Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour

A Complete Look at the Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded, half-day adventure that combines a visit to one of Hawaii’s most iconic sites—the Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial—with a dive into Honolulu’s past and present. It’s a package designed for history buffs, families, and travelers who want an efficient way to see the essentials without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

What we love most? The inclusion of the USS Bowfin Submarine tour—a rare experience that lets you walk through a WWII submarine, imagining the lives of sailors who fought beneath the waves. A key consideration? The tour’s pace can feel a little hurried for some, especially if you’re eager to linger longer at each stop. Still, overall, it’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive, guided snapshot of Honolulu’s history and military heritage.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of historical depth and authentic sightseeing, and who prefer small groups with personalized attention. If you’re after a relaxed, self-guided day, this might not be your ideal choice. But for those who want a knowledgeable guide, streamlined itinerary, and meaningful insights, it offers solid value.

Key Points

• Balanced Itinerary: Combines Pearl Harbor, the USS Bowfin submarine, and a city tour of Honolulu.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 14 travelers, fostering a more intimate environment.
• Inclusive Access: Tickets to the Arizona Memorial and Bowfin Submarine Museum are included, saving you hassle.
• Expert Guides: Recognized for knowledgeable guides who enhance the storytelling.
• Limited Time at Each Site: Designed as a half-day tour, so some stops may feel rushed.
• Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Waikiki simplify logistics.

An In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

The Pearl Harbor Visit: A Powerful Beginning

The tour kicks off with pickup from your Waikiki hotel, often a seamless process thanks to the small group setting. Once there, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center becomes your first stop. Here, you’ll get tickets to the Arizona Memorial, which is included in the tour price—meaning no need to wait in lines or buy separate admission tickets.

Once at the visitor center, your guide will take you through two museums, “Road to War” and “Attack,” where you can get a good grasp of the events leading up to December 7, 1941, and the attack itself. One reviewer, Catherine, especially appreciated the guided transportation, noting that the tour was made memorable because of the guide’s attentiveness. She praised Vanessa, the guide, for making the history come alive, which is a testament to the value of knowledgeable guides.

The highlight here is the U.S. Navy shuttle boat ride across the harbor to the Arizona Memorial. The boat ride itself offers a chance to see the memorial from afar and enjoy the water views, which many find peaceful and reflective—a good contrast to the somber history it represents. Expect to spend about 2 hours and 30 minutes at this site, providing enough time to absorb the history without feeling overly rushed.

USS Bowfin Submarine: A Hidden Gem

Next, the tour visits the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park. This is one of the most unique parts of the experience. You’ll get a ticket to tour the submarine itself, along with an audio guide, which helps you understand what life was like aboard a WWII submarine.

Walking through Bowfin, you’ll see narrow corridors, cramped quarters, and the equipment that kept sailors alive during their patrols. The experience is immersive, especially for those interested in military technology and history, giving a tangible sense of the conditions soldiers endured.

Reviewers like Marcus enjoyed the personal touches from guides, with one mentioning Ronaldo’s extensive local knowledge, making the experience both educational and engaging. However, some travelers find this part of the tour can be quite quick, as Bowfin is a small attraction, and the time allocated is usually about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Exploring Honolulu’s Heart: A Short Drive Through History

The final leg of the tour is a drive-through of downtown Honolulu, offering quick glimpses of some of the city’s most iconic sites. Your guide will point out Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil, and the Hawaii State Capitol—modern symbols of the islands’ governance.

You’ll also see the Golden Statue of King Kamehameha the Great, a favorite among visitors for its historical significance. The Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery provides a poignant reminder of Hawaii’s military history, while Washington Place adds a touch of the local aristocracy.

This part of the tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and is a good way to get a flavor of Honolulu’s diverse history without spending hours wandering. Reviewers like Amy noted that the driver, Ronaldo, made the city highlights enjoyable with his Hawaiian insights, which added a layer of authenticity to the experience.

Logistics, Price, and Overall Value

Priced at $155 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded experience at a reasonable cost considering all included tickets and transportation. The small group size means more personalized attention, and the hotel pickup simplifies logistics, especially for those unfamiliar with Honolulu’s traffic or public transport.

However, some travelers feel the tour could be a bit rushed, especially at the city tour segment, which is understandably limited in time. As Stephan pointed out, cutting back on the city tour to spend more time at Pearl Harbor might suit those most interested in the historical sites.

The duration is roughly 7 hours, making it manageable for most travelers without feeling overly long, but be prepared for a busy schedule. The inclusion of bottled water is a small but appreciated touch, helping you stay hydrated while exploring.

Real Traveler Insights

Many reviews attest to the professionalism of the guides, with standout mentions for Ronaldo and Vanessa. Guests consistently highlight the knowledgeability and friendliness of the guides, which greatly enhances the experience.

Some reviewers experienced hiccups with logistics—like being picked up late or feeling the tour was too quick. One shared that they wished the visit at Pearl Harbor could be longer, but overall, most found the tour to be informative and worthwhile.

Considerations for Future Travelers

• If you’re deeply interested in WWII history, especially submarines, this tour offers a rare behind-the-scenes look.
• For those who prefer leisurely, self-paced exploration, this might feel a little rushed.
• Travelers should be prepared for a fast-paced day with limited free time at each site.
• Booking 67 days in advance, as most do, is wise to secure a spot, given the popularity of these sites.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour is a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive glimpse of Hawaii’s military and cultural history in a single day. It balances iconic sites like Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace with an up-close look at WWII submarines, all wrapped into a small-group, guided experience.

If you value expert narration and want to avoid the hassle of planning individual visits, this tour offers good value, especially with tickets included. The small group size ensures more personalized attention, which can make a big difference in understanding the significance of each site.

However, if you prefer to explore at your own pace or want to spend more time at each location, this tour’s tight schedule might be a drawback. Also, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides and appreciate authentic experiences over rushed sightseeing.

In summary, it’s a practical, well-organized tour that delivers meaningful insights into Hawaii’s history and heritage, making it a worthwhile addition to your island itinerary if the schedule suits your style.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from Waikiki hotels, making logistics straightforward and avoiding the need to navigate public transport.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including transportation, site visits, and city drive-bys.

Are tickets to the Arizona Memorial included?
Yes, the tour provides the tickets to the Arizona Memorial, saving you time and the hassle of booking separately.

Can I visit the USS Bowfin submarine on my own?
The tour includes a ticket and audio guide for the Bowfin, giving you a guided experience of this WWII submarine.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it appropriate, especially with guided narration, but consider the length and pace if traveling with very young children.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a bottle of water are recommended. The tour provides bottled water, but bringing personal supplies is always wise.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour offers a meaningful, well-organized way to see some of Hawaii’s most important historical sites in a single day. It’s best for those who appreciate guided storytelling, authentic military history, and a small-group setting for a more personal experience.