not just textbook versions. After the memorial, the tour moves into historic Honolulu to see the sites that shaped the islands' royal history.

Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on American soil, and you'll get an up-close look at its architecture and learn how it fell to the United States first in 1893, then again in 1959 when Hawaii became the 50th state. A stop at the King Kamehameha statue gives you a photo moment and a chance to hear how he unified the islands and became Hawaii's first king. Throughout the morning, you're traveling in a private limousine: no shared van, no set schedule beyond your own group's pace.

The five-hour tour includes transportation from your hotel, an air-conditioned vehicle, soda, bottled water and snacks. A live guide in English narrates the stops and answers questions as you move between them. Pickup is arranged as part of the booking.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned limousine.
• reserved or digital tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• bottled water and snacks.
• soda or pop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by KAWIKA'S LIMOUSINE HAWAII TOURS

Is this one for you?Five hours is long enough to see Pearl Harbor and the royal sites without rushing, but short enough to leave your afternoon free for other parts of Honolulu or a beach. A private vehicle means no waiting for other groups or following a fixed departure time: your group moves at its own pace.

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Top questions

What happened at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941?

December 7, 1941, was the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, killing over 1,100 sailors aboard the USS Arizona alone. The ship sank in the harbor, and the memorial built over it honors those who died. The guide on this tour shares stories from people who were there that day, not just the historical facts.

Can I visit Iolani Palace on this tour?

Yes. Iolani Palace is included as a stop where you'll see the building up close and learn its history: how it served as Hawaii's royal residence and what happened when the United States took control in 1893. You get a photo opportunity and historical context from the guide.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs five hours total, including transportation between Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, time at the memorial and historic sites, and photo stops.

Do I need to buy a separate ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial?

No. Reserved or digital tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are included in the tour price, so you skip the ticket line at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The limousine and all tour areas are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs must fit in a standard vehicle trunk, and you'll need to be able to get in and out of the extra-stretch limousine. Service animals are allowed, and specialized infant seats are available.