Pearl Harbor & Historic Honolulu Tour: A Journey Through History and Honor
Step into history with an unforgettable journey through Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s most iconic landmarks. Begin at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where interactive exhibits and powerful multimedia displays set the stage for the events leading up to December 7, 1941. Here, you’ll gain deep insight into the attack that changed the course of history. Then, take a solemn boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, where you can honor the 1,177 sailors who perished. Standing above the sunken battleship, you’ll experience a moment of reflection at one of America’s most sacred sites.
Walk the Decks Where WWII Ended – Remember the 429 Lost Crew Members
Continue your exploration aboard the legendary USS Missouri, known as the “Mighty Mo.” This historic battleship marks the site where Japan signed its surrender, officially ending World War II. Walk its decks and uncover stories from its remarkable service, spanning from WWII to the Gulf War. Then, visit the USS Oklahoma Memorial, where 429 crew members lost their lives when the ship capsized. Each white marble column stands as a tribute to a life lost in service.
Discover Submarine Warfare History – See Historic Aircraft and Wartime Stories
Step inside the Bowfin Submarine Museum to experience the world of underwater warfare. Known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the USS Bowfin played a pivotal role in the Pacific theater. Explore its narrow passageways and learn about the daring missions that made it a legend. Next, visit the Pacific Fleet Aviation Museum, home to a fascinating collection of aircraft, wartime artifacts, and compelling exhibits. These displays reveal the critical role of aviation in WWII and beyond.
Explore Honolulu’s Historic Landmarks
Your journey continues with a scenic drive through Honolulu’s historic district. Pass by the Punchbowl National Cemetery, a serene final resting place for American service members. See the magnificent Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the United States, and admire the iconic King Kamehameha Statue, honoring the great ruler who unified Hawaii. Drive past Kawaiaha’o Church, one of Oahu’s oldest places of worship, and Ali’iolani Hale, home to the Hawaii Supreme Court and the famed statue of King Kamehameha.
This comprehensive tour blends history, honor, and culture, offering an unforgettable experience in one of the most significant locations in the world. Book your tour today and walk in the footsteps of history!
Tour Highlights:
Complete Pearl Harbor Tour (Self-Guided)
- Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center (2 Hours)
- Explore exhibits detailing the events leading up to the December 7, 1941, attack
- Watch a documentary and take a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial
- USS Arizona Memorial (1 Hour)
- Visit the open-air memorial above the sunken battleship
- See the “Tears of the Arizona” oil droplets and the Remembrance Wall listing 1,177 fallen crew members
- Battleship Missouri Deck Tour
- Walk the deck where the Japanese formally surrendered, ending WWII
- View the ship’s massive guns and learn about its service history
- USS Oklahoma Memorial
- Honors the 429 crew members who died when the battleship capsized during the attack
- Features symbolic white marble pillars representing the fallen
- Bowfin Submarine Museum
- Step aboard the USS Bowfin submarine famously known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger”
- Explore interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and displays about submarine warfare
- Pacific Fleet Aviation Museum
- Explore naval aviation through exhibits of aircraft, memorabilia, and heroic pilot stories
- Learn about Pearl Harbor and aviation’s role in the Pacific during WWII
Historic Downtown Honolulu (Drive-Thru Tour Duration 45 Minutes)
- Punchbowl National Cemetery (Pass through without stopping)
- A resting place for U.S. service members in an extinct volcanic crater
- Offers a serene setting for reflection on the sacrifices of war
- Iolani Palace (Viewed from King Kamehameha Statue or walk to)
- Former royal residence and symbol of Hawaii’s monarchy
- Showcases Hawaii’s cultural heritage and western influences
- Kawaiaha’o Church (View from King Kamehameha Statue and drive by)
- Known as the “Westminster Abbey of the Pacific,” built from coral blocks
- Played a significant role in Hawaii’s religious and royal history
- King Kamehameha Statue (15 Minutes)
- Commemorates the king who united the Hawaiian Islands
- Stands near Ali’iolani Hale, adorned with leis on King Kamehameha Day
- Aliiolani Hale (View from King Kamehameha Statue or walk to)
- Houses the Hawaii State Supreme Court
- Notable for the iconic King Kamehameha statue in front
Includes:
- Roundtrip airfare from Kona International Airport on the Big Island to Honolulu International Airport.
- Pick-up and drop-off ground transportation from Honolulu International Airport on Oahu is included.
- Entry tickets to all the attractions on your tour are included in the price of the tour, and will be provided by your guide the day of the tour.
- Pick-up and drop-off service from Waikiki area hotels and resorts.
- Narration from a local guide, sharing stories and insights during the historic Honolulu portion of tour (Inside Pearl Harbor is self-guided tour).
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Schedule:
- Availability: Daily
- Tour Time: 7:00 AM
- Duration: 12-13 Hours (approx)
Recommendations:
- Comfortable clothes and covered shoes (no swimwear allowed in Pearl Harbor)
- Bring cash – If you enjoy your tour tipping your guide in cash is always appreciated
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera
Restrictions/Requirements:
- NO BAGS allowed at some Pearl Harbor sights. Bag storage is available for a fee during visits to the Arizona Memorial and the Visitor Center. Please read the following details:
- The US Department of the Interior has declared a, “no bags” policy at the Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center. Passengers may not carry any concealing items. This includes purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, etc. Bag storage is available at the entrance to the Visitor Center, $7 for small bags and $10 for larger bags, including luggage. Small cameras are permitted. Allowable vital items may be placed in your pockets.
- Due to ceremonies on December 7th each year, the park is closed to commercial vehicles and we do not operate our normal tours to the USS Arizona Memorial on that date. Also, on rare occasions, and due to external factors outside of our control (including inclement weather and/or shortages of boat launch tickets), there is the possibility of not being able to visit the Arizona Memorial during your visit. You will still be able to visit the many Arizona exhibits and visitor’s centers, the USS Bowfin, and other monuments at the park.
- To meet aviation security requirements, guest’s name, birth date and gender is required when booking reservations. Names must exactly match the name and birth date on government-issued photo ID and/or passport for airline check-in.
- Passengers must clear TSA at the Kona Airport, so please bring a passport or your government-issued photo ID.
- The guest is responsible for transportation to and from the airport on their departure island.
- There is no smoking allowed on the visitor center grounds or at the memorial.
- Pearl Harbor is a self-guided military site with park rangers available to answer questions and provide directions.
- During the Pearl Harbor portion of your tour our guide will be on standby and will inform you when to meet for the next part of your tour
- All participants must sign a waiver prior to participation.
- There is no Aloha Sunshine Tours representative at the airport of your departure island. Please proceed to check-in and board your flight. You will meet your tour guide at your destination.
Upon arrival at the destination, please exit baggage and meet the Aloha Sunshine Tours vehicle in the Tour Bus pick area
Location: KONA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (DEPARTURES)
Address: 73-200 Kupipi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6T4LretNF73inRmMA
- Please proceed to the airlines ticket counter to check-in for your flight to Oahu. Check-in at least 1 hour prior to departure at the Kona International Airport. Depart: 6:00 AM – 6:15 AM Arrival: 6:45 AM – 7:00 AM
- Pick-up Location – Upon Arrival in Oahu
- Southwest passengers outside terminal 2, baggage claim 31, at pre-arranged pick-up location #5
- Hawaiian Airlines passengers from the Hawaiian terminal outside baggage claim pick-up location #1.
- Look for the van with the Aloha Sunshine Tours logo
Special Notes:
- Please do not leave any valuables on the coach.
- If you require any special accommodations due to disability, please include them under the special requirements at the time of booking. 48 hours notice required prior to the date and time of service.
- The National Park Service does not guarantee us the “pre-arranged” Arizona Memorial boat passes. We typically do receive them but in the unlikely event we are not provided the pre-arranged boat passes, you will be directed to the Arizona Memorial walk up line. The line wait time is typically about an hour
- Meals are at your own expense.
There is a NO CANCELLATION & NO REFUND policy on all ONE-DAY FLYAWAY Tours. No name or date changes will be honored once booking is confirmed.
