Where do I meet the tour bus?

Pickup is available at select Waikiki hotels, with times provided in your booking confirmation.

Can I bring a bag or backpack on the tour?

No bags, backpacks, or purses are allowed at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or Arizona Memorial; keep vital items in your pockets.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included, but food and refreshments are available for purchase at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

What should I wear for the tour?

Wear comfortable, respectful attire and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and standing outdoors.

Are children allowed on the tour?

The minimum age for the tour is 12 years old.

What happens if the Arizona Memorial visit is unavailable?

If tickets or weather conditions prevent the Arizona Memorial visit, you will still access other exhibits and memorials included in the itinerary.

Pearl Harbor & Honolulu History Tour by Polynesian Adventure | Bus Tour

Honolulu, the vibrant capital of Oahu, Hawaii, holds stories etched deep into both its landscapes and its people. Polynesian Adventure Activities offers a compelling way to witness this blend of history and culture through their Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, and Honolulu City Highlights Tour. In this six-hour guided experience, travelers step into pivotal moments that shaped the city and the nation. The journey begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where the weight of history is tangible among exhibits and artifacts that chronicle the events of December 7, 1941. Guests then cross the harbor aboard a Navy Launch Boat to the solemn grounds of the Arizona Memorial. Here, silent reminders of sacrifice sit just below the water’s surface, drawing visitors into reflection. Following this, the tour winds through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known locally as Punchbowl Cemetery. This sacred resting place occupies an extinct volcanic crater formed roughly 100,000 years ago, a geological landmark that frames its poignancy. The cemetery honors those who served with a serene and respectful atmosphere. The afternoon unfolds with a scenic drive through downtown Honolulu’s historic district. Highlights include views of the gilded King Kamehameha Statue, a symbol of Hawaiian unity and strength; the stately Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S.; and the Mission Houses Museum, which tells stories of early Hawaiian missionaries. Along the route, passengers encounter Kawaiahaʻo Church and the State Capitol, landmarks anchoring Honolulu's past and present. Polynesian Adventure Activities stands out by combining detailed local insights with seamless logistics. Their deluxe touring vehicles and knowledgeable guides provide comfort and depth absent from typical sightseeing. This tour is ideal for visitors seeking a grounded understanding of Oahu’s historical pulse, making it a key addition to any Hawaii itinerary.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

6 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for most visitors with basic mobility; requires some walking and standing during memorial visits.

Wildlife

Hawaiian monk seal
Nene (Hawaiian goose)

History

Punchbowl National Cemetery sits within a volcanic crater formed over 100,000 years ago, adding a striking geological backdrop to this revered memorial site.

Conservation

Efforts at Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s historical sites emphasize minimizing visitor impact and fostering respect for cultural and natural preservation.

Polynesian Adventure Activities is a Honolulu-based tour operator offering guided day trips and island-hopping experiences across Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island. The company organizes a range of tours including Waimea Canyon and Wailua River excursions, Pearl Harbor history tours with visits to the USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri, helicopter volcano flights from Hilo, and combined sightseeing itineraries that include Dole Plantation, Waimea Valley, and the Spouting Horn. Each itinerary lists included elements such as airfare between islands on selected departures, guided narration, transportation, and meals when specified. Several tours feature helicopter segments that provide aerial views of active volcanic areas and island coastlines; others include river cruises to the Fern Grotto, walks through lava tubes, and visits to cultural sites and coffee plantations. Polynesian Adventure Activities coordinates logistics for departures from Honolulu and connects travelers with partner carriers and local guides to reach destinations across multiple islands. Tour descriptions note exact inclusions for each trip—such as Bowfin Submarine access, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum admission, and lunch on specified departures—so travelers can compare options and select tours that match interests and mobility levels. Booking information, departure points, and availability vary by tour; travelers should consult individual tour listings for dates, cancellation policies, and age or fitness requirements. Polynesian Adventure Activities operates within Hawaiian state parks and transportation regulations and works with local providers to deliver guided experiences focused on natural landscapes, cultural history, and wartime memorials. Safety protocols and permit compliance are included where required by local authorities today.

Base locationHonolulu, Hawaii

Tours offered28+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace