Oahu

Pearl Harbor Tours

Overview

Pearl Harbor is a must-see on a visit to Oahu. Take in the solemn and stirring site of the critical event that thrust the U.S. into World War II and changed the course of history, and further learn about the roles of Pearl Harbor and the military in Hawaii’s history. On a private or small group tour, you'll receive round-trip transportation from your lodging, extensive historical and military context from your own local guide (many of them veterans), expedited check-in without having to worry about getting there early enough to secure limited tickets yourself, and an optimized itinerary to maximize your experience in an efficient manner.

Guidebook Reviews

Lonely Planet guidebook:

Pearl Harbor has a resonance for all Americans. The site is accessible, evocative, and moving. It’s the top site for visitors to Hawaii.

Fodor's guidebook:

Pearl Harbor: Top Reasons to Go to Oahu. A sobering, don’t miss sight.

Same-day tickets can disappear within an hour [if not part of tour]

Moon guidebook:

The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites are a must-see to grasp.

On a busy day, be prepared to wait several hours [if not part of tour]

Oahu Revealed guidebook:

The USS Arizona Memorial is the single most popular visitor attraction on Oahu and a must-do for good reason.

Parking can be difficult at peak times.

Activity Comparison

The below table outlines the key differences between our two tours. If you're interested in the full ~5 hour experience at Pearl Harbor and also circling the island with a tour, you could do the standalone Pearl Harbor Tour (Activity 1) on one day and the standalone Circle Island Tour on a separate day. All tours are with the same highly rated veteran-owned small business run by a Hawaiian family. Please visit the individual pages for all the details, to check availability, and to book.

Activity 1

Full Experience

Activity 2

AZ Memorial Only + Island Tour

Duration

6-7.5 hours, with 5 hours at Pearl Harbor

10 hours, with 2 hours at Pearl Harbor

Pick-up Time

~9 am

~7 am

Pearl Harbor Highlights

Boat ride to USS Arizona Memorial
Tour inside of USS Bowfin Submarine
Exploring USS Missouri battleship

Boat ride to USS Arizona Memorial (when possible) and/or various exhibits near visitor center

Non-Pearl Harbor Highlights

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) (private tours only)

~25 sites including North Shore beaches, Dole Pineapple Plantation, Pali Lookout, Valley of the Temples, Punchbowl, and more

Military Veteran Guide

Yes

No

Physical Exertion

In-depth tour mostly on one's feet for many hours / miles

Pearl Harbor includes exploring a submarine and battleship via some ladders and tight spaces 

Note: those with some physical limitations can split with the tour as needed, or take a private tour with more personalization / flexibility

Relatively easy and accessible sightseeing tour, much of it on a van circling the island

Pearl Harbor portion focuses on Visitor Center and Arizona Memorial, the easiest and most visited areas

Shared Tour Price

$226/age 13+
$210/age 2-12
Free age 1 & under

$199-$219/person

Private Tour Price

$1,599+

$1,699+

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