Top 15 Pearl Harbor Tours You Can’t Miss

Situated on the southern coast of the island of Oahu, Pearl Harbor is recognized for three significant associations.

For many, it represents an extraordinary travel destination featuring breathtaking beaches and exquisite resorts.

For some, it is known as the base of the United States Pacific Fleet.

However, a considerable number of individuals associate it with the tragic assault on American naval personnel by Japanese forces on a serene Sunday morning in 1941, a pivotal attack that ignited the Doolittle Raid.

Nevertheless, Pearl Harbor continues to be an outstanding location, providing numerous tours that explore various points of interest within Hawaii’s largest natural harbor.

The attractions range from historical and geological sites to beaches, golfing, resorts, and culinary experiences.

Here are 15 top tours of Pearl Harbor that are certainly worth considering.

1. Hawaii: Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Small Group Tour

This skip-the-line admission offers a 3 to 4-hour exploration of Hawaii’s most frequented site, the USS Arizona Memorial, which serves as the final resting place for sailors and Marines who lost their lives during that fateful day in 1941.

The tour offers three departures at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and noon, beginning with a narrated boat excursion around the USS Arizona Memorial, followed by a visit to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

During this visit, guests will learn about the events that occurred before the attack and its consequences, along with having the opportunity to view artifacts such as photographs from the battle and personal items belonging to soldiers.

Afterwards, a boat shuttle will take you to the memorial, which was constructed over the remains of the Battleship USS Arizona to honor over 1,000 crew members who died during the assault.

2. Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial Tour with Pick-Up

This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from any hotel in Waikiki, featuring a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial.

Participants will gain insight into the infamous attack and the reasons behind the United States’ involvement in World War II.

This ticket provides admission to the “Road to War” and “Attack” museums, where actual film footage of the events of that day can be viewed.

The tour concludes with a historic tour of downtown Honolulu, where iconic sites such as Iolani Palace, home to the Judiciary History Center and State Supreme Court, can be visited.

3. Oahu: Official USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Audio Tour

Embark on a 2.5-hour audio tour of the USS Arizona Memorial, which thoroughly describes the siege of Pearl Harbor.

Attendees will visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where they can explore two world-class museums, “Attack” and “Road to War.”

This award-winning tour has received endorsement from the National Park Service and includes a captivating 23-minute multilingual documentary created by the Park.

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts.

4. Passport to Pearl Harbor: Official Full-Day Ticket

This full-day admission ticket allows access to four historic locations at Pearl Harbor, initiating with a multilingual narrated journey of the USS Arizona Memorial to pay tribute to the fallen.

Subsequently, you will gain entry to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park to observe submarine artifacts.

Next, enjoy access to the Pacific Aviation Museum where the history of fighter planes through the years is presented, followed by a visit to the USS Missouri, detailing the battleship’s significant role in history.

This tour can be undertaken in any preferred sequence and also includes admission to the new Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Center, offering three exceptional virtual reality tours.

5. Honolulu: 6-Hour Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial

This 6-hour experience alleviates the stress involved in planning your visit, allowing you to focus on enjoying the attractions available.

All aspects of this tour will be expertly managed for you, from round-trip transportation to and from Waikiki, to tickets granting admission to three principal points of interest.

This pass enables you to bypass lines at the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Submarine Museum, ensuring a maximized time to enjoy the offerings.

The package also includes a complimentary light lunch (soup or hot dog).

Additionally, enjoy a detour through downtown Honolulu’s historical areas while returning to Waikiki.

6. Hawaii: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri Tour

This 5 to 6-hour tour provides an in-depth account of the history of the Pearl Harbor attack while allowing access to two significant U.S. landmarks: the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Tour.

The USS Arizona Memorial, built over the remains of the Battleship USS Arizona, is the most frequented attraction in Hawaii, drawing more than 1.8 million visitors annually.

Upon completion of your visit there, you will take a shuttle boat to the Battleship Missouri, noted for being the last American battleship constructed and serving as a formidable presence for five decades before being decommissioned.

Nicknamed the Mighty Mo, it is historic for being the site where the Japanese surrendered, formally ending World War II.

7. Pearl Harbor All Inclusive Full-Day Tour with Tickets

This extensive 7 to 9-hour tour provides an immersive experience at some of Pearl Harbor’s key highlights.

What sets this tour apart is not just the ample time available to explore various attractions but also the intimate group size, making it one of the smallest group tours in Oahu.

It commences with a visit to the must-see USS Arizona Memorial, followed by a lunchtime stop at the USS Missouri Battleship.

Following this, guests will witness the history of downtown Honolulu, including notable landmarks such as Iolani Palace, the golden statue of King Kamehameha the Great, Washington Place, and the state capitol.

8. USS Arizona Memorial and Aviation Museum Small-Group Tour

This small group excursion provides an executive-level experience of Pearl Harbor, commencing with a transportation service from either the airport, port, or your accommodation.

Participants will enjoy a narrated maritime excursion around the USS Arizona Memorial, coupled with a complimentary audio guide during their exploration of the Aviation Museum.

The tour also features visits to the Road to War Museum and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, with the opportunity to view authentic footage of the Japanese attack on American naval forces and Marines.

9. Oahu 60-Minute Helicopter Tour: Doors On or Off

Hawaii’s third-largest island offers many rewarding experiences, with one of the finest ways to appreciate them being from an aerial perspective.

This one-hour helicopter journey will take you over sites such as Diamond Head, the National Natural Monument, and magnificent volcanic cliffs as you head toward Makapu’u Lighthouse, home to the largest lens lighthouse in the U.S.

This helicopter experience is a delight for admirers of both nature and history, guiding you over the most picturesque natural and historical locations on Oahu.

You’ll view the Ka’a’awa Valley, recognized as a site where previous island kings resided, the stunning coral formations of Lanikai Beach, the Ko’olau Mountains, Kaneohe Bay, renowned for being among the most beautiful places on Earth, and much more.

10. Private Pearl Harbor Memorial Tour

A private tour of the Pearl Harbor Memorial offers exclusive benefits associated with an individualized experience—round-trip transport (for up to three individuals), reduced wait time, a fully insured vehicle, and a light lunch provided by the USS Bowfin submarine.

This admission includes visits to the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Battleship Memorial (for a party of three), and a tour of Honolulu’s historically significant district.

Participants will also explore the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and two museums: “Road to War” and “Attack,” accompanied by a complimentary cold beverage.

11. Oahu Day Tour: Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl Cemetery

This 6-hour combined land and sea tour offers a historical exploration of the island of Oahu, also known as the Gathering Place.

The itinerary includes a visit to the Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor, providing an in-depth review of the events that led to America’s entry into World War II.

Participants will next visit the Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, home to historical artifacts and a film recounting the attack, followed by a Navy ride to honor the fallen soldiers at the Arizona Memorial.

The tour continues with a stop at the Punchbowl National Cemetery, proceeding through the Courts of the Missing, a memorial honoring soldiers missing from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

The day concludes with an overview of Honolulu’s historic area.

12. Ultimate Pearl Harbor and Circle Island Tour

This tour provides a comprehensive experience at Pearl Harbor, ensuring you gain insights into the various offerings of the lagoon harbor, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

Enjoy a historical excursion to the WWII “Valour in the Pacific” Monument and the USS Arizona Memorial.

After an in-depth exploration, you will be able to take a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial structure for a closer view of the iconic battleship’s remains.

Throughout this 10.5-hour tour, there will be stops at the Dole Plantation and famed North Shore surfing locations, including Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach.

The journey continues with a visit to the Ni’uana Pali Lookout, the site of historic Hawaiian battles, concluding at Hanauma Bay, celebrated as one of the most photographed spots in Hawaii, famous as the filming location for Elvis’s Blue Hawaii.

13. Oahu: Full-Day Complete Pearl Harbor Experience from Waikiki

This 8 to 10-hour tour offers round-trip transportation and passes to Hawaii’s iconic attractions, including the USS Missouri Battleship, the USS Bowfin submarine, and the Aviation Museum.

It provides an excellent opportunity to explore the USS Oklahoma on Ford Island and delve into detailed narratives at the “Road to War” and “Attack” museums.

The USS Arizona Memorial is a must-see attraction, and this pass allows you to save time by avoiding long queues.

Savor American hot dogs for lunch while marveling at the USS Bowfin submarine housed at the oceanfront, accompanied by a guide narrating at each location.

Enjoy a scenic drive through downtown Honolulu, absorbing its numerous attractions while returning from Pearl Harbor.

14. Oahu: Waikiki 20-Minute Doors On / Doors Off Helicopter Tour

This 20-minute helicopter tour provides a captivating aerial view of the picturesque Waikiki, as it traverses the most striking areas of this vibrant locale.

The journey initiates over Honolulu Harbor, gliding past the pristine sandy beaches of Waikiki until reaching the Ala Moana open-air shopping center.

You will also soar over the popular Magic Island picnic grounds before the helicopter glides above the famed Waikiki Beach.

Next, enjoy a flight over Diamond Head, culminating at the distinguished Punchbowl Crater and concluding the quick-paced tour by floating over Pearl Harbor, home to the USS Arizona Memorial.

15. Pearl Harbor, USS Missouri, Iolani Palace Full-Day Tour

This tour is meticulously crafted to optimize your experience at Oahu’s premier attractions.

The full-day excursion begins with a visit to Pearl Harbor, followed by a Navy launch to the USS Arizona Memorial, where the Japanese negotiated a peace agreement that concluded World War II.

The package intricately includes a guided exploration of the USS Missouri battleship in addition to a stop at the Visitor Center to view artifacts that survived the attack.

A tour of downtown Honolulu is also featured, offering glimpses into history with landmarks such as Kawaiahao Church and the prominent statue of King Kamehameha the Great.

Finally, guests are invited to discover remarkable exhibits found at the Hale and Mission Houses Museum, before concluding with a drive through the Punchbowl National Cemetery.