USS Arizona Memorial – Honolulu City – Aloha Pearl Harbor Tour – Oahu

We can’t think of a more poignant and educational way to explore Oahu’s wartime history than the Aloha Pearl Harbor Tour. This comprehensive experience takes us through the USS Arizona Memorial, Punchbowl National Cemetery, and other significant sites, providing a profound connection to the past. With convenient round-trip transportation and pre-booked tickets, it’s an efficient and immersive journey. What intrigues us most, however, is the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history through the eyes of our knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• The Aloha Pearl Harbor Tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience at the USS Arizona Memorial and other historical landmarks in Honolulu, Oahu.
• The tour includes pre-booked tickets, a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, admission to two WWII museums, and a documentary screening.
• The tour provides round-trip transportation from Waikiki and is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum of 50 travelers for an intimate group experience.
• Participants must follow security protocols and are only allowed to bring essential items, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.
• The tour offers a reasonable price of $64 per person and has an average rating of 3.5 out of 737 reviews.

Tour Overview

Though the USS Arizona Memorial tour is just one of many options for visiting Pearl Harbor, it provides a comprehensive and immersive experience for those wishing to honor the site’s historical significance.

The tour includes a guided visit to the memorial, as well as the Punchbowl National Cemetery and other notable landmarks in downtown Honolulu.

With an average rating of 3.5 out of 737 reviews, the tour offers a balance of educational and moving elements at a reasonable price of $64 per person.

The tour’s duration and early pickups from Waikiki make it a convenient choice for travelers.

Key Sites Included

The USS Arizona Memorial – Aloha Pearl Harbor Tour takes visitors to several key sites of historical significance. The tour includes:

Site	Description
USS Arizona Memorial	A memorial built over the sunken USS Arizona, honoring the soldiers who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific	A national cemetery located in an extinct volcanic crater, where many of the fallen from World War II are laid to rest.
Statue of King Kamehameha the Great	A bronze statue of the first king of the unified Hawaiian Islands, standing tall in downtown Honolulu.

These important landmarks provide a deeper understanding of Oahu’s history and the impact of the Pearl Harbor attack.

Admission Tickets and Inclusions

As part of the USS Arizona Memorial – Aloha Pearl Harbor Tour, we’ve pre-booked tickets to Pearl Harbor, ensuring convenient access to the historic site.

The tour includes a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial and admission to two WWII museums. We’ll also watch a documentary about the Pearl Harbor attack.

Plus, we’ll drive through downtown Honolulu and have the option to add an audio headset tour ($12) or pay full admission to the USS Bowfin Submarine & Museum ($22).

This comprehensive itinerary provides an immersive Pearl Harbor experience.

Transportation and Accessibility

Round-trip transportation from Waikiki is provided for this tour, making it convenient for guests to reach the Pearl Harbor historic site. The tour bus can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs, and the overall experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible with wheelchair-friendly surfaces. However, infants must sit on laps during the journey.

Accessibility	Details
Wheelchair	Accommodated on bus
Strollers	Allowed
Surfaces	Wheelchair friendly
Infants	Must sit on laps

Guests from Koolina or the North Shore can meet the bus at a designated pickup location in Waikiki, offering flexible transportation options.

Participant Guidelines and Restrictions

Participation in this USS Arizona Memorial tour is capped at a maximum of 50 travelers, ensuring an intimate group experience.

To make the most of your visit, keep these guidelines in mind:

• All participants must ride the tour bus from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. This allows for a coordinated and efficient itinerary.

• Bring only essentials – no bags or purses are allowed at the memorial. Clear bags and water bottles are permitted, but no other drinks.

• Be prepared for security screenings and follow instructions from the tour guides and staff.

• Enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

Many travelers praised the informative and engaging tour guides, with specific mentions of guides Shelly and Michael for their knowledge and enthusiasm.

The memorial itself was described as moving and impactful.

However, some reviews highlighted issues such as time constraints at Pearl Harbor, lack of organization, and excessive non-tour related commentary from drivers.

Recommendations included opting for more time at the memorial and considering alternative transportation methods for a better experience.

Exploring Downtown Honolulu

What else might we discover on the tour’s drive through downtown Honolulu? As we pass by, we’ll catch glimpses of the city’s diverse architecture, from historic landmarks to modern high-rises.

We may spot the towering statue of King Kamehameha the Great, a revered Hawaiian monarch. Our guide might point out the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on American soil.

Plus, we may have the chance to admire the iconic Aliiolani Hale, home to Hawaii’s state judiciary. These glimpses of Honolulu’s vibrant downtown will provide a well-rounded understanding of the city’s rich history and culture.

Making the Most of Your Visit

To make the most of your visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, we’ll want to keep a few key tips in mind.

First, book your tickets early to secure your preferred entry time and avoid disappointment.

Arrive at the visitor center well before your scheduled boat departure to give yourself ample time to explore the museums and exhibits.

Be mindful of the strict baggage policy, leaving any prohibited items behind.

Finally, listen closely to your tour guide’s insights to truly understand the historical significance of this hallowed ground.

With some advance planning, you’ll be able to make the most of this moving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food or Drink Available During the Tour?

We’re allowed to bring water bottles on the tour, but no other drinks or food are provided. Snacks and meals aren’t included, so we’ll need to plan accordingly if we want to eat during the experience.

Can We Stop for Photos Along the Way?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow for any stops along the way for photos. The schedule is quite tight, as the tour aims to transport guests efficiently to the key sites. However, you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities at the memorial itself.

Can We Explore Pearl Harbor on Our Own After the Tour?

Unfortunately, we can’t explore Pearl Harbor on our own after the tour. The tour includes pre-booked tickets and a guided boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, so we’ll need to stick with the group for the duration of the experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There doesn’t appear to be a stated minimum age requirement for this tour. However, infants must sit on laps, so the tour may not be suitable for families with very young children. It’s best to check with the tour provider for their policies.

How Long Do We Have to Wait for the Boat to the Arizona Memorial?

The tour includes a pre-booked boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, though the wait time can vary. We recommend checking with the tour operator for the latest information on boat departure schedules to plan accordingly.

The Sum Up

The Aloha Pearl Harbor Tour offers a comprehensive and poignant exploration of Oahu’s wartime heritage. From the hallowed USS Arizona Memorial to the iconic Punchbowl Cemetery, this tour provides a deeply personal connection to history. With convenient transportation and pre-booked tickets, we can immerse ourselves in this profound and educational journey, honoring the sacrifices of the past while discovering the resilience of the Hawaiian spirit.