Pearl Harbor Battleship Tour from Waikiki: USS Arizona & Missouri Experience
A full-day guided tour from Waikiki that takes you across the harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial and onto the deck of the USS Missouri. Learn the events of December 7, 1941 and witness the site where WWII formally ended—practical, reverent, and historically dense.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring ID and your ticket
Admission tickets are provided by the guide but bring photo ID for park entry and boarding; mobile tickets are accepted.
Pack light — bag restrictions apply
Large purses and backpacks are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor; clear plastic bags are permitted and storage is available for a fee.
Respectful silence at the memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial is a place of remembrance—keep voices low and avoid disruptive behavior while on-site.
Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection
You’ll walk concrete decks and museum areas; sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable footwear make the day easier.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk the USS Missouri’s aft deck for unobstructed views of Ford Island and the harbor approach
- •Stop briefly at the Punchbowl overlook for panoramic views of Honolulu and a quieter context for the military sites
Wildlife
- •Great egret (common around harbor shores)
- •Brown noddy and other seabirds frequently seen flying over the harbor
Conservation Note
The memorials are protected sites—visitors must follow bag rules, no smoking, and remain on designated paths to preserve artifacts and habitat in the historic harbor.
Pearl Harbor’s attack on December 7, 1941 precipitated the U.S. entry into WWII; the surrender ceremony on USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, formally ended the conflict.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Support for concrete visitor center surfaces and ship decks during extended walking.
Sun hat & sunscreenEssential
Open-air areas and harbor reflections intensify sun exposure on Oʻahu.
Light rain jacket
Pass showers can occur—packable rain protection keeps you comfortable without bulk.
Small clear day bagEssential
Complies with Pearl Harbor’s clear-bag policy and carries essentials like water and camera.
Common Questions
Are museum visits included on this tour?
This tour includes the USS Arizona Memorial boat admission and Battleship Missouri entry; other museums at the Visitor Center are not part of this specific itinerary—choose the Complete Pearl Harbor Experience to include those museums.
Can I bring a bag onto the memorial?
Large bags and purses are prohibited; clear plastic bags are accepted and bag storage is available on-site for a fee if needed.
Is the memorial accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
The Arizona Memorial and much of the Visitor Center are accessible; the tour notes that it’s suitable for most fitness levels, but check in advance for special assistance or wheelchair needs.
How long is the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial?
The Navy-operated boat crossing is roughly 10 minutes each way and offers calm harbor views—weather may alter timing.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
7–9 hours
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves extended standing, short boat transfers, and walking several city blocks.
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