Pearl Harbor Tour – 2024 Guide to Discount Tickets & Reviews

On December 7th, 1941, life in the United States was forever changed when our nation experienced the attack on Pearl Harbor. This day of infamy catalyzed the U.S.’s entry into World War II and cemented Pearl Harbor’s destiny.
Today people from all over the world congregate just 10 miles west of Honolulu to revel in the complete Pearl Harbor experience.

Follow along to get the inside scoop on Pearl Harbor discount tickets and tips.

From the best Pearl Harbor Tour to where to see the USS Arizona, we’ve got you covered! 

Make the most out of the plentiful things to do in Pearl Harbor by overloading your schedule with luaus, aviation museums, and more. 

Thanks to the ultimate guide, you’ll know where to scout out a thrifty Pearl Harbor code and where to eat on the cheap.

Read on to learn everything there is to know about Pearl Harbor Tours.

Honolulu, Through the Years

Wondering how far is Pearl Harbor from Honolulu? Pearl Harbor is located on the island of Oahu, about a 17-minute drive from Honolulu. However, this once quaint fishing village is now a bustling, modern metropolis.

Related Post: The Top Maritime and Navy Attractions in the USA

More than 80 years after the infamous attacks, much has changed, but their beachy, intrepid, Aloha spirit remains. Today visitors to Honolulu can enjoy a bevy of five-star resorts, world-class fine dining, and searing Pacific Ocean sunsets. 

Aerial view of downtown Honolulu on a sunny in with mountains in the background on Oahu, Hawaii, USAPearl Harbor Fun Facts

Calling all history nerds! It never hurts to brush up on historical fun facts about Pearl Harbor before your visit. Impress your friends and family when you bust out some A+ worthy trivia and knowledge:

  • The Hawaiin name for Pearl Harbor is Wai Momi, which means ‘Pearl Waters’ and refers to its once plentiful Oyster population.
  • Pearl Harbor was only officially established as a resident naval station in 1908.
  • Legendary rock icon Elvis helped raise money for the USS Arizona memorial fund by performing at Pearl Harbor’s Bloch Arena.
  • USS Arizona veterans can choose to be laid to rest at Pearl Harbor. Their ashes can be deposited by divers beneath one of sunken Arizona’s gun turrets.

Pearl Harbor Tickets Military Discount

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is run by the National Park Service and is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Reservations and tickets are not required to enter the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, or walk the grounds.

Related Post: Oahu on a Budget: How to Save BIG With a Go City Pass

Thus, while we thank our brave military brothers and sisters for their service, at this time, there are no specific discounts. To inquire about military discounts for a guided tour, please consult the specific products FAQ page.

wide shot of a battleship anchored in the harbor close to a city
photo credit: Battleship Missouri Memorial via Facebook

Pearl Harbor Coupon Code

While we love a dazzling discount, we’ve yet to find an active Pearl Harbor Historic Sites coupon code. 

Pearl Harbor Things To Do

Want to learn more about life in Pearl Harbor during this pivotal turning point of World War II? Or perhaps just want a more in-depth look at the complete Pearl Harbor experience from the Big Island?

Related Post: Oahu’s Windward Coast: Must-See Sights & Stops

Whether you’re wondering what to do at Pearl Harbor or simply want to scout out the Pearl Harbor / WW II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Honolulu, we’ve got you covered.

Book a Pearl Harbor Memorial Tour and dive into the fascinating history of the USS Arizona and Oklahoma, or go it solo with a self-guided Pearl Harbor tour.

From half-day Pearl Harbor tours to the perfect pair of Pearl Harbor tour discount tickets, cover every inch of Honolulu and Oahu history with Tripster. 

View looking down on Pearl Harbor during the day and there appears to be some oil in the water in Oahu HawaiiGo Oahu All-Inclusive Pass

See even more of the ‘gathering place’ when you purchase a Go Oahu All-Inclusive Pass. Besides beautiful beaches and a rich Polynesian cultural heritage, Oahu is just bursting with historical significance. 

During your visit, educate yourself on the importance of Pearl Harbor as a Pacific stronghold, as well as the role of the USS Bowfin, USS Arizona, and more with any of the following Go Oahu tours:

  • Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum at Pearl Harbor – explore the USS Bowfin, the ‘Pearl Harbor Avenger.’ She sank 44 enemy ships during her time as a U.S. combat submarine during World War II.
  • USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Audio Tour – enjoy the #1 visited destination in Hawaii with a 2-hour self-guided audio tour narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis of the visitor’s center and two museums.
  • Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor – calling all mavericks! Marvel at the spot where the hangars were bombed and test your pilot skills with the combat flight simulator.

Salute to Pearl Harbor

Imagine the madness and mayhem of that peaceful December morning as the clear blue skies filled with enemy planes.

E Noa’s Salute to Pearl Harbor Tour will transport you to the fateful day that catapulted the U.S. into WWII. This extensive four-hour tour is hosted by an expert guide who will certainly bring history to life through personal stories, cultural influence, and multimedia exhibits. 

Memorable tour highlights include:

  • Visiting the Pacific Historic Parks Pearl Harbor Visitor Center – witness hundreds of rare artifacts and multimedia displays.
  • Scenic views of Ford Island.
  • Stops at the iconic USS Arizona Memorial and the stately Aloha Tower.
  • And more!

External View of Pearl Harbor National Memorial with American flag flying on Oahu, Hawaii, USAPearl Harbor-USS Arizona-Honolulu City Tour

Embrace the history, sacrifice, and bravery established on December 7, 1941, with Roberts Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Honolulu City Tour

In addition to exploring a real live, active military base, your 6-hour tour will also include stops and guided narration of stately downtown Honolulu.

Get your fill of wartime history at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, after which you will pay your respects at the burial site for so many brave souls in the U.S. Armed forces, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.

Related Post: 8 Totally Free Things to Do in Oahu

Finally, conclude your information-packed tour with timely stops at Hawaii’s most iconic historical landmarks, including:

  • Hawaii State Capitol Grounds:
    • Father Damien Statue
    • Eternal Flame
    • Korean Vietnam War Memorial
    • Liberty Bell.
  • Iolani Palace – this stunning structure features American Florentine architecture and is the only royal palace in the U.S.!
  • King Kamehameha Statue – an ideal photo op with one of the island’s most prominent Chiefs.
  • Honolulu City Hall:  an almost 100-year-old historic structure that features Spanish colonial architecture and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Kawaiahao Church:  also known as the Westminster Abbey of the Pacific, this stunning church was constructed out of slabs of coral rock.
Close up of an old plane at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii
photo credit: Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum via Facebook

Passport to Pearl Harbor

Take Pearl Harbor at your own pace with the Passport to Pearl Harbor self-guided tour. A full-day tour that allows you the time to absorb every detail of:

  • USS Arizona Audio Tour
  • Battleship Missouri Memorial
  • Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
  • Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Traverse the decks of the mighty USS Missouri (aka Might Mo) docked at Ford Island. Next, venture inside the hallowed halls of the USS Bowfin military submarine. Finally, view actual bullet holes from Japanese aircraft on the military hangars at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. 

Related Post: Which is the Least Expensive Hawaiian Island to Visit?

Most importantly, with the luxury of time on your side, you’ll be able to take in the multiple films and videos offered at each attraction and pause for snacks, lunch, and other food options.*

**Food and boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are not included in this ticket price.

aerial view of Waikiki Beach in Oahu, Hawaii, USAPearl Harbor City Tour

Engaging narration, unique Hawaii history, and renowned landmarks come together on this spirited tour. Unlike many of the area’s local tours, the E Noa’s Pearl Harbor City Tour goes beyond the catastrophic attack on December 7, 1941, to craft visitors a fully immersive encounter.

Your tour will follow the lives, loves, and experiences of those living in Pearl Harbor post-Japanese attack. 

Pause for a solemn moment at the USS Arizona Memorial wall, and place a flower or two to commemorate the over 2,00 souls lost that day, or imagine the chaos of living in downtown Honolulu during WWII, as you pass ‘Iolani Palace, the State Capitol, and King Kamehameha Statue.

Pro Tip: Afterwards, don’t forget to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial gift shop to pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs or mementos to remember your time spent at this storied location.

Liberty Luau at Pearl Harbor

Don your military greens, and pin your curls as you travel back to the 1940s with this very special Pearl Harbor Luau experience. The Liberty Luau provides a veritable feast for your eyes, ears, and mouth as you live through a stunningly accurate recreation of a ‘wartime’ Hawaiin Luau.

Related Post: The Best Snorkeling in Oahu: Your North Shore Guide

Pretend you are a member of the ‘greatest generation’ as you enjoy a sumptuous fine dining experience, a complimentary Mai Tai cocktail, and a traditional lei greeting. 

Savor bites of Grilled Hawaiian Style BBQ Free Range Chicken, taro rolls, and pineapple mango relish as you sway to the lulling harmonies of music from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.

Other notable Liberty Luau highlights include:

  • Top tier island entertainment, which includes historical nods to USO-inspired acts and performances
  • Tour of a WWII battlefield
  • Hula dancing, fire performers, and movie-worthy decorations at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s historic Hangar 37 (sight of the Luau)

Woman performing at Hula Show at Kuhio Beach Park in Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Pearl Harbor Remembered

History buffs will value the depth and comprehension of this multifaceted tour. Prepare to stand in front of the symbolic ‘bookends’ of World War II in the Pacific:

  • USS Arizona Memorial
  • USS Missouri battleship

Both U.S. warships were integral to the U.S.’s entry and exit from WWII. As you cross the waters of the Pacific towards the USS Arizona, you can take a moment alone to reflect on the devastating effects of the bombing. 

Afterward, you’ll step aboard the ship where Japanese forces officially surrendered to the Allies on September 2, 1945.

Related Post: Current Events and Festivals in Oahu

Round out your half-day tour with an educational trek through downtown Honolulu. During the tour, follow along as your guide regales you with stories, information, and fun facts. Learn about Hawaii’s journey from a monarchy to a territory and America’s 50th state.

USS Battleship Missouri - O'ahu, Hawaii, USA

Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour

Yearning to experience Oahu’s most popular tour? Take in every last historical site with the Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour. This comprehensive educational adventure includes admission to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, its museums, movie documentaries, and an official National Park Service tour of the USS Arizona Memorial. Witness the USS Arizona weeping ‘black tears’ of oil, and watch a 23-minute documentary on the bombing.

Or take a quiet moment to stand in the shrine room to see the names of the poor lost souls. Then, gaze upon the azure waters of the Pacific as you board a US Navy shuttle boat and contemplate the impact of this earth-shattering event. After your time in Oahu, you’ll be in the capable hands of a local guide as you see the sights and highlights of Honolulu.

Your professional driver will provide insider tips and knowledge about life in Hawaii as you cruise through Chinatown, ’Iolani Palace, Washington Place, and the State Capitol Building. Then, wrap up your action-packed with a stop at the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl Crater.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Inject yourself into the trailblazing legacy of WWII pilots, planes, and more when you visit the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Step foot onto a real American WWII battlefield, scope out stray bullet holes left by the fateful attack, and experience full access to over 50 aircraft and exhibits. Aviation fans will be in heaven as this detailed tour dives into over 80 years of Pacific aviation history.

Related Post: Top Attractions in Oahu

Walk through hangars 37 and 79, the latter of which served as a maintenance and engine repair facility during WWII. Also located here is the Shealy Restoration Shop, where aircraft from yesteryear are lovingly brought back to life.

End your journey on Ford Island with a slice of true Americana when you stop by the Raytheon Pavilion. This edifice is currently home to the Bob Hope: An American Treasure exhibit which showcases the inspirational story of this rousing American entertainer.

photo credit: Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum via Facebook

Battleship Missouri Memorial Mighty Mo Pass

Revel in the glory of the ‘Mighty Mo’ when you spend an afternoon with the last American battleship ever built. Your Battleship Missouri Memorial Mighty Mo Pass is your ticket to this integral part of American history. Stroll through the second deck, view the ship’s extensive quarters, and learn all about life at sea.

Solemnly standing guard over Pearl Harbor, this massive craft played a key role in the war’s culmination. The Missouri Memorial Mighty Mo Pass includes your choice of a guided tour. Opt for a professionally led expedition through the ship as you spot the place where WWII ended, or enjoy a walking self-guided tour at your own pace.

a photograph of the battleship in Peal Harbor from the sideOahu Hotels and Resorts

Between surfing the North Shore, or catching glimpses of mating humpbacks, chances are you’ll want to spend more than just a night in Oahu. Ready to immerse yourself in island life?

Get going with your fabulous Oahu activities by spending a week or more in this jungle paradise. Whether you are craving a stay at the famous Waikiki beach, or more modern and minimalist lodgings in downtown Honolulu, we have a wide range of Oahu Hotels and Resorts to choose from.

Book your exotic beach reprieve with peace of mind, knowing you are always guaranteed our lowest rates.

Restaurants Near Pearl Harbor

There’s nothing like the smell of salt water or a lengthy walking tour to build up that appetite. So eat your fill of poke, spam, and street tacos when you dine at any of the nearby Pearl Harbor eateries:

  • The Lanai at Mamala Bay – enjoy Diamond Head sunsets as you chow down on burgers, wings, coconut shrimp, and more. There’s even a ‘keiki’ menu specially designed for little ones.
  • South Shore Grill – load up on the freshest fish tacos at South Shore. This Oahu staple is revered for its Cajun Ono Fish with aioli and succulent Kalbi steak.
  • Restaurant 604 – looking to unwind with a cocktail and some live music after a day of sightseeing? Located right next to the USS Arizona, 604 is the ideal place to catch a sunset and sip a coco-jito. 
  • Kehau’s Kitchen – cozy comfort dishes in a warm Aiea atmosphere? Yes, please! Stop by local favorite Kehau’s for mouthwatering poke nachos, kalua pork sliders, and street tacos. 
photo credit: The Lanai At Mamala Bay via Facebook

Oahu Attractions

Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

Take a break from the solemn history of Pearl Harbor when you travel 20,000 leagues under the sea without sustaining a single splash! Escape land for a fantastic sea voyage when you climb aboard a Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat Cruise.

Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Glass Bottom Boat Tour Hawaii Tips and Reviews

Catch glimpses of curious sea turtles, schools full of colorful fish, eels, and more as you tour Oahu’s stunning coastline. Your glass bottom cruise will last one hour and be stuffed full of magical marine life, local stories, and picturesque photo opportunities.

photo credit: Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat via Facebook

Polynesian Cultural Center

Vibrant flower leis, rhythmic native dances, and aquamarine lagoons come together to create an island experience like no other. Wander through over 42 acres of tropical attractions, exhibits, villages, and more when you spend a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Indulge your craving for authentic luau cuisine, soak in an IMAX show, or take a ride in a traditional canoe. Don’t forget to round out your Oahu escape with the unforgettable Hā–Breath of Life evening show!

Gunstock Ranch Horseback Rides

Ready to gallop, canter, and trot? Channel your inner paniolo (Hawaiin cowboy), when you saddle up for the ride of your life. Whether you’re an expert equestrian or more comfortable on a pint-sized pony, Gunstock Ranch Horseback rides are all ideal for all skill levels.

Related Post: Can’t-Miss Things to Do at Night in Waikiki

Witness the majesty of mother nature as you explore Oahu’s North Shore atop your noble steed. Appreciate the local flora and fauna as you spot wild pigs and trot through rugged mountain trails. Choose from romantic sunset rides, family-friendly pony tours, and more.

photo credit: Gunstock Ranch via Facebook

A visit to Pearl Harbor offers a unique opportunity to go beyond the history books. During your getaway, walk among the sunken ships, artifacts, and fearless destroyers who bravely fought for our freedoms.

Explore WWII aircraft, discover Honolulu’s Chinatown, or savor a spellbinding Diamond Head sunset. 

Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor is a living museum that allows us to immerse ourselves in the events of December 7, 1941.

Whether you tour the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum or pay your respects at the USS Arizona, Pearl Harbor tours are an integral part of any Oahu trip.

Have You Visited Pearl Harbor?

Tell us about your experience in the comments below!


Avatar photo

Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...


Have something to add? Post it here:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Are you a Tripster?

Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards.

Tagged in this post

Oahu Deals
Pearl Harbor