From Waikiki: USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour

Discover the Heart of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor in a Day

Taking a tour from Waikiki that combines the poignant history of Pearl Harbor with a scenic drive through historic Honolulu feels like hitting two birds with one stone. This particular experience, offered by Aloha Sunshine Tours, promises a mix of emotional reflection and cultural exploration, all wrapped into a manageable six-hour trip. While it’s a convenient way to see some of the city’s most iconic spots, it’s important to approach it with balanced expectations.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is the inclusion of the USS Arizona Memorial — a must-visit for anyone wanting a meaningful connection to WWII history. The guided commentary on Honolulu’s historic landmarks also adds a layer of context that enhances the sightseeing experience. On the flip side, some travelers report issues with ticketing and organization, which can impact your overall experience, especially if you’re hoping for a seamless visit. This tour is best suited for those looking for a cost-effective, informative day of learning and sightseeing with minimal hassle.

Key Points

• Historical Significance: The tour centers on Pearl Harbor, focusing on the USS Arizona Memorial, a moving tribute to fallen sailors.
• Guided Insights: Knowledgeable guides offer detailed narration, making the history come alive.
• City Highlights: Includes well-known landmarks like Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha Statue, and Punchbowl Cemetery.
• Value for Money: At $76, it offers a comprehensive experience, though some reviews note organizational hiccups.
• Limited Access: Ticketing for the USS Arizona Memorial can be unpredictable, with some travelers facing long standby waits.
• Ideal for: History enthusiasts, first-time visitors, and those seeking a balanced, guided overview of Honolulu.

A Practical Look at the Experience

This tour provides a balanced approach, combining the emotionally charged visit to Pearl Harbor with a scenic drive through Honolulu’s most iconic sites. It’s designed for those who want a guided, all-in-one experience without having to plan every detail themselves.

The Pearl Harbor Visit

Your day begins with pick-up from Waikiki resorts or nearby locations, which is a major plus—no need to worry about navigating or parking. The journey to Pearl Harbor is smooth, and the Visit to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center typically lasts about two hours. Here, you’ll find exhibits dedicated to the US’s WWII efforts, along with a 23-minute documentary that sets the stage for the importance of this site.

The highlight for most visitors is the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. This short shuttle trip is generally about 23 minutes, and it’s where the emotional weight of the day hits home. You’ll learn about the attack that sank the battleship and took the lives of over 1,000 sailors. The memorial itself is a simple but powerful structure floating above the sunken ship, offering space for reflection.

However, as one reviewer bluntly put it, “This trip is falsely advertised. You might think from the description and title that it would include entrance to the USS Arizona, but it doesn’t!” Instead, the ticket only grants you the shuttle ride; getting onto the memorial itself often requires signing up for standby, which can mean a long wait and uncertain access. So, if visiting the memorial is your priority, be prepared to arrive early and wait patiently.

Honolulu City Drive

After paying respects at Pearl Harbor, the tour continues with a drive through some of Honolulu’s most historic and iconic sites. The guide provides commentary on landmarks such as:

• Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil.
• Kawaiahao Church, one of the oldest Christian sites in Hawaii.
• The King Kamehameha Statue, symbolizing Hawaiian sovereignty.
• The Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific, a serene site overlooking Honolulu, where many war heroes are buried.
• The Honolulu State Capitol, a modern architectural statement.

This part of the tour offers scenic views and insightful stories, helping you understand Hawaii’s complex history beyond Pearl Harbor. Most of these stops are pass-by or short guided visits, so don’t expect long wanderings but rather a well-curated overview.

The Logistics and Practicalities

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from most Waikiki resorts, as well as specific locations like the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Pier 2 Cruise Terminal, making it flexible for various travelers. The cost is $76 per person, which includes entry tickets to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and the shuttle to the Arizona Memorial.

That said, food and drinks aren’t included, so plan to bring snacks or grab something beforehand. Also, bags larger than 1.5” x 2.25” x 5.5” aren’t allowed at Pearl Harbor, with storage available for around $7-$10 if needed.

The Experience – Pros and Cons

The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge, adding depth to the tour. They bring history to life with engaging narration and local insights, making the experience much more than just sightseeing. For many, this is the highlight of the day.

However, the organization can sometimes be shaky. Several reviews mention last-minute itinerary changes and delays, particularly around USS Arizona ticketing. One traveler advised, “Save yourself the money and take a Lyft or Uber to Pearl Harbor, sign up for standby, and get your own ride back.” This suggests that if your primary goal is to visit the memorial itself, you might prefer to arrange transportation independently to avoid disappointment.

The Cost-Value Balance

At $76, this tour offers decent value, especially given the comprehensive nature of the itinerary and included tickets. But, if your heart is set on guaranteed access to the USS Arizona Memorial, it’s worth considering the potential for long standby lines and possibly booking tickets independently or arriving very early.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs and first-timers wanting a guided overview of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s highlights without the stress of planning. It also suits travelers looking for a cost-effective option that combines significant emotional sites with scenic city sightseeing.

If you’re flexible and open to some organizational quirks or possibly waiting for a ticket, it provides a meaningful day out. Those with mobility issues or tight schedules might want to look into more personalized or private options, as the group setting and some waiting can be challenging.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Waikiki offers an accessible and educational way to introduce yourself to Honolulu’s historical sites and pay tribute at Pearl Harbor. While some travelers have faced issues with ticketing and organization, many appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the overall value for money.

You’ll love the combination of reflective history and scenic city views, especially if you’re eager to see multiple highlights in one day. Just be prepared for potential wait times at the memorial and consider arriving early to secure your spot on the boat.

If you’re interested in a well-rounded overview of Honolulu’s past and present and don’t mind some minor logistical hiccups, this tour can serve as a memorable introduction.

FAQ

Does the tour include entry to the USS Arizona Memorial?
The tour includes the shuttle to the memorial, but tickets for the memorial itself are not guaranteed and are available on a standby basis. You may need to wait in line for a chance to get on.

What is the duration of the tour?
The complete experience lasts around 6 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and time at Pearl Harbor.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and beverages are not included. It’s advisable to bring snacks or plan for a meal afterward.

Can I bring large bags?
Large bags are not allowed at Pearl Harbor. Storage is available on-site for about $7-$10 per bag.

What are the pick-up options?
The tour offers pickup from most Waikiki area resorts, the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and Pier 2 Cruise Terminal, providing flexible options.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on history and reflective sites makes it suitable for older children and teenagers, but check with the provider for specific age recommendations.

What if I want a more organized Arizona Memorial visit?
Consider booking tickets independently or arriving early to secure a guaranteed spot for the memorial, as the tour’s included ticketing may be unpredictable.

To sum it up, this tour from Waikiki stands out for its value and guided storytelling, making it a good choice for travelers wanting a broad overview of Honolulu’s historic sites along with a meaningful Pearl Harbor visit. Just plan ahead for potential wait times and ticketing issues, and you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s pivotal role in WWII and beyond.