USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri & Honolulu City Tour with Pearl Harbor Tours
As Maui residents, it’s a known fact that we tend to prefer the quieter, more laid-back beauty of The Valley Isle compared to our Hawaiian island neighbor, Oahu. However, we recognize that a handful of the most classic and historic Hawaiian experiences are located on Oahu, including the unmissable tour experience and tribute to Pearl Harbor.
Though some travelers disregard a day trip to Oahu if they plan on staying on Maui for the entirety of their trip, Pearl Harbor Tours offers several day trips from Maui that are ideal for island-hopping in a doable timeframe, still leaving you plenty of time to explore Maui while also visiting some of Oahu’s most historically important and culturally significant sites.
We were recently invited to join Pearl Harbor Tours’ USS Arizona Memorial & USS Missouri Battleship Tour from Maui, and are excited to share more about our experience with those looking for an exciting, multi-island experience in the Aloha State.
Pearl Harbor Tours Inclusions
Still the #1 visitor destination in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor receives over 1.8 million visitors per year. For this reason, it’s wise to book this tour ahead of your arrival on Maui. The most popular Maui-based tour to Pearl Harbor, this specific tour includes the following:
- Roundtrip airfare aboard Hawaiian Airlines from Maui’s Kahului Airport to Oahu’s Honolulu Airport
- Private transportation on Oahu, including to and from Honolulu Airport
- Entrance fees to Pearl Harbor and 4.5 hours of tour time
- Viewing of the USS Arizona Memorial
- Guided tour of the USS Missouri
- Tour of downtown Honolulu, including a viewing of several historic buildings like Kawaiahao Church
- Visit to Punchbowl Cemetery (also known as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific)
Maui to Oahu: Flight & Tour Pick-Up
Our tour began early with a 7:30 am flight from Maui to Honolulu, Oahu. While Pearl Harbor Tours do not include transportation to and from Kahului Airport, most travelers will already have access to their own rental car, or can simply call a local taxi or have their concierge arrange for transportation.
After a quick and scenic 40-minute flight, we were picked up directly from the Honolulu International Airport by our very cheerful and friendly tour guide and shown to our tour transport for the day, a motor coach (with air conditioning).
Touring Pearl Harbor
A short 20-minute drive later, we arrived at our first stop of the day, the legendary naval base of Pearl Harbor. Because our tour already included entrance fees and a fast track ticket, we were able to skip the long lines of people waiting to get in and proceed directly to the first portion of the visit, a documentary film, before boarding the USS Arizona Memorial.
While it was obviously a solemn experience to see the final resting place of the 1,102 sailors and marines who died aboard the ship, it was also fascinating to learn more about the events of December 7, 1941, and how they affected Hawaii – and America – as a whole.
We then boarded the shuttle to Ford Island to enjoy a scenic lunch with the rest of our tour group. Food can be purchased at Pearl Harbor, the USS Bowfin or USS Missouri.
Also located on Ford Island, the next portion of the tour was the USS Missouri, most recognized as the site of the surrender of the Empire of Japan, thus ending World War II.
Punchbowl Tour
After returning to Pearl Harbor on the shuttle bus, we were then driven to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located at the scenic Punchbowl Crater in Honolulu. With a Hawaiian name of “Puowaina,” meaning “hill of sacrifice,” it is a visual reminder of the sacrifice of war, and also a calming resting place for so many who served the U.S. and our allies.
Cultural, Historical & Sightseeing Tour
Finally, it was time to explore more of Oahu’s major Hawaiian cultural attractions, as well as sightseeing around some of the city’s most prominent areas.
With insightful, expert narration given along the way by our tour guide, we were able to learn more about sites like ‘Iolani Palace, the former official royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii, as well as the state of the great warrior and leader, King Kamehameha, and the Hawaii State Capitol.
We were also shown the historic Kawaiaha’o Church, the bustling areas of downtown Honolulu – including the stunning Chinatown area – as well as Waikiki, the upscale area of Kahala, and even the gorgeous Diamond Head Lookout.
Although I have been to Oahu before, I learned even more about the cultural sites and historical relevance of the island than I had on any other previous tour. I highly recommend this experience to all locals and travelers, whether it’s your first time in Hawaii or you have been here before, as I certainly value the insight gained from our friendly and knowledgeable guide, as did the rest of my tour group.
We were dropped back off at Honolulu Airport for our 7:15 pm flight back to Maui, and though it was a long day, it’s an excellent way to squeeze in more than one Hawaiian Island on your next trip without sacrificing too much extra time.
Trip Tips
When considering whether to book a tour with Pearl Harbor Tours, consider the following:
- Tours are available from any of the 4 major Hawaiian Islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii (The Big Island)
- There are 6 Maui-based tours to choose from – 4 guided and 2 self-guided tours – including the USS Arizona Memorial & USS Missouri Battleship Tour; Oahu Circle Island Tour; Private Tour by Jeep, SUV or Mini Coach; Dole Plantation & Polynesian Cultural Center Tour; Fly-Drive Package & USS Arizona Memorial Tickets; USS Arizona Memorial Tickets & Oahu Helicopter Tour
- If you find a competing business offering a better price for an identical tour, Pearl Harbor Tours will match or beat their price
- Lunch is not included on the tour, so bring your cash or card to purchase food
- No bags are allowed at Pearl Harbor but can be stored during your tour for $3
- No camera lenses longer than 6 inches are allowed
- Wear comfortable shoes and check the weather forecast for appropriate clothing
- Government-issued ID is required for entry at Ford Island
- Bring bottled water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
- You will not need swimwear during the tour
Reserve your tour online, or call 808-312-3705 or email info@pearlharbortours.com for more information. Mahalo for reading!
World Traveler, Digital Nomad, Small Business Enthusiast, and Lover of words! Originally from Austin, Texas, I’ve lived on Maui for many years. Currently in Los Angeles.
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