What to Expect

Salute to Pearl Harbor Tour

The tour begins with pickup from your Waikiki hotel or a designated location, followed by a comfortable drive to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where Hawaii’s most pivotal moment in modern history comes to life. You’ll be welcomed into the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, a thoughtfully curated space filled with rare artifacts, immersive exhibits, and interactive media that lay the foundation for your visit.

After exploring the visitor center, a Navy-operated shuttle boat will ferry you across the harbor’s still waters to the USS Arizona Memorial, built directly above the sunken battleship. This sacred memorial is a solemn tribute to the 1,177 lives lost aboard the USS Arizona. You’ll observe the “black tears” of oil still seeping from the wreckage—an eerie and emotional reminder of the lives taken in the attack. The guided portion adds essential context to this poignant site, explaining its design, purpose, and legacy.

After returning to shore, your guide will offer additional insights during the drive back, providing historical anecdotes and personal stories that anchor the experience into the broader narrative of World War II.

Pearl Harbor City Tour

Building on the Salute to Pearl Harbor experience, this tour includes everything above, with a guided exploration of Downtown Honolulu immediately following your time at Pearl Harbor. Your guide will lead you past key civic and royal landmarks that defined Hawaii’s identity in the early 20th century and during the war.

Expect to stop at the ʻIolani Palace, the only royal residence on U.S. soil, and pose for a photo beneath the King Kamehameha Statue, a symbol of Hawaii’s unification and strength. As the tour winds through the Hawai‘i State Capitol, Kawaiahaʻo Church, and other heritage-rich locations, you’ll hear stories of how Honolulu coped during wartime, blending military might with island resilience.

Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour (USS Missouri Package)

This extended tour is the most comprehensive option and ideal for those seeking a full-circle understanding of World War II in the Pacific. Following the same start at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and USS Arizona Memorial, your guide will then take you to the decks of the USS Missouri Battleship, affectionately known as the “Mighty Mo.”

This is where the Japanese officially surrendered in 1945, marking the end of WWII. Walking the same teakwood deck where world leaders stood, you’ll view the surrender plaque and see firsthand the towering weaponry and command rooms that powered one of the most iconic ships in U.S. naval history. Veterans’ stories, audio tours, and interpretive exhibits aboard the Missouri help bring her legacy to life.

After leaving Pearl Harbor, the tour continues into Downtown Honolulu, with narration focused on Hawaii’s transformation during and after the war. The day concludes with a scenic drive up Punchbowl Crater, home to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Set inside an extinct volcanic crater, this hallowed ground features sweeping views and rows of graves honoring over 38,000 fallen U.S. service members.

Included

• Round-trip transportation from Waikiki
• Admission to Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
• Tickets to USS Arizona Memorial
• Access to USS Missouri (on Remembered Tour only)
• Guided city tour of historic Honolulu (on City and Remembered Tours)
• Insightful narration from knowledgeable local guides
• Time at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Remembered Tour only)

Requirements & Important Notes

• Security Restrictions: No large bags, backpacks, or iPad cases allowed inside Pearl Harbor. Wallets must be the size of a standard cell phone. Storage is available onsite for $5 per bag.
• Dress Code: Casual attire is fine, but shirts and shoes/sandals are required. Swimsuits, high heels, skirts, and dresses are not recommended due to walking and respectful setting.
• USS Arizona Access: Boat operations to the USS Arizona Memorial are run by the U.S. Navy and may be suspended without notice due to weather or security. No refunds will be issued if this occurs, but access to the Visitor Center and exhibits remains available.
• Route Adjustments: Tour routes may be adjusted by the guide to ensure optimal guest experience, weather permitting. Expect occasional scenic or historical detours.