Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona & Missouri Tour with Pickup

Summary

Walk Pearl Harbor’s decks, feel history echo under your feet

You’ll feel history up close at Pearl Harbor — from standing above the sunken USS Arizona to tracing your fingers along steel on the Battleship Missouri. A local guide brings stories alive as you travel by boat and bus between memorials, with time for reflection at Punchbowl Cemetery before heading back to Waikiki.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush — even with buses unloading at Pearl Harbor, there’s this strange quiet. Our guide, Kaleo, handed out tickets and grinned when he saw my camera (“You’ll want that later”). The air smelled faintly salty, mixed with sunscreen and something metallic near the water. We watched a short film in the visitor center; real footage from 1941 flickered across the screen. I caught myself holding my breath when they showed families waving goodbye — it hit harder than I expected.

Afterwards, we took a boat out to the USS Arizona Memorial. The ride was short but felt long enough for everyone to go silent. Standing above the sunken ship, you can see oil still rising in little rainbows on the water. Someone next to me whispered a prayer; I just stared at those names carved into marble. It’s not a place for big words — more like small nods and quiet steps. Our guide told us about his uncle who served here once; he didn’t make it sound heroic, just real.

Walking onto the Battleship Missouri was almost jarring after that — suddenly there’s steel everywhere and kids clanging up ladders. The deck felt hot under my shoes (don’t wear thin soles). Inside, you can run your hand along cold railings and see where WWII actually ended. Kaleo pointed out signatures on the surrender plaque and joked about how cramped the bunks were (“I’m too tall for Navy life”). I tried to imagine living down there — honestly, couldn’t.

On our way back to Waikiki, we drove through Punchbowl Cemetery. The view over Honolulu was hazy but beautiful in its own way. I didn’t take any photos there — just watched sunlight flicker through trees as we passed rows of headstones. There’s something about seeing all these places in one day that sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Pearl Harbor memorials and landmarks

• Explore Pearl Harbor Visitor Center exhibits
• Watch Pearl Harbor documentary movie
• Boat ride to USS Arizona Memorial
• Tour USS Missouri battleship decks and interior
• Drive by Punchbowl Cemetery and King Kamehameha Statue

Top questions

Is transportation from Waikiki hotels included in this Pearl Harbor tour?

Yes, pickup and return from Waikiki hotels or accommodations is included.

Do I need to buy separate tickets for USS Arizona Memorial or Battleship Missouri?

No, entry fees for both are included in your tour unless USS Arizona tickets are unavailable that day.

How long does it take to get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor?

It usually takes about 30-40 minutes by bus depending on traffic.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children and infants can join; strollers are welcome and infants may sit on an adult's lap.

Will we have a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a knowledgeable local guide accompanies you throughout the day.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included; plan to bring snacks or purchase food at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Can service animals come on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this experience.

What other sites will we see besides Pearl Harbor?

You’ll also drive by Punchbowl Cemetery (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific) and see historic Honolulu sites like King Kamehameha Statue.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Waikiki, all entry tickets for Battleship Missouri and (if available) USS Arizona Memorial, boat transfer out to the memorials, plus guided transport past Honolulu landmarks before returning in comfort at day's end.