Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri

The Pearl Harbor tour takes visitors on a profound journey through the fateful events of December 7, 1941. Participants begin with a somber visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, honoring the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives in the attack. The tour then moves to the Battleship Missouri, where visitors can stand on the deck where Japan’s surrender marked the end of World War II. This experience provides a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made during one of the most significant moments in American history. Those seeking to understand the gravity of this pivotal chapter will find the tour a must-see experience.

Key Points

• Visitors can take a 6-hour tour of Pearl Harbor, including a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial and a tour of the historic Battleship Missouri.
• The tour provides an emotional and educational journey, exploring the historical context of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack through exhibits and guided experiences.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off at multiple Waikiki locations, with air-conditioned transportation and accessibility options for wheelchair users and infants.
• The tour includes admission to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Battleship Missouri, with no food or drinks provided.
• Customer reviews praise the tour’s knowledgeable guides, well-organized logistics, and the profound impact of visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and learning about the site’s significance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

What does the USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri tour entail? This 6-hour tour offers a comprehensive experience at Pearl Harbor, including visits to the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri.

Priced from $159 per person, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests are picked up from various Waikiki locations and transported in air-conditioned vehicles.

The tour includes admission to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, and access to the Battleship Missouri.

Wheelchair accessibility is available, and infants can join the tour upon request. The tour is popular and likely to sell out, so visitors are advised to book early to secure their spot.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with convenient pickup from 14 locations across Waikiki, including popular hotels.

The itinerary takes visitors on an emotional journey through Pearl Harbor’s history:

• Visit the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and explore the "Road to War" and "Attack" galleries, which provide historical context.
• Board a boat for a solemn trip to the USS Arizona Memorial, the final resting place of 1,177 crewmen.
• Finish the tour by stepping aboard the iconic Battleship Missouri, learning about its role in World War II.

Throughout the experience, travelers will also pass by the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Iolani Palace, Hawaii State Capitol, and the King Kamehameha Statue.

Transportation and Accessibility

Convenient pickup and drop-off locations in Waikiki make it easy for visitors to access the tour.

Travelers are transported in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a comfortable journey.

The tour caters to those with mobility needs, offering wheelchair accessibility.

Infants can also be accommodated, with car seats available upon request, though they mustn’t sit on laps.

This comprehensive transportation solution allows participants to focus on the profound experience of visiting the Pearl Harbor sites without the hassle of navigating the logistics themselves.

Inclusions and Restrictions

This tour includes return transfers, admission to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, and entry to the Battleship Missouri.

However, there are some restrictions to be aware of:

• Food and drinks aren’t included, so it’s recommended to bring cash for purchases.
• The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
• Visitors aren’t allowed to bring pets, swimwear, or large bags, and government-issued ID is required.
• The experience aims to be respectful, so visitors are expected to adhere to the guidelines and maintain a solemn atmosphere.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Based on the 436 reviews, visitors have overwhelmingly praised the tour for its insightful historical perspectives and the respectful atmosphere.

Travelers consistently highlight the knowledgeable and passionate guides who bring the events of December 7, 1941, to life. The well-organized transportation and accessibility options also receive high marks, making the experience seamless.

Many reviewers note the deep emotional impact of visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, describing it as a profoundly moving and humbling experience.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

Where are guests picked up and dropped off for this tour?

Guests can be conveniently picked up and dropped off at 14 locations throughout Waikiki, including popular hotels. This provides flexibility and easy access to the tour.

Some key pickup and drop-off points include:

• Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
• Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
• Sheraton Waikiki
• Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa

The tour’s transportation in air-conditioned vehicles ensures a comfortable journey to and from the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, making it a hassle-free experience for participants.

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial

Guests board a Navy-operated shuttle boat for the short ride across the harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial. This solemn memorial sits atop the sunken battleship, which was attacked and sunk during the 1941 Pearl Harbor assault. Visitors can reflect on the lives lost and the sacrifice of the 1,177 crew members. The memorial features a striking wall inscribed with the names of those who perished. After the visit, guests have time to explore the exhibits at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, which provide historical context and details about the fateful day.

Exhibit	Description
"Road to War"	Examines the events leading up to the attack
"Attack"	Recreates the sights and sounds of December 7, 1941
"Remembrance Circle"	Allows visitors to pay respects and honor the fallen

Exploring the Battleship Missouri

After visiting the somber USS Arizona Memorial, guests next explore the historic Battleship Missouri.

This mighty "Mighty Mo" was the last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy and played a pivotal role in World War II, including being the site of Japan’s surrender in 1945.

Visitors can:

• Tour the interior of the massive ship and stand on the surrender deck where General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s capitulation.
• Climb the ship’s tower for panoramic views of Pearl Harbor.
• Admire the ship’s fearsome 16-inch guns and learn about its impressive combat history.

The Battleship Missouri serves as a powerful bookend to the Pearl Harbor experience, providing a stirring conclusion to this unforgettable tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Appropriate Attire for This Tour?

The tour requires visitors to dress respectfully, avoiding swimwear, ripped jeans, or clothing with offensive images or messages. Comfortable, covered shoes are recommended for walking around the historic sites.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Yes, children are allowed on the tour. The itinerary includes infant seats available on request, though infants can’t sit on laps. Wheelchair accessibility is also offered to accommodate visitors of all ages and abilities.

How Long Does the Boat Ride to the USS Arizona Memorial Last?

The boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial typically lasts around 15-20 minutes. The tour provides this short but meaningful boat trip so visitors can reflect on the historic site and pay their respects to those who lost their lives.

Can We Take Photographs Inside the Memorial?

Photographs are generally allowed inside the USS Arizona Memorial, but visitors are asked to be respectful and refrain from using flash photography. The memorial’s solemn atmosphere should be preserved during the visit.

Is There an Audio Guide Available During the Tour?

The tour includes an audio guide that provides informative commentary as visitors explore the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and Battleship Missouri exhibits. The audio guide enhances the overall educational experience of the tour.

Recap

The Pearl Harbor tour offers a profound and unforgettable experience, immersing visitors in the historical significance of December 7, 1941. From the solemn USS Arizona Memorial to the mighty Battleship Missouri, the tour provides an emotional and insightful journey, honoring the sacrifices made during World War II. This must-see attraction is a testament to the resilience and determination of the American spirit.

You can check if your dates are available here: