From securing timed tickets to arranging transport from Waikiki, guided tours take care of all the logistics. You can simply focus on the experience without worrying about schedules or lines.
Pearl Harbor Guided Tours
A guided tour of Pearl Harbor is…
✔️ Stress-free planning
✔️ With a local expert
Explore Pearl Harbor with a licensed local guide, listen to historians, and Pearl Harbor survivors on the narrated tour. Your guide offers an accessible, in-depth look at Pearl Harbor memorials.
✔️ Access to multiple sites
Guided tours often include multiple Pearl Harbor attractions in one itinerary. This allows you to get a well-rounded perspective of the events of December 7, 1941, and their lasting impact.
✔️ Deeper historical appreciation
Guides help connect the dots between Pearl Harbor and global history, providing a richer understanding of World War II and its lasting legacy.
What to expect on your Pearl Harbor guided tour
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Thoughtful narratives
From the attack on December 7, 1941, to the signing of the Japanese surrender, your tour ties together pivotal moments in American history, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Pearl Harbor’s legacy.
Expert insights from a local
Your guide will share historical context, personal stories, and insider knowledge that bring Pearl Harbor’s history to life, making the experience far richer than exploring on your own.
Visits to key sites
Depending on your tour choice, expect to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Each site reveals a different perspective on World War II history.
Priority access
With a guided tour, you don’t have to worry about navigating ticket reservations or long lines. Many tours offer pre-arranged entry to the USS Arizona Memorial and other sites.
Seamless transportation
Most guided tours include round-trip transportation from select Waikiki hotels or designated pickup points. You’ll avoid the hassle of parking and arrive relaxed, ready to begin your visit.
Time to explore
While guided, these tours also allow free time at certain stops to walk through exhibits, take photos, and reflect at your own pace.
Which guided tour is best for you
Day tours
Full-day or half-day guided tours cover Pearl Harbor’s top attractions, including the USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri.
Enjoy a narrated drive through Historic Honolulu with round-trip transportation from select Waikiki hotels. Choose from options that include lunch at Hangar Grill or admission to the Aviation Museum and WWII Bowfin Submarine.
Recommended experience:
- Pearl Harbor Full-Day Tour with Battleship Missouri and Arizona Memorial
- Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour + Lunch
- Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, and Honolulu City Half-Day Tour
- Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri
Single attractions
These tours are ideal for visitors who want to hand-pick the attractions they wish to visit at Pearl Harbor.
These tours are best if you have a layover in Honolulu or are short on time and only want to cover specific sites.
Choose from guided tours of Battleship Missouri or USS Arizona with round-trip transportation from select Waikiki hotels, or take a self-guided tour of the Aviation Museum.
Recommended experience:
Pearl Harbor Battleship Missouri Tickets
Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Tickets
Audio-guided tours
Narrated tours of the USS Arizona Memorial are offered in three options: the Chief’s Tour with 15 stops, the Commander’s Tour with 23 stops, and the Captain’s Tour with 28 stops.
Each experience also includes a 23-minute documentary film with multilingual translation. Audio guides are additionally available with Aviation Museum tickets and the Pearl Harbor Passport.
Recommended experience:
USS Arizona Narrated Tour
Pearl Harbor Passport
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Tickets
Pearl Harbor highlights covered on your guided tour
USS Arizona Memorial
The centerpiece of Pearl Harbor, this solemn memorial stands above the sunken battleship where over 1,100 sailors and Marines lost their lives on December 7, 1941.
Know before you go
- Restrooms are available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and near major attractions on your tour.
- Dining options aren’t included in guided tours, but you’ll find snack stands and a small café at the Visitor Center for a quick bite before or after your tour.
- Transportation is included on most full-day and half-day tours, ensuring hassle-free travel to and from Pearl Harbor.
- Accessibility is prioritized. The Visitor Center and memorial sites are wheelchair accessible, though submarine interiors (like the USS Bowfin) may have limitations due to close spaces.
- Government-issued ID: Required for entry to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, especially if you choose a discounted ticket for military personnel.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: Much of your time will be outdoors, and the Hawaiian sun can be intense.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Tours involve moving between memorials, museums, and exhibits, so wear shoes suited for walking and standing.
- Light water bottle: Clear plastic bottles are permitted, perfect for staying hydrated during the day.
- Arrive at the designated pickup point at least 15 minutes early to meet your guide; tours run on a strict schedule.
- Large bags, purses, and backpacks are not allowed at Pearl Harbor. Lockers are available for a small fee at the Visitor Center.
- Be respectful: Pearl Harbor is both a historic landmark and a place of remembrance. Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor at memorial sites.
- Photography is welcome in most areas, but flash, tripods, and drones are not permitted.
Visitor tips
- Guided tours, especially USS Arizona Memorial tickets, sell out quickly. Reserve your spot ahead of time.
- Guided tours are a popular way to experience Pearl Harbor and Oahu's history. Book your spot in advance.
- Lightweight clothing works best, but bring a light jacket if your tour extends into the evening.
- While tours cover key highlights, you may want to revisit exhibits or the Visitor Center afterward for a deeper dive.
- Once your guided tour part ends, you can go back to spots with easy access & a lot more to explore, like the Visitor Center.
- Don’t forget to bring a souvenir from your visit to Pearl Harbor; you can get them from the gift store near the Visitor Center.
- Check out our plan your visit guide to Pearl Harbor
Frequently asked questions about Pearl Harbor guided tours
Yes, guided tours include round-trip transport from select hotels in Waikiki. This makes it convenient, as parking at Pearl Harbor can be limited.
Not always. At certain memorials, such as the USS Arizona, the National Park Service staff lead portions of the experience. Your guide will provide context before and after, and remain nearby to answer questions.
Full-day tours include lunch at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. stop. You’ll find snack stands and a café at the Visitor Center for light refreshments.
It depends on your tour type. Half-day tours usually focus on the USS Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center exhibits, while full-day tours include USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, USS Bowfin Submarine, and Pacific Aviation Museum.
Children are welcome, but keep in mind that some sites, like the USS Bowfin Submarine, do not allow children under 4 inside for safety reasons.
Narrated tours offer audio headsets in 7 languages, such as English, Mandarin, German, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, and more. Check the available language when booking your tour.
While there’s no strict dress code, respectful attire is strongly encouraged at the memorial sites. Avoid swimwear or revealing clothing out of consideration for the solemn setting.
While there are no free guided tours of Pearl Harbor, you can opt for a complimentary 35-min guided tour with your Battleship Missouri entry tickets.
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