From Waikiki: USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and exploring Honolulu’s historic landmarks is a must-do for anyone in Waikiki. This 6-hour tour provides a captivating glimpse into Hawaii’s past, honoring the sacrifices of those who served. With convenient transportation and expert narration, it’s an enriching experience that’ll leave you with a deeper appreciation for the islands’ history and culture. But there’s more to uncover – let’s dive into the details of this tour.

Key Points

• This 6-hour tour includes transportation from Waikiki to the USS Arizona Memorial and a guided driving tour of Honolulu’s key landmarks.
• The tour provides access to the USS Arizona Memorial, where visitors can learn about the historic events and pay tribute to those who perished.
• During the Honolulu City Tour, guests will visit significant locations like Iolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, and the Punchbowl National Cemetery.
• The tour includes informative narration about Honolulu’s rich history and cultural significance, complementing the visit to the USS Arizona Memorial.
• Amenities like pickup/drop-off service, entry tickets, and bag storage are included, though some fees may apply for bag storage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour is a comprehensive sightseeing experience that allows visitors to explore the historical significance of Pearl Harbor and the vibrant city of Honolulu.

Priced at $49.99 per person, the 6-hour tour is conducted in English and includes pickup from Waikiki area resorts and hotels. Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and have the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour visits the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the USS Arizona Memorial, and landmarks throughout downtown Honolulu, with expert narration provided throughout.

Exploring the USS Arizona Memorial

After boarding the Navy vessel, visitors are transported across the harbor to the iconic USS Arizona Memorial.

The somber experience includes:

1. Viewing the sunken battleship where over 1,000 sailors and Marines lost their lives during the Pearl Harbor attack.

2. Reflecting on the historic events through a thought-provoking documentary.

3. Standing in silent tribute on the memorial’s open-air wall overlooking the wreckage.

4. Gaining a deeper understanding of the sacrifice and resilience of those who served.

The USS Arizona Memorial offers a powerful and poignant connection to the past, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day.

Honolulu City Tour

Following the moving experience at the USS Arizona Memorial, the Honolulu City Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the island’s historic landmarks and cultural significance. The guided driving tour showcases Iolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, the King Kamehameha Statue, Aliʻiolani Hale, and the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific. Through expert narration, travelers gain insights into Honolulu’s rich history and modern-day relevance. The tour offers a well-rounded perspective on the city, complementing the solemn visit to Pearl Harbor.

| Landmark | Historical Significance |

| — | — |

| Iolani Palace | Former royal residence |

| Kawaiahao Church | Oldest Christian church in Hawaiʻi |

| King Kamehameha Statue | Honors the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands |

Included Amenities

Included in the tour package are several amenities that enhance the overall experience.

Visitors enjoy pickup and drop-off service from major airports, harbors, and hotels. The entry ticket to the USS Arizona Memorial is included, along with Navy vessel transportation to the memorial. Expert narration provides insights into downtown Honolulu’s historic landmarks during the guided city tour.

Plus, the tour offers:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

2. Reserve now & pay later option for added booking flexibility.

3. Bag storage service for a small fee.

4. Informative documentary on World War II history.

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Important Considerations

Although the tour offers several inclusions, there are a few important considerations visitors should keep in mind. First, guests must be aware that boat passes to the USS Arizona Memorial are not guaranteed, and standby may be required. Plus, certain items like swimwear and large bags are prohibited. For those with prohibited items, bag storage is available for a fee. Lastly, some travelers have reported issues with the tour’s organization, including misleading advertising and scheduling problems. To ensure a smooth experience, it’s advisable to review all details and plan accordingly.

| Consideration | Details |

| — | — |

| Boat Pass Availability | Passes not guaranteed, standby may be required |

| Prohibited Items | No swimwear, bags exceeding 1.5 x 2.25 x 5.5 inches |

| Bag Storage | Available for $7.00 to $10.00 per bag |

| Organizational Issues | Reported problems with scheduling and communication |

Customer Perspectives

According to reviews, customer perspectives on the tour are mixed.

While the tour offers a comprehensive look at Pearl Harbor and downtown Honolulu, some travelers have voiced complaints.

Common issues include:

1. Misleading advertising regarding the inclusion of USS Arizona entry tickets.

2. Organization problems with scheduling and communication.

3. Crowds and long wait times at the memorial.

4. Recommendations to consider alternative transportation options for a more straightforward experience.

Alternative Transportation Options

Rather than relying on the tour’s transportation, some travelers suggest arranging their own transportation to Pearl Harbor for a more straightforward experience. This allows them to bypass potential scheduling conflicts and ensure they have ample time to explore the memorial and surrounding sites at their own pace. Some alternative transportation options include:

| Transportation | Estimated Cost | Time to Pearl Harbor |

| — | — | — |

| Rental Car | $40 – $60 per day | 30 minutes |

| Uber/Lyft | $25 – $40 each way | 25 minutes |

| City Bus | $2.75 per ride | 45 minutes |

Ultimately, these options may provide a more streamlined and flexible approach for visiting the USS Arizona Memorial.

FAQ

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, outside food and drinks are not explicitly prohibited. However, the tour includes a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, so bringing your own refreshments may not be recommended or convenient during the tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?

There is no minimum age requirement to participate in the USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour. Children of all ages are welcome, though the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the length and subject matter.

How Do I Get to the Pick-Up Location if I’m Not Staying in Waikiki?

If not staying in Waikiki, travelers can request pickup from Honolulu International Airport or Honolulu Harbor’s Pier 2 Cruise Terminal. The tour company provides complimentary transportation from these locations to the tour’s starting point.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Interests?

The tour operator generally doesn’t allow customizations to the standard itinerary. However, travelers can explore alternative transportation options to visit the USS Arizona Memorial separately if they have specific interests that aren’t covered in the group tour.

What Type of Transportation Is Used for the Honolulu City Portion?

The Honolulu City Tour portion of the excursion is a guided driving tour, with an expert guide providing narration as the group travels by bus or van to view the historic sites around downtown Honolulu.

Sum Up

The USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour offers a captivating 6-hour experience for $49.99 per person. Visitors can explore the poignant memorial, witness historical landmarks, and enjoy Hawaii’s rich culture. With convenient pickup and drop-off services, this tour provides a seamless and enriching adventure for those looking to uncover the island’s fascinating past.

You can check availability for your dates here: