Arizona Memorial & Historic Honolulu City Tour Review

The Arizona Memorial & Historic Honolulu City Tour offers visitors a chance to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s rich history. This guided small-group experience takes travelers to iconic landmarks, culminating at the poignant USS Arizona Memorial. With knowledgeable guides providing insightful commentary, the tour promises a moving and educational journey for history enthusiasts. Comfortable transportation and a thoughtfully organized schedule make this tour an attractive option for those seeking to explore Honolulu’s significant sites. What aspects of this tour might pique your interest?

Good To Know

• Comprehensive guided tour covering the USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu’s historic landmarks, providing an immersive historical experience.
• Convenient round-trip transportation from major Waikiki hotels and an efficient, organized start to the day.
• Respectful and informative tour with knowledgeable guides, suitable for travelers interested in history and culture.
• Restrictions on prohibited items and required walking may pose challenges for some visitors.
• Opportunity to honor the fallen sailors and marines at the USS Arizona Memorial and explore Honolulu’s rich heritage.

Tour Overview

The Arizona Memorial & Historic Honolulu City Tour from Waikiki offers visitors a thorough experience exploring Pearl Harbor and the historic sites of Honolulu.

The guided small-group tour begins with pickup from major Waikiki hotels and takes you to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. After the moving memorial visit, the tour continues to explore Honolulu’s landmarks, including Iolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, and the Hawaii State Capitol.

The morning tour provides round-trip transportation and the Arizona Memorial ticket, with opportunities to learn from the knowledgeable guide along the way. The tour is designed for an immersive historical experience.

Inclusions and Policies

Included in the tour are an air-conditioned vehicle, pickup and drop-off service, and the ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial.

However, gratuities aren’t included. Visitors should also be aware of the following policies:

• Purses and bags are prohibited inside Pearl Harbor, but storage is available for $7.00.
• Clear plastic bags are allowed, and medical equipment exceptions apply.
• Meals are at the traveler’s own expense, but food and water are permitted as long as they aren’t concealed.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Most major hotels in Waikiki offer pickup service for this tour.

The tour start time is 7:00 am, but pickup times may vary depending on the availability of the USS Arizona Memorial pass. Travelers can expect to be picked up from their hotel and transported to the tour’s starting point.

The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 15 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

It’s crucial to understand that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those unable to walk at least 4 city blocks.

Visitor Guidelines and Restrictions

While respectful silence is encouraged at the USS Arizona Memorial, comfortable shoes are recommended as walking is required during the tour.

Visitors should also be aware of the following guidelines and restrictions:

• No swimwear is allowed, and smoking is prohibited on the visitor center grounds.

• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those unable to walk 4 city blocks.

• Purses and bags are prohibited inside Pearl Harbor, but storage is available for a $7.00 fee.

• Clear plastic bags are permitted, and medical equipment exceptions apply.

• Meals are at the visitor’s own expense, but food and water are allowed to be brought in, as long as they aren’t concealed.

Highlights of the Arizona Memorial

The Arizona Memorial is the centerpiece of the tour, offering visitors a solemn and powerful experience. Constructed over the sunken remains of the USS Arizona, the memorial honors the 1,177 sailors and marines who lost their lives during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Visitors can gaze down at the wreckage through the open-air structure and pay their respects.

Key Facts
Opened	1962
Construction	Concrete and steel
Dimensions	184 ft long, 78 ft wide, 18 ft high
Capacity	200 visitors at a time

The Arizona Memorial offers a moving tribute to the sacrifices of that fateful day and serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and resilience of the American spirit.

Exploring Historic Honolulu

After exploring the solemn and historic Arizona Memorial, the tour moves on to showcase Honolulu’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors are taken to the grand Iolani Palace, the only official royal residence in the United States. Next, they visit the Kawaiahao Church, a beautiful coral-stone structure that has served as the "Westminster Abbey of Hawaii" since 1842.

The tour also includes stops at the Hawaii State Capitol and other notable landmarks, providing insight into Honolulu’s vibrant past:

• Iolani Palace: Hawaii’s royal palace and the only one in the U.S.
• Kawaiahao Church: Hawaii’s "Westminster Abbey" since 1842
• Hawaii State Capitol: Seat of Hawaii’s state government
• Other historic sites: Offering a glimpse into Honolulu’s past
• Knowledgeable guide: Sharing stories and insights along the way

Tour Logistics and Experiences

Conveniently, the tour provides round-trip transportation from most major hotels in Waikiki, ensuring a hassle-free experience for visitors. The tour starts promptly at 7:00 am, with a maximum of 15 travelers per group. Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, as walking is required during the tour. Clear plastic bags are allowed, and storage is available for $7 if carrying prohibited items like purses or bags.

Inclusions	Policies
Air-conditioned vehicle	Gratuities not included
Pickup/drop-off service	No food/water concealment
USS Arizona Memorial ticket	Medical equipment exceptions

The tour offers an immersive exploration of historic Honolulu sites, providing an opportunity to gain valuable historical insights.

Traveler Feedback and Impressions

Based on the 4 reviews received, travelers have generally expressed positive feedback about the tour. Reviewers praised the knowledgeable driver who provided insightful historical commentary.

Highlights noted include:

• Convenient pickup and drop-off service from Waikiki hotels
• Interesting exploration of Honolulu’s key landmarks
• Reverential experience at the USS Arizona Memorial
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation
• Opportunity to learn about Hawaii’s rich history

While overall impressions were favorable, some travelers suggested additional offerings, such as extending the tour duration or including lunch.

The tour operator has been responsive to feedback, indicating a commitment to continually improving the guest experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and water on the tour, but meals are not included. Food and water that are not concealed are permitted, though alcohol and outside meals are at the traveler’s own expense.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

The tour provides restroom facilities during stops at the USS Arizona Memorial visitor center and other sites on the Honolulu city tour. Travelers can use the restrooms as needed throughout the duration of the excursion.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site?

The tour spends approximately 1-2 hours at each site, including the Arizona Memorial, I’olani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, and Hawaii State Capitol. Visitors can expect to spend a significant portion of the day exploring the historical landmarks.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Arizona Memorial?

No, you can’t take photos inside the Arizona Memorial. Visitors are required to show respect and maintain a respectful silence during the visit, which prohibits photography within the memorial.

Are the Tour Guides Fluent in Multiple Languages?

The tour guides are not specifically mentioned as being fluent in multiple languages. However, the tour is described as a "guided small-group tour," suggesting the guides provide English-language commentary and information to participants.

The Sum Up

The Arizona Memorial & Historic Honolulu City Tour offers an insightful and moving experience for history enthusiasts. Knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a well-organized schedule make this tour a must-do for exploring Hawaii’s rich history. From the poignant visit to the USS Arizona Memorial to the exploration of significant Honolulu landmarks, this small-group tour provides a personalized and memorable experience.