Pearl Harbor, the site of the surprise assault that prompted America’s entry into World War II, is one of the most important sites in American history, and one of the most visited today.
To make the most of your visit, consider taking one of these guided Pearl Harbor excursions from Waikiki. The following tours have hundreds or thousands of ratings, with a minimum rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Best Overall: E Noa Tours – Salute to Pearl Harbor
On this half-day trip from Waikiki, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the whole Pearl Harbor National Memorial, including the USS Arizona Memorial. You’ll also get a quick history lesson as you drive through downtown Honolulu on your way back to your starting location. Recent tourgoers compliment this tour, stating that it is both instructive and kid-friendly. The Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour, a full-day (seven-hour) version of this tour that includes a stop to the Battleship Missouri Memorial, is also highly regarded.
The Salute to Pearl Harbor cruise departs from Waikiki twice daily. Tickets include round-trip transportation from the monument to multiple Waikiki pickup locations.
Best Half Day: Karma Tour Hawaii – Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial
While you may visit the USS Arizona Memorial for free, this tour organization handles ticket reservations, offers transportation from Waikiki (three times each day), and allows you to visit with an expert. Recent tourgoers have praised how instructive – although emotional – this tour is. This half-day Pearl Harbor excursion is provided via Karma Tour Hawaii, which also provides a combined tour of the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Best Combo: Karma Tour Hawaii – Pearl Harbor Passport “A Complete Experience”
This trip is great for those interested in learning more about Pearl Harbor’s history. Following your tour to the USS Arizona Memorial, you will see the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (formerly the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park), the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. You’ll also pass past the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl Crater, which commemorates the fallen members of the United States Armed Forces. Recent visitors said they valued their guides’ companionship and knowledge, and they appreciated the tour organization’s coordination of all tickets and transportation.
Best Small Group: Personalized Hawaii Tours – Pearl Harbor USS Arizona
This small-group trip for up to 11 people takes you from Waikiki to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and includes admission to the USS Arizona Memorial. After your tour, you’ll travel past the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific before returning to Honolulu, which will include a historical lecture on local sites. Recent visitors have praised the tour’s competent guides, stating that they learned facts about history that they would not have known or remembered.