Pearl Harbor USS Arizona & Bowfin Submarine

Enjoy the poignant history of the Pearl Harbor attack with the USS Arizona & Bowfin Submarine tour. This comprehensive experience blends visits to the iconic USS Arizona Memorial and the fascinating USS Bowfin Submarine, offering profound insights into one of America’s most significant wartime events. With pre-booked admission and knowledgeable guides, you’ll navigate the tour with ease, gaining a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and heroism that unfolded on that fateful day. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a meaningful connection to the past, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

Good To Know

1. The tour offers a comprehensive Pearl Harbor experience, including a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial and exploration of the USS Bowfin submarine.

2. Pre-booked admission allows visitors to skip long ticket lines, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off enhance accessibility.

3. Immersive videos, in-person briefings, and access to WWII archives provide in-depth historical insights and emotional connections.

4. The tour’s 6-7 hour duration may feel lengthy for some, and suggestions include streamlining the itinerary for a more efficient experience.

5. Strict no-bag policy at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is essential for visitor safety, and this information should be clearly communicated in pre-tour information.

Overview of the Tour

The tour provides visitors with a comprehensive Pearl Harbor experience, allowing them to explore the historic USS Arizona Memorial and the captivating USS Bowfin submarine.

Pre-booked admission means skipping long ticket lines, and the tour duration of 6-7 hours ensures ample time to fully immerse in the WWII history.

With a maximum of 24 travelers per tour, guests enjoy a more personalized experience. Convenient pickup and drop-off from Waikiki hotels add to the tour’s accessibility.

Highlights include the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, admission to the USS Bowfin submarine and museum, and an in-person briefing at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center.

Highlights of the Experience

Visitors embark on a captivating journey through Pearl Harbor’s history, starting with the boat ride to the iconic USS Arizona Memorial. This solemn experience offers a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made during the fateful attack.

The tour also includes:

• Exploration of the USS Bowfin submarine, an engineering marvel that played a vital role in the war effort.
• Access to the National Park Services WWII archives, providing a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded.
• Immersive videos that transport guests to the day of infamy, fostering a profound connection to the past.
• An in-person briefing at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, delivering a rundown of the site’s significance.

Seamless logistics and knowledgeable guides ensure a well-organized and meaningful visit, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it.

Pre-Booking and Accessibility

One of the key benefits of this Pearl Harbor tour is the convenience of pre-booked admission, which allows visitors to skip the often-lengthy ticket lines.

The tour also offers a hassle-free experience, with designated hotel pickup and drop-off in Waikiki. Pickup details are provided via text or email the day before the tour.

While the tour is stroller-accessible and offers infant seats, it’s important to note that not all vehicles can accommodate mobility devices. Guests requiring such accommodations should contact the tour provider in advance to make arrangements.

With no bags allowed on-site, this tour ensures a streamlined and efficient experience at the historic Pearl Harbor site.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This Pearl Harbor tour includes several key experiences that bring the history to life. The boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial is included, offering a somber and powerful visit to the final resting place of those lost in the attack.

Plus, guests can explore the USS Bowfin submarine and its accompanying museum, gaining a deeper understanding of submarine warfare during World War II.

The tour also includes:

• An in-person briefing at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center to set the historical context
• Admission to all tour sites, avoiding long ticket lines
• Access to National Park Service WWII archives and informative videos

While gratuities aren’t included, this comprehensive tour is widely praised for its educational and emotional impact.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Highlighted by overwhelmingly positive reviews, this Pearl Harbor tour has earned a stellar 5.0 rating from 60 travelers, with 95% recommending the experience. Travelers praised the tour guides’ knowledgeability and engagement, creating an emotional and educational journey. However, a few noted issues with pickup changes and lack of guidance at the base. To enhance the experience, some suggested reducing the tour length for a more efficient itinerary and including bag restrictions in pre-tour information. The tour is deemed well worth the time and money, with many expressing a desire to recommend it to others.

Positive Comments	Negative Comments	Emotional Impact	Educational Value
Knowledgeable tour guides	Pickup changes	Emotional experience	In-depth historical insight
Engaging presentations	Lack of guidance at base	Impactful memorials	Understanding of WWII events
Comprehensive site visits	–	Deeply moving	Informative exhibits
Memorable experience	–	–	–

Recommended Duration

While the tour generally receives rave reviews, some travelers suggest the length could be optimized for a more efficient experience.

The 6-7 hour duration may feel too long for some, though the emotional and educational value is uncontestable.

Potential improvements could include:

• Streamlining the itinerary to focus on the most impactful sites
• Providing a concise schedule to help manage expectations
• Offering a shorter, more targeted tour option for those with time constraints
• Including clear guidance on what to expect at each location
• Enhancing pre-tour information to better prepare visitors

Baggage Considerations

One important consideration for this tour is the strict no-bag policy at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Visitors aren’t allowed to bring any bags or purses with them, including small bags, backpacks, and camera bags. This rule is in place for security reasons, so be sure to leave all non-essential items at your hotel or in your vehicle.

The tour company doesn’t provide storage options, so it’s up to you to make alternative arrangements. While this policy may be inconvenient, it’s an essential measure to ensure the safety of all visitors.

Keeping this in mind will help you make the most of your Pearl Harbor tour experience.

Overall Recommendations

This Pearl Harbor tour offers a comprehensive and well-structured experience that allows visitors to enjoy the history and significance of the events that unfolded on that fateful day.

While some travelers noted issues with pickup changes and lack of guidance at the base, the tour is deemed well worth the time and money, with many expressing a desire to recommend it to others.

Some key recommendations include:

• Considering reducing the tour length for a more efficient experience
• Including bag restrictions in pre-tour information to better prepare visitors
• Providing clearer guidance and communication at the Pearl Harbor base
• Ensuring all vehicles can accommodate mobility devices for accessibility
• Highlighting the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides as a major highlight.

Things To Known

What Is the Tour’s Cancellation Policy?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing travelers flexibility in their plans. This policy provides peace of mind and the ability to make last-minute changes if needed.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, with infant seats available. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

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

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour company doesn’t allow any bags or outside items at Pearl Harbor to ensure a smooth and secure experience for all travelers.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Length?

There’s no option to extend the tour length. The tour is a set duration of 6-7 hours, which includes all the main attractions. Travelers can’t customize the length, but the comprehensive itinerary is designed to provide a thorough Pearl Harbor experience.

How Do I Get to the Designated Pickup Location?

To get to the designated pickup location, you’ll receive the details via text or email one day prior to the tour. The tour provides convenient hotel pickups from Waikiki, making it easy to start your day.

Sum Up

The Pearl Harbor USS Arizona & Bowfin Submarine tour offers an immersive and educational journey through one of America’s most significant historical events. Travelers can skip the long lines with pre-booked admission, and knowledgeable guides provide emotional insights and historical context. This 6-7 hour tour is a memorable experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the Pearl Harbor attack and its lasting impact.