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Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor and Circle Island Tours

4.7 (689 reviews)

Explore Oahu's most iconic historical and natural landmarks with a combined Pearl Harbor and Circle Island tour. These full-day excursions include visits to the USS Arizona Memorial and scenic island spots with convenient hotel pickup.

🚐 Waikiki hotel pickup included
📅 Free 24-hour cancellation
🗣️ Expert guided narration
❄️ Air-conditioned vehicles
Ultimate Pearl Harbor Circle Island Free Cancellation
4.9 (510) ⏱ 10h

Ultimate Pearl Harbor Circle Island

See Oahu’s top landmarks in one day, from the USS Arizona Memorial to the North Shore, with lunch and fees included.

Pearl Harbor & Mini Circle Island Tour from Waikiki Free Cancellation
4.9 (98)

Pearl Harbor & Mini Circle Island Tour from Waikiki

Experience Pearl Harbor’s history and Oahu’s diverse natural landscapes on a comprehensive full-day guided tour.

Best of Oahu: Pearl Harbor & Oahu Circle Island Tour from Waikiki Free Cancellation
4.5 (66) ⏱ 8h

Best of Oahu: Pearl Harbor & Oahu Circle Island Tour from Waikiki

Visit Pearl Harbor and circle the entire island in a small group, led by local guides in a Mercedes Sprinter.

Pearl Harbor & Mini Circle Island Tour from Waikiki Free Cancellation
4.7 (7) ⏱ 10h

Pearl Harbor & Mini Circle Island Tour from Waikiki

Explore Pearl Harbor and the North Shore on a full-day journey across Oahu’s most iconic coastal and mountain sites.

Pearl Harbor and Circle Island Tour Free Cancellation
4.2 (6) ⏱ 9h

Pearl Harbor and Circle Island Tour

Explore Oahu’s best: Pearl Harbor, North Shore surf beaches, and historic Honolulu landmarks in one comprehensive day.

Pearl Harbor and Mini Circle Island Tour from Waikiki Free Cancellation
5.0 (1) ⏱ 10h

Pearl Harbor and Mini Circle Island Tour from Waikiki

A full-day journey through Pearl Harbor’s history and Oahu’s diverse natural landscapes, from North Shore to South.

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (1) ⏱ 8h

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour

Explore Pearl Harbor's museums and Oahu's top historic sites on this guided tour with flexible Honolulu pickup options.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Pearl Harbor — from practical tips to personal highlights.

M
Maria C. Mexico, Jul 2026
5.0

"Our driver was fantastic and full of Hawaiian history. I wore a dress and sandals which was fine, but I wish I brought a jacket because the AC on the bus was freezing. Seeing the sunken battleship in person is something I'll never forget."

S
Sarah J. Canada, Jul 2026
4.8

"A long day but totally worth it if you want to see a bit of everything. The no-bag rule at Pearl Harbor is super strict—I had to pay $7 to check my purse. Loved stopping at the food trucks on the North Shore for garlic shrimp later in the day!"

L
Liam T. Australia, Jun 2026
4.5

"Good tour overall. The historical museums at the visitor center were really well done. The only downside was that we couldn't swim at any of the beaches we stopped at, but the views from the Pali Lookout were insane. Bring a windbreaker!"

E
Elena R. United Kingdom, May 2026
4.9

"We booked the small group Sprinter van tour and it was perfect. Picked us up right from our Waikiki hotel at 6:30 AM. The guide handled all the tickets for the USS Arizona, so we didn't have to stress about the standby line."

M
Mark D. United States, Sep 2025
5.0

"Incredible full-day experience. Starting the morning at Pearl Harbor was very moving, and the boat ride to the Arizona was running right on time. The afternoon drive around the island was gorgeous, and our guide knew all the best spots for photos."

D
David K. United States, Sep 2025
4.7

"Very emotional morning followed by a relaxing afternoon. The contrast between the solemn WWII history and the laid-back vibe of the North Shore is wild. Definitely bring cash for the roadside pineapple stands, they are delicious."

What to Expect on Your Pearl Harbor and Circle Island Tour

A combo tour of Pearl Harbor and Oahu's Circle Island offers a full day of deep historical reflection and breathtaking tropical scenery. You will start the morning honoring the heroes of World War II before spending the afternoon exploring the island's famous coastlines, lookouts, and local food stops.

USS Arizona Memorial

Board a U.S. Navy shuttle boat to stand above the sunken hull of the battleship, a deeply moving tribute to the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives.

🏛️

Historical Museums

Walk through the 'Road to War' and 'Attack' exhibit galleries at the visitor center to see artifacts and learn the context of the December 7, 1941 strike.

🎙️

Expert Narration

Local guides provide rich storytelling throughout the day, detailing Oahu's role in WWII and the cultural history of the Hawaiian Islands.

⛰️

Scenic Lookouts

Drive past dramatic coastal cliffs and stop at panoramic viewpoints like the Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout to take in the island's natural beauty.

🌊

North Shore Beaches

Cruise along the famous North Shore, known for its massive winter surf, laid-back surf towns, and beautiful stretches of sand.

🍍

Local Food Stops

Grab lunch at popular roadside food trucks or the Hukilau Marketplace, and enjoy fresh tropical treats like Dole pineapple.

Things to Know Before Booking

Because these full-day tours combine a highly secure military base with a cross-island road trip, there are several strict rules and logistical details you need to know before securing your spot.

Strict Bag Policy

Pearl Harbor enforces a strict no-bag policy. Purses, backpacks, and camera bags are completely banned and cannot be left unattended in the tour bus. You must either bring only items that fit in your pockets or pay $7 to $10 to use the on-site bag storage facility.

Tour Durations

These are extensive, full-day excursions. Expect the tour to last anywhere from 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and the specific itinerary. Pickup times from Waikiki are usually 30 minutes prior to the listed start time.

Ticket Inclusions

Most tours include the hard-to-get USS Arizona Memorial boat tickets. However, the U.S. Navy occasionally suspends the boat shuttle due to high winds or safety issues, and tickets are sometimes subject to standby availability.

Dress Code Rules

The memorial is a solemn resting place, so respectful attire is required. Swimwear, overly revealing clothes, and offensive shirts are prohibited. You must wear a shirt and shoes to board the Navy boat.

No Swimming Allowed

Even though you will be visiting beautiful beaches on the Circle Island portion of the tour, swimming and snorkeling are not permitted. The stops are designed for sightseeing and photography only.

Bring Cash

While your main tour costs are covered, you will want to bring cash for the afternoon. Many roadside fruit stands, local shops, and North Shore food trucks only accept cash.

Accessibility

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and Navy boats are fully wheelchair accessible. However, many tour vehicles (like Sprinter vans) are not equipped with wheelchair lifts, so you must check with the specific operator if you have mobility needs.

Cancellation Policy

Most operators offer a flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.

Which Pearl Harbor and Circle Island Tour Is Best for You?

Small Group Combo TourStandard Full-Day TourPremium Island Tour
Duration 8 hours10 hours9 hours
Group Size Up to 12 guests (Sprinter Van)Standard BusSmall Group
USS Arizona Ticket Included Yes (Subject to availability)YesYes (Plus snacks/pineapple)
Price From $125 - $145$149 - $163$230

Plan Your Visit to Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

USS Arizona Memorial Programs: The first Navy shuttle boat departs at 8:00 AM, and the last boat leaves at 3:30 PM. Programs run continuously throughout the day.

Holiday Closures: The visitor center and memorials are completely closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25 (Christmas), and January 1 (New Year's Day).

Note: If you book a guided tour, your pickup time in Waikiki will typically be between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM to ensure you arrive early enough to beat the crowds.

Most combo tours include convenient pickup and drop-off from major Waikiki hotels, the Honolulu cruise port, or the airport. If you are meeting your tour at the site or traveling independently, here are your options:

  • Car: Drive 8 miles from Waikiki via H-1 West, taking Exit 15A. Parking at the visitor center costs $7.00 per day (paid via mobile app).
  • Taxi / Rideshare: An Uber, Lyft, or taxi from Downtown Honolulu takes about 15-20 minutes and costs between $35.00 and $45.00.
  • Bus: TheBus routes 20 and 42 run from Downtown Honolulu to the Arizona Memorial stop. The fare is $3.00, but the ride can take up to 45-50 minutes.

Weather Considerations: The best time to visit is during periods of dry, clear weather. During the winter months, sudden tropical storms and high winds can force the Navy to suspend the shuttle boats to the USS Arizona Memorial for safety reasons.

Time of Day: Early morning is universally the best time to visit. Arriving right when the gates open at 7:00 AM helps you avoid the heaviest crowds and the intense midday Hawaiian heat.

Holidays: Visiting on major holidays like Independence Day (July 4th) is incredibly popular, and the park even waives the $7.00 parking fee in honor of the holiday.

Pearl Harbor Grounds: The visitor center, museums, restrooms, and the USS Arizona Memorial are fully wheelchair accessible with flat, paved paths.

Navy Boats: The shuttle boats feature integrated wheelchair locks to keep passengers secure during the harbor crossing.

Important Tour Limitations: While the memorial itself is accessible, many of the vehicles used for Circle Island tours (like standard passenger vans) are not equipped with wheelchair lifts and have limited storage space. You must verify vehicle accessibility with your specific tour operator before booking.

Strollers: Strollers are allowed in the visitor center but are strictly prohibited on the Navy boats and the USS Arizona Memorial. Parents must use a baby carrier for the boat portion.

Baggage Storage: Because bags are banned, a storage facility is located right outside the main entrance. The fee is $7.00 for standard bags and $10.00 for oversized luggage.

Food and Drink: There are small snack stands and food trucks near the visitor center and the Battleship Missouri. However, on a combo tour, your guide will usually schedule a dedicated lunch stop later in the day on the North Shore.

Restrooms: Fully accessible restrooms are located throughout the visitor center grounds. Note: There are no public restrooms on the USS Arizona Memorial itself.

The Bag Ban: You cannot bring purses, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, or luggage inside. Only clear plastic bags (like those used at stadiums) or tiny clutches under 1.25" x 2.25" x 5.5" are permitted. Medical bags are allowed but subject to inspection.

Dress Code: Swimwear, offensive clothing, and battle dress uniforms are prohibited on the memorial. Shirts and footwear must be worn at all times.

Photography: Cameras are allowed, but camera bags are not. Photography is strictly banned while crossing the Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island and at certain active military checkpoints.

Respectful Silence: The USS Arizona Memorial is an active cemetery. Visitors are required to keep their voices down and maintain a respectful atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these combo tours include tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial?

Yes, the vast majority of Pearl Harbor tours include your ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial boat ride. However, these tickets are subject to availability, and the U.S. Navy occasionally suspends boat operations due to high winds or safety concerns.

Can I leave my backpack or purse on the tour bus?

No. Pearl Harbor enforces a strict no-bag policy, and bags cannot be left unattended in the tour vehicles due to security rules. You must either leave your bags at your hotel or pay the $7.00 to $10.00 fee to use the on-site bag storage facility.

How long does the Pearl Harbor and Circle Island tour take?

These are full-day excursions that typically last between 8 and 10 hours. The exact duration depends on traffic around the island and the specific stops included in your operator's itinerary.

What should I wear for a full-day combo tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and respectful clothing, as swimsuits are not allowed at the memorial. It is also highly recommended to bring a light jacket or sweater, as the tour buses and the memorial's indoor theater can be heavily air-conditioned.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Most tours do not include the cost of lunch in the base price, though a few premium options might provide snacks. Your guide will typically stop at a local North Shore restaurant, food truck hub, or the Hukilau Marketplace where you can purchase food at your own expense.

Will we have time to swim at the beaches on the North Shore?

No. While the Circle Island portion of the tour stops at beautiful beaches and coastal lookouts, swimming and snorkeling are strictly prohibited on these tours due to time constraints and liability.

Are clear bags allowed inside Pearl Harbor?

Yes, clear plastic bags (similar to those allowed at football stadiums) are permitted, making them a great option for carrying infant items like diapers and formula, or essential medications.

Where do the tour buses pick up passengers?

Most tour operators offer complimentary pickup and drop-off at major hotels throughout the Waikiki area. Some also offer pickups from the Honolulu cruise port or the airport, usually coordinating the exact time and location via text the day before.

Do I need to bring cash on the tour?

Yes, bringing some cash is highly recommended. While the memorial is free, the afternoon portion of your tour will likely stop at roadside fruit stands, local shops, and food trucks that may be cash-only.

What happens if it rains on the day of my tour?

Tours generally operate rain or shine. However, if there are severe tropical storms or high winds, the Navy may halt the passenger boats to the USS Arizona Memorial. In that case, you can still explore the visitor center museums before continuing the island drive.

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