Explore Pearl Harbor & Circle Island Tour from Big Island

Perfect Blend of History and Natural Beauty

Step Back in Time at Pearl Harbor’s Historic Sites

Embark on a memorable journey through Oahu’s most iconic destinations, starting at the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center, where history comes to life. Discover fascinating exhibits detailing the events leading up to the fateful attack on December 7, 1941. Watch a powerful documentary that captures the significance of that day, before boarding a boat for a peaceful ride across the harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial. There, experience the solemnity of this hallowed site, where the sunken battleship rests beneath the surface, and oil droplets— “The Tears of the Arizona”—still rise to honor the 1,177 lives lost.

Delight in Pineapple Paradise at Dole Plantation

At the Dole Plantation, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including the scenic Pineapple Express Train Tour through pineapple fields (available depending on the size of your tour group), the colorful Rainbow Eucalyptus trees in the gardens, and the iconic Dole Whip, a refreshing pineapple soft serve. The plantation's large gift shop offers a wide selection of pineapple-themed souvenirs and local products.

Scenic Adventures: North Shore, Haleiwa, and Pali Lookout

Explore Oahu’s diverse beauty with a scenic drive through the famous North Shore surf beaches and the charming Haleiwa Town. Marvel at panoramic views from the Pali Lookout and enjoy. Stop for lunch at Tanaka’s Kahuku Shrimp stand and try their famous mouth watering garlicky shrimp while enjoying the laid-back, beachy vibes of Kahuku.

Breathtaking Views Along Oahu’s South Shore

Continue along the South Shore, stopping at breathtaking lookouts like Halona Blowhole, Hanauma Bay, and Diamond Head Crater. The tour concludes with stunning vistas of the Windward coast and its offshore islands, offering a perfect blend of natural landscapes, cultural sights, and local flavors.

This tour combines the island's natural beauty, rich history, and local flavors, starting with a visit to the Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial and continuing with a visually spectacular journey through Oahu's top attractions.

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

Start Time* Daily (except Sunday) @ 7:00AM

Duration* 11 Hours

*all times approximate

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Tour Highlights

Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center (2 Hours)

• Explore exhibits on the events leading to the December 7, 1941, attack
• Watch a 23-minute documentary about the attack's impact and the USS Arizona Memorial
• Take a 10-minute boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial; views of military sites included
• Admission tickets provided by the guide

USS Arizona Memorial (1 Hour)

• Visit a white, open-air memorial over the sunken battleship
• See the shipwreck and oil droplets known as "The Tears of the Arizona"
• Remembrance Wall lists the names of 1,177 fallen crew members

Dole Plantation (1 Hour)

• Browse pineapple-themed souvenirs and local crafts
• Try a famous Dole Whip soft serve treat
• Walk to see colorful Rainbow Eucalyptus trees
• Optional 20 - minute Pineapple Express Train Tour at additional cost $13.75 adults, $11.75 children ( this activity is available depending on the number of people on your tour)
• Pineapple Garden Tour and Garden Maze is not part of this tour

North Shore, Oahu (Drive by without stopping)

• Scenic views of world-famous surf beaches, such as Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach
• Witness surfers riding massive waves, especially during the winter season
• Lush landscapes and charming coastal towns add to the North Shore’s laid-back vibe

Haleiwa Town (Drive by without stopping)

• This charming surf town offers a taste of old-school Hawaii with its colorful storefronts, art galleries, and laid-back vibe
• As you drive through, you'll see surf shops, local eateries, and historic buildings, all embodying the North Shore’s rustic charm

Pali Lookout

• Stop at this breathtaking lookout on the windward side of Oahu, offering panoramic views of the Koolau Mountains and lush valleys.
• This historic site, where King Kamehameha won a decisive battle, provides an awe-inspiring backdrop

Tanaka’s Kahuku Shrimp Food Stand (Lunch Stop)

• Enjoy a delicious local lunch at one of Oahu’s beloved shrimp trucks. Tanaka’s is known for its freshly prepared garlic shrimp and local sides, offering a perfect taste of North Shore’s flavors

South Shore Oahu Lookouts

• As you drive along Oahu's South Shore, take in the sweeping coastal views and rugged cliffs, stopping at scenic lookouts that offer picture-perfect vistas of the turquoise waters and volcanic landscape

Halona Blowhole Lookout

• Witness nature’s power at the Halona Blowhole, where ocean waves force water through a volcanic rock formation, sending dramatic sprays of seawater high into the air. It’s a striking and unforgettable sight

Hanauma Bay Lookout

• Overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay, this lookout provides stunning views of the bay’s curved beach and coral reef
• It’s a popular snorkeling spot known for its vibrant marine life, but the lookout itself is worth the stop for its beauty

Diamond Head Crater Lookout

• Take in the iconic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean from this lookout, situated at the edge of the famous Diamond Head Crater
• The backdrop of the crater’s rugged slopes and the sparkling shoreline creates a quintessential Oahu experience

Windward Oahu Offshore Islands

• Enjoy views of Oahu's Windward coast and its offshore islands, such as Mokoli'i (Chinaman’s Hat) and the Mok ulua Islands
• These islets, surrounded by turquoise waters, offer stunning contrasts against the green cliffs of the Koolau Range

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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 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 (except the Pineapple Express Train Ride)
• Engaging narration from a local guide, sharing stories and insights throughout your tour
• Air-conditioned vehicle

What’s Not Included

• Transportation to or from Kona International Airport on the Big Island is not included
• Tickets for the Pineapple Express Train Ride Tour at the Dole Plantation are at your own expense. The ticket prices are as follows: Adults $13.75, Children (4-12) $11.75, Children 3 and under are free when accompanied by an adult
• The Pineapple Train Tour is available depending on the number of people on your tour
• The Dole Plantation Garden Tour and Garden Maze are not part of this tour
• Meals are at your own expense
• Gratuities

What to Bring

• Bring cash for roadside stands, food trucks, and local shops—many are cash-only
• If you enjoy your tour tipping your guide in cash is always appreciated
• Government issued photo ID (Passport if from outside the United States)
• 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 (Except for the Pineapple Express Train Tour)
• 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 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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