Private Deluxe Arizona Memorial Tour Review

The Private Deluxe Arizona Memorial Tour promises an exclusive and premium experience at Pearl Harbor. However, reviews paint a mixed picture, with some visitors feeling the tour didn’t live up to its billing. While the food quality impressed, concerns arose over the small museum size and lack of inclusions like gratuities and lunch. With a rating of just 2 out of 5, potential participants may want to explore alternative options to ensure a truly fulfilling and memorable visit to this historic site. What do these mixed reviews reveal about the realities of this tour, and how can travelers make the most of their Pearl Harbor experience?

Tour Overview

The "Private Deluxe Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Tour" is operated by Hawaii Luxury Travel Concierge and Limousines LLC and offers a comprehensive experience in Oahu, USA.

Priced from $77,710.50 for up to 3 people, the tour includes round-trip Waikiki hotel pickup, a personal chauffeur/guide, tickets to the Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and access to the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center.

Highlights include a Honolulu city tour, visits to historical sites, and a U.S. Navy shuttle boat ride to the Arizona Memorial.

Bottled water, tropical juice, and a Pearl Harbor-Hawaiian T-shirt are also provided, though gratuities and lunch aren’t included.

Included Experiences

This private tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the history of Pearl Harbor.

It includes tickets to the Arizona Memorial, access to the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, and entry to two museums – "Road to War" and "Attack" – which provide a rundown of the events leading up to and during the attack on December 7, 1941.

Guests can watch original footage of the Japanese assault and take a U.S. Navy shuttle boat ride to the Arizona Memorial Monument.

The tour also features a ticket to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, where visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits and take an audio tour.

Bottled water, tropical juice, and a Pearl Harbor-Hawaiian t-shirt are provided as well.

Honolulu City Highlights

After providing an in-depth overview of the included experiences at Pearl Harbor, the private tour takes guests on a short drive through Honolulu’s historic downtown area.

This city tour highlights several notable landmarks, including:

• Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on American soil
• Hawaii State Capitol, the meeting place of Hawaii’s government
• The towering statue of King Kamehameha the Great, the monarch who united the Hawaiian islands
• Washington Place, the former residence of Hawaii’s governors

These sites offer a glimpse into Hawaii’s rich cultural and political history, complementing the tour’s focus on the events of December 7, 1941.

Pickup and Meeting Details

As per the provided instructions, guests have the option to be picked up from their Waikiki hotels or head directly to the meeting point at the Honolulu Zoo, located at 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA.

Guests are advised to arrive a few minutes early for pickup, and it’s recommended to have breakfast before the tour.

No food or drink is allowed in the vehicle, and late arrivals will miss the tour with no rescheduling option.

Guests are also reminded to ensure their cell phones are charged for communication purposes throughout the experience.

Feedback and Ratings

The Private Deluxe Arizona Memorial Tour has received a total of 1 review, with an overall rating of 2.0 out of 5.

According to the feedback, the tour’s title was misleading regarding the privacy and deluxe experience. The small museum was deemed unimpressive, though the food quality at the museum was positively remarked upon.

Visitors suggested exploring the outdoor planes for a more enhanced experience, and the Battleship Missouri Memorial was considered more interesting and informative.

• Misleading title regarding privacy and deluxe experience
• Small museum; suggested visiting outdoor planes for enhanced experience
• Positive remarks on food quality at the museum
• Battleship Missouri Memorial deemed more interesting and informative

The tour operator has responded by providing clarification on the private service offered and appreciating the feedback.

Host Response

In response to the feedback, the tour operator has provided clarification on the private service offered.

They acknowledged the misleading title and stated that the tour is indeed a private deluxe experience, with a personal chauffeur and guide, as well as private round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels.

The operator also expressed appreciation for the feedback, indicating they’d use it to improve the overall tour experience.

While the review highlighted some issues with the museum’s size and content, the operator emphasized the high-quality food and beverage offerings, as well as the unique opportunity to visit the Arizona Memorial and learn about the historic events of December 7, 1941.

Recommendation and The Sum Up

One could argue that this private deluxe tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the historical significance of Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial.

However, the feedback highlights several areas for improvement:

• The tour may not live up to the "private" and "deluxe" claims, as the museum experience was deemed small and less engaging than the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

• While the food quality received positive remarks, the overall value for money may not be justified, especially with the lack of inclusion for gratuities and lunch.

• For a more comprehensive and informative experience, visitors may consider exploring the outdoor planes and exhibits independently or opting for alternative tours that offer a deeper dive into the historic site.

• Ultimately, the decision lies with the individual’s preferences and expectations when it comes to balancing the convenience of a private tour with the overall value and quality of the experience.

Questions About Your Stay

What Are the Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour does not specify any age restrictions. It’s suitable for all ages, though parents should consider the suitability of the memorial and museum content for young children.

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

No, food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle during the tour. The itinerary states that "No food or drink allowed in vehicle" as an important reminder for guests.

Is There a Dress Code for This Tour?

There is no stated dress code for this tour. Visitors are generally advised to dress comfortably for the outdoor and indoor activities. Casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the tour experience.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour, though some areas may have restrictions. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines before the tour begins.

Are There Any Accessibility Options for This Tour?

The tour operator offers various accessibility options for passengers, including wheelchair-friendly transportation and assistance accessing the Arizona Memorial and other sites. Guests with special needs are encouraged to inquire about accommodations when booking the tour.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Private Deluxe Arizona Memorial Tour fails to live up to its claims of privacy and a deluxe experience. While the food quality was praised, the tour’s small museum size and lack of inclusions like gratuities and lunch are major drawbacks. Potential participants may be better off considering alternative tours that offer a more fulfilling and accurate experience at Pearl Harbor.