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
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,
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Pearl Harbor Tours For 2026

1. Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri
2. USS Missouri and USS Arizona Pearl Harbor Private Tour
3. Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Highlights Tour
4. Pearl Harbor Heroes Full-Day Tour
5. Private Pearl Harbor Tour, Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin
6. USS Missouri and USS Arizona Pearl Harbor Private Tour
7. 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

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.

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

2. USS Missouri and USS Arizona Pearl Harbor Private Tour

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.

3. Best Combination Tour: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona and City Highlights Tour

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 7^th, 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.

4. Best Budget Tour: Honolulu: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial and City Tour

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!

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

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 7^th, 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.

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

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 7^th 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!

7. Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour

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.

A Guide to Pearl Harbor Tours

The USS Arizona still holds most of the 1,177 sailors and Marines who died aboard her on December 7, 1941, and the memorial built above the wreck exists so people can stand there and understand that plainly.

This guide covers what you actually need to know before visiting, the ticket system, the different historic sites on base, and what to expect, since getting into the USS Arizona Memorial specifically takes more planning than most visitors realize until they are already in Honolulu without a reservation.

What to Know Before You Go

Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial are free to visit. That single fact surprises people who assume a site this significant must charge admission, and it does not, but free does not mean walk-in.

Every visitor needs a timed reservation to ride the Navy shuttle boat out to the memorial, and those reservations run out.

This is the most important logistics fact in this entire guide. Skip this section at your own risk.

Give the visit real time and real attention once you are there. This is a war grave, not a typical tourist stop, and the memorial itself is built to be a place of quiet reflection rather than a photo backdrop.

Consider how you want to spend the time afterward too. Many visitors find they want a quiet stretch after stepping off the boat, rather than rushing straight into another activity, so build a little breathing room into your schedule for later that day.

When to Go (and How the Ticket System Actually Works)

Recreation.gov releases USS Arizona Memorial tickets 56 days, exactly eight weeks, in advance at 3 p.m. Hawaii time, on a rolling daily basis. Set a reminder and book the moment your specific date opens up, since popular days can fill within just a few minutes of release.

A limited batch of same-day reservations releases at 3 p.m. the afternoon before your visit, but do not count on this as your plan. Availability is not guaranteed, and showing up without any reservation means relying entirely on the standby line, which is a real option but genuinely your backup, not your main plan.

Same-day free tickets used to be available directly at the Visitor Center. That is no longer true.

If you read an older blog post or a well-meaning friend’s advice from a few years back telling you to just show up early and grab a ticket at the counter, ignore it. That system does not exist anymore.

Morning visits give you the most flexibility. The first program starts at 8 a.m. and the last boat departs at 3:30 p.m., so an early reservation leaves you room to explore the rest of the base afterward without racing the clock.

What You Will Actually See

The USS Arizona Memorial Program

The full program runs 45 minutes. It starts with a brief introduction at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater, followed by a Navy-operated shuttle boat ride out to the memorial itself, then time to stand at the memorial before the boat returns you to shore.

There are no restrooms on the memorial itself, so use the facilities at the Visitor Center before your boat departs. Only clear water is allowed on the shuttle and at the memorial, no other food or drinks, and only clear bags are permitted on site under federal security rules.

The site is fully accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, including the shuttle boats themselves and the memorial. The theater film is captioned in English, an induction loop is available for hearing aids, and braille signage with tactile models is placed throughout the visitor center.

The Wider Historic Sites

Pearl Harbor’s Visitor Center sits alongside several other paid historic sites that are separate from the free Arizona Memorial program, run by the nonprofit that manages the wider Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. The Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, and the Pacific Aviation Museum each charge their own admission and operate independently of your Arizona reservation.

A shorter visit covering just the Visitor Center and the Arizona Memorial itself takes around two hours. Adding the Missouri, the Aviation Museum, and the Submarine Museum turns this into a full day, six to eight hours, so plan your schedule based on how much of the base you actually want to see.

Each of the paid sites offers something genuinely different from the Arizona Memorial itself. The Missouri lets you walk the deck where the Japanese surrender was formally signed, closing out the same war that began at this harbor, and the Bowfin gives you a working submarine to walk through rather than a memorial to stand at.

A combination ticket called the Passport to Pearl Harbor covers several of these paid sites together, but it does not include an Arizona Memorial reservation. You still need to book that separately through Recreation.gov regardless of which other tickets you buy.

Where to Book

• Recreation.gov, direct booking. Book your own Arizona Memorial reservation for a $1 service fee per ticket, released 56 days ahead. The cheapest route if you are comfortable planning around the release window yourself.
• Scheduled guided tours. Several licensed operators bundle an Arizona Memorial reservation with round-trip transportation from Waikiki and narration along the way, solving the recreation.gov timing problem for you.
• Self-paced tour packages. Some operators sell entry to the paid historic sites without transportation or an Arizona reservation included, requiring you to arrange both separately.
• Cruise line shore excursions. Available if you are arriving by cruise ship, generally bundling transportation and an Arizona reservation into one booking.

Read any tour listing carefully before assuming it includes the Arizona Memorial program. Not having your own reservation does not automatically mean you are shut out, since a standby system exists, but treat standby as a backup plan, not your actual strategy.

What It Costs

The USS Arizona Memorial program itself is free, with only the $1 non-refundable Recreation.gov service fee attached to booking a reservation. Parking at the Visitor Center runs $7 per day, paid through a mobile or kiosk system rather than through Recreation.gov itself.

The other historic sites carry their own separate admission. The Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Aviation Museum, and the Bowfin Submarine Museum each charge individually, or you can buy a combination Passport covering several of them together, though again, that Passport does not include your Arizona reservation.

Guided tours bundling transportation, narration, and an Arizona reservation run at a real premium over booking everything yourself, but they remove the planning burden entirely. Worth it if you would rather not track a release window from your hotel room the week before.

One important warning. Third-party passes sold through general deal sites are not valid for the official Arizona Memorial program, since Recreation.gov is the only accepted booking channel for that specific reservation.

If a deal looks too easy for something this in demand, confirm directly what it actually includes before you pay for it.

Bag storage is available near the Visitor Center entrance if you need to leave something behind, generally around $7 for a small locker and $10 for a large one, though availability tightens during the busiest hours of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the USS Arizona Memorial really free?

Yes, the program itself is free, with only a $1 Recreation.gov service fee attached to reserving your time slot. The other historic sites on the base, like the Missouri and the Aviation Museum, charge separate admission.

How far ahead do I need to book?

As close to 56 days ahead as you can manage, the moment tickets release at 3 p.m. Hawaii time. Popular dates can fill within minutes, so do not wait.

What if I could not get a reservation in advance?

Check for the limited same-day release at 3 p.m. the day before your visit, and use the standby line as a genuine backup option if that does not work out. Neither is a reliable substitute for booking ahead.

Can I buy Arizona Memorial tickets through a third-party deal site?

No. Recreation.gov is the only valid booking channel for the official program, and passes from general deal sites are not accepted.

How much time should I plan for the whole visit?

About two hours for just the Visitor Center and the Arizona Memorial. Add the Missouri, the Aviation Museum, and the Submarine Museum and the day stretches to six or eight hours.

What should I bring, and what should I leave behind?

Bring a clear bag if you need to carry anything at all, since only clear bags are permitted under federal security rules, plus your reservation confirmation, ready to scan digitally or printed. Leave regular bags, backpacks, and any food or drinks besides water back at your hotel or in paid storage near the entrance.