Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri Tour

Summary

Walk the decks of history at Pearl Harbor with a guide’s stories

You’ll feel history up close on this Pearl Harbor tour—standing above the sunken USS Arizona, walking across Battleship Missouri’s deck, and hearing real stories from locals. Includes hotel pickup in Waikiki and all entry tickets. Expect moments that stay with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You can still smell the sea oil,” our guide said, almost under his breath, as we stepped off the boat onto the USS Arizona Memorial. It was quiet—nobody really spoke much, except for a little kid asking if ghosts lived here (his mom just squeezed his hand). The white walls felt cool, and I caught myself staring down at the water where you could see those dark shapes below—parts of the ship, they said. I didn’t expect to feel so heavy standing there. Maybe it’s just being surrounded by people who are mostly silent too. You kind of just stand together in it.

Back on land, our guide (Kaleo) pointed out photos in the “Road to War” gallery—he told us about his uncle who served on Oahu during the attack. The old uniforms behind glass looked itchy and stiff, but I guess that’s not what you’re supposed to notice. There was this faint metallic smell mixed with sunscreen from everyone around me. We watched a short film in a dark room—some folks wiped their eyes after. Honestly, I thought I knew Pearl Harbor from history class, but being here is different. The keyword “Pearl Harbor tour” doesn’t really cover it.

Later we climbed up onto the Battleship Missouri—the “Mighty Mo.” The deck was hot under my sneakers and there were sailors (volunteers now) telling stories about when Japan surrendered right here. One guy let us touch a brass plaque; I tried to imagine what it sounded like with thousands of people standing here back then. There’s something surreal about seeing tourists take selfies next to giant guns while someone else stands quietly looking out over Honolulu. After that, we drove through Punchbowl Crater—rows and rows of white stones in perfect lines—and then headed back toward Waikiki with everyone kind of lost in their own thoughts for a bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Pearl Harbor and USS Missouri

• Learn about USS Arizona Memorial
• Watch WWII short film
• Boat ride to USS Arizona Memorial
• Tour battleship USS Missouri
• View Punchbowl Crater memorial

Top questions

How long does the Pearl Harbor tour last?

The tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours including travel time from Waikiki hotels.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, convenient pickup and drop-off from Waikiki hotels is included.

What sites are visited during this day trip?

You’ll visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial (USS Arizona), Battleship Missouri Memorial, and Punchbowl Crater (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific).

Are bags allowed at Pearl Harbor?

No bags are allowed except very small ones measuring less than 1.5" x 2.25" x 5.5".

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; you may want to bring snacks or buy food at available vendors.

Can infants or young children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is this Pearl Harbor tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not all vehicles can accommodate mobility devices—call ahead to arrange if needed.

What happens if weather cancels part of the tour?

If dangerous weather or mechanical issues cancel boat rides, tours are non-refundable per park service policy.

What’s included

Your day includes Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off, admission tickets for both Battleship Missouri and the boat ride to USS Arizona Memorial, plus an in-person briefing at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center before you set off exploring these historic sites together.