8H - Battleships of WWII at Pearl Harbor Departing from the Big Island

Discover Hawaii’s Rich History on Our Battleships of WWII & Historic Honolulu Tour

Step into history with our unforgettable journey through some of Hawaii's most iconic sites, where world-changing events and ancient traditions come to life. This is more than a tour—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends culture, heroism, and history.

Battleships of WWII at Pearl Harbor: A Tribute to Heroes

Start your day at Pearl Harbor’s Visitor Center, where you’ll immerse yourself in the gripping story of the December 7, 1941, attack. Walk through powerful exhibits, watch an engaging documentary, and feel the history as you take a serene boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. Stand above the resting place of over 1,000 brave sailors and witness the "Tears of the Arizona," the slow, emotional release of oil that still rises to the surface. Next, step aboard the Battleship Missouri, the very site where WWII ended, and walk the decks where history was made. Learn about the ship's fascinating journey, explore its massive guns, and envision the final moments of the war. At the USS Oklahoma Memorial, you’ll reflect on the sacrifice of the 429 crew members who perished when the ship tragically capsized.

Historic Downtown Honolulu: A Glimpse into Hawaii's Royal Past

Your adventure continues with a scenic drive through Punchbowl National Cemetery, an awe-inspiring resting place within an extinct volcanic crater. Honor fallen heroes and absorb the serenity of this hallowed ground.

Then, delve into Hawaii’s royal heritage at the majestic Iolani Palace, where kings and queens once ruled. Marvel at this symbol of Hawaiian monarchy, steeped in grandeur and tradition, as you stroll through its historic grounds. Just steps away, you’ll view the iconic King Kamehameha Statue, honoring the legendary ruler who united the Hawaiian Islands.

As you pass the timeless beauty of Kawaiaha'o Church, made from coral stone, you’ll appreciate its significance to Hawaiian royalty and religion. And don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Ali'iolani Hale, home to Hawaii’s Supreme Court, where you’ll feel the presence of history in the shadow of its grand architecture.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the places that shaped both Hawaii and the world. Book today and make memories that will last a lifetime!

---

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

Start Time* Daily @ 7:00AM

Duration* 9 - 10 Hours

*all times approximate

---

Tour Highlights - Battleships of WWII at Pearl Harbor

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

---

Historic Downtown Honolulu (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 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 and 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

Food and Beverages

• Meals are at your own expense
• There are a few on-site dining options at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center and near the Battleship Missouri, 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

---