Battleships of WWII at Pearl Harbor from Maui
Description
Join us on a powerful historic journey, starting with the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, that catapulted the U.S. into World War II and culminating with the September 2, 1945, surrender that ended the global conflict. Book your tickets now and explore the Pearl Harbor Battleship Tour in Oahu. En route to Pearl Harbor, our expert guide will recount the pivotal events leading up to the early morning aerial bombardment. Upon arrival at Pearl Harbor, you’ll begin with the USS Arizona Memorial Experience. Learn about the 1,177 seamen who tragically perished when the USS Arizona was bombed and sank within minutes in the 23-minute documentary featuring original archival footage. Imagine what that morning was like for these sailors as you crossed the harbor to the Memorial on a Navy vessel. As you step aboard the USS Arizona Memorial, you’ll notice an air of quiet contemplation and honor. You are standing over the sunken battleship.
Tour Options
Itinerary
At the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, you can explore various exhibits that provide historical context about the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. View a 23-minute documentary film that provides an overview of the attack, its impact, and the significance of the USS Arizona Memorial After the introductory exhibits and film, you will board a U.S. Navy-operated boat for a short ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. The 10-minute ride across the harbor is calm and offers views of the surrounding military installations **Admission tickets to the attractions on your tour will be provided by your guide on the day of your tour**
The USS Arizona Memorial is a white, open-air structure that spans the remains of the sunken battleship. It's a solemn and quiet place, designed to allow visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made by the sailors and Marines who were lost during the attack Viewing the Wreckage: Inside the memorial you can look down into the water to see parts of the sunken battleship. The ship's outline is visible just below the surface, and oil droplets, often referred to as "The Tears of the Arizona," can still be seen rising to the surface Remembrance Wall: At the far end of the memorial is a wall inscribed with the names of the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives aboard the USS Arizona. This wall serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war
Walk the deck of the last battleship the US ever built in footprints of General MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz. It was on the deck of the Missouri in 1945 that the Instrument of Surrender was signed ending WWII. The guided deck tour includes viewing officer and crew quarters, artillery, a kamikaze aircraft crash, and a Surrender ceremony.
The only land-based memorial at Pearl Harbor, the USS Oklahoma Memorial honors the more than 400 servicemen who lost their lives aboard the ship during the flurry of attacks on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Second only in casualties to the USS Arizona on that fateful day, the Oklahoma Memorial on Ford Island.
On the historic downtown Honolulu portion of the tour, you will experience a blend of Hawaii's rich history, cultural heritage, and modern city life all narrated by our expert guide
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific sits on top of extinct volcano also known as Punchbowl. The cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of U.S. military members. The beautifully maintained grounds feature rows of white headstones set against lush greenery. The location of Punchbowl Crater offers stunning views of the surrounding city, including downtown Honolulu, Diamond Head, and the coastline
The only royal palace in the United States. You will learn about Hawaii's monarchy, and hear stories about King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last reigning monarchs.
From the palace you will view the iconic King Kamehameha Statue, a symbol of Hawaii's unity and strength. The statue is in front of the Aliʻiōlani Hale, the historic building that now houses the Hawaii State Supreme Court.
Our guide will "talk story" of the fascinating history as the original government building of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Often referred to as the "Westminster Abbey of the Pacific," Kawaiahaʻo Church is one of the oldest Christian places of worship in Hawaii. Our guide will teach you about the church’s significance and its role in Hawaii’s religious history.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
If you flew Southwest Airlines into Honolulu Airport we will pick you up at Terminal 2, baggage claim 31, area 5. If you flew Hawaiian Airlines into Honolulu Airport we will pick you up at terminal 1, area 1
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Visiting the museums is not part of this tour. If you want to visit the museums choose the Complete Pearl Harbor Experience tour
- Parking fees are at your own expense
- 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
- There is no smoking allowed on the visitor center grounds or at the memorial
- Sites are subject to close due to stormy weather
- Wear comfortable shoes you will be walking much of the tour
- No swimwear is allowed
- Respectful Silence: Visitors are encouraged to maintain a respectful silence while on the USS Arizona Memorial to honor the fallen. The atmosphere is one of reflection and reverence, allowing tourists to connect emotionally with the events of the past
- If you enjoy your tour tipping your guide in cash is always appreciated
- All entry tickets to the attractions will be provided by your driver on the morning of your tour
- Meals are at your own expense
- There are a few on-site dining options at the 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
- Airfare is sometimes subject to seasonal surcharges. Additional fees may apply
- Not recommended for visitors who cant walk 4 city blocks
Reviews(7)
Will was our driver and he did a wonderful job of relaying the history of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu. Lots of interesting stories. Very flexible for drop off times between venues. Gave very clear instructions on where we needed to go and when we were to meet. Thanks Will for a wonderful day.
Aloha! 🌺 Mahalo for your kind words! We’re so glad Will made your day wonderful with his stories, clear guidance, and flexibility 🤙 Hope to welcome you back again soon! 🌈
Arizona & Missouri amazing experience. Very Moving & solemn at Arizona. So much history at Missouri.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Arizona truly leaves a powerful, solemn impression, and Missouri’s depth of history is unforgettable. We’re glad the experience resonated with you.
The driver was amazing!! Coordination of rides led to a delay in getting in to our reservation on time. We had to rebook, which wasn’t a problem, however, there was not enough time to adequately see all the attractions available.
Aloha 🌺 Mahalo for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed your driver. We apologize for the coordination delay and understand how it affected your time at the attractions. Your comments help us improve, and we appreciate you choosing Aloha Sunshine Tours.
If you’re looking for a “fun” trip, this isn’t it. The battleship memorials were solemn and extremely powerful. As that oil bubbled up and spread, it was just so…wrenching. Jorge, our tour driver/guide was so knowledgeable as he shared some of the history of Hawaii. But that’s just another powerful and solemn story.
We completely agree—these sites are not meant for "fun," but for remembrance and deep reflection. It is powerful to hear how the sight of the oil and the history shared by Jorge impacted you so strongly. We are glad his knowledge helped provide the context these solemn stories deserve. Mahalo for honoring the history and those who are remembered on this tour. We’re thankful you chose to experience it with us. 🌺
10/10 recommend! My wife and I had an amazing time with these guys. Jerry was our tour guide, a true local that’s incredibly knowledgeable and authentic! Nice to have someone actually genuine give you a tour! Also a combat veteran, thank you again, brotha!
Aloha! Mahalo for your kind words. We’re so glad Jerry made your tour authentic and memorable—thank you for honoring his service as well!
This experience was amazing. I would definitely come back and do it all over again. Summer was awesome! Loved how she told us some of the culture
Aloha, mahalo for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the experience and that Summer shared the island’s culture in such a memorable way. 🌺
My wife and I were staying on Maui for our 35th wedding anniversary. A full day trip to Oahu for this tour was terrific!! Visiting the Pearl Harbor memorial at the site of the USS Arizona was a sobering experience but very well done. We got to see the raising of the American flag and listen to the National Anthem in the morning. Beautiful surroundings. We then visited the Missouri and toured the battleship. Wow - so impressive! We also paid for the Pacific Fleet Museum and a tour of the Bowfin submarine. Definitely worth the time and cost for this extra! Amazing how our sailors lived on those vessels! Our tour guide / driver then took us around Honolulu and ultimately dropped us off in plenty of time for our return flight, and Anthony did a fantastic job of telling us about history of the island and the culture and sights around Honolulu. Can’t say enough about the level of communication with Anthony the day before and the day of our tour to coordinate schedules and pick up times and locations. The tour went seamlessly! So easy and comfortable. Loved this tour and we would definitely take another one with Aloha Sunshine Tours when we come back to the islands! Thanks for making this tour so memorable for us!
Thank you, Jan, for sharing your incredible experience! We're thrilled you had such a memorable anniversary tour. Anthony will be delighted to hear your kind words. We’d love to welcome you again on your next visit to the islands!
