Visiting Pearl Harbor is a must-do experience for many travelers to Hawaii. The USS Arizona & Bowfin Submarine tour provides an immersive look into America’s past, allowing visitors to explore the iconic memorial and a World War II submarine. With convenient hotel pickup and knowledgeable guides, this six-hour journey through history offers a seamless and memorable experience. But what exactly awaits those who embark on this tour? Let’s take a closer look.
Tour Overview and Details
The tour includes a ticket for a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial and access to the USS Bowfin Submarine & Museum.
The total duration is 6 hours, including travel time. Guests are conveniently picked up and dropped off at their Waikiki hotels.
An in-person briefing is provided at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center. The tour accommodates a maximum of 24 travelers.
Tickets must be obtained through a commercial vehicle at Pearl Harbor, and pickup details are communicated via text or email the day prior.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed.
Pickup and Ticketing Information
Tickets must be obtained via commercial vehicle at Pearl Harbor; no direct handover allowed due to policies.
Pickup details are sent via text (U.S. numbers) or email (international travelers) a day prior between 12pm – 4pm local time. This ensures travelers receive the necessary information to meet their transportation.
Ko Olina pickup isn’t offered unless specifically mentioned in the booking title.
With this convenient arrangement, guests can focus on the tour’s highlights without worrying about transportation logistics.
The tour’s accessibility and policies are designed to provide a seamless Pearl Harbor experience for all visitors.
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Accessibility and Restrictions
Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it does provide limited accommodation for mobility devices. Strollers are allowed with infant seats available.
However, visitors should be aware that no bags are permitted at Pearl Harbor. This restriction is due to the site’s security policies.
Visitors should be aware that no bags are permitted at Pearl Harbor due to the site’s security policies.
Plus, the tour is non-refundable if the boat ride programs are canceled by the National Park Service or Navy.
Despite these limitations, the tour offers an immersive and informative experience at the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, providing visitors with a meaningful connection to this historic site.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy
For the Pearl Harbor USS Arizona & Bowfin Submarine tour, the price starts from $139.00 per person.
Fortunately, the tour offers a flexible cancellation policy – guests can receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Plus, the tour provides a lowest price guarantee, along with a reserve now and pay later option for added convenience.
The tour’s pricing and cancellation policy:
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Tour price: From $139.00 per person
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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Lowest price guarantee with reserve now and pay later option
Reviews and Experiences
With the flexible cancellation policy and reasonable pricing in mind, travelers have generally expressed positive experiences with the Pearl Harbor USS Arizona & Bowfin Submarine tour.
The tour boasts an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating based on 3 reviews, with no negative 1- or 2-star ratings.
Travelers highlight the excellent experience at the Arizona Memorial and Bowfin submarine, as well as the insightful tour guide, Robert, who provided good instructions and site highlights.
Some visitors expressed a desire for more time to explore additional sites, such as the Missouri battleship, suggesting the tour could be further improved.
Exploring the USS Arizona Memorial
The tour’s central highlight is the sobering visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, which floats atop the sunken remains of the iconic battleship sunk during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack.
Visitors can:
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Reflect on the lives lost during the tragic event, as the names of the fallen are etched into the memorial’s walls.
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Observe the oil still seeping from the wreck, a poignant reminder of the destruction.
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Gain a deeper understanding of the historic significance and the sacrifices made on that fateful day through the informative exhibits and displays.
Discovering the USS Bowfin Submarine
After exploring the somber USS Arizona Memorial, the tour continues to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park.
Visitors board the WWII-era "Pearl Harbor Avenger" submarine, which sank 44 enemy ships during its service. Stepping inside, guests are immersed in the tight quarters, experiencing how submariners lived and operated this strategic vessel.
The tour highlights the Bowfin’s impressive history, including its participation in the Pacific Theater. Guests can also visit the on-site museum, featuring exhibits and artifacts that provide a deeper understanding of submarine warfare and its role in the war.
The Bowfin tour completes the Pearl Harbor experience.
Additional Sites of Interest
While the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park completes the core Pearl Harbor experience, there are additional sites of interest visitors can explore to further enjoy the history of World War II.
These include:
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The USS Missouri Battleship, where the formal surrender of Japan took place in 1945, offering a chance to walk the decks of this iconic warship.
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The Pacific Aviation Museum, highlighting the heroic stories of America’s air forces through interactive exhibits and aircraft.
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The Battleship Row, a memorial marking the location of the devastating 1941 attack, providing a somber reminder of the sacrifices made.
The Sum Up
The Pearl Harbor USS Arizona & Bowfin Submarine tour offers an immersive journey through American history. Exploring the iconic USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Bowfin Submarine allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of this significant era. With knowledgeable tour guides, convenient transportation, and positive reviews, this tour provides an engaging and memorable experience for those seeking to uncover the rich heritage of Pearl Harbor.
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