Best Pearl Harbor Tours

Pearl Harbor is one of the most visited places on Oahu - you have to go there to experience it! If you like history and especially this period of the 20th century, here are the best options to visit the most emblematic naval base in the world: Pearl Harbor.

There's no doubt that Pearl Harbor is a must-see for every traveller to Oahu but if you're really going to Hawaii for the beaches and the surf, you might be looking for a short and affordable tour of the US military base that will show you the highlights without spending a lot of money.

This half day tour to Pearl Harbor from Honolulu is made for you! A bus will pick you up from your hotel and take you to this national monument. On the way, the guide will tell you about the role of the islands during the war in the Pacific and once at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center you will see several interesting exhibits that delve into its history.

You will then take a ferry to the USS Arizona Memorial, the most important site of the tour, where you can see the wreckage of the sunken battleship that killed over a thousand people during the attack. You will be very impressed to read all their names on the memorial to the victims located here.

Finally, you will return to the bus for a quick tour of downtown Honolulu and discover the history of the Aloha Tower, a symbol of Hawaii, before ending the tour in Waikiki.

Recommended... If you want to include Pearl Harbor in your trip to Hawaii but without spending too much money and taking up too much time for other activities.

Pearl Harbor is a must-see site you can't miss during your trip to Hawaii. In fact, it is one of the most visited sites on the island of Oahu because of its historical significance.

With this tour, a bus will pick you up in the morning from your hotel to take you to Pearl Harbor. You will see the Visitor Centre and its exhibits about the military attack and enjoy a skip-the-line entrance to the Arizona Memorial (memorial to the victims on the wreckage of the sunken ship) and the USS Missouri (the ship on which the surrender of Japan was signed and the end of World War II).

After the visit to Pearl Harbor, you will board the bus for a tour of the city centre and visit sites such as the Kawaiahao Church, the statue of King Kamehameha, the Mission Houses Museum, Iolani Palace, Honolulu Hale, the Public Library and Punchbowl Cemetery before returning to the hotel with a fairly complete overview of the island's history.

Recommended... For those who want to combine a visit to the Pearl Harbor naval base with a tour of some of downtown Honolulu's main tourist attractions in just one day.

This option is very similar to the previous one but more economical. So if you have at least 3 days on Oahu, this option is highly recommended. The tour will also take you by bus to Pearl Harbor Bay and you will visit the Visitor's Centre to see the exhibits about this historical episode, which will give you an insight into the context in which the attack took place.

You will also enjoy a skip-the-line entrance to the USS Arizona Memorial which will give you direct access to the memorial to the victims located on the remains of the battleship sunk by the Japanese air force.

After the tour you will return to the bus for a stroll through downtown Honolulu. Your guide will show you some iconic sites such as the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific (honouring the US Armed Forces), the historic Kawaiahao Church and the Iolani Palace (the only royal residence in the country) and tell you all about them.

Recommended... If you're on a tight budget but don't want to miss out on a visit to Pearl Harbor and a brief tour of downtown Honolulu to get a taste of the city's history.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a turning point in the course of World War II, as it led to the entry of the United States into the war. Countless books have been written about this episode and many films have been made but if during your trip to Hawaii you are looking for an in-depth look at the conflict on the Pacific front because you are passionate about history, then I recommend you take this full day tour to Pearl Harbor.

A bus will pick you up from your hotel to take you to the military base. On the way the guide will give you the necessary background on this historic site to understand what happened that day and Hawaii's role in the war but you can also delve deeper into the subject with exhibits at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Centre.

Afterwards you will visit the highlights of the Pacific National Memorial such as the USS Arizona, USS Missouri and USS Oklahoma Memorial. Afterwards you will return to the bus for a tour of downtown Honolulu to see some historical sites relevant to the history of Hawaii and its monarchy. Before ending the tour you will pass by Punchbowl Crater to view the Pacific National Memorial Cemetery

Recommended... If you would like to take a cultural tour of Oahu that uncovers the history of the island with a special focus on Pearl Harbor and an in-depth look at America's role in World War II.

This half day tour of Pearl Harbor is perfect for groups. It is a private tour, so only your group will participate and you will have a more personalised experience, allowing you to connect with the guide, ask questions about the tour or ask for recommendations to make the most of your stay on Oahu.

A bus will pick you up at your hotel in Waikiki in the morning and take you to Pearl Harbor Bay. What happened at this naval base is well known and has even been made into a film, but to learn more about this historical episode, a documentary is shown there that will bring you up to date on the role of Hawaii and the United States in World War II. You'll also see the Pacific National Monument to Valor in WWII as well as the USS Arizona Memorial, one of the most moving sites of the tour.

Later you'll head to downtown Honolulu to learn from an expert guide about Hawaii's history, its monarchy and its inclusion as the 50th state in the country.

Recommended... if you want a more personalised experience than larger groups can offer but still enjoy the same itinerary.

The most comprehensive tours are the Pearl Harbor Arizona, Missouri and City Tour and the Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour.

Not only will you see and learn about the US naval base in detail, but you will also visit downtown Honolulu and learn about the history of Oahu and the Hawaiian monarchy.

It depends on the Pearl Harbor tour you choose and what you want to see during your visit. If you are looking for a short tour and are on a tight budget, there are Pearl Harbor tours for around 40-50 euros.

If you want a more comprehensive tour thatshows you in detail Pearl Harbor and also certain points of interest in downtown Honolulu, then you can find tours from 45 euros to almost 100 euros.

Absolutely. One of the most important attractions on Oahu is Pearl Harbor. We know the story well because we have read about it and it has been made into a movie several times (the last time in 2001 with Michael Bay's film) but nothing compares to seeing in person the place where the events took place and which changed the course of World War II, since as a result of the attack, the United States entered fully into the conflict.

The tour to Pearl Harbor is quite emotional as the museums and memorials at Pearl Harbor make you reflect on the fatal consequences of the war. However, it was intended to be a place to reflect and honour the victims. This is why it was provided with a lot of greenery to make it a peaceful place where you can take a relaxing stroll in front of the waters of the bay.

Pearl Harbor Naval Base is located about 14 kilometres from Honolulu. Although you can get there by taxi or City Bus, the best option is to choose an organised bus tour from Waikiki.

You won't have to worry about finding transport or queuing for tickets at the National Monument's ticket office, and you'll be able to learn interesting stories and anecdotes about the place along the way. Anyway, here is an interesting post if you want to know more about how to get around Oahu.

If you are looking for a private tour of Pearl Harbor where only your group can participate, then I recommend the Pearl Harbor City Tour for approximately 46 euros.

Entrance to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Centre is free but to access certain areas such as the USS Arizona Memorial you need to make a reservation on the official website.

In my opinion, the most recommendable option is to book a guided tour of Pearl Harbor because you will combine the visit to the naval base with other attractions on the island and you will have a more complete and entertaining experience. It is well worth it!

Keep in mind

• What to bring to Pearl Harbor?

As Ford Island is an operational military base, for security reasons security personnel may require visitors to Pearl Harbor to show a photo ID for identification purposes.

• What to wear to visit Pearl Harbor?

As a memorial, the dress code for entering Pearl Harbor is smart casual. For example, to go to the USS Arizona Memorial, a shirt and shoes are required but high heels are not recommended. In addition, swimming costumes are not allowed. Bags and backpacks are not allowed. They can be left in a locker outside the main entrance for $5 per bag.