Pearl Harbor Sightseeing Tour in Oahu, HI

This was our second trip to Oahu, but our seventh trip to the islands. Our first time on Oahu was several years ago and we weren't able to get tickets to Pearl Harbor National Monument and I have regretted it ever since. This time, we decided that we were going to do it and started early enough, that we were able to get tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial and to the rest of the Park, both for the two of us and for the other couple that went with us and with whom we have traveled with often. Am I glad that we did! Although we really did not know what we were doing when we booked things, it worked so well that i am going to recommend it here; First, once we secured our tip to Oahu, we began checking on tickets to Pearl Harbor. That far in advance (6 months), pretty much everything was available for admission. Through no fault of our own, we decided to get the tickets and cross one more thing of our "To Do" list right then. We discovered, quite by accident that there were several ways to see and experience Pearl Harbor from organized tours to self-guided ones. Once we learned that the only part of the experience that requires an appointed time was the USS Arizona Memorial, we secured tickets for that one and also purchased what's called a Park Passport which let us in to everything else, from touring the Battleship USS Missouri' to the Aviation Museum, submarine exhibit, and much more. Our 'Passport' let us in to stuff beginning at 7 am so we got there at about 7:30 am and were able to see much of what we wanted before the crowds came. Then when it was our timen to visit the Arizona Memorial, we just did - and afterward finished up seeing what was left to see. The timing couldn't have been better. The exhibits were extrmely well-done, were respectful, enormously informative - and sobering. This hallowed place gets to you - as it should. It has been over 79 years since WWII ended, and I ws not even born yet (I'm 73) when it did. No matter. It stll had a profound effect on all of us to be there. It should be a rite of passage for all Americans to see this, experience it and try to put it into context with y/our own lives. If that were so, perhaps our country might be less violent and more respectful. The place also instills hope. The entire park was well-done, the staff were helpful and it was mostly wheelchair accessible. It took about seven hours to see everything that we were interested in and there was much more that we could have. It was well-worth doing and I would recommend it to all.

Sadly - we would, as a couple, have to agree with many of the negative comments. Only gave it a 2 because some information at least gleaned from the museum display, but as a 21st century exhibit, it really is way below standard - (and we are keen museum visitors). Misinformation about charges for memorial and other sites etc. - check, mega-charges for many of the actual attractions/sites-check, unpleasant restrooms dominating introductory concourse- double check - (the smell is the first thing that greets visitors on arrival), ridiculous bag charge- check, (many visitors with tiny bags were stunned)! Also not clear what is being achieved or prevented by this policy??? Poor introductory signage - check, inadequate refreshment option and shade - check, shabby shop- check, and so on. Not U.S. citizens but have always wanted to visit Pearl Harbor as an historic site and pay respects as we have done in Australia, UK and others. Take a line through Canberra's AWM for a place of quiet dignity and commemoration, which as a national memorial obviously does not charge, nor do the others that we've visited. Please update this important commemoration in honour of those who lived, and died, there.

Was rainy on the day that my group went but was still very cool to see. The USS Arizona looked very eerie in the water. A must see!

Site was nice but realized we got caught in tourist trap. Went on website which looked like official Pearl Harbor site. Went paid $72 to E Noa Tours for shuttle and boarding USS Arizona. I realized when we were there, parking was no issue ($7) and USS Arizona and museum are free. We paid for them to make a reservation and transport 30 min drive. They also mentioned you can get USS Arizona tickets 8 weeks in advance or easily go standby if you arrive early. There is a separate set of attractions run by private companies which get you on boats and submarines. Make sure you are on National Parks Service website

We did a city tour package from our hotel. This included a city tour. By the time we picked up everyone from the different hotels and did the city tour and got to the memorial we were crunched for time. It was an 8 hour deal but we spent 2 hours on just the pick ups and city tour. When we got to Pearl Harbor, we had a set time for the Arizona which was fine. You get roughly an hour to get out there, tour it and come back. Then you have to take bus to the Missouri which eats up time waiting. To make a long story short, I suggest taking an Uber out there early and plan to spend the day there if you want to see everything. Maybe even two days. There’s a lot to see but a tour package limits your time. Great place to visit but it takes a good deal of time. Do some prep work before going so you can plan what you want to see and do since there are several exhibits. You have to pay for the exhibits so plan accordingly.