Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Tour with Punchbowl Cemetery and Historic Downtown
Quick Details
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours
- Group Size: Max 14 people
- Availability: Start times vary between 6:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
- Languages: Available in English
*This tour will even translate the National Park Service’s 23-minute movie documentary into the visitor’s language.
Adult
$80.00
$69.00
Child
$70.99
$59.00
Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Tour with Punchbowl Cemetery and Historic Downtown
1. Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial
The tour begins at Pearl Harbor, where you’ll visit the USS Arizona Memorial. This memorial honors the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. A boat ride takes you to the site above the sunken battleship. Here, you can reflect on the events of December 7, 1941, which led the U.S. into World War II.
What to Expect:
- Self-Guided Tour: Explore the visitor center at your own pace, view exhibits, and watch a documentary film that covers the attack on Pearl Harbor.
- Memorial Visit: The memorial itself is a sobering reminder of the devastation and loss of life that occurred. You’ll have time to pay respects and observe the area.
Note: USS Arizona boat ride tickets are not always guaranteed. In such cases, alternative arrangements will be communicated to you.
2. USS Bowfin Submarine
After visiting the USS Arizona, the next stop is the USS Bowfin Submarine, known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” The Bowfin played a critical role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, sinking 44 enemy ships. Visitors are encouraged to explore the submarine and get a glimpse into life on a wartime submarine.
What to Expect:
- Self-Guided Tour: Explore the submarine, learn about its missions, and visit the museum.
- Gift Shops: Both Pearl Harbor and the Bowfin have gift shops where you can purchase mementos and historical books.
3. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl Cemetery)
Your tour will continue with a drive to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, often referred to as Punchbowl Cemetery. Located inside an extinct volcanic crater, this cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of U.S. military personnel who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
What to Expect:
- Scenic Views: The cemetery provides sweeping views of Honolulu, and you’ll have time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those buried here.
- Memorial Stops: You’ll stop at the main memorial within the cemetery, which includes maps and descriptions of various Pacific battles.
4. Historic Downtown Honolulu
The final portion of your tour takes you through downtown Honolulu, where you’ll explore key historical landmarks that played significant roles in Hawaii’s history.
Stops Include:
- Iolani Palace: The only royal palace in the United States, once home to Hawaii’s monarchy. It stands as a symbol of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s history.
- Statue of Queen Liliuokalani: A statue honoring Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani.
- Ali’iolani Hale: This building houses the Hawaii State Supreme Court and is most famous for its golden statue of King Kamehameha standing out front.
- Kawaiahao Church: Known as the “Westminster Abbey of Hawaii,” this church played a significant role in Hawaii’s religious history.
- Hawaii State Capitol: An architectural piece symbolizing Hawaii’s history as a state.
- Honolulu City Hall: The seat of government for the city of Honolulu.
What’s Included:
- Expert Guide: Your guide will offer historical commentary, insights, and logistical support throughout the day.
- Transportation: The tour includes a spacious vehicle for a comfortable ride between stops.
What’s Excluded:
- Gratuities: Tipping your guide is not included but is always appreciated.
- Food & Drinks: Not provided on this tour. However, there are places to grab refreshments at some of the stops.
- Pickup Time: Be ready for pickup at your hotel between 6:15 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. The exact time will be confirmed when you book.
- Accessibility: The tour involves some walking, so wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The USS Arizona Memorial, visitor center, and other stops are accessible to those with mobility challenges.
- Weather/Cancellations: Tours may be canceled or modified due to high winds or other weather concerns, particularly the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial.
- Dress Code: Visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial are encouraged to dress respectfully. Casual, weather-appropriate clothing is fine, but visitors should keep in mind that they are visiting a solemn site.
USS Arizona Memorial Boat Ticket NOT INCLUDED
This program DOES NOT include the boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial. Please visit the USS Arizona Memorial tour to reserve those tickets.
When To Arrive
The Pearl Harbor Multimedia and Virtual Reality Tours are available to start all day long after 7:00 am but must be started with enough time to make the tour stops before the park closes at 5:00 pm. If you have boat tickets, please pick up your multimedia tour smartphone before checking into the boat if you have tickets as it has content that may be viewed on the USS Arizona Memorial.
Accessibility
The visitor center has reserved accessible parking near the entrance. The restrooms, theaters, exhibit galleries, bookstore, information desks, drinking fountains, Navy shuttle boats, and the USS Arizona Memorial are all fully accessible to visitors in wheelchairs or scooters. Walking the distance between facilities may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. Several benches are located throughout the site for opportunities to rest. Please note: The visitor center does not offer wheelchairs to the public. Please use assistive devices with care; walkers with wheels have caused accidents when used as wheelchairs. Stay hydrated in the tropical climate.
For hearing-impaired visitors, all films are fully captioned in English. There is an induction loop for use with hearing aids in the theater. Visually impaired visitors will find signage in braille in addition to tactile models of various interpretive resources throughout the site. Braille booklets regarding Pearl Harbor are available at the information desk.
Bags are Prohibited
Bags are prohibited at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Clear, see-through stadium bags and bags containing medical devices or medication may be allowed into the site at the discretion of the National Park Service. Cameras, cell phones, and wallets are allowed. Bags may be secured in a storage facility near the visitor center entrance for a fee. More information is available on the park’s website.
Weather/Cancellations
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial may be canceled or modified due to high winds and other safety concerns.
Parking
Please plan for traffic and allow time to find parking in one of the nearby parking lots located within walking distance of the visitor center. Taxi cabs and ride-share companies must follow parking lot signage, as well as all pickup and drop-off protocols.
Dress Code
Visitors are reminded that they are visiting a site of the tremendous loss of life in service to our country. Military visitors to the memorial are within the bounds of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and military regulations relating to military dress are enforced by Navy personnel. Per the Pacific Commander, military visitors in uniform are required to dress in Class B or better in order to gain access to the USS Arizona Memorial. Battle dress uniform is not allowed on the memorial, though it is allowed throughout the visitor center and at sites on Ford Island. Military visitors are welcome to wear civilian clothes when they visit.