Premier Pearl Harbor & Hawaiian Kingdom History Tour — USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu Highlights
A compact, fully narrated half-day that pairs the USS Arizona Memorial with downtown Honolulu’s Hawaiian Kingdom landmarks. Expect reflective history at Pearl Harbor followed by civic stories at Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue.
The Experience
Before You Go
No bags at Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor enforces a strict no-bag policy — bring only essentials in pockets and secure your phone for photos.
Bring valid photo ID
A government-issued ID is required for admissions and boarding the Navy boat to the memorial.
Sun protection and water
Oʻahu sun is strong even in the morning; carry sunscreen, a hat, and a small water bottle for the bus portions.
Be prepared for security screening
Plan extra time at Pearl Harbor for metal detectors and bag checks — arrive at pickup points promptly.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Look for small interpretive panels near the visitor center that share veterans’ oral histories rarely quoted in guidebooks
- •On the downtown loop, the grounds of Kawaiahaʻo Church offer quiet relief and historic native koa trees away from tourist routes
Wildlife
- •Brown noddy and other seabirds near the harbor
- •Occasional green sea turtles on nearby reef flats (visible from shore in calm conditions)
Conservation Note
The memorial and visitor center are managed with strict access rules to protect the site and wreck; visitors are asked to behave respectfully and follow all no-bag and photography restrictions to minimize impact.
Pearl Harbor’s December 7, 1941 attack was a turning point in global history; Honolulu’s downtown holds the only royal palace on U.S. soil, Iolani Palace, from the Hawaiian Kingdom era.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Sturdy shoes make the short walks across the visitor center and city stops more comfortable.
Sunscreen and hatEssential
Protects from strong Hawaiian sun during outdoor portions and transit stops.
Valid photo IDEssential
Required for admission and boarding the Navy-operated vessel to the USS Arizona Memorial.
Light rain jacket or layer
Useful in occasional showers or cooler trade-wind mornings during winter months.
Common Questions
Are admissions to the USS Arizona Memorial included?
Yes — this tour includes the Navy-operated boat and USS Arizona Memorial admission; tickets are part of the itinerary.
Can I bring a backpack or camera bag to Pearl Harbor?
No — Pearl Harbor enforces a no-bag policy; small pockets for cameras/phones are permitted but backpacks, purses, and larger bags are not.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour and transportation are wheelchair accessible; fold-up wheelchairs are allowed but electric scooters are not permitted on the boat or at some exhibits.
How long is the tour and will I return to Waikiki?
Expect a 5–6 hour tour with Waikiki pickup and drop-off; exact return times depend on your assigned pickup and traffic conditions.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5–6 hours
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks, steps to board the memorial boat, and standing during exhibits.
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