Adventure Collective Journal

Adventure Collective Journal

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Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial: Waikiki Pickup Historical Tour

Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial: Waikiki Pickup Historical Tour

Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and see where December 7, 1941, changed the Pacific. This 4.5–5.5 hour Waikiki tour pairs a guided orientation at Pearl Harbor with a drive past Honolulu’s civic landmarks.

Honolulu, Hawaii
4.5–5.5 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

No bags allowed

Do not bring backpacks, purses, or luggage into the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center; clear bags only are permitted and bag checks can cause delays.

Arrive with ID and your mobile ticket

Have your mobile ticket and photo ID ready for streamlined entry and boarding on the Navy-operated shuttle boat.

Sun and wind protection

Wear a sun hat and light wind layer—the memorial platform is exposed, and UV reflects off water.

Plan for Navy-driven changes

The Navy controls boat operations and access to Ford Island; expect last-minute schedule changes and follow your guide’s instructions.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park—close to the Visitor Center with immersive exhibits
  • Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island for restored aircraft and viewpoint over the harbor

Wildlife

  • Hawaiian seabirds (frigatebirds and terns) hunting over the inlet
  • Occasional green sea turtles in nearby reef areas visible from coastal viewpoints

Conservation Note

The National Park Service manages the memorial and emphasizes respect for the site and its artifacts; visitors should not disturb or remove anything and should follow all on-site rules to protect the wreck and marine environment.

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, sank multiple vessels and killed 2,403 U.S. personnel; the Arizona accounted for 1,177 of those deaths and the memorial marks that loss.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoesEssential

Sturdy shoes make museum circulation and short outdoor walks more comfortable.

Sun hat & sunglassesEssential

Protection from strong tropical sun while on the memorial and boardwalks.

Light wind/rain jacket

A compact shell helps against coastal wind or brief tropical showers.

Small clear bag or pocket organizerEssential

If you need to carry essentials, use a clear bag to meet Visitor Center rules.

Common Questions

Are Arizona Memorial boat tickets included?

Yes—this tour includes reserved USS Arizona Memorial tickets and the Navy-operated shuttle boat to the memorial.

Can I bring a bag or backpack?

No—bags of any kind are prohibited in the Visitor Center unless they are clear; checked bag lines are long and may cause you to miss the boat.

Where does pickup occur?

Pickup is available from Waikiki-area hotels; travelers from other parts of Oahu should meet the tour in Waikiki.

What happens if the Navy cancels the boat?

The Navy may cancel the memorial shuttle for safety; the tour operator will attempt alternatives but boat cancellations are subject to federal decisions and may affect refunds per policy.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

4.5–5.5 hours

Location

Honolulu, Hawaii

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short periods of standing and moderate walking between exhibits and the memorial platform.

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Honolulu?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

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