The Pearl Harbor & Mini Circle Island Tour from Waikiki offers an immersive historical experience and scenic island exploration. Guests will visit the iconic USS Arizona Memorial, honoring those lost in the 1941 attack, followed by a narrated drive showcasing Oahu’s natural beauty. With convenient transportation and expert commentary, the tour ensures a seamless adventure. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this excursion provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the past while discovering the island’s captivating landscapes. What awaits beyond the memorial’s hallowed grounds?
Key Points
- Comprehensive Pearl Harbor and Oahu sightseeing tour, including a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial and scenic drives around the island.
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service from Waikiki, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
- Expert driver-guide providing insightful commentary throughout the tour.
- Respectful silence encouraged at the USS Arizona Memorial to honor the lost servicemembers.
- Opportunity to learn about the historic significance of the Pearl Harbor attack and its impact on 20th-century American history.
Tour Overview
The Pearl Harbor & Mini Circle Island Tour from Waikiki provides a comprehensive exploration of Honolulu’s most iconic historical site and scenic surroundings.
This full-day excursion takes visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial, a solemn tribute to the lives lost during the 1941 attack.
The tour also includes a narrated drive around Oahu’s stunning landscapes, showcasing the island’s natural beauty.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as expert commentary from the driver, this tour offers a seamless and informative experience for those seeking to discover Honolulu’s rich history and natural wonders.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, as well as pick-up and drop-off service from Waikiki hotels.
Expert narration by the driver is provided throughout the experience. Entry tickets to the attractions are included and handled by the guide.
However, gratuities for the driver aren’t covered and should be paid in cash. Meals are at the traveler’s own expense.
Gratuities for the driver aren’t covered and should be paid in cash. Meals are at the traveler’s own expense.
Purses and bags aren’t allowed inside Pearl Harbor, but storage is available for a $7.00 fee. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as there’s some walking required during the tour.
Pick-Up Information
Two pick-up points are available for this tour.
The first is at the Southwest Airlines Terminal 2, baggage claim 31, area 5. The second is at the Hawaiian Airlines Terminal 1, area 1.
Both pick-ups are in Waikiki and start at 7:00 am. Guests should arrive at their chosen pick-up location a few minutes early to ensure a smooth start to the tour.
The air-conditioned vehicle will provide transportation to the tour’s destinations, with an expert driver providing narration along the way.
Tour Experience and Guidelines
Respectful silence is encouraged at the USS Arizona Memorial, as visitors reflect on the historic events that occurred there.
Walking is required, so the tour isn’t recommended for those unable to walk four city blocks. Comfortable shoes are a must, and swimwear isn’t allowed.
Clear plastic bags are permitted, and bags with medical equipment are acceptable. On-site dining options are available at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center.
Sites may close due to stormy weather, and smoking isn’t allowed on the visitor center grounds or memorial.
Cash is needed for roadside stands, food trucks, and local shops, as many are cash-only.
Pearl Harbor’s Historic Significance
As one of the most significant events in American history, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, marked a pivotal moment that propelled the United States into World War II.
The historic site offers visitors the opportunity to:
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Explore the USS Arizona Memorial, which pays tribute to the over 1,100 sailors and Marines who lost their lives on that fateful day.
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Visit the USS Battleship Missouri, where the Japanese surrender was signed, ending the war.
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Gain insights into the pivotal role Pearl Harbor played in shaping the course of the 20th century.
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Mini Circle Island Exploration
After exploring the historic significance of Pearl Harbor, the tour continues with a Mini Circle Island exploration. This scenic drive takes visitors around the stunning natural beauty of Oahu’s eastern coast. The itinerary includes:
| Destination | Highlights |
| — | — |
| Pali Lookout | Panoramic views of windward Oahu |
| Nuuanu Pali | Experience the cool Kona winds |
| Byodo-In Temple | Replica of 900-year-old Japanese temple |
| Tropical Fruit Stands | Sample local produce and treats |
| Kahala | Upscale neighborhood and beaches |
Travelers can enjoy Oahu’s diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to dramatic coastlines, providing a well-rounded sightseeing experience.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have generally provided positive feedback for the Pearl Harbor & Mini Circle Island Tour.
Travelers have generally provided positive feedback for the Pearl Harbor & Mini Circle Island Tour.
With a 4.7 rating out of 5 from 3 reviews, the tour seems to offer a memorable experience.
Highlights mentioned by past participants include:
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The knowledgeable and engaging driver who provides expert narration
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The convenience of door-to-door pickup and drop-off service from Waikiki
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The opportunity to visit both the solemn Pearl Harbor memorial and scenic spots around Oahu in a single tour
Practical Tips and Considerations
One important consideration for this tour is the strict security protocols at Pearl Harbor. Visitors aren’t allowed to bring large bags or purses inside the memorial, but lockers are available for a $7 fee.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tour involves navigating the visitor center and memorial, which requires walking about four city blocks. Swimwear is prohibited, and visitors are expected to maintain respectful silence at the USS Arizona Memorial.
Cash is recommended for purchases at roadside stands, food trucks, and local shops, as many are cash-only. Overall, preparation and attention to guidelines will ensure a smooth and meaningful tour experience.
The Sum Up
The Pearl Harbor & Mini Circle Island Tour from Waikiki offers an immersive historical experience combined with a scenic island adventure. Visitors can reflect on the past while exploring Oahu’s natural beauty. With convenient transportation and expert commentary, this tour provides a seamless and enriching way to discover one of America’s most significant historical sites and the island’s breathtaking landscapes.
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