Private Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour — Arizona Memorial, Iolani Palace & Diamond Head Lookout
Spend half a day with a private guide tracing Honolulu’s layered history — from the sun-dimmed hull of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor to the stately steps of Iolani Palace and the volcanic silhouette of Diamond Head. This 4–5 hour private tour combines museum-grade context with convenient hotel pickup.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive early for clearer views
Morning departures usually mean shorter lines at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and softer light for photos of the Arizona Memorial.
Carry a printed or mobile ticket copy
Your guide provides orientation and tickets at the Visitor Center but keep your mobile ticket handy for entry and verification.
Dress for respect and comfort
Casual dress is allowed, but avoid beachwear at memorial and palace sites; bring a light layer for the ocean breeze.
Accessibility assistance
Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated if you travel with someone able to help boarding and disembarking.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Tantalus/ Puu Ualakaa Lookout for a quieter panoramic view of Honolulu and Diamond Head
- •Kaka‘ako’s street-art blocks — colorful murals and local food trucks a short drive from downtown
Wildlife
- •Humpback whales (offshore, winter months)
- •Common seabirds — white terns and frigatebirds visible along the coast
Conservation Note
The memorial and Visitor Center operate under National Park and Navy rules; visitors should follow signage, refrain from touching artifacts, and minimize single-use plastics.
Pearl Harbor became a pivotal U.S. military site after the 1941 attack; Iolani Palace remains the only royal palace on U.S. soil and symbolizes Hawai‘i’s monarchy era.
Photographer's Notes
- • Arizona Memorial Visitor Center waterfront
- • Diamond Head Lookout parking area
- • Front steps of Iolani Palace near the Kamehameha statue
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Non-slip, supportive shoes make pavement and museum surfaces easier to navigate.
Light rain jacket or windbreaker
Trade-wind showers and ocean breeze can make mornings cool, especially near the harbor.
Sunscreen and hatEssential
Open-air stops like Diamond Head Lookout expose you to strong UV even on breezy days.
Portable phone charger
You’ll be using your phone for tickets, photos, and navigation between stops.
Common Questions
Does the guide go onto the Arizona Memorial with guests?
No — guides escort visitors to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and provide orientation and tickets, but the Navy-operated shuttle is responsible for transporting visitors to the Arizona Memorial.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes — pickup and drop-off within the Honolulu metropolitan area are included; a surcharge may apply for North Shore, West or East Side pickups.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the tour and vehicles are wheelchair accessible, though collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels require an accompanying person to assist boarding.
How long is the visit to Pearl Harbor?
Expect about 1–2 hours at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, including orientation and time to board the memorial shuttle; total tour time is 4–5 hours.
Are admissions to Iolani Palace included?
The tour includes a stop and orientation at Iolani Palace, but palace interior admission is not necessarily included — check the tour option details before booking.
What should I tip the driver/guide?
Tipping is customary for private guides and drivers in Hawai‘i; 15–20% of the tour cost is typical if you feel the service was excellent.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–5 hours
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks and standing periods at memorials and palace grounds.
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