USS Arizona Commander’s Narrated Multimedia Tour – 23 Stops

A Practical Review of the USS Arizona Commander’s Narrated Multimedia Tour

When planning a trip to Pearl Harbor, many travelers want an experience that combines education, history, and personal stories. This USS Arizona Commander’s Narrated Multimedia Tour offers just that—an engaging way to explore one of America’s most iconic historic sites. While it doesn’t include boat tickets to the memorial itself, it makes up for it with compelling stories and easy-to-navigate content. This review breaks down what to expect so you can decide if it fits your style and interests.

What we love about this tour is how it offers a deeper, more personal view of the events of December 7, 1941, with real stories from Pearl Harbor survivors and expertly crafted multimedia content. Plus, for those who prefer a flexible schedule, the self-guided format lets you explore at your own pace. A possible consideration is that it does not include boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial, which might mean booking separately if you wish to see the actual ship. This experience is perfect for history buffs, independent travelers, and anyone eager to connect emotionally with this pivotal moment in U.S. history.

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Key Points

• Self-paced multimedia experience with 23 informative stops
• Stories from Pearl Harbor survivors add emotional depth
• No guided group tours, allowing flexible exploration
• Includes smartphone rental and earbuds for clear narration
• Cost-effective at $12 per person, offering good value
• Not including boat tickets, so plan to reserve those separately

Overview of the Experience

This official Pearl Harbor tour is designed to give you an immersive, educational experience without the constraints of a guided group. Hosted by the well-known actress Jamie Lee Curtis, the narration combines historical facts with touching survivor stories. It’s important to note that guided tours are not permitted inside Pearl Harbor, so this multimedia approach serves as an excellent alternative for those wanting depth and flexibility.

The tour spans 60 to 90 minutes, during which you will visit 23 key stops around the memorial and visitor center. Think of it as a personal docent, guiding you through the impactful moments of December 7th, 1941, at your own pace. You’ll explore the museums, walk along the shoreline, and see the landscape where history happened. While it doesn’t include boat tickets for the Arizona Memorial, you can still fully appreciate the site’s significance through this multimedia tour.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For just $12, you receive a smartphone rental and complimentary earbuds, making it easy to follow along without the need to bring your own device. The tour content is available in multiple languages including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for international visitors.

However, keep in mind that the actual boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are not included, nor is the Memorial movie. If you wish to visit the ship itself, you should plan ahead and reserve those tickets separately, preferably online 1-2 weeks in advance. On the day of your visit, standby tickets might be available, but there’s no guarantee.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you check in at the ticket counter, located conveniently in the courtyard. Once equipped with your smartphone and earbuds, you’re set to explore.

Stops 1-3 take you through the Visitor Center’s two main museums. These museums are world-class and packed with artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that set the stage for understanding the attack. We loved the way the multimedia content amplifies the exhibits, making history come alive with vivid storytelling and visual aids.

Stops 4-15 focus on specific locations along the shoreline, including the Path of Attack Tour. Here, the narration describes the sequence of events during the attack, giving context to each site you pass. Walking along this shoreline, you’ll see the spots where the battles unfolded, with detailed stories from survivors and historians.

Stops 16-23 include poignant locations at the memorial itself, offering a chance to reflect on the fallen. You’ll also get insights into the ship’s history, the attack’s aftermath, and the USS Arizona’s legacy. The stories shared are often deeply moving, leaving many visitors with a sense of connection and reverence.

If you’ve reserved boat tickets separately, you’ll join the guided boat tour to the Arizona Memorial. During this onboard ride, several narration stops enhance the experience, but the multimedia tour continues in the background, enriching your understanding.

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What Visitors Say

Multiple reviews mention that the multimedia content is engaging and informative. One noted, “The stories from Pearl Harbor survivors truly touched my heart,” emphasizing the emotional power of real survivor testimonies. Others appreciated the flexibility—being able to explore at their own pace was a huge plus, especially for those with limited time or mobility concerns.

Some noted a drawback: the tour doesn’t include boat tickets to the memorial, which is a common point of confusion. But many felt that the content alone justified the price, particularly given the language options and the quality of narration.

A key factor that visitors consistently praise is the knowledgeable narration and the stunning views along the shoreline, which help bring the history into sharper focus. For travelers who enjoy self-guided exploration, this tour balances depth with independence.

Navigating the Logistics

The check-in process is straightforward; just arrive at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center’s ticket counter. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs. Remember, bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the memorial, with storage options available outside for a fee.

For those worried about timing, the tour check-in times are flexible, and the pay later option offers peace of mind if your plans are uncertain. Try to reserve your boat tickets early if you want to visit the Arizona itself—this is highly recommended to avoid missing out, especially during busy seasons.

The Value Proposition

At $12 per person, this tour provides a cost-effective way to deepen your understanding of Pearl Harbor. Compared to guided group tours, which tend to be more expensive, this multimedia experience offers a personalized, engaging alternative. It’s ideal for independent travelers who prefer self-paced exploration or families looking for an educational activity that’s both flexible and meaningful.

While it doesn’t include access to the actual ship, the comprehensive content, survivor stories, and scenic shoreline walk deliver a rich perspective on the attack and its aftermath. It’s a well-balanced offering that combines emotional storytelling with detailed historical context.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This multimedia tour is perfect for history enthusiasts eager to learn more than just surface-level facts. It’s also great for independent travelers who want control over their schedule and prefer a self-guided experience. Families and older visitors will appreciate the accessible design and the chance to reflect quietly while absorbing powerful stories.

If you’re visiting Pearl Harbor and want a deeper understanding of the attack, but aren’t necessarily interested in guided group tours or the boat ride itself, this is a thoughtful, affordable choice. It’s also suitable for international visitors, thanks to multiple language options.

The Sum Up

The USS Arizona Commander’s Narrated Multimedia Tour offers a thoughtful blend of storytelling, historical insight, and scenic exploration. Its self-guided format allows you to absorb the stories and sights at your own pace, making it a flexible choice for a meaningful visit. The inclusion of survivor narratives adds a heartfelt dimension that many visitors find memorable.

While it doesn’t include boat tickets to the memorial, the content and experience provided are often enough to satisfy those interested in a comprehensive understanding of this significant moment in history. For the price, it’s a valuable way to connect with Pearl Harbor’s story without breaking the bank or feeling rushed.

This tour best suits travelers who want a personal, in-depth experience with plenty of context and storytelling, and who are comfortable arranging their boat tickets separately. If you appreciate detailed narratives, stunning scenery, and the ability to explore at your own pace, this multimedia tour will serve you well.

FAQ

Does this tour include boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial?
No, the tour does not include boat tickets. You’ll need to reserve those separately, ideally online 1-2 weeks in advance.

Can I explore at my own pace?
Yes, the multimedia content is self-guided, allowing you to move through the stops when it suits you.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs.

What languages are available for narration?
Narration is available in English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.

What do I need to do upon arriving?
Check in at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Narrated Tour ticket counter in the visitor center courtyard. You’ll receive a smartphone and earbuds.

Are backpacks allowed inside?
No, backpacks and bags are not permitted inside the memorial. Storage is available outside for a fee.

How long does the tour take?
The multimedia experience lasts about 60-90 minutes, depending on your pace.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for most ages, especially those interested in history and stories from survivors.

Does the tour include the USS Arizona Memorial itself?
No, but if you book boat tickets separately, you can take the boat ride after completing the multimedia tour.

What makes this tour a good value?
At just $12, it offers a deeply engaging experience with compelling stories, flexible timing, and multiple language options, making it a worthwhile investment for a memorable Pearl Harbor visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby