Pearl Harbor is the undisputed top visitor destination in Hawaii. It is the most famous harbor in the world for a tragic reason. Many visitors take Pearl Harbor tours mainly to pay their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial.
But Pearl Harbor is also a place to celebrate America’s Naval and military successes. History lovers will enjoy taking USS Missouri tours and USS Bowfin tours. And there are many other interesting historic sites to visit on a Honolulu tour.
Whether you simply want to pay your respects to the brave heroes who died in defense of our nation or you are interested in learning more about Hawaii’s fascinating history, there is a Pearl Harbor excursion to suit your tastes.
Be sure to see our other reviews of Sunset Dinner Cruises, Oahu Luaus and Whale Watching Tours.
Best Guided Tours of Pearl Harbor
| Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri | USS Missouri and USS Arizona Pearl Harbor Private Tour | Oahu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and City Highlights Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Full Day Tour | Best Private Tour | Best Combination Tour | |
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 |  |  | |
| Departure: | Pick-up from Waikiki hotels | Pick-up from Waikiki hotels | Pick-up from Waikiki hotels |
| Start: | 6:30 AM & 8:30 AM | 7:30 AM & 9:00 AM | 9:00 AM or 10:45 AM |
| Duration: | 6 hours | 6 hours | 6 hours |
| Includes: | Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, Skip-the-line Pearl Harbor Tour, visit Punchbowl National Cemetery | Private Guided tours of Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin, all entrance fees | Pearl Harbor Tour, Punchbowl, Iolani Palace, & King Kamehameha’s statue, |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Pearl Harbor Tours For 2024
- Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri
- USS Missouri and USS Arizona Pearl Harbor Private Tour
- Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Highlights Tour
- Pearl Harbor Heroes Full-Day Tour
- Private Pearl Harbor Tour, Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin
- USS Missouri and USS Arizona Pearl Harbor Private Tour
- Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour
If you would like some ideas of other things to do, please see our list of the Top 15 Things To Do In Oahu and Top 10 Things For Couples.
Pearl Harbor Tour Reviews
1. Best Full Day Tour: Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri
- Departure Point: Pick-up from Waikiki hotels
- Departure Time: 6:30 AM & 8:30 AM
- Duration: 6 hours
- Includes: Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, Skip-the-line Pearl Harbor Tour, visit Punchbowl National Cemetery
Starting things off with one of the most impactful tours I’ve ever been on, the Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri Tour will take you to the 2 most popular attractions of its kind.
It’s well-organized, comprehensive, and teaches you in an engaging way what really happened back in 1941. No matter your age or background, I’m sure you’re going to love this tour just as much as I did.
The tour starts off with your guide picking you and the rest of your party up in Waikiki in an air-conditioned, spacious vehicle that rides smoothly. We drove out to Pearl Harbor, which was a very relaxing ride, listening to our guide’s educational commentary as we traveled along.
We then arrived to the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center, where we were escorted through the moving photos and recovered items, and given a briefing as to what to expect and how to maximize our experience.
We then watched a brief video about why this day was so important, and what it meant to not only not only the US and Japan, but the entire world, going forward.
Then things really started to get interesting, as we cruised by boat out to the USS Arizona Memorial, which is quite literally the final resting place of 1,177 men. The mood was pretty heavy, and made for a good time to take a break and enjoy lunch from one of the food trucks on site.
After that, we headed to the USS Battleship Missouri which was the location where Japan essentially surrendered. Me being a huge naval history fan had a great time gaining insight into what life at sea on a battleship may have looked like back then!
We then took a little trip to the National Cemetery of the Pacific and Historic Honolulu City, which tied everything in for a great day.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Experiences You May Enjoy:
2. USS Missouri and USS Arizona Pearl Harbor Private Tour
- Duration: 6 hours
- Departure: Hotel, port, or airport pickup included
- Departure Time: 7:30 AM & 9:00 AM
- Includes: USS Arizona Memorial Program, bottled water, USS Missouri tickets, certified professional driver and guide
It would be hard to find two ships that symbolize the end of World War II more than the USS Missouri and USS Arizona. The Japanese surrendered on the deck of the former, while the latter is a tomb for nearly 1000 American sailors.
The USS Missouri and USS Arizona Pearl Harbor Private Tour gives valuable insight into the destination that emits a somber remembrance for those who both survived and perished.
The tour started by the guide picking us up at our hotel, though I know they also offer the option for pickup at the port or airport, too! We then headed out to Pearl Harbor, which is one of the most important places in the world, in history.
We started out with a briefing, as well as an informative film, ‘Which Will Live in Infamy’ before actually seeing the USS Arizona Memorial. The Memorial itself is very intense, as it’s sitting right below the water and can only be accessed by riding on a Navy vessel across the harbor.
We learned about all the lives that were lost on the ship, why it can’t be brought up to the surface, and how it’s transformed over the decades into a reef.
We then visited the USS Missouri on Ford Island, and is actually where the official of the Japanese happened, along with the signing of the peace treaty by General McArthur.
After these two moving visits, we went into downtown Honolulu to learn about Hawaii’s varied history, visiting landmarks such as the Statue of King Kamehameha (who unified the Hawaiian islands under his rule in 1810!).
I loved getting to visit Iolani Palace as well, which is the only royal building on all of United States soil!Finally, we cruised through the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, which may be beautiful, but is also the final resting place of many US soldiers.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. Best Combination Tour: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona and City Highlights Tour
- Departure Point: Pick-up from Waikiki hotels
- Departure Time: 9:00 AM or 10:45 AM (dependent upon day of the week)
- Duration: 6 hours
- Includes: Skip-the-line Pearl Harbor Tour, Punchbowl National Cemetery, Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha’s statue, Kawaiahao Church, and highlights of Honolulu’s historic district
As a bit of a history buff, myself, I revel in all of the history and culture that Hawaii brings upon every visit. One of my greatest interests remains World War II, so I couldn’t simply visit Oahu without paying a trip to Pearl Harbor!
One of the best ways to do so, is through the Oahu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and City Highlights Tour! There are many different pickup points in Oahu to look into, and our hotel was one of them, fortunately!
However, even if yours isn’t on the list, there are so many that you’re sure to have one within close walking distance. Once we were picked up, we traveled by bus directly to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center.
Once there, we took our time looking through all the different photos and articles that were found from December 7th, 1941. This alone was worth coming for, offering a profound timeline through this important time in world history.
The organized museum exhibits are complemented by the brief documentary film of the Japanese attack, and after all that, we rode the Navy launch across the harbor to see the Arizona Memorial.
Following the impactful visit to the USS Arizona, we visited the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific and the Courts of the Missing. We learned about the countless people who went MIA from WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam.
We then had some time to relax and soak in everything we just experienced while driving through Honolulu’s historic district, stopping at various important landmarks along the way.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Best Budget Tour: Honolulu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial and City Tour
- Departure Point: Pick-up from Waikiki hotels
- Departure Time: 8:45 AM
- Duration: 4 hours
- Includes: Pearl Harbor Tour, Iolani Palace, Ali’iolani Hale (Hawaii-Five-O building), King Kamehameha’s statue, Kawaiahao Church, and highlights of Honolulu’s historic district
Hawaii is a portal into one of the most important chapters in American history: the attack on Pearl Harbor.
With the Honolulu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial and City Tour, you’ll take an immersive look into this pivotal moment in time, along with a thorough exploration into Honolulu’s vibrant culture and landmarks.
I absolutely love the fact that they offer a free hotel pickup in Waikiki, so we didn’t have to worry about booking separate transport out there.
The ride was smooth and relaxing, and as we were in a small group setting, it always felt like we had our guide’s full attention. Upon arriving at Pearl Harbor, we started things off with a trip to the Visitor Center, where we looked through the captivating exhibits that recount the events of that fateful day.
The highlight of the tour for me was the visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, which is certainly a solemn experience yet honors the over 1,000 men who lost their lives during the attack.
Visible beneath the clear water, you can literally see the sunken battleship below, serving as a powerful reminder of our past.
The comprehensive narration by our guide was top-notch, providing us with a nice look into Honolulu’s local culture and history.
We got to see the Iolani Palace (the only royal palace on US soil), King Kamehameha Statue, the Kawaiahao Church, and many other interesting places. Nicely balancing serious reflection with lighthearted discover, it’s a great tour for anyone of any age and background!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Related: Enjoy an Authentic Polynesian Luau – Find the Best Luau For Your Money With Our Reviews.
5. Best Guided Tour: Oahu Pearl Harbor Heroes Full-Day Tour
- Departure Point: Pick-up from Waikiki hotels
- Departure Time: 6:45 AM
- Duration: 9.5 hours
- Includes: Skip-the-line Pearl Harbor Tour, audio tour of USS Bowfin, guided tour of USS Missouri, and Pearl Harbor aviation museum
If you’re on the hunt for a meticulously-curated tour with a guide that can offer information you won’t get in a history book, you’re in luck!
The Oahu: Pearl Harbor Heroes Full-Day Tour will take you to the most visited site in Hawaii, providing an in-depth understanding of what took place December 7th, 1941! It’s a great way to learn about the intricacies of the battles and logistics, as well as their enduring impact felt today.
There’s no need to worry about meet-up points or booking separate transportation, as you’ll get to enjoy a convenient pickup from your hotel, cruise ship, or even the airport!
Just like with the other tours, your tour will start out with a visit to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, consisting of various exhibits that set the stage for a lead-up to the unfortunate events that took place.
We then watched a brief documentary to help contextualize everything before taking a Navy boat ride out to the USS Arizona!
The USS Arizona Memorial is a must-see, and I can’t recommend it enough, no matter how interested (or disinterested) you are in WWII and American history!
If you’re traveling with the entire family, I find it to be a wonderful way for younger ones to see the aftermath first-hand of what happened this tragic day. After this, I went to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park for the first time which was so cool!
This museum/park lets you go on an actual submarine that operated in the Pacific theater during WWII, offering insight into the difficult life submariners endured at this time.
Then, we headed to Ford Island via shuttle, where we saw the Battleship Missouri Memorial: where the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed.
Additionally, we got to see the USS Oklahoma Memorial which honors the 429 sailors and Marines who passed away when the it capsized during the attack.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Related: See Oahu From the Air With an Exciting Helicopter Tour – Find the Best One for Your Money With Our Reviews.
6. Best Private Tour: Private Pearl Harbor Tour, Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin
- Departure Point: Restaurant 604, 57 Arizona Memorial Dr, Honolulu
- Departure Time: 9:00 AM
- Duration: 4 hours
- Includes: Private Guided tours of Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin, all entrance fees
Something as somber and important as Pearl Harbor shouldn’t be experienced in a massive group of people, where it almost feels like you’re disconnected from the reality of the situation.
This is why a private tour of this important place is highly recommended, offering a profound glimpse into December 7th and the opportunity to really experience it the way it was meant to be. The Private Pearl Harbor Tour, Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin experience is a must-do!
This is more of a “VIP” experience in my opinion, where you and the rest of your party (up to 6 people) get to ask all the questions you want.
Our guide did a fantastic job of tailoring the tour as much as possible to our specific interests, while being friendly and respectful of some of the more delicate subject matter.
On a tour like this, you really see the benefit of taking a tour with a professional guide, rather than a pre-recorded audio tour.
We were able to visit the Visitor Center first, which serves as a precursor into the more in-depth subject matter and up-close experiences with the vessels used in WWII.
After that, we made our way onto a Navy boat and floated out to the USS Arizona Memorial to see quite possibly the most meaningful part of all of the Pearl Harbor tour. We learned quite a bit about it, including interesting facts like how it’s still leaking oil today!
We then saw the USS Arizona Memorial, which offered further perspective into the US’ involvement in the war, as well as the importance of freedom.
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park is always so much fun to me, though it was important to acknowledge the stress and difficulties the seamen onboard had to endure. Overall, this is an equally thrilling and educational tour that I know anyone would love to experience!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
7. Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour
- Duration: 7 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: n/a
- Includes: “Road to War” and “Attack Gallery”, USS Arizona Memorial Program Shuttle boat ride tickets (based on availability), USS Battleship Missouri Memorial visit
While Hawaii is most often known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, its amazing water sports, delicious food, and unique culture, it does have its somber moments.
Right in the heart of Hawaii lies Pearl Harbor, which is filled with memories of heroes past. The Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour pays homage to this very important part of history, taking you on a journey through time.
As there’s really no easy way to meet up at Pearl Harbor, itself, the tour does come with a complimentary hotel pickup right from the lobby.
Our seasoned guides were clearly very passionate about the subject, with a serious reverence for the significance of this place and the USS Missouri and Arizona.
Each stop we made offered its own perspective on the events that unfolded, as well as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.
After watching a documentary that lasted around 20 minutes, we then took a Navy “shuttle” out to the USS Arizona Memorial which was really shocking to see in person.
No matter the age or background, I feel that the memorial that is the sunken battleship is a place that every American should visit and learn about.
The USS Missouri allowed us to see a signed version of the peace treaty that officially ended WWII, we walked in the footsteps of heroes, and got to learn all about “Mighty Mo” and her wartime background.
Just like with the other, we also wrapped up our exploration with a historic tour of downtown Honolulu where we learned about the former royalty and Polynesian culture.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Tips to Better Enjoy Your Time at Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is one of the most historic military sites and a popular tourist destination in Hawaii. Here are some things to know before visiting Pearl Harbor:
- Hours of operation: Pearl Harbor is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tickets: If you choose not to do a guided tour and go on your own, you can purchase tickets online in advance or at the Pearl Harbor visitor center the day of your visit. We recommend you purchase tickets in advance, as it can get very busy and you will have to wait in line to purchase tickets.
- Tour options: There are a variety of tour options available at Pearl Harbor, including a self-guided audio tour, guided tours (which we recommend), and a boat tour.
- Transportation: Pearl Harbor is located 10 miles west of Waikiki. You can reach the site by car, taxi, Uber or public transportation.
- Must-see attractions: Some of the must-see attractions at Pearl Harbor are the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri battleship and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
- Allow enough time: You should plan to spending at least half a day at Pearl Harbor, as there is a lot to see and do. We would recommend a full day however to see everything and not feel rushed.
- Dining: There are several dining options at Pearl Harbor, including several cafés and a snack bar. You can bring in your own food and drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pearl Harbor:
- What is Pearl Harbor? Pearl Harbor is a military historic site located in Oahu that was the scene of a surprise attack by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor led to the United States entering World War II.
- What can I see at Pearl Harbor? There are several famous attractions to see at Pearl Harbor: the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, USS Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
- Is Pearl Harbor accessible to visitors with disabilities? Yes, Pearl Harbor is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with elevators and ramps available.
- How much does it cost to visit Pearl Harbor? Admission to Pearl Harbor is free, but there is a charge for guided tours and audio guides.
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The Premium Tour with Pick-Up from Waikiki is our Editor's Choice for the best Pearl Harbor tour.
