Deluxe Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri Battleship Tour

Travelers interested in honoring America’s wartime history will find this tour a compelling option. It combines a visit to Pearl Harbor’s most iconic sites with the convenience of hotel pickup and expert guides. Whether you’re a history buff, a family seeking an educational outing, or a solo traveler eager to connect with Hawaii’s pivotal past, this tour offers a balanced mix of insight, comfort, and authenticity.

What we love most about this experience is how it avoids the chaos of larger bus groups, allowing for a more intimate and reflective visit. Plus, the included tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri Battleship mean no long lines or early morning rushes—an impressive perk considering how popular these sites are. On the flip side, some travelers might find the tour’s well-structured schedule a little tight if they prefer more leisurely exploration. But overall, this is a tour that suits those who want to see the highlights without sacrificing comfort or depth.

In short, this tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, those traveling with limited time, and visitors who want a hassle-free, guided experience—all at a reasonable price. Read on for a full breakdown of what makes it tick, and how it can fit into your Hawaii adventure.

Key Points

• Small group size (11 travelers) ensures a more personal experience.
• Includes tickets for Pearl Harbor’s Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri, saving time and avoiding lines.
• Guided tour with knowledgeable staff enhances understanding of WWII history.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off make the day stress-free.
• Approximately 7 hours long, offering a comprehensive yet manageable itinerary.
• Exceptional value considering the included tickets and guided commentary.

Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re looking for a balanced, informative, and personalized tour of Pearl Harbor, this could be your best bet. The small group and new model van mean fewer hassles and more time at each site. Plus, the included tickets eliminate the need to scramble for limited daily passes, which is a big plus during peak seasons. The tour costs about $131.75 per person, which many would agree is fair — considering the tickets, guide, and transport are all included.

The Itinerary—What to Expect

Stop 1: Pearl Harbor National Memorial

This is the heart of the experience, and it’s where many of us would spend the majority of our reflection time. Pearl Harbor is undoubtedly Hawaii’s most visited attraction, drawing millions annually. What sets this tour apart is the small group size—just eleven people—and direct, comfortable transportation. No giant buses here. You’ll hop into a well-appointed, air-conditioned van that shuttles you straight to the memorial, bypassing long lines.

Your included Arizona Memorial ticket means you won’t need to arrive at dawn, as you might with other options. Many reviews emphasize how this saves both time and stress—no waiting in endless queues or rushing to beat the crowds. The tour includes about 2 hours and 30 minutes here, giving ample time to visit the memorial, watch the documentary, and reflect on the loss that day. The memorial itself floats over the sunken battleship, which remains a haunting reminder of WWII’s impact on the United States.

What we loved:

• The direct access with reserved tickets offers peace of mind.
• The quiet, reflective atmosphere without the rush of larger groups.
• The well-paced itinerary allows enough time for personal reflection.

Consideration:

Some travelers have noted that the driver isn’t allowed to accompany you inside the memorial, but they do provide a brief orientation and tickets before you go. This is fairly standard at Pearl Harbor, but it’s worth knowing if you prefer more guided supervision inside.

Stop 2: Battleship Missouri Memorial

Next, you’ll visit the “Mighty MO”, the ship where the Japanese surrender was signed, ending WWII. You climb onto the deck for a 30-minute guided tour, soaking in the history and hearing stories about this colossal vessel. The guided discussion includes seeing the actual instruments of surrender, making it a vivid step back in time.

Your included ticket—valued at $35—means you get to explore without the hassle of ticket lines. Many reviewers highlight how meaningful it is to walk the decks of a fighting ship that played such a pivotal role. The guided nature of this part enhances understanding, especially for those less familiar with naval history.

Highlights:

• The guided deck tour offers insights that make the ship come alive.
• Seeing the actual surrender instruments underscores the gravity of the moment.
• The ship’s size and historical importance make it a visceral experience.

Short Drive-Through Honolulu

On the way back, the tour takes a quick drive through downtown Honolulu, giving glimpses of key landmarks—Iolani Palace, the Hawaii State Capitol, and the famous King Kamehameha statue. This brief overview provides context about the city’s royal history and political significance, enriching your understanding of the islands’ cultural landscape.

Final Stop: Honolulu

The last part of the day involves a roughly 2-hour drive through Honolulu, including sights like Punchbowl Cemetery and the Washington Place mansion. It’s a good chance to soak in the city’s history and see some of the notable landmarks without the stress of navigating yourself.

The Transport and Group Size

What makes this tour particularly attractive is the small group size—just eleven people—which means you’re less likely to feel rushed or lost in the crowd. The new model van is air-conditioned and comfortable, crucial for the tropical climate. Pickup and return to your Waikiki hotel remove the hassle of organizing transport independently, especially after a full day of sightseeing.

Included and Not Included

The package includes all tickets mentioned (Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri), hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided tour, and water and tropical juice—a small but appreciated touch. The price is about $131.75, which covers a lot of ground, especially considering the value of the included tickets.

Not included are lunch and gratuities, which are typical for guided tours. You’ll want to bring some snacks or plan for a meal afterward. The tour does not accommodate pickups outside designated areas, so confirm your hotel location when booking.

Price and Value

At roughly $132 per person, this tour presents solid value. Tickets to Pearl Harbor sites are included and are typically a significant additional expense if bought separately. The guided tour enriches the experience, providing context you might miss exploring alone. The small group size and hotel pickup are the cherry on top, making it convenient and personalized.

What Past Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially noting how guides like Vanessa made the day enjoyable with their personal touch and expertise. Several mention that the ample time at each site allowed them to soak in the history without feeling rushed, and many consider this tour the highlight of their Hawaii trip.

Some negative feedback involved initial communication or the driver’s limitations at Pearl Harbor, but these issues are minor compared to the overall positive experiences. The consensus remains that this tour offers authentic insights, good value, and a memorable day.

Final Thoughts: Who Is It Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a well-organized, informative, and personalized visit to Pearl Harbor. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided commentary, value tickets included, and prefer a small group rather than a crowded bus. It suits history enthusiasts, families, and older travelers who want a respectful, meaningful experience without the chaos of larger tours.

If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive look at Pearl Harbor’s most significant sites, this tour delivers at a fair price. The combination of comfort, expert guides, and carefully curated itinerary makes it a worthwhile addition to any Honolulu itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, giving enough time to explore each site without feeling rushed.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from Waikiki hotels, making logistics simple and stress-free.

Are tickets to the Arizona Memorial included?
Yes, the tour provides the tickets, saving you the trouble of waiting in line for limited daily passes.

Can I go inside the USS Arizona Memorial?
You will visit the memorial and watch the documentary, but the driver does not accompany you inside; you’ll be given tickets and instructions.

What about the tour of downtown Honolulu?
The drive-through city tour lasts about 2 hours and includes landmarks like Iolani Palace and King Kamehameha’s statue.

Is there time to explore the battleship Missouri?
Yes, the 30-minute guided deck tour offers a detailed look at the ship and its historical significance.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sun protection, water, and possibly snacks. The tour provides bottled water and tropical juice.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, but it’s suitable for a wide age range.

What’s the cost?
The tour costs around $131.75 per person, which includes all tickets, transport, guide, and amenities.

To sum it up, this small-group, guided tour of Pearl Harbor offers an enriching, hassle-free way to connect with a critical chapter of American history. Its thoughtful itinerary, inclusive tickets, and attentive guides make it a top choice for visitors who value authenticity, comfort, and a respectful approach to remembrance. Perfect for those who want to learn without the crowds and leave with a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made on that pivotal day.