5 Different Tours to Explore at Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor, known as Puʻuloa in Hawaiian, is a historical site that offers a moving look into the events of World War II and the sacrifices made by countless individuals. If you plan a trip to this revered site, you can explore numerous memorials and museums that showcase wartime machinery, and honor those who fought for their country.

Look at the different tour options below that you can find at Pearl Harbor. Some tours last for up to a few hours, so get an early start after breakfast to explore all these spots.

 

1. USS Arizona Memorial

This ship symbolizes the fight for freedom during both World Wars. It was also used for vacations by President Hoover and served as a refuge and first aid base following a dramatic earthquake at San Pedro. 

The memorial site, designed by architect Alfred Preis, observes the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. On this day, the ship sank as a result of an 800-kilogram bomb and subsequent explosions, killing 1,177 crew.

  • Tour Details: The tour lasts 75 minutes and includes a 25-minute film. You will also experience a Navy boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, where you will have ample time to stroll through the memorial.
  • Tickets: Free with any Pearl Harbor Passport Ticket or Tour.
  • Learn more here.

 

2. Battleship Missouri Memorial

The Mighty Mo battleship is where Japan's Empire formally surrendered, ending World War II on September 2, 1945. Commissioned in 1944, the USS Missouri served in WWII, the Korean War, and Operation Desert Storm. The battleship has traveled the world and is permanently located at Pearl Harbor since 1999.

  • Tour Details: The Mighty Mo tour options range from a 35-minute guided tour to a 2-hour self-guided exploration. Many visitors enjoy roaming the ship freely, pausing to explore areas that spark their interest, from the Surrender Deck to the crew rooms. 
  • Tickets: Adults: $39.99 | Children (4-12): $19.99 | Discounts available for military personnel and Hawaiian locals. 
  • Learn more here.

 

3. USS Bowfin & Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

Dive into the history of submarines and their role in the Pacific during WWII. The museum showcases the USS Bowfin, a submarine nicknamed the "Pearl Harbor Avenger," commissioned one year after the attack.

  • Tour Details: Discover 10,000 square feet of submarine history, featuring over 4,000 artifacts like battle flags, recruiting posters, and a dissected Poseidon missile. Outside, you can explore relics like the USS Parche Periscope and a Japanese Kaiten manned torpedo. You can also enter the USS Bowfin to imagine how it would be working on a submarine.
  • Tickets: Museum and submarine: $25.99 for adults | $14.99 for children.
  • Learn more here. 

 

4. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Located on Ford Island, this museum highlights the role of aviation in the Pacific War.

  • Tour Details: You'll get to explore historic hangars that survived the Pearl Harbor attack with WWII planes, including a Japanese A6M Zero fighter and an American P-40.
  • Tickets: Adults: $29.99 | Children (4-12): $17.99 | Sold on-site, with discounts available for seniors and kamaʻāina.
  • Learn more here. 

 

5. USS Oklahoma Memorial

The USS Oklahoma Memorial honors the 429 crew members who lost their lives during the Pearl Harbor attack.

  • Details: This memorial features white marble pillars symbolizing each life lost, arranged to represent the ship’s outline. 
  • Tickets: Admission is free, and no reservations are required.
  • Learn more here. 

 

Pearl Harbor Tours From Waikiki

Visit the official Pearl Harbor website for Tickets and Tours from Waikiki. Certified guides can collect visitors from designated pickup points near the Waikiki Resort Hotel. Ticket prices vary depending on the tour package you choose. You can expect to pay between $57 and $204.

Self-guided tours and a Passport to Pearl Harbor start at $89.99 and include access to all the locations mentioned above. 

  • What to Bring:
    • Valid ID for entry.
    • Comfortable shoes for walking.
    • A small bag (restrictions apply; check the website for details).
    • Get your FAQs answered here.

Visiting Pearl Harbor offers a chance to honor history and gain a deeper understanding of its significance. You can explore these incredible sites with careful planning and walk away with unforgettable memories.

Visit our blog page for more must-see attractions in Waikiki.