Honolulu is a city that pulses with history, natural beauty, and a vibrant local culture. Its compact layout makes it perfect for exploring via guided tours that cover iconic landmarks and hidden stories alike. Whether you’re interested in WWII history at Pearl Harbor, eager to see the city from above on a helicopter ride, or want a more personalized experience, Honolulu’s tour options are diverse and well-curated. Many tours include hotel pickups and incorporate key sites such as Iolani Palace or the Punchbowl Crater, giving you a comprehensive glimpse into this Hawaiian metropolis.
One thing’s for sure: with so many tours available, you can tailor your day to focus on history, scenery, or a bit of both. This guide will help you navigate through the top options, highlighting what makes each one special, so you can pick the best fit for your interests and schedule.
1. Deluxe Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour
For a deeply respectful, well-rounded experience, this 5-hour tour combines the Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial with a scenic drive around downtown Honolulu. It includes admission to Pearl Harbor, a visit to the historic Iolani Palace, and stops at key sites like Washington Place. Your guide provides insightful commentary, and the tour includes a complimentary T-shirt and beverage. The highlight remains the USS Arizona, built over the wreck of the battleship that symbolizes America’s entry into WWII.
Guests often mention how smoothly the tour runs from hotel pickup to drop-off. The respectful atmosphere and detailed history shared by guide Vanessa make it a meaningful experience. The tour’s value lies in covering both the historic and scenic highlights in a manageable timeframe.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a respectful, rundown of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s landmarks with a touch of comfort.
2. Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour from Waikiki
This 5 to 6-hour tour offers a perfect mix of WWII history and city sightseeing. Starting at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, you’ll explore exhibits and watch a short documentary before boarding the Navy shuttle to the USS Arizona. Afterwards, the tour moves into downtown Honolulu, where sites like Iolani Palace and the Punchbowl Cemetery are on the itinerary.
Guests praise Summer, the guide, for her patience and knowledge, and the tour is especially good for those who want to explore at a relaxed pace. The inclusion of downtown Honolulu makes this a full-day experience, perfect for history buffs wanting context and scenery in one trip.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a straightforward, multi-faceted tour with ample time at Pearl Harbor and city highlights.
3. Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour from Kauai
If you’re based on Kauai but want to see Oahu’s highlights, this one-day tour delivers the full experience. It includes roundtrip airfare, visits to the Arizona Memorial, and a tour of downtown Honolulu, including Punchbowl Cemetery and Iolani Palace. The tour features artifacts, exhibits, and historic sites all in one package, with a maximum group size of 33 travelers.
Guests note how seamless the logistics are, with flights included for a stress-free day. It’s a terrific way to see Oahu’s highlights without overnight stays. The tour’s focus on Hawaii’s royal past and WWII history makes it suitable for culture and history enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Perfect for Kauai visitors eager for a day of Oahu exploration, combining flights with a well-rounded sightseeing experience.
4. PRIVATE Pearl Harbor: Arizona Memorial, Missouri Ship & City Tour
This private tour offers a personalized, VIP experience, ideal for couples or small groups. Your up to 4 guests will enjoy a 5-hour itinerary covering the Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri battleship, and several Honolulu landmarks. The tour is fully guided, with admission included to all sites.
What sets this apart is the intimacy and flexibility, allowing for more in-depth storytelling and customized stops. Reviews mention how touching the visit to the USS Arizona is, with many noting the emotional impact of the experience. The tour is priced at $699, offering excellent value for a private, guided day.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking exclusivity and tailored attention, especially couples or families wanting a memorable, small-group experience.
5. City By The Sea – 20 Min Helicopter Tour – Doors Off or On
See Honolulu from above with this quick but breathtaking 20-minute helicopter flight. The tour offers stunning views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and even the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. With the option for doors off, you’ll get crystal-clear photos and a real adrenaline rush. Starting from Honolulu International Airport, the flight takes you over Honolulu’s skyline, Magic Island, and Punchbowl Crater.
Guests describe the experience as “unforgettable” and highlight their pilot Harley for his professionalism. The tour is perfect for those short on time but wanting to add an exciting visual dimension to their trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventure lovers and photo enthusiasts who want a quick but spectacular aerial view of Oahu.
6. Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona and Honolulu City Tour
This 5-hour tour combines the Pearl Harbor experience with a visit to downtown Honolulu, including the Punchbowl Cemetery and Iolani Palace. It features round-trip transportation from Waikiki or Kahala hotels and a comprehensive itinerary covering WWII sites, historic buildings, and memorials.
Guests appreciate the well-paced schedule and the opportunity to learn about Hawaii’s monarchs and military history. The tour provides a good overview for travelers who want both historic and cultural insights without a full day commitment.
Bottom Line: Great for visitors seeking a balanced tour of history and city sights in a manageable timeframe.
7. USS Arizona Memorial – Honolulu City – Aloha Pearl Harbor Tour – Oahu
This 5 to 6-hour guided tour emphasizes skip-the-line access to the Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial. After avoiding long waits, you’ll spend more time inside the memorial and then explore downtown Honolulu, including Punchbowl Cemetery and King Kamehameha’s statue.
Guests mention how the priority access enhances the experience, allowing a deeper, more respectful visit. The tour’s focus on efficient scheduling makes it perfect for travelers on a tight timetable.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want to maximize their time at Pearl Harbor without sacrificing city exploration.
8. Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour from Kona
If you’re staying on the Big Island but want to explore Oahu’s sites, this full-day tour is tailored for you. It includes round-trip flights, visits to Pearl Harbor, and downtown Honolulu highlights like Punchbowl Cemetery. The tour keeps groups small (max 15) for a more personal touch.
Guests appreciate how the all-inclusive logistics simplify planning and how the tour combines U.S. WWII history with Hawaiian cultural sites. It’s particularly good for travelers with limited time on the Big Island who still want a genuine Oahu experience.
Bottom Line: Best for Big Island visitors who want to include Oahu in their trip without extra hassle.
9. Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour from Maui
This full-day package from Maui features round-trip flights and visits to Pearl Harbor, including the Arizona Memorial, plus key Honolulu sites like Iolani Palace. It blends WWII history with city sightseeing in a compact 5-6 hour window.
Guests enjoy how smoothly the tour operates, with flight logistics handled for convenience. It’s a smart choice for those who want to maximize limited time on Maui while exploring Oahu’s highlights.
Bottom Line: Great for Maui visitors who want an efficient, all-in-one Oahu experience without overnight stays.
10. Deluxe Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour
Known as the most comprehensive option, this deluxe tour covers everything from the Arizona Memorial to the Battleship Missouri. It offers up to 9 hours of sightseeing, including air-conditioned transport and optional upgrades like the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Guests mention how the full-day format allows for a thorough exploration without feeling rushed. The tour is perfect for history lovers wanting to see all the key WWII sites plus Honolulu’s major landmarks.
Bottom Line: Best for dedicated history enthusiasts with plenty of time to spare.
11. Afternoon Honolulu City Tour
This 2-hour tour provides a relaxed introduction to Honolulu’s downtown, covering Diamond Head, Kapiolani Park, and historic sites like the Hawaiian Mission Houses. Led by knowledgeable local guides, it’s a good choice for travelers with limited time or those who want a quick orientation.
Guests value the scenic overlooks and the stories shared about Hawaiian royalty. It’s a good way to get a taste of the city’s past and present in a short window.
Bottom Line: Ideal for first-time visitors seeking a brief, informative tour.
12. Pearl Harbor City Tour
This full 5-hour tour is highly reviewed for its rundown of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu. It includes the Arizona Memorial, historic buildings, and memorials like the Kamehameha statue. The small-group format lends a personal touch, and the round-trip transportation from Waikiki makes it stress-free.
Guests appreciate how it combines WWII memorials with Hawaiian cultural sites for a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting an in-depth yet manageable tour covering both history and culture.
13. Private “Limousine” USS Arizona Memorial & Cultural Honolulu Tour
For something truly special, this luxury private limo tour offers a VIP experience with up to 6 people. It includes a full focused visit to Pearl Harbor, especially the Arizona Memorial, and personalized narration about Hawaiian royal history and cultural sites.
Guests describe it as “professional,” with attentive service and detailed storytelling. It’s perfect for couples, small families, or anyone wanting an exclusive way to experience Oahu’s WWII and cultural sites.
Bottom Line: Best for those who desire a luxury, customized experience with privacy and comfort.
14. Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour from Kona
This full-day option caters to Big Island visitors who want to see Oahu in a single day. It features flight logistics, visits to Pearl Harbor, and iconic Honolulu sites like Punchbowl Cemetery. The tour, with small group size, ensures a more personal experience.
Guests find it convenient and efficient, especially since all logistics are handled for you, including airfare and transfers. It’s an excellent choice for travelers short on time but eager to see both the WWII memorial and city highlights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for Big Island travelers wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free Oahu day trip.
How to Choose the Best City Tour in Honolulu
When selecting a tour, start by considering your budget and time available. For a deep dive into WWII history, tours like the Deluxe Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial and Full Deluxe Pearl Harbor cover all the key sites in detail. If you prefer a quick scenic overview, the 20-minute helicopter is hard to beat.
For travelers on a tight schedule, skip the lines with the Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial – Honolulu City – Aloha Pearl Harbor Tour, or opt for a private luxury experience like the limousine tour. Those wanting to explore more of Honolulu’s cultural sites should consider the Afternoon Honolulu City Tour.
Booking early is key, especially for tours with limited availability or special access, like the private VIP tour.
Final Thoughts
Honolulu offers a range of city tours that suit every interest, from solemn WWII memorials to scenic helicopter flights. If you want a deep historical experience, the Deluxe Pearl Harbor Tour will serve you well. For those seeking a personal, luxurious touch, the private limousine tour is unmatched. And for a quick, stunning overview, the helicopter ride gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city’s highlights.
No matter your choice, early booking ensures a spot at these popular sites. Use this guide to match your interests and schedule, and enjoy your exploration of Honolulu’s vibrant streets and historic depths.