The Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the historical and cultural highlights of Oahu. Guests will start their journey at the poignant Arizona Memorial, before venturing aboard the USS Bowfin Submarine to gain an immersive understanding of submarine operations. Complementing this, a guided tour through downtown Honolulu showcases the city’s renowned landmarks. With round-trip transportation and museum access included, this comprehensive tour provides an enriching experience for those seeking to uncover the rich heritage of Hawaii. What awaits guests as they embark on this remarkable journey?

Key Points

Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour - Key Points

  • This deluxe tour offers a comprehensive experience of Pearl Harbor, including visits to the Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, and a city tour of Honolulu.
  • The tour provides round-trip Waikiki hotel pickups and small group transportation to ensure a personalized experience.
  • Visitors can explore the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center’s museums, pay respects at the Arizona Memorial, and gain insights into WWII-era submarine history.
  • The tour also includes a guided drive through downtown Honolulu, showcasing iconic landmarks like Iolani Palace, Hawaii State Capitol, and Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery.
  • The tour has a maximum group size of 14 travelers and a cancellation policy that allows free cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour.

Tour Overview and Highlights

Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour - Tour Overview and Highlights

The Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour typically begins with round-trip Waikiki hotel pickups, transporting guests in small groups to the historic Pearl Harbor site.

Visitors gain access to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and explore two museums – "Road to War" and "Attack" – before boarding a U.S. Navy shuttle boat to the iconic Arizona Memorial.

The tour also includes a visit to the USS Bowfin Submarine and Submarine Museum, where an audio tour enhances the experience.

Exploring the Arizona Memorial

After guests board the U.S. Navy shuttle boat, they’re transported to the iconic Arizona Memorial, the final resting place for many of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Visitors have the opportunity to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices made on that fateful day. The memorial, built atop the sunken battleship, provides a somber and reverent experience.

Guests can explore the exhibit galleries, which offer historical accounts and personal stories, fostering a deeper understanding of the attack and its lasting impact.

This poignant stop serves as the emotional centerpiece of the tour, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

Aboard the USS Bowfin Submarine

Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour - Aboard the USS Bowfin Submarine

Having visited the solemn Arizona Memorial, guests then disembark the shuttle and make their way to the nearby USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park.

The museum offers an immersive peek into the history and operations of this WWII-era submarine. With an audio tour, visitors can explore the cramped quarters, machinery, and living spaces that once housed the brave submariners.

Guests can imagine the claustrophobic conditions and the adrenaline-filled missions as they walk the deck and peer into the inner workings of the Bowfin.

This unique experience complements the somber Arizona Memorial, providing a well-rounded understanding of Honolulu’s wartime history.

Discovering Honolulu’s Historic Landmarks

Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour - Discovering Honolulus Historic Landmarks

With the sobering visit to the Arizona Memorial complete, the tour now shifts focus to exploring Honolulu’s rich historical landmarks.

The guided drive through downtown Honolulu offers a glimpse into the city’s past, showcasing iconic sites like the Iolani Palace, Hawaii State Capitol, and the golden statue of King Kamehameha the Great.

The tour also visits Washington Place, the former residence of Hawaiian monarchs, and the serene Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery.

Guests have the opportunity to enjoy Honolulu’s cultural heritage, learning about the significance of these landmarks and their role in shaping the island’s history.

The city tour provides a well-rounded experience, complementing the poignant visit to Pearl Harbor.

Tour Logistics and Requirements

Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour - Tour Logistics and Requirements

The Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour includes round-trip Waikiki hotel pickup for the small group.

Each passenger receives a water bottle, but no food or drink is allowed inside the vehicle. Late arrivals may miss the tour with no option to reschedule.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, and infants must sit on laps, with infant seats available. The maximum group size is 14 travelers.

Cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience start time are free. The tour costs $131.75, originally $155.00, and gratuities aren’t included.

Booking Information and Cancellation Policy

Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour - Booking Information and Cancellation Policy

Customers receive confirmation at the time of booking for the Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible. Infants must sit on laps, though infant seats are available.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers per tour. Guests can cancel their booking for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour costs $131.75, down from the original price of $155.00.

Customer Experiences and Feedback

Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour - Customer Experiences and Feedback

Guests provided mixed reviews for the Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour, with some feeling rushed due to the tour’s tight schedule.

While some praised the knowledgeable drivers and enjoyed the informative Pearl Harbor experience and city tour, others criticized the transfer logistics and limited vehicle capacity.

Despite these concerns, the majority of guests appreciated the educational nature of the tour, which included visits to the Arizona Memorial, Bowfin Submarine, and various historical landmarks around Honolulu.

Insider Tips for the Tour

Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour - Insider Tips for the Tour

What’re some insider tips for getting the most out of the Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour?

Arrive early to avoid missing the tour due to late arrivals.

Bring a snack or light meal, as the provided breakfast and lunch may not satisfy all appetites.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves extensive sightseeing.

Carry a small backpack or purse to easily navigate the tour sites.

Be prepared for crowds and potential wait times, especially at the Arizona Memorial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, food and drinks are not allowed inside the vehicle during the tour. The tour provider explicitly states that no food or drink is permitted on the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Arizona Memorial?

There is no strict dress code for the Arizona Memorial, but guests are advised to dress respectfully. Casual clothing is acceptable, but swimwear, tank tops, and shorts are discouraged out of respect for the memorial’s solemn nature.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Submarine?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the USS Bowfin Submarine, but flash photography is not permitted as it could damage the delicate historic equipment. Photos must be taken without disrupting the audio tour or flow of visitors.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Landmark in Honolulu?

The tour includes short stops at several historical landmarks in Honolulu, including Iolani Palace, Hawaii State Capitol, and Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery. However, the exact amount of time spent at each site is not specified in the tour overview.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs During the Tour?

Guests have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs at various stops during the tour, including the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and the Submarine Museum. However, no additional time is allotted for shopping, and food and drink are not allowed inside the vehicle.

Recap

The Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour provides a comprehensive and poignant experience, allowing visitors to pay respects at the Arizona Memorial, explore the historic USS Bowfin Submarine, and discover Honolulu’s iconic landmarks. With round-trip transportation and insightful exhibits, this tour offers a well-rounded understanding of Pearl Harbor’s significance and Hawaii’s cultural heritage, making it an essential part of any Oahu itinerary.