A visit to the USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most meaningful experiences in Hawaii. Standing above the sunken battleship where more than 1,100 sailors and Marines remain entombed offers a powerful reminder of the events of December 7, 1941, and the sacrifices that changed the course of world history.
Every year, millions of visitors travel to Pearl Harbor to honor those who served, learn about World War II, and experience one of America’s most important historic sites. Because tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are limited and often sell out well in advance, booking a guided tour is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
If you’re planning your visit, start here:
Book Your USS Arizona Memorial Tours Now
Why Visit the USS Arizona Memorial?
The USS Arizona Memorial sits directly above the remains of the battleship USS Arizona, which was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Accessible only by a U.S. Navy-operated shuttle boat, the memorial serves as both a historic landmark and the final resting place of many of the crew members who lost their lives during the attack.
During your visit, you’ll experience:
- The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
- Historic exhibits and museums
- A boat ride across Pearl Harbor
- The USS Arizona Memorial
- Educational displays about World War II
- Time for quiet reflection overlooking the sunken battleship
The experience is both educational and emotional, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, families, students, and first-time visitors to Hawaii.
Why Book a Guided Pearl Harbor Tour?
Although it’s possible to visit Pearl Harbor independently, a guided tour removes much of the planning and helps ensure a smooth experience.
Many guided tours include:
- Reserved USS Arizona Memorial admission
- Round-trip transportation
- Professional narration
- Historic Honolulu sightseeing
- Convenient hotel pickup
- Carefully planned itineraries
Guided tours also help visitors better understand the historical significance of the sites through expert commentary and local knowledge. Scheduled tours typically include guaranteed USS Arizona Memorial access, while self-guided visits require visitors to reserve Arizona Memorial tickets separately.
Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu City Tour Departing Waikiki Hotels
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If you’re staying in Waikiki, this is one of the most convenient ways to experience Pearl Harbor.
The tour includes comfortable transportation from select Waikiki hotels, allowing you to relax while your guide shares fascinating stories about Hawaii’s history and the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
In addition to visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, you’ll enjoy a guided tour through historic downtown Honolulu, where you’ll see some of Oahu’s most famous landmarks.
Depending on the itinerary, highlights may include:
- Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
- USS Arizona Memorial
- Historic Downtown Honolulu
- King Kamehameha Statue
- ʻIolani Palace
- Hawaii State Capitol
- Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery
This combination of military history and Hawaiian culture makes it one of the island’s most popular sightseeing experiences.
Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu City Tour Departing Maui
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Visiting Maui doesn’t mean you have to miss one of Hawaii’s most important historical attractions.
This full-day inter-island tour makes it easy for Maui visitors to experience Pearl Harbor without planning flights, transportation, or complicated logistics on their own.
Your tour includes transportation, airfare, guided sightseeing, and a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, making it one of the easiest ways to experience Pearl Harbor during your Maui vacation.
It’s an excellent option for travelers who want to:
- Visit Pearl Harbor in a single day
- Explore historic Honolulu
- Learn about World War II
- Experience Oahu without changing hotels
For many Maui visitors, this guided excursion offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit one of America’s most significant national memorials.
What You’ll See During Your Visit
A Pearl Harbor tour offers much more than simply visiting a memorial.
Throughout your experience, you’ll discover:
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center
Begin your journey by exploring informative exhibits featuring photographs, artifacts, personal stories, and interactive displays that explain the events surrounding the attack.
USS Arizona Memorial
After boarding the Navy-operated shuttle boat, you’ll travel across Pearl Harbor to the memorial itself, where visitors pause to reflect while overlooking the remains of the USS Arizona. The memorial program includes a boat ride, time at the memorial, and return transportation to the visitor center.
Historic Honolulu
Many guided tours continue into downtown Honolulu, where you’ll experience important landmarks connected to Hawaii’s royal history and modern government.
Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor
To help make your visit enjoyable, keep these tips in mind:
- Book your tour well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Arrive early for hotel pickup or tour check-in.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring sunscreen and water.
- Respect the memorial by maintaining quiet and appropriate behavior.
- Be aware that Pearl Harbor has a strict bag policy, and large bags are not permitted inside the visitor center. Secure storage is available near the entrance for visitors who need it.
Why Book Through PearlHarborOahu.com?
Booking through PearlHarborOahu.com makes planning your visit simple and stress-free.
Benefits include:
- Convenient online reservations
- Trusted guided tours
- Transportation options from Waikiki
- Inter-island tours from Maui
- Carefully planned itineraries
- Access to one of Hawaii’s most iconic historic sites
Whether you’re staying on Oahu or Maui, you’ll find a tour that fits your schedule and allows you to experience Pearl Harbor with confidence.
Reserve Your USS Arizona Memorial Tour Today
A visit to the USS Arizona Memorial is more than a sightseeing excursion—it’s an opportunity to honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served during one of the defining moments in American history.
Whether you’re staying in Waikiki or vacationing on Maui, these guided tours make visiting Pearl Harbor easy and memorable.
Start Planning Your Visit
Book Your USS Arizona Memorial Tours
Popular Tours
Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu City Tour Departing Waikiki Hotels
Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu City Tour Departing Maui
From the moving experience of the USS Arizona Memorial to the historic streets of downtown Honolulu, these tours provide a meaningful journey through Hawaii’s history that every visitor should experience at least once.