Experience the best of Honolulu on this intimate Oahu tour. After pickup from your accommodation, start your journey with a scenic drive up Mount Tantalus for breathtaking panoramic views of Honolulu, including the iconic Diamond Head volcano crater framed by the high-rises and turquoise waters of Waikiki.
Next, visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater, a solemn tribute to over 53,000 veterans.
Immerse yourself in Hawaii’s rich history as you explore downtown Honolulu, once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the Territory of Hawaii, and now the state capital. Explore the grounds of Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States, and admire the statues of legendary figures like King Kamehameha I and Queen Lili'uokalani. Other landmarks include the Capitol Building, Supreme Court Building, and the historic Kawaiaha’o Church, known as Hawaii’s Westminster Abbey and the former national church of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Finally, visit Pearl Harbor, Hawaii’s most popular attraction and the site of the devastating surprise attack that propelled the U.S. into World War II, forever altering the course of world history. Watch a moving 20-minute film, and travel by boat to the Arizona Memorial where you’ll disembark to pay your respects at this hallowed site, the final resting place for over a thousand U.S. service members. This tour includes pre-secured tickets to the Arizona Memorial, which are limited and highly sought after, ensuring a stress-free and efficient experience. There is also time to explore the visitor center’s many exhibits and gift shop.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour will leave you with a profound appreciation for Hawaii's complex and unique past and its enduring impact on the 50th state.
Looking for a more in-depth Pearl Harbor Tour? Check out our full Pearl Harbor experience which also includes the Missouri battleship and Bowfin submarine. Compare the two tours here, as well as with our combo Pearl Harbor - Circle Island Tour.
Customer Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Also rated on :
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.
Iolani Palace: Top Choice in Honolulu. No other place evokes a more poignant sense of Hawaii’s history.
Oahu Revealed guidebook:
The USS Arizona Memorial is the single most popular visitor attraction on Oahu. One of those must-dos on Oahu and for good reason. It makes WWII real for the rest of us. Parking can be difficult at peak times.
Punchbowl Cemetery is an immensely moving place, guaranteed to put a lump in your throat.
Mt. Tantalus: Beautiful drive. You'll gain an appreciation of Honolulu's beauty you never really expected. Some of the most stunning views of Honolulu and beyond. The rewards of a hike without actually having to hike anywhere.
Fodor's guidebook:
Pearl Harbor: Top Reasons to Go to Oahu. A sobering, don’t miss sight.
Guided tours on Oahu are convenient; you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot or getting admission tickets.
Mt. Tantalus: 15-30 minutes
Punchbowl Cemetery: 15 minutes
Downtown Honolulu Historical Sites: 30-45 minutes
Pearl Harbor: 2-2.5 hours
The above times don't generally include the travel time between attractions, as well as for guest pickup and dropoff, during which the guide will also be sharing their insights about Hawaii.
For the shared tour, in most cases you will be in a modern Ford Transit passenger van designed for 14 passengers but with only 4-12 tour guests. However, if the tour ends up being less than 6 people, it may be in a smaller vehicle (but high-end and spacious). The Transit tour van has comfortable seats, air-conditioning, and large windows. It's not a low-ceiling cargo van like some other tour companies. Seating is mostly attached, but individual seats are molded.
If it's a private tour with 6 or less, then you will likely be in a spacious high-end SUV (Chevy Suburban or Ford Expedition), both with 2 back rows, unless you book the larger private tour for the Transit.
There will be independent time at Pearl Harbor for guests to buy food from the visitor center, including sandwiches. You may also bring your own food.
Although the tour is very accessible for most physical abilities, wheelchairs / scooters / walkers are generally not permitted on the shared tour; however, if you are a group of 6+ and have only 1-2 items (collapsible), an exception with the shared tour may be possible. Private tours can take collapsible versions. Please note any significant physical limitations by answering the question at online checkout.
If booking separately (to pay separately), please answer the question at checkout about you being with another party to ensure you are on the same van.
For Pearl Harbor, you are welcome to bring cameras, water bottles, wallets, and other small items, but bags are not allowed on site for security reasons. Exceptions to this include bags for medical necessities and clear see-through bags. You may bring bags on the general tour for the day, but they will need to remain locked in the van during the Pearl Harbor portion.
The tour operator has been running highly rated small group and private tours for about 15 years. It is rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor with over 100 reviews. You can also see recent traveler reviews from their other Pearl Harbor and Circle Island Tours. The tour operator name will be included in your confirmation email.