Pearl Harbor History & Honolulu HIghlights

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

For a fascinating and active half-day tour of the highlights of Oahu board your air-conditioned motorcoach at the pier and embark on a brief drive. Arrive at the historic Pearl Harbor where you'll tour the Visitor's Center which features a poignant short film about the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 - the devastating event that prompted the United States to enter World War II.

Board a Navy launch and travel to the haunting USS Arizona Memorial, a graceful 184-foot tribute that floats serenely above the shattered hull of the sunken ship destroyed by Japanese bombs on that infamous day commemorates the 1,177 crewmen (75 were recovered, 1,102 remain entombed there) who were killed during the surprise attack.

Marvel at the dramatic beauty of the Punchbowl National Cemetery, located in the Puowaina crater. This exquisitely landscaped cemetery is the final resting place of over 35,000 Americans (including 776 who perished at Pearl Harbor) who gave their lives in service of their country.

Travel to higher altitudes to take in breathtaking views of the island's lush windward side from the Pali lookout in the rugged Ko'olau Mountains. This stunning lookout is rumored to be the site of a bloody battle in 1795 in which King Kamehameha I forced thousands of his opponents to jump to their deaths from the cliffs there.

Have your cameras at the ready as you experience the sights and sounds of Honolulu, Hawaii's capital, on a narrated drive about town. See Aloha Stadium, home of the Pro Bowl and the largest outdoor arena in the State of Hawaii. Venture through the heart of the historic downtown district into Chinatown, a bustling area filled with ethnic eateries, lei stands, fresh produce vendors, herbal shops and more.

View the majestic Iolani Palace, built in 1882 for King Kalākaua remembered as "the Merrie Monarch" because he was a patron of culture and arts, and enjoyed socializing and entertaining.As you drive behind the palace you'll observe the State Capitol Building, a unique work of architecture with cone-shaped chambers that symbolize Hawaii's volcanoes and building columns reminiscent of palm trees.

Glimpse the Kamehameha statue, which fronts Honolulu's old judicial building. The bronze statue is adorned with beautiful floral leis every June 11 on King Kamehameha Day.

As you wind down your journey through the heart of downtown Honolulu, marvel at the stately Kawaiahao stone church, the official church of Hawaiian royalty. Dedicated by King Kamehameha III in 1842 it is the first Christian church built on Oahu.

Special Notes:

If this tour is sold out, guests might also be interested in HNL102: Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour (same content), HNL103: Pearl Harbor, City Highlights & National Memorial Cemetery (same content) or HNL-115: Call to Duty: Pearl Harbor Museums & Memorials (a more immersive, full day experience.)

Expect crowds when visiting the USS Arizona Memorial. The wait to view both the film at the Visitor Center and then to board the naval launch to the memorial can take approximately 1 3/4 hours. This tour is not available for passengers ending their cruise in Honolulu.

On rare occasions the Navy may discontinue the motorlaunch service to the Arizona Memorial due to weather and safety concerns. If the launches are not operating, the visit to the Visitors Center will still be made to provide an opportunity to take pictures of the Memorial, attend the film in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater, visit the Exhibit Galleries as well as to tour Remembrance Circle and Submarine Memorial. For an additional cost, passengers may also choose to visit the USS Bowfin submarine.

Security measures prohibit items such as backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, and purses in the memorial. Limited storage is available at the memorial for a small fee. Swim suits and tank tops are not permitted at the Arizona Memorial.