Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour Review

The Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore one of America’s most significant historical sites. With a focus on providing a respectful and intimate experience, the tour takes guests through the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Battleship Missouri, among other notable locations. While the tour involves a fair amount of walking, the well-organized transportation and included admission tickets guarantee a seamless and immersive journey. For history enthusiasts seeking to honor the sacrifices of the past, this tour provides an unforgettable experience.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive full-day tour covering the major Pearl Harbor sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Battleship Missouri, and USS Pacific Aviation Museum.
• Intimate group size of up to 15 travelers for a personalized experience, with transportation and gratuities included.
• Emphasis on respectful conduct and silence at the memorials to honor the fallen soldiers.
• Visitor guidelines such as no bags, recommended walking shoes, and tour not suitable for those unable to walk long distances.
• Booking and accessibility details, including free cancellation policy, payment required upfront, and limited wheelchair accessibility.

Tour Overview

The Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour from the Waikiki area hotels offers a full-day exploration of the historic site.

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour includes admission tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Battleship Missouri, and USS Pacific Aviation Museum, as well as the USS Bowfin Museum and USS Oklahoma Memorial.

Transportation with pick-up and drop-off service in Waikiki is provided, and gratuities are included.

The tour emphasizes respectful silence at the memorials to honor the fallen soldiers. Visitors are advised to follow guidelines, including no bags and comfortable walking shoes.

Inclusions

This tour includes a wide range of admission tickets and transportation. It covers entry to the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Battleship Missouri, and USS Pacific Aviation Museum.

Visitors also get access to the USS Bowfin Museum and USS Oklahoma Memorial, all of which are included in the tour price. An air-conditioned vehicle provides pick-up and drop-off service from Waikiki hotels.

Gratuities are also covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The tour emphasizes respectful silence at the memorials, honoring the fallen soldiers.

Tour Highlights

This extensive tour allows visitors to explore the key museums and memorials of Pearl Harbor.

The highlights include:

1. Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, built above the wreckage of the sunken battleship where over 1,000 crew members lost their lives.

2. Touring the USS Battleship Missouri, the last battleship built by the U.S. Navy, and the site of the Japanese surrender in 1945.

3. Exploring the USS Pacific Aviation Museum, showcasing historic aircraft and the impact of aviation in the Pacific theater.

4. Honoring the fallen at the USS Oklahoma Memorial and driving through the Punchbowl National Cemetery.

Visitor Guidelines

Purses and bags aren’t allowed inside the Pearl Harbor site, but visitors can use the available storage for a $7.00 fee. Clear plastic bags are permitted.

Meals are at the visitor’s own expense, but food and water are allowed as long as they aren’t concealed. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as walking is involved.

Swimwear and smoking are prohibited on the grounds. The tour isn’t recommended for those unable to walk four city blocks.

Service animals are allowed, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Transportation Details

The pickup points for the tour include the Southwest Airlines Terminal 2, baggage claim 31, area 5, and the Hawaiian Airlines Terminal 1, area 1.

The tour starts at 7:00 am and is conveniently located near public transportation. Infant seats are available for those with young children.

The transportation details are as follows:

1. Pickups from designated Waikiki area hotels
2. Air-conditioned vehicle for the full-day tour
3. Drop-off back at the original pickup locations
4. Seamless transportation throughout the Pearl Harbor experience

Booking and Cancellation

How can travelers book the Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour?

Booking is straightforward through the tour operator’s website or by calling their phone number. Payment is required upfront, but travelers can take advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

This flexibility allows them to adjust their plans if needed. The operator emphasizes the importance of arriving on time, as the tour departs promptly at the scheduled start time.

Accessibility and Accommodations

While the tour provides extensive access to Pearl Harbor’s key sites, visitors with mobility limitations should be aware of certain accessibility considerations.

The tour involves:

1. Significant walking, with visitors required to walk up to 4 city blocks between attractions.
2. Boarding and disembarking boats to access the USS Arizona Memorial, which isn’t wheelchair accessible.
3. Traversing uneven terrain and stairs at some memorials and museums.
4. The tour itself isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are permitted.

Visitors with concerns should consult with the tour operator prior to booking to guarantee the experience meets their needs.

Impressions and Recommendations

Overwhelmingly, visitors describe the Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour as a poignant and impactful journey.

The tour’s thoughtful curation and reverent atmosphere leave a lasting impression. Guests appreciate the thorough nature of the experience, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the events at Pearl Harbor.

The well-organized itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and seamless transportation make the tour a convenient and enriching option.

While the somber nature of the memorials requires emotional preparedness, the tour’s emphasis on honoring the fallen is universally commended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs at the Memorial Sites?

Yes, visitors can take photographs at the Pearl Harbor memorial sites, but they’re encouraged to be respectful and avoid disrupting the solemnity of the experience. Photography is permitted, but flash photography is prohibited.

Is Any Special Attire Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t require any special attire, but visitors should wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking involved. Swimwear and smoking are prohibited on the grounds.

Will There Be Opportunities to Buy Souvenirs?

The tour doesn’t include time for souvenir shopping, but there are gift shops at the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites where visitors can purchase souvenirs during their self-guided exploration of the museums and memorials.

Can I Extend My Visit to Explore the Sites Further?

Yes, visitors can extend their stay to explore the Pearl Harbor sites further on their own after the tour. The tour provides admission tickets, allowing guests to revisit areas of interest at their own pace.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Memorial Site?

The tour allocates approximately 1-2 hours for each memorial site, including the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Battleship Missouri, USS Bowfin Submarine, and USS Pacific Aviation Museum. Visitors can explore these sites at their own pace within the tour schedule.

The Sum Up

The Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour offers a profound and respectful exploration of this historic site. With efficient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a small group setting, the tour provides an immersive and memorable experience that honors the sacrifices of the past. For history enthusiasts seeking an intimate and impactful visit to Pearl Harbor, this tour is a must-consider option.