Pearl Harbor: Small Group Tour, Ford Tower & Lunch

Summary

Walk battleship decks, climb the tower & hear stories that linger

You’ll ride from Waikiki with a local guide sharing family stories, stand quietly at the Arizona Memorial shoreline, climb Ford Island’s tower for sweeping harbor views, and walk Battleship Missouri’s decks before sitting down to lunch at a real aviation café. It’s one of those days that lingers long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I almost forgot about the “no bags” rule until we were already in the van, so there was this awkward scramble to shove my stuff into my pockets (wallet sticking out, classic). Our guide—Keoni—just grinned and handed me a bottle of water, said it happens every day. Waikiki faded behind us and he started telling us about his grandfather who was actually stationed at Pearl Harbor. The way he spoke—like he was remembering for both of them—kind of set the tone for everything after.

The air at Pearl Harbor felt heavier than I expected. There’s this hush near the Arizona Memorial; even with other people around, you just sort of stand there and listen to the water moving underneath. Keoni pointed out names on the wall and told us how some families still come every year. I tried to picture what it must’ve sounded like that morning in 1941 but honestly couldn’t. The Ford Island Control Tower tour surprised me—I didn’t think much about it beforehand but going up those steps, hearing wind whistle through open slats, then seeing all of Pearl Harbor from above… I still think about that view when I close my eyes.

Lunch at the Hangar Café was simple but good—a sandwich and cold pineapple juice. I sat by a window watching a couple of Navy guys joke around outside. Later we wandered through Battleship Missouri; touching the cool metal rails where people once signed peace treaties felt strange, like you’re part of something bigger without really knowing how. Keoni let us take our time (he just waited by the gangway chatting with another guide about local fishing spots), so nobody felt rushed. The whole day moved at its own pace—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Pearl Harbor historic sites

• Travel aboard deluxe touring vehicle
• Visit active military base and exhibits
• See USS Arizona Memorial
• Tour Battleship Missouri Memorial
• Take Ford Island Control Tower tour
• Enjoy lunch at Hangar Cafe

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Pearl Harbor tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from select Waikiki hotels.

Do I get to go inside the Ford Island Control Tower?

Yes, admission includes a guided tour up to the top of Ford Island Control Tower.

Is lunch provided during the small group tour?

Yes, lunch is included at the Hangar Cafe within Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

Can I visit both USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri?

Yes, entry to both is included; boat launch to Arizona Memorial depends on ticket availability that day.

Are bags allowed on this Pearl Harbor tour?

No bags are allowed due to security policy; only small items fitting in your pockets are permitted.

How big is the group on this premium tour?

The tour operates as a small group experience for a more personal visit.

Is this Pearl Harbor tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, vehicles and most areas visited are wheelchair accessible; contact provider ahead for special requests.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Waikiki, all entry tickets (including Ford Island Control Tower and Battleship Missouri), bottled water throughout, narrated driving with your local guide, plus lunch at Hangar Cafe before heading back in an air-conditioned vehicle.