Salute To Pearl Harbor – From Waikiki
Quick Details
- Duration: 60 to 90 Minutes
- Availability: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.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
$70
$57
Child
$60
$44
Salute to Pearl Harbor: A Historic Journey from Waikiki
Welcome to our Salute to Pearl Harbor Tour from Waikiki, where history comes alive in the most powerful way. This is more than just a tour; it’s a deeply moving experience that takes you back to one of the most pivotal moments in American history — the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. As you stand at the very place where the course of World War II was altered, you’ll feel the gravity of that fateful day.
I’m excited to guide you through the details of this half-day journey that captures the essence of courage, sacrifice, and remembrance. Below, I’ll walk you through what to expect from start to finish, ensuring you’re fully prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Tour Details & Schedule
We’ll begin our day with pickup from Waikiki between 7:30 AM and 7:50 AM. Our air-conditioned, comfortable vehicle will transport you to Pearl Harbor in the heart of Honolulu. During the drive, I’ll share some stories and historical tidbits, giving you a sense of the incredible significance of what you’re about to see. You can expect to return to your hotel around 12:45 PM, giving you the rest of the day to reflect on the experience or continue exploring Oahu.
Here’s a look at the key highlights of the Salute to Pearl Harbor Tour:
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial – Walk through this solemn and important site, where history, honor, and memory come together.
- USS Arizona Memorial – Stand over the sunken battleship and pay your respects to the sailors and marines entombed below. This is a place of deep reflection, and we give you time to absorb the enormity of what occurred here.
- Historic Aloha Tower (Drive by) – A quick view of one of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks.
On some rare occasions, the Navy may suspend boat operations to the USS Arizona Memorial due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. But don’t worry — even if that happens, you’ll still get the chance to enjoy the Pearl Harbor exhibits, watch the historical film, and explore the visitor’s center and park monuments. There’s so much history to soak in, and I’ll ensure you don’t miss a thing.
What You Need to Know
It’s important to be fully prepared for the day so that you can enjoy every moment without any surprises. Here are a few key details:
Dress Code: You’ll want to dress comfortably, but please note that shirts and shoes are required on the USS Arizona Memorial. Swimsuits are not permitted. If you forget, don’t worry — I’ll remind you before we arrive at the Memorial.
Security Restrictions: Due to the sensitive nature of Pearl Harbor, there are strict security measures in place. Large bags or any items that could offer concealment are not allowed, so I recommend leaving those at the hotel. However, if you need to bring a bag, storage is available at Pearl Harbor for $8.00 per bag.
Route Adjustments: While we always follow the planned itinerary, I might make slight adjustments to the route for maximum visitor enjoyment and safety. You’ll be treated to some special, spur-of-the-moment stops or unexpected viewpoints along the way, making the journey just as memorable as the destination.
This tour is ideal for history buffs, families, and anyone who wants to experience a significant piece of American history. Since the USS Arizona Memorial is a place of great reverence, it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach younger generations about the sacrifices made during World War II.
I also recommend that you:
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Even though much of the tour is indoors or shaded, you’ll want to stay protected while we’re outside.
- Stay hydrated. We provide bottled water, but feel free to bring an extra bottle if you’d like.
- Wear comfortable shoes. There will be some light walking as we explore the exhibits and monuments.
- Keep your camera ready. There are countless photo opportunities throughout the tour, so make sure your phone or camera is charged!
Q: How long is the tour?
A: The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including transportation to and from Waikiki.
Q: Is this tour suitable for children?
A: Absolutely! The Salute to Pearl Harbor Tour is perfect for families, and children ages 3-11 enjoy discounted pricing. It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce kids to an important chapter in American history.
Q: Are food and drinks provided?
A: We do provide bottled water, but food is not included in the tour. However, you’ll have some time at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center if you’d like to grab a snack.
Q: What if the USS Arizona Memorial is closed?
A: On rare occasions, the Navy suspends boat operations to the USS Arizona Memorial due to safety concerns. In such cases, you’ll still have full access to the Pearl Harbor exhibits, historical films, and the Visitor’s Center, ensuring a rich and fulfilling experience.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and remember that shirts and shoes are required on the USS Arizona Memorial. Swimsuits are not allowed.
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.
We understand that sometimes plans change, and we try to accommodate that as much as possible. Here’s our cancellation policy:
- Free cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour. If you cancel within this timeframe, you’ll receive a full refund.
- Cancellations within 24 hours of your tour or no-shows will not be eligible for a refund, as we reserve your spot in advance.
If you need to reschedule, feel free to contact us as soon as possible, and we’ll do our best to assist you.
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.
This Salute to Pearl Harbor tour is more than just a historical sightseeing trip. It’s an emotional journey that connects us to the past, reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit, and honors the men and women who gave everything for our freedom. Book your spot today, and I promise it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget. I can’t wait to share this remarkable day with you.
