Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial – Honolulu Tour – Submarine Access

Pearl Harbor is the heart of this tour, but the most important detail is also the easiest to miss: the USS Arizona Memorial boat ride is currently suspended during maintenance. You can still visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, watch its documentary, and see the Arizona site from other viewpoints, but you should not book expecting to board a boat right now.

I like the early Waikiki pickup and the fact that your Arizona Memorial ticket is reserved in advance. I also like the added Honolulu drive, especially King Kamehameha’s statue and Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery. The main concern is time. Several departures have allowed only about two hours at Pearl Harbor, which can feel rushed if you want the museums, film, and other paid sites.

Key points to know before booking

• Arizona boat service is currently closed: The memorial structure cannot be reached by boat during maintenance, despite older itinerary wording that describes a boat ride.
• Waikiki pickup is included: You receive round-trip transport in a premium coach or limo bus, with a nearby pickup point arranged for your hotel area.
• Pearl Harbor time can be tight: The scheduled visit is listed as two hours, and some departures have returned to Waikiki earlier than the advertised five to six hours.
• Two Pearl Harbor museums and the documentary are included: These give you the essential background before you visit the harbor area.
• The USS Bowfin is viewed but not included: Entry to the submarine and museum costs an additional $22.
• The Honolulu portion adds useful context: You see King Kamehameha’s statue, Iolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, the Hawaiian Mission Houses, Aloha Tower, and Punchbowl Cemetery.

Pearl Harbor is the reason to book this tour

Pearl Harbor is not simply another Honolulu attraction. The harbor’s calm water and orderly grounds can make the events of December 7, 1941 feel distant, but the memorials and names bring the human cost close again.

At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, you use the visitor center as your base. Two World War II museums are included, along with a Pearl Harbor documentary shown only at this site. The film gives you a clear account of the attack and its aftermath before you walk through the exhibits.

The memorial area also lets you reflect at your own pace, though the pace of the tour itself may not be entirely your own. The planned stop is two hours. That is enough for the basic visit, but it is not generous if you want to read every display, watch the film, visit the Arizona exhibits, and add another attraction.

The most moving part, when boat service is operating, is the ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. The white structure sits over the sunken battleship, where more than 900 sailors and Marines remain entombed. Visitors can see the wall of names, pause for silence, and observe the small oil droplets often called the tears of the Arizona.

At present, however, the boat ride and access to the memorial are listed as unavailable because of construction. This matters greatly. The tour description still contains language promising guaranteed Arizona tickets and a boat ride, while the current inclusions clearly say there is no boat ride. Treat the maintenance notice as the current rule and confirm conditions before you pay.

What you actually see during the two-hour Pearl Harbor stop

Your bus drops you at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, which contains the included museums and the documentary theater. The site has several other attractions, but not all are part of the $74 tour.

The two included museums cover the attack, the people caught in it, and the larger wartime setting. They are the best use of your limited time if you have never been to Pearl Harbor. The documentary is also worth prioritizing, but pay attention to the schedule. Films run at set intervals, and a late arrival can leave you waiting for the next showing.

When boat service is available, the reserved Arizona ticket is a major advantage. You avoid the uncertainty of trying to obtain a same-day ticket, and a pre-booked time helps shape the rest of your morning.

During the closure, you may be directed toward other viewing areas or the free park shuttle. That shuttle can take you toward Ford Island attractions, but it involves waiting, boarding, and returning within your allotted time. Do not assume you can fit in the USS Missouri or Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum during this tour. Those attractions require separate admission and more time than this schedule may allow.

USS Bowfin: good photo stop, extra charge for entry

The USS Bowfin submarine is close to the Pearl Harbor visitor center. The tour includes an exterior view, so you can photograph the vessel and get a sense of its compact shape from the outside.

Full entry to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park costs $22 and is not part of the tour price. Inside, the appeal is practical and physical: the submarine gives you a feel for cramped wartime service rather than only presenting history behind glass.

The catch is time. If your Pearl Harbor visit lasts only two hours, adding Bowfin may mean giving up the documentary or museum time. I would only pay for the submarine if it is a top priority and the guide confirms that you have enough time.

Waikiki pickup makes a complicated morning easier

Pickup begins around 8:30 a.m. from Waikiki. You do not need to arrange a taxi or find parking at Pearl Harbor, and a nearby pickup location is available regardless of your hotel. The exact meeting point should be confirmed in advance.

The coach or limo bus is practical for a group visit. It keeps the morning simple and removes the need to navigate Honolulu traffic. The group can reach up to 50 people, though some departures use a smaller bus. A smaller vehicle makes loading and unloading easier, but the actual size depends on the departure.

The drive includes a short narrated look at Honolulu. This is useful if you are new to Oahu and want basic orientation before reaching Pearl Harbor. It is not a full city tour, and most sights are viewed from the bus rather than explored on foot.

A few details matter here. Everyone must ride the tour bus from Waikiki, including people staying in Ko Olina or on the North Shore who are meeting the bus in Waikiki. Pickup and drop-off time also count toward the five to six-hour estimate. In some cases, multiple hotel stops can make the day feel longer on the road but shorter at Pearl Harbor.

Downtown Honolulu: several historic sights from the bus

After Pearl Harbor, the tour continues through central Honolulu. The first proper stop is the King Kamehameha statue, a large bronze figure honoring the ruler who united the Hawaiian Islands. The statue is a useful introduction to Hawaiian political history, and you have time to get out and take photographs.

The tour then passes several important sites:

• Iolani Palace: Hawaii’s former royal residence, seen from the bus rather than visited inside.
• Kawaiahao Church: A historic church built with native coral and lava rock, also viewed during the drive.
• Hawaiian Mission Houses: Buildings linked to early missionary education, law, and the development of written Hawaiian.
• Aloha Tower: A long-recognized Honolulu landmark tied to the city’s port and the arrival of early transpacific aviation.

I like this portion as an introduction, but you should keep your expectations in check. These are drive-by sights, not extended stops. If you want interior visits or careful photographs, plan a separate Honolulu history day.

The King Kamehameha stop is the exception. You get a short break there, and guides such as Chelsea, Shelly, and Michael have been praised for sharing local facts and keeping the ride lively. Some guides also provide personal stories and island background. That can add warmth to the drive, though a very talkative guide may not suit everyone.

Punchbowl Cemetery gives the day a quiet ending

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, commonly called Punchbowl, sits inside a dormant volcanic crater above Honolulu. The tour makes a 15-minute driving visit through the cemetery, passing rows of white marble headstones and memorials to service members from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and later conflicts.

This is a brief stop, but it fits the tone of Pearl Harbor. The cemetery is quiet, formal, and reflective. It is not a place for loud conversation or casual sightseeing. Your guide may share stories about the people honored there, adding a personal layer to the visit.

I find this a better use of time than a rushed extra shopping stop. It gives the day a clear ending and connects Pearl Harbor to the wider cost of war. You remain on the bus for the driving tour, so do not expect a long walk or an extended cemetery visit.

How much value do you get for $74?

At $74 per person, the tour sells convenience more than exclusive access. You receive Waikiki transportation, Pearl Harbor admission, the two included museums, the documentary, the Honolulu drive, the King Kamehameha stop, and Punchbowl Cemetery.

That package can be a fair deal if you want someone else to handle transportation and ticket arrangements. It is especially useful for a first visit, a family group, or anyone who does not want to manage a morning bus ride and Pearl Harbor reservations.

The value becomes less convincing if you mainly want time inside Pearl Harbor’s museums. A two-hour visit is short. You may have enough time for the documentary, the Arizona exhibits, and a quick look around, but not a relaxed visit to every site.

You also need to budget another $22 if you want full access to the USS Bowfin. The USS Missouri and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are separate paid attractions and are not included in this package. The tour is not an all-access Pearl Harbor pass.

A further issue is the stated duration. The experience is advertised at about five to six hours, but some departures have taken closer to four hours from pickup to return. Traffic, pickup patterns, the guide’s schedule, and current memorial operations can affect the day. Ask for the expected return time and exact Pearl Harbor time before booking.

Practical rules that can save you trouble

Pearl Harbor does not allow ordinary bags into the site. Lockers are available, but it is simpler to leave your large bags at your accommodation. A clear bag and a water bottle are allowed according to the practical guidance provided, but other drinks may not be accepted.

Wear something comfortable for walking and waiting. Even when the boat ride is running, you will move between the bus, visitor center, museum spaces, and boarding areas. During the current closure, the schedule may involve alternate viewing areas and shuttle waits.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable riding the bus for the full outing and following the group schedule.

The operator requires a minimum number of participants and may cancel for poor weather or low enrollment. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. After that cutoff, refunds are not available, and changes are not accepted.

The guide can shape the whole morning

This tour depends heavily on the person behind the wheel and microphone. Chelsea has been described as a careful driver with a lively style and strong island knowledge. Shelly is also known for an energetic approach, while Michael has been praised for mixing historical facts with humor.

That personality can make the city drive memorable. It can also become tiring if you prefer quiet time. One useful tip is to tell the guide early if Pearl Harbor is your main priority. Ask exactly when you must return to the bus, which film showing you can catch, and whether any optional stop is realistic.

Customer service and communication appear to be the less reliable part of the operation. Pickup points have sometimes changed, and there have been reports of late cancellations or unclear messages. Confirm the pickup location and time shortly before the tour, and keep the operator’s contact details handy.

Who should book this Pearl Harbor tour?

I would consider this tour if you are staying in Waikiki, want reserved Arizona access when available, and prefer a guided day over arranging transport yourself. It suits first-time Oahu visitors who want a broad introduction to Pearl Harbor and Honolulu in one morning.

It is also a good fit for families and military history enthusiasts who value the emotional context provided by the guide. The visit can be especially meaningful for veterans and anyone with a family connection to military service.

I would hesitate if you want to see the USS Missouri, Aviation Museum, Bowfin, and every Pearl Harbor exhibit in one visit. You need more time for that. I would also hesitate if the current Arizona closure is the main reason you are going. In that case, confirm the repair status and boat schedule before booking, because the most iconic part of the experience is not currently available.

Should you book it?

Book this tour for transportation, reserved planning, and a guided introduction, not for an unhurried Pearl Harbor day. The $74 price is reasonable when the included city tour and Waikiki pickup matter to you, but the limited harbor time reduces its value for serious museum visitors.

My advice is simple: confirm three things before booking, the current Arizona boat status, the exact time at Pearl Harbor, and the expected return to Waikiki. If those answers suit your plans, this is an efficient way to reach a powerful historic site and add a short Honolulu tour. If you want depth and freedom, visit independently or choose a longer Pearl Harbor program.

FAQ

Is the USS Arizona Memorial boat ride included?

The current information says no boat ride is available because the Arizona Memorial is under construction. Older itinerary wording describes a boat ride, so confirm the current operating status before booking.

Are USS Arizona Memorial tickets guaranteed?

The tour information says Arizona Memorial tickets are guaranteed. However, boat access is currently suspended during maintenance.

How long does the tour take?

The advertised duration is about five to six hours, with an 8:30 a.m. start. Actual return times can vary, and some departures have lasted closer to four hours.

Where does pickup take place?

Round-trip pickup is provided from Waikiki, with a convenient location near your accommodation. People staying in Ko Olina or on the North Shore must meet the bus in Waikiki.

Is Pearl Harbor admission included?

Yes. Admission to Pearl Harbor, two World War II museums, and the Pearl Harbor documentary are included.

Is the USS Bowfin submarine included?

Exterior viewing of the USS Bowfin is included, but full entry to the submarine and museum is not. Admission costs $22.

Can I bring a bag to Pearl Harbor?

Ordinary bags are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor. Lockers are available, and the supplied guidance says clear bags and water bottles are allowed.

Is the Honolulu city tour included?

Yes. The tour includes a drive through downtown Honolulu, a stop at the King Kamehameha statue, and drive-by views of Iolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, the Hawaiian Mission Houses, and Aloha Tower.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted. If poor weather or low enrollment cancels the tour, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.