Pearl Harbor Guided Tour: Small Group with a Veteran Guide
Not all Pearl Harbor guided tours are created equal. If you’re looking for a small group tour where your guide will actually accompany you at each site (as opposed to a glorified taxi service), look no further! To sweeten the deal these guides are military veterans, who provide a unique perspective on this historical site.
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Activity Overview
Pearl Harbor Guided Tour Highlights
- 5-7.5 hours
- Pickup times start at 8:15 AM, and the tour begins at 9:20 AM daily
- 12 guests maximum, small tour
- Visit Pearl Harbor and its major sites: the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri battleship, and the USS Bowfin submarine
- All admission tickets, guaranteed USS Arizona Memorial entry, and Honolulu pickup are included.
- Food and pickup outside of Honolulu are not included; guests staying elsewhere must arrange transportation.
- All ages welcome
Pearl Harbor Guided Tour Details
Here’s what sets this tour apart from other Pearl Harbor Guided Tours:
- Small size: Many similar tours have 20+ people per tour. With just 12 guests total in your group and the opportunity to opt for a private tour, you’ll have more chances to ask questions, and the experience will feel more personal.
- Veteran guides: The guides on this tour are military veterans, giving you a unique perspective on the sites and an opportunity to support those who have served.
- Guided the whole time: Often on these “guided” tours, you’re only dropped off or accompanied for a portion of your visit, but this tour is guided through each site you visit. Your guide will not be with you only when you visit the USS Arizona Memorial.
Your first stop will be skipping the public shuttle and heading straight to the USS Missouri Battleship (Mighty Mo) on Ford Island at Pearl Harbor.
From there, you’ll visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and take a boat to the USS Arizona Memorial.
All tickets are secured before your visit, so you won’t have to wait in any lines hoping to get a standby ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial.
Guides are not allowed to accompany guests on this portion of the tour, and you’ll find it isn’t necessary. The memorial is a place of reflecting, and a Park Ranger is there to answer questions.
Once you’ve paid your respects, you’ll be back with your guide to explore the Visitor Center, and then end your day at the USS Bowfin Submarine. Five hours will fly by as you make the most of your time here with a guide providing additional context and historical information you’d otherwise miss out on.
If you don’t want to stop at Pearl Harbor, you can add to your day with the options below.
Pearl Harbor Guided Tour Add-Ons
Pearl Harbor & Honolulu Guided Tour
Whether you’re staying in Waikiki without a rental car or you want to make the most of your time in and around downtown Honolulu, you can add some of Honolulu’s most famous sites to your Pearl Harbor Tour.
Circle Island Tour with Pearl Harbor
Already considering a circle island tour? See it all in one day by adding Pearl Harbor to the itinerary. This is a big day, but it’s a great choice if you don’t have a lot of time on Oahu.
Pearl Harbor Guided Tour FAQ
Is having a veteran guide guaranteed?
It is unlikely that your guide will not be a veteran, as this is a priority for these Pearl Harbor guided tours. Even if the guide is not a vet, they will still be incredibly knowledgeable and highly rated. If having a veteran as your guide is important, leave a note in the booking.
Here is a short bio of each of their main veteran guides:
Luis is 5th generation born in Hawaii, and he served in the Navy on the USS Maryland as well as in Washington D.C. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Hawaii focused on U.S. History and is passionate about sharing military and Hawaii history and local culture.
Emerson grew up near Pearl Harbor and also attended university nearby. He was in the United States Air Force, including as a F-22 raptor “Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist, and he has worked at Pearl Harbor in numerous capacities sharing its history and educating visitors.
Cedrick was born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu. A US Navy veteran with a deep interest in military history, he enjoys sharing the fascinating stories of the past with guests.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included in the ticket price, but you can purchase food and eat during the tour in Pearl Harbor. Your food options will be fast and casual, and you’ll have 20-30 minutes for the break.
Are there any age restrictions?
All ages are welcome to come on the tour, but children under four are not allowed on the USS Bowfin Submarine.
For more details and additional Frequently Asked Questions, click the booking button below.
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