7 Best Pearl Harbor Tours: Budget, Private, & All Historical Sites!

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The two most-visited attractions in the Hawaiian Islands are Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Polynesian Cultural Center, both on the island of Oahu. So if you’re planning a trip to the historic sites and museums at Pearl Harbor, you’re in good company. 

We’ve visited and toured Pearl Harbor multiple times, both on guided tours and independently. I can tell you that if you’re at all interested in visiting, Pearl Harbor is a bucket-list Hawaii site that you shouldn’t miss.

To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of the best Pearl Harbor tours. We’ve covered it all — from half-day excursions to full-day tours, different sites to visit, and a range of budgets.

Plus, helpful tips to know before booking a tour group. And if you’re interested in visiting without a tour, we have some need-to-know tips at the end of the article. 

Let’s get to the point. Jump to the Pearl Harbor Tour right for you:
1. Salute to Pearl Harbor: 5-hour tour of USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor Museums with a stop at Aloha Tower. 80-person group tour, but a good value!
2. Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu: 6-hour tour includes the USS Arizona Memorial and a tour of historic Honolulu—50-person group tour, and also a good value.
3. Pearl Harbor Experience with a Veteran: Unlike other tours, the tour guide is with you to provide depth and context to Pearl Harbor’s sites. This is a small group tour. Our favorite on the list!
4. Quick Tour: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial, and Honolulu in a four-hour tour. An efficient way to explore Pearl Harbor and historic Honolulu.
5. All Historical Sites, Full Day Tour: Visit all the historical sites of Pearl Harbor, including the Mighty Mo, aviation museum, USS Bowfin Submarine, and more. A 25-guest group size and a reasonable price compared to other tours.
6. Private Pearl Harbor Tours: Choose from their 6-hour, 9-hour, or 12-hour options for a private tour of Pearl Harbor and other sites on Oahu.
7. Island Hopping to Oahu for Pearl Harbor: Don’t let staying on Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island stop you from making a bucket list trip for the day.

What to Consider Before Booking a Pearl Harbor Tour

Here are frequently asked questions about visiting Pearl Harbor. Visiting the free National Memorial is one thing, visiting all the historical sites (non-profits but not free entry) takes a bit more planning and time.

Locations visited:

Pearl Harbor has four museums to visit. The USS Arizona Memorial is the most popular site to pay your respects, but there are also two museums at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial (free to enter). You can also visit the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials.

Historical sites require a paid entrance ticket. They are located at the National Memorial, such as the USS Bowfin Submarine, or you can take a shuttle to Ford Island to visit the USS Battleship Missouri and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

Some tours will cover only the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the USS Arizona, while others will cover all or some of the museums. Read the details before booking to avoid disappointment.

Other tours offer a Honolulu city tour that covers parts of historic downtown, with quick photo stops at sights like ‘Iolani Palace or the Punchbowl Cemetery, but they are not full tours. 

Tours that cover more of the historic sites are longer and cost more.

Size of group:

We often get asked why tour prices can vary so significantly, and the answer is usually that they depend on group size.

The less expensive tours typically have more people. That doesn’t mean they’re bad! But they tend to move a little more slowly and be a bit less flexible. 

Pickup locations:

Not all tours will pick up from your hotel or vacation rental. Some of the larger tour buses will pick up at set locations throughout Waikiki. Airport pickups are rare unless you have specifically booked a tour from a neighbor island (like this tour). 

Tour guide restrictions:

Your tour guide cannot accompany you to the USS Arizona Memorial, as they are not permitted to do so. This may be disappointing for those hoping for a full guided tour. You will find a US Park Ranger at the USS Arizona Memorial to answer your questions.

In our experience, the best guides provide historical context and information while driving you and during short tours at the beginning of each museum visit. Then, you’re on your own to explore, listen, and learn.

Tour #3 below includes a tour guide who will show you around Pearl Harbor and provide historical stories and context.

I highly recommend the audio tour of the USS Bowfin Submarine and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. At the USS Missouri, a tour guide was on deck to answer all of our questions. 

Related reads:
Check out our Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide as you prepare for your trip!
Consider a circle-island tour to get yourself acquainted with the island early in your trip. We’ve learned over the years that guided tours add significant value to our trips, and we make sure to select a few for each vacation. Browse all our favorite Hawaii tours in our database here.

A Big Note About USS Arizona Memorial Tickets

One of the main reasons people book tours is to gain admission to the USS Arizona Memorial. Unfortunately, booking a tour does not guarantee you’ll receive a ticket to visit the memorial. There is a high likelihood you’ll receive one, but it’s not guaranteed. 

Here’s why: only a set number of tickets are released in advance for the USS Arizona. Tour companies do their absolute best to secure tickets (and they are good at doing so), but there might be some instances where they miss out. It can be a huge bummer, especially if your entire reason for visiting Pearl Harbor is to visit the memorial. 

In addition, visiting the memorial requires a short boat ride. There are times when repair work is on the dock, and no boat tours are running out to the USS Arizona Memorial. When that happens, you won’t be able to visit the memorial, but all of the other museums and sights are still open and available to visit. 

On a personal note, the USS Arizona memorial is incredibly moving, but I found visiting all of Pearl Harbor to be fascinating. While I would definitely be disappointed not to see the memorial, there is so much to do, see, and learn there that I still think it is worth visiting without seeing it. 

If you’re taking a shorter tour or looking for a nice way to unwind after a day of touring and learning, check out one of our favorite sunset sails leaving from Waikiki.

The Best Pearl Harbor Tours to Fit All Budgets

It can be tough to compare tours, so we’ve distilled the key information.

Note: We have included prices, which were accurate at the time of publication. Click the booking button to see any updated prices.

We start with budget-friendly tours and move to private tours. Choose the best tour for you!

Tours are super convenient and a great way to experience Pearl Harbor, but if you’re more of a DIY kind of traveler, read about visiting Pearl Harbor on your own.

1. Salute To Pearl Harbor

This tour keeps you moving on a half-day excursion to Pearl Harbor. See the USS Arizona Memorial, spend a bit of time at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and then stop by the Aloha Tower on your way back to Waikiki. 

Tour details

• Sights visited: USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and Aloha Tower in Honolulu
• Pickup: From 6 Waikiki hotels
• Tour length: 5 hours, pickups start at 7:30 AM
• Group size: up to 80 people (on a double-decker bus)
• Adult price: $59 per person

2. Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, and Honolulu City Highlights Tour

If you are interested in visiting the USS Arizona Memorial without spending the entire day exploring Pearl Harbor, this tour combines a visit to Pearl Harbor with a drive through downtown Honolulu. 

Tour details

• Sights visited: USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, sightseeing tour of historic sights in downtown Honolulu
• Pickup: From select Waikiki hotels
• Tour length: 6 hours, daily 9 AM to 3 PM
• Group size: up to 50 people
• Adult price: $58 per person

Related articles for budget travelers:

• How We Book Our Hawaii Travel
• How to Honeymoon in Hawaii on a Budget
• How to Book a Last-Minute Trip to Hawaii
• What is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit? (plus 4 ways to save)

Avoid big buses and enjoy a half-day or full-day out with a small group. Heading out with a small group will be more expensive, but it is a more personal tour.

3. Pearl Harbor Experience with a Veteran

Here’s what sets this tour apart from other Pearl Harbor Guided Tours:

1. Small size: With just 4 to 12 guests in your group, and the option for a private tour, you’ll have more opportunities to ask questions, and the experience will feel more personal.
2. 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.
3. Guided the whole time: Unlike many “guided” tours, where you’re only accompanied for a portion of your visit, this tour is guided through each site you visit. Your guide will not be with you only when you visit the USS Arizona Memorial.

Tour details

• Sights visited: Visit the Mighty Mo Battleship on Ford Island first, and then go to the USS Arizona Memorial. End the day at the USS Bowfin Submarine. Skip the lines to both sites.
• Pickup: from your Waikiki hotel
• Tour length: 5 – 7.5 hours
• Group size: 4-12 guests (or private)
• Adult price: $226 per person

4. Quick Tour: USS Arizona and Historic Honolulu

Small group and quick tour? This checks both of those boxes! Visit the USS Arizona and spend a bit of time at the Pearl Harbor Museum. Then enjoy a drive into historic Honolulu.

Visit the breathtaking Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific to pay tribute to the soldiers resting in the ancient volcanic crater. Explore the stunning grounds of ‘Iolani Palace and the iconic statue of King Kamehameha, immersing yourself in Hawaii’s rich history.

Bonus: This is a small-group tour for 11 people. Click the booking button below to view the itinerary and tour details.

Tour details

• Sights visited: USS Arizona, Pearl Harbor National Memorial Museums, and historic Honolulu.
• Pickup: Waikiki hotels and the cruise ship terminal
• Tour length: approximately 4 hours
• Group size: 11 people
• Adult price: $100 per person

Consider visiting all of the Pearl Harbor historical sites on a full-day visit!

While most visitors head to Pearl Harbor to pay their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, there is a lot more to do and see. I get it — the first time I visited Pearl Harbor I saw the memorial, looked at a bit of information at the museum and headed home. 

What a mistake! When I finally returned to visit the other museums, I was captivated. Climb through the Bowfin Submarine, walk the decks of the Battleship Missouri (Mighty Mo), and take in the aviation history at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (and visit the historic hangars and airplanes).

If you’re looking for a comprehensive tour that covers all the museums, we have two recommendations.

5. Best of Pearl Harbor: All Historical Sites

This is a great mid-size group tour at a great price. The tour doesn’t include lunch but that is a good thing, as you can choose where to eat at the numerous cafes and food trucks around Pearl Harbor.

Spend the entire day immersing yourself in history. 

Tour Highlight:

• Self-Guided Audio Tour of Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Included
• VR Experience at Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Center Included
• Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
• USS Arizona Memorial
• Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
• USS Bowfin Submarine
  • 4 hours total for USS Arizona and USS Bowfin Area
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
  • 2 hours total for Aviation Museum tour, gift shop, and lunch
• USS Oklahoma Memorial
• USS Missouri
  • 2 hours total for USS Oklahoma and USS Missouri

Tour details

• Lunch is NOT provided; lunch locations are available at Mighty Mo and PHAM
• Pickup: from your Waikiki and Honolulu hotels
• Wheelchair accessible
• Tour length: 10 hours
• Group size: 25 max passengers
• Adult price: $205 per person

Bonus: WWII Heroes Deluxe Pearl Harbor Tour with Lunch

If the above all-sites tour is booked, consider this larger-group tour with lunch from Polynesian Adventure.

• Sights visited: USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, USS Missouri Battleship, USS Bowfin Submarine, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
• Pickup: From select Waikiki hotels
• Tour length: 9.5 hours
• Group size: 50 people
• Adult price: $224

6. Half, Full, or Long Day Tour

Sometimes you want to see things at your own pace. If that’s you, consider taking a private tour with Hali’a. They offer 6-, 9-, or 12-hour tours with a flat rate for up to 10 guests. 

You can design the tour stops with your guide, and they will help you to secure USS Arizona Memorial tickets, if possible. As an estimate, you can expect to do one activity on a 6-hour tour, two activities on a 9-hour tour, and three activities on a 12-hour tour. 

Admission to the museums is not included in the tour price. 

Tour details

• Sights visited: You choose!
• Pickup: Wherever you’d like!
• Tour length: 6 hours, 9 hours, or 12 hours
• Group size: up to 10 guests
• Adult price: prices start at $650 for up to 10 guests

Related read for a luxurious Oahu stay: The 7 Best Luxury Hotels on Oahu

7. Pearl Harbor Tour from Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island

If you’re staying on another island, you can absolutely do a day trip to visit Pearl Harbor. We did this tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. You can see a video of our experience above. Everything was taken care of, and the day was incredibly smooth. What an excellent way to visit for a day!

Tour details

• Sights visited: USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, USS Bowfin Submarine, and the USS Missouri Battleship.
• Pickup: from the Honolulu airport, price includes inter-island flights
• Tour length: 13 hours
• Adult price: from $550 per person (includes airfare and airport pickup)

If you’re staying on a neighbor island, be sure to use our corresponding (free!) Travel Guides to streamline your planning!
Maui Travel Guide
Kauai Travel Guide
Hawai’i Big Island Travel Guide

Do You Need to Take a Tour to Pearl Harbor?

Absolutely not. I’ve both visited on my own and taken a guided tour. While I did get significantly more from the guided tour (our tour guide was excellent, as most of them are), if you are not interested in having someone drive you around and provide you with historical facts, you can absolutely visit on your own. 

Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor on Your Own

If you are planning to visit on your own, there are a few things you need to know for a successful trip:

1. USS Arizona Memorial tickets must be reserved in advance. You can book them for $1 at the official website. Tickets can be booked 8 weeks in advance. If the date you want to visit is sold out, you’re not out of luck! They release additional tickets 24 hours in advance. You can get more information on when tickets are released here. If you can’t get tickets, you can try your luck by joining a standby line and waiting for availability on the boat to the memorial. 
2. A shuttle to Ford Island is required. If you want to visit Battleship Missouri and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, you will need to take a free shuttle to Ford Island. The shuttle leaves regularly and is easy to take. You’ll find it at the end near the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum. 
3. Bags (backpacks, fanny packs, and purses) are not allowed into Pearl Harbor. You may either leave them in your car or pay for bag storage ($8).
4. Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket: if you plan to visit all of the Museums, consider getting the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket. This provides entrance to all of the museums but it does not include a USS Arizona Memorial reservation. 

For more tips and a step-by-step guide on a DIY Pearl Harbor day (including a sample itinerary!), check out our guide on visiting Pearl Harbor on your own.

Plan Your Whole Trip

From where to stay, to what to do, all the way down to whether or not you need a rental car on Oahu we have you covered.

Plus if you’re heading to Oahu, we have an itinerary that will make your planning so much easier. Our itinerary organizes your trip and takes you to the best sights, stops, and restaurants around the island.

Thank you so much for your itineraries.  Just got the Maui and Oahu ones and man oh man are you guys a life saver.  

I’m surprising my wife for her 40th to Oahu for 3 days then hopping over to Maui for 7 more days and have booked exclusively off your recommendations!  Cannot thank you guys enough for all this. 

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