Pearl Harbor & Mini Circle Island Tour from Waikiki
Description
Make the most of your time on the island by combining the top destinations and attractions on Oahu into one fun-filled day of sightseeing. You get to witness the breathtaking landscapes and learn about the history of the place as well. Your full-day tour begins with a stop at Pearl Harbor, highlighted by the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Our expert tour guide will narrate the history of Pearl Harbor and everything that happened during the tragic attack of December 7, 1941. Visit the island with your guide and witness the mesmerizing beauty of Oahu throughout the tour. The diverse scenery from the perfect beaches of Oahu’s North Shore, lush rainforests of the Ko`olau Mountains to the rocky South Shore of the island is only a part of what makes Oahu so special and we will make sure that you see it all! This tour involves extensive walking and uneven terrain, making it unsuitable for individuals with mobility issues or those using wheelchairs or scooters.
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
Take in Hawaii’s natural beauty on Oahu's scenic drive along the island’s northeast (Windward) coastline and view majestic mountains, lush vegetation, and beautiful coastal scenery.
Tropical Farms is a small farm tucked away in the windward (east) coast of Oahu, between an ancient fish pond and the Ko’olau Mountain Range.
Kualoa Regional Park is a serene and beautiful place at the northern end of Kane'ohe Bay. This spacious park is located at the Kane'ohe Point in the heart of the Ko'olau Poko land division.Just a few hundred yards offshore is the well-known pointed landmass known as Mokoli'i Island.
LUNCH - Driver order ahead. Not included in tour price. Fumi's Garlic Shrimp Truck is a popular seafood destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can choose from a variety of shrimp dishes, including garlic shrimp, spicy shrimp, and coconut shrimp. The shrimp are cooked to perfection and served with rice and a side of vegetables. The trucks also offer a selection of drinks and desserts to complement the meals.
Kahuku Land Farms stand is where the north shore locals go for locally sourced pineapple, coconut, sugarcane, mango and so much more. It is also home to the best banana lumpia, banana bread, and macadamia nut banana bread on the North Shore if not the entire island.
The North Shore of Oahu offers a scenic and memorable experience, filled with natural beauty, iconic surf spots, and charming local attractions. The North Shore is a mix of adventure, relaxation, and local culture, making it a must-do when visiting Oahu Marvel at world-famous surf spots Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach: These legendary beaches are known for their massive winter waves and professional surfing competitions. Even in the calmer summer months, they are great spots to watch surfers or enjoy the stunning shoreline
Haleiwa is a charming town on Oahu's North Shore, offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and rich surf culture. Visitors can enjoy world-famous beaches, watch expert surfers tackle massive waves, and explore the town's historic charm with its quaint wooden storefronts and local boutiques. The town is also a hub for outdoor activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, and hiking, all set against a backdrop of lush landscapes and ocean views. The local food scene in Haleiwa is a highlight, featuring iconic shrimp trucks, refreshing shave ice, and fresh seafood. The town's laid-back vibe is perfect for those looking to experience authentic Hawaiian culture, with opportunities to visit art galleries, farmers' markets, and enjoy traditional Polynesian influences. Haleiwa offers a relaxed escape from the busier areas of Oahu, making it an ideal destination for a serene and culturally rich experience.
During this time, you can explore the Dole Plantation Store, where you'll find pineapple-themed souvenirs, local crafts, and specialty foods like jams and dried fruit. Don’t miss trying a Dole Whip, the famous pineapple-flavored soft-serve treat. You can also take a short walk to see the beautiful Rainbow Eucalyptus trees, known for their colorful, multi-hued bark.
Return to tour starting point
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
NOTE: Pick up time is up to 30 minutes or more before the listed tour time. We will contact you the day before via text/email with approx pick up time and location. 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
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The remaining hours for the duration of this tour are spent traveling from one stop to the next
- NO SWIMMING OR SNORKELING AS PART OF THIS TOUR
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Sites are subject to close due to stormy weather
- There is no smoking allowed on the visitor center grounds or at the memorial
- Wear comfortable shoes you will be walking much of the tour
- No swimwear is allowed
- 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
- All entry tickets to the attractions will be provided by your driver on the morning of your tour
- NOTE: Pick up time is up to 30 minutes or more before the listed tour time. We will contact you the day before via text/email with approx pick up time and location.
- USS Arizona Memorial Notice: Advance USS Arizona Memorial passes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If advance passes are unavailable, guests may join the National Park Service standby line, where admission is based on available space and is also not guaranteed.
- Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk four city blocks
Reviews(98)
Our tour guide Will Chye was very knowledgeable on the WWII history and Pearl Harbor background. He provided us with lots of interesting Oahu facts. Will helped us navigate Pearl Harbor including advise on getting the boat ferry tickets and the air raid VR experience ($11 highly recommend). Lunch was a delicious Huli huli chicken and garlic shrimp at outdoor food truck next to a 7-11 store (you can get drinks or even food at 7-11 in addition to the scrumptious lunch). Due to ongoing road repairs on the north side, Will adjusted the return travel to the east coast to prevent sitting in roadwork delays. We saw sights on the east coast that were beautiful including monk seals, turtles, and scenic views. Will was a great bus driver and tour guide. He made the trip informative and entertaining while providing us a unique day trip. I highly recommend this tour and Will if you’re lucky to have him.
Aloha Thom 🌺 Mahalo nui loa for your detailed and wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that Will made your Pearl Harbor and Oʻahu experience both informative and enjoyable 🤙 It’s great that his knowledge of WWII history, island facts, and helpful tips at Pearl Harbor helped enhance your visit, and that you enjoyed the local lunch as well. We’re also glad to hear he was able to adjust the route to make the most of your day and still show you the beautiful east coast views, including monk seals and turtles 🐢 That sounds like a truly special Hawaiʻi experience. Mahalo for your kind recommendation and for joining us—we hope to welcome you back to Hawaiʻi again soon 🌈
Super, informative, beautiful scenery.loved the blue water and the views from the look outs. Had some good food also.
Thank you for your kind review! 😊 We’re so glad you enjoyed the beautiful scenery, stunning blue waters, and scenic lookout views. It’s great to hear you also had a chance to enjoy some good food along the way! 🌺 We hope to have you join us again for another memorable experience!
Summer was an excellent tour guide. Me and my wife really enjoyed ourselves.
Aloha 🌺 Mahalo nui loa for your kind review! We’re so happy to hear that Summer made your tour enjoyable and that you and your wife had a great time together 🤙 We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back to Hawaiʻi again soon 🌈
Full day at Pearl Harbor. Could’ve used even more time. Well, my guide was excellent. Good historical information and site visitation suggestions
Aloha! 🌺 Mahalo for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed your full day at Pearl Harbor. There truly is so much history to take in, and we’re glad your guide provided excellent historical insight and helpful site visitation suggestions. Thank you for choosing Aloha Sunshine Tours, we hope to welcome you back again soon! ☀️🚐
To start out the day I admit I was a little disappointed that the PCC was closed today. I thought we would just be doing a short tour. Our guide said we would be back at 6:00pm we were going around the Island. Our tour guide was Summer! She was one Fantastic guide! She went above and beyond in everything she did from the pick up to drop off! Summer was 100% the best guide ever. She gave us an amazing history of the island I learned so much! She took pictures of us. Took us to all the places that you wouldn't know to go unless you were a local! She brought us drinks, gave us a way to contact her, bought us calendars and postcards and flags, she even bought us each a malasala which was the best donut I'd ever had! 100 times over I would reccomend this tour but make sure you ask for Summer if you want to find out so much history about Hawaii Oahu and you want to feel like you are part of her family!
Aloha! 🌺 Mahalo for sharing such a heartwarming review! We’re thrilled to hear that Summer turned your day into an unforgettable island adventure. Even with the PCC closed, it sounds like she made sure you experienced the true spirit of Oʻahu — local spots, rich history, beautiful photos, and of course those delicious malasadas! We’re so grateful you felt cared for from start to finish. Summer will be overjoyed to hear your kind words, she truly treats every guest like family. Mahalo again for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you back to the islands soon! 🌴🌞
Amazing day exploring Oahu. Our guide, Summer, was amazing. So knowledgeable and entertaining. Couldn’t have expected more.
Aloha! 🌺 Mahalo for the great review! We’re thrilled to hear you had an amazing day exploring O‘ahu with Summer. Her knowledge and fun energy truly make the island come alive. So glad she exceeded your expectations! Hope to see you again soon. 🌴✨
We went to Pearl Harbour which was a very memorable & moving experience. The rest of the trip wasn’t quite the itinerary that we’d booked & we ended up visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center which was very enjoyable so no complaints from me! Leena was also a good guide!
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad you found Pearl Harbor so moving and enjoyed your visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Leena will be happy to know you appreciated her guidance throughout the day!
Our tour guide, Papa P (Paolo), was fantastic: informative, entertaining and kind. The tour itself was so comprehensive and Papa P knew just where to stop for us to take fabulous photos. We enjoyed an authentic lunch and the shop stops were worthwhile. He told great stories and legends about areas we passed through and was also very considerate about bathroom breaks.
Mahalo for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled Papa P. made your tour informative, fun, and comfortable, and that you enjoyed the stops, stories, and photos.
Summer and Junior were very accommodating. We had a mixup on the pickup time and they called us and since we were available, they waited the few extra minutes for us! This was very much appreciated. We enjoyed Summer's history and culture information narrated during the drive.
Mahalo! We’re glad Summer and Junior were able to accommodate you and that you enjoyed the history and culture shared during your tour!
In depth tour around the island. Guide had lots of history and information about the island and towns. We had a small group, so we took longer at some stops and skipped others.
Aloha! Mahalo for your review. We’re glad you enjoyed the in-depth tour and appreciated the flexibility of a small group to explore at your own pace.
