Adventure Collective
Complete Pearl Harbor Tour from Big Island to Honolulu - Honolulu

Complete Pearl Harbor Tour from Big Island to Honolulu

Honolulueasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal walking involved mostly during the museum visit.

Overview

Sail from the Big Island to Honolulu for a private, in-depth Pearl Harbor tour. Explore historic sites and the USS Arizona Memorial on this meaningful 2-hour boat experience.

Boat Tour
Events
History Tour
Museum
Transportation
Temple Terrace, Florida

2H - Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Departing from the Big Island

Runs Daily @ 7:00AM • Pick-up times: 7:00AM to 8:00AM • Duration 10 - 11 Hrs • All Ages

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About This Adventure

Journey Through History and Heritage: Explore Pearl Harbor and Historic Downtown Honolulu

Embark on a powerful and immersive journey through history with a visit to Pearl Harbor and the surrounding historic sites. Your experience begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the heart of this storied location, where engaging exhibits and multimedia displays bring to life the events leading up to and following the December 7, 1941, attack. Take a solemn boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, where you’ll honor the 1,177 sailors who perished, standing above the remains of the sunken battleship in quiet reflection.

Continue your journey aboard the iconic USS Missouri, famously known as the "Mighty Mo," where World War II officially came to an end with the signing of Japan’s surrender. Walk the storied decks and explore exhibits that span the battleship's remarkable service history, from the final days of WWII to its role in the Gulf War. At the USS Oklahoma Memorial, pay tribute to the 429 crew members who tragically lost their lives when the ship capsized, with each white marble column symbolizing a life lost.

For a hands-on experience, dive into the world of submarine warfare at the Bowfin Submarine Museum, where you can board the "Pearl Harbor Avenger" itself and discover the fascinating history of underwater combat. Next, explore the Pacific Fleet Aviation Museum, featuring a captivating collection of aircraft, memorabilia, and stories that reveal the dramatic role of aviation in the Pacific during WWII.

The experience extends beyond Pearl Harbor with a scenic drive-by tour of Honolulu’s historic sites. Marvel at the solemn beauty of the Punchbowl National Cemetery, where American service members are laid to rest. Gaze at Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the United States, and pass by the iconic King Kamehameha Statue, which commemorates the legendary king who unified the Hawaiian Islands. Capture the timeless charm of Kawaiaha’o Church, one of Oahu’s oldest places of worship, and the historic Ali’iolani Hale, home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court and the famed statue of King Kamehameha.

This comprehensive tour offers a perfect blend of history, honor, and culture, providing an unforgettable experience that brings to life the legacy of Pearl Harbor and the rich heritage of Hawaii. Don’t miss the opportunity to book your tour now and step into history.


Pick-Up Times Between 7:00AM - 8:00AM*

Start Time Daily @ 7:00AM*

Duration 10 - 11 Hours*

*all times approximate


Complete Pearl Harbor Tour (Self-Guided Tour)

Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center (2 Hours)

  • Explore exhibits detailing the events leading up to the December 7, 1941, attack
  • Watch a documentary and take a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial

USS Arizona Memorial (1 Hour)

  • Visit the open-air memorial above the sunken battleship
  • See the "Tears of the Arizona" oil droplets and the Remembrance Wall listing 1,177 fallen crew members

Battleship Missouri Deck Tour

  • Walk the deck where the Japanese formally surrendered, ending WWII
  • View the ship's massive guns and learn about its service history

USS Oklahoma Memorial

  • Honors the 429 crew members who died when the battleship capsized during the attack
  • Features symbolic white marble pillars representing the fallen

Bowfin Submarine Museum

  • Step aboard the USS Bowfin submarine famously known as the "Pearl Harbor Avenger"
  • Explore interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and displays about submarine warfare

Pacific Fleet Aviation Museum

  • Explore naval aviation through exhibits of aircraft, memorabilia, and heroic pilot stories
  • Learn about Pearl Harbor and aviation's role in the Pacific during WWII

Historic Downtown Honolulu (Drive-thru Tour Duration 45 Minutes)

Punchbowl National Cemetery (Pass through without stopping)

  • A resting place for U.S. service members in an extinct volcanic crater
  • Offers a serene setting for reflection on the sacrifices of war

Iolani Palace (Viewed from King Kamehameha Statue or walk to)

  • Former royal residence and symbol of Hawaii's monarchy
  • Showcases Hawaii's cultural heritage and western influences

Kawaiaha'o Church (View from King Kamehameha Statue and drive by)

  • Known as the "Westminster Abbey of the Pacific," built from coral blocks
  • Played a significant role in Hawaii's religious and royal history

King Kamehameha Statue (15 Minutes)

  • Commemorates the king who united the Hawaiian Islands
  • Stands near Ali’iolani Hale, adorned with leis on King Kamehameha Day

Ali’iolani Hale (View from King Kamehameha Statue or walk to)

  • Houses the Hawaii State Supreme Court
  • Notable for the iconic King Kamehameha statue in front

What’s Included

  • Roundtrip airfare from Kona International Airport on the Big Island to Honolulu International Airport on Oahu is included in the price of the tour
  • Pick-up and drop-off ground transportation from Honolulu International Airport on Oahu is included
  • Entry-tickets to all the attractions on your tour are included in the price of the tour and will be provided by your guide the day of the tour
  • Narration from a local guide, sharing stories and insights during the historic Honolulu portion of tour (Inside Pearl Harbor is self-guided tour)
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

What’s Not Included

  • Transportation to or from Kona International Airport on the Big Island is not included
  • Meals are at your own expense
  • Gratuities

What You Should Bring

  • Government issued photo ID (Passport if from outside the United States)
  • Comfortable clothes and covered shoes (no swimwear allowed in Pearl Harbor)
  • Bring cash - If you enjoy your tour tipping your guide in cash is always appreciated
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
  • Camera

What You Should Know

Departing Airport Flight Information

  • Approximate flight times from your departing airport Depart: 6:00AM – 6:15AM Arrival: 6:45AM – 7:00AM
  • Check-in at least 1 hour prior to departure

Pick-up Location – Upon Arrival in Oahu

  • Southwest passengers outside terminal 2, baggage claim 31, at pre-arranged pick-up location #5
  • Hawaiian Airlines passengers from the Hawaiian terminal outside baggage claim pick-up location #1.
  • Look for the van with the Aloha Sunshine Tours logo

Tickets to Tour Attractions

  • You don’t need to worry about purchasing tickets—all entry fees for the attractions on your tour are covered in the tour price
  • Your guide will provide your tickets the morning of your tour
  • The National Park Service does not guarantee us the "pre-arranged" Arizona Memorial boat passes. We typically do receive them but in the unlikely event we are not provided the pre-arranged boat passes, you will be directed to the Arizona Memorial walk up line. The line wait time is typically about an hour
  • Sites are subject to close due to stormy weather

Conduct and Dress Code

  • Visitors are reminded that the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a site of significant loss and serves as the final resting place for hundreds. It is a space for remembrance and reflection
  • Appropriate dress and conduct are expected to honor the solemn nature of the site
  • Comfortable shoes are recommended you will be on your feet for extended periods of time
  • There is no smoking allowed on the visitor center grounds or at the memorial
  • Swimwear is not allowed

Self-Guided

  • Pearl Harbor is a self-guided military site with park rangers available to answer questions and provide directions
  • During the Pearl Harbor portion of your tour our guide will be on standby and will inform you when to meet for the next part of your tour

Bag Policy

  • Purses and bags are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor. All bags may be stored for $7.00 each
  • Clear plastic bags are allowed, such as those allowed at football games, in which the contents are readily visible
  • Bags containing medical equipment unsuitable for lightweight, plastic, transparent shopping bags are allowed

Adventure Tips

Book Early to Secure Your Spot

This popular tour often fills quickly, so reserving your place well in advance is recommended.

Arrive 15 Minutes Early

Plan to arrive early for check-in and safety briefings to ensure a smooth start to your tour.

Wear Comfortable, Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen as you’ll be exposed on the boat deck.

Bring a Light Jacket

Mornings and early evenings on the water can be cool, so layered clothing is helpful.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Spinner dolphins near the coast
  • Hawaiian monk seals on nearby beaches

History

Pearl Harbor was the site of the 1941 attack that sparked the US entry into World War II, preserving deep national significance.

Conservation

Efforts are ongoing to protect the marine ecosystem around Pearl Harbor while providing respectful visitor access to historic sites.

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Adventure Hotspots in Honolulu

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protect your skin during extended sun exposure on the boat.

summer specific

Hat

Essential

Helps shield your face from the strong Hawaiian sun.

summer specific

Light Jacket or Windbreaker

Useful for cooler breezes especially early mornings or evenings on the water.

spring specific

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Recommended for exploring museum grounds and memorial sites comfortably.