Explore Pearl Harbor & Historic Honolulu from Big Island

Experience the Arizona Memorial: A Journey into American History at Pearl Harbor

Step Back in Time at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

A visit to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor offers a deeply moving experience that transports you back to one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Your journey begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you’ll immerse yourself in engaging exhibits and watch a powerful documentary that sets the stage, recounting the dramatic events of December 7, 1941. This introduction provides a comprehensive historical context, preparing you for the profound moments that lie ahead.

Reflection and Tribute at the USS Arizona Memorial

Next, embark on a serene boat ride across the harbor, operated by the U.S. Navy, as you approach the solemn white structure of the USS Arizona Memorial. Here, you’ll stand above the sunken remains of the battleship, gazing into the depths where the ship’s outline is visible just below the surface, serving as a haunting reminder of the day that changed the course of history.

You’ll even see the poignant sight of oil droplets, often called "The Tears of the Arizona," still rising from the wreckage. The memorial’s atmosphere invites quiet reflection, allowing you to pay tribute to the 1,177 sailors and Marines who gave their lives, their names etched into a wall of remembrance at the far end of the memorial.

Explore Historic Honolulu on a Scenic Tour

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.

Visiting the Arizona Memorial is about more than learning—it's about truly feeling the history in a way that will stay with you. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this iconic tribute. Book your tour today and step into a living piece of American history.

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

Start Time* Daily @ 7:00AM

Duration* 7 - 8 Hours

*all times approximate

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Tour Highlights

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

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

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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 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

• Meals are at your own expense
• Gratuities

What You Should Bring

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

Food and Beverages

• Meals are at your own expense
• There are a few on-site dining options at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center such as food trucks, snack stands, or cafes where you can purchase and enjoy food before or after your tour
• Due to the no bag policy at Pearl Harbor National Memorial, it is recommended to bring snacks and water bottles that can be easily carried

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