Stars and Stripes Tour: Pearl Harbor & Battleship Missouri Day Tour from Waikiki
A full-day, guided tour from Waikiki that pairs the USS Arizona Memorial with an in-depth guided tour of the Battleship Missouri and a drive through Honolulu's historic landmarks. It delivers historical context, museum access, and practical logistics for visitors honoring the Pacific theater of WWII.
The Experience
Before You Go
No-bag policy at Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor has a strict no-bag rule; use on-site storage for a small fee or leave bags at your hotel to avoid delays.
Boat shuttle tickets can sell out
The navy shuttle to the USS Arizona has limited capacity and may be suspended in bad weather; arrive on time and have flexibility in your schedule.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Expect flat but extended walking at exhibits and steps aboard the Missouri; closed-toe shoes make moving around the ship safer.
Respect the memorial spaces
Photography is allowed in many areas but prohibited in others; maintain quiet and follow staff instructions at memorial sites.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Look for interpretive plaques near the Pearl Harbor shoreline that explain pre-war local life
- •Drive through Ala Moana for a local perspective on Honolulu outside the tourist corridor
Wildlife
- •Brown noddy and terns commonly seen around the harbor
- •Occasional green sea turtles off reef edges near Honolulu coast
Conservation Note
The sites emphasize preservation of both man-made and marine heritage; visitors are asked to follow no-touch rules for wreck sites and avoid feeding wildlife to protect local ecosystems.
Pearl Harbor's attack on December 7, 1941 precipitated US entry into WWII; the Battleship Missouri later hosted Japan's formal surrender on September 2, 1945.
Photographer's Notes
- • From the USS Arizona Memorial viewing platform over the wreck
- • On the Missouri's deck facing the bow and harbor
- • Punchbowl overlook for wide civic and cemetery shots
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Provide traction and comfort for museum floors and the Battleship Missouri's metal decks.
Light rain jacket or windbreakerEssential
Shore breezes and occasional showers can make the harbor cool; pack a light protective layer.
Sunscreen and hatEssential
Oahu sun is strong even on overcast days; protect exposed skin between stops.
Small government-approved bag for non-Pearl locations
Useful for carrying water and camera gear where bags are allowed; remember the no-bag rule at the Visitor Center.
Common Questions
Are bags allowed at the USS Arizona Memorial?
No—Pearl Harbor enforces a strict no-bag policy for security reasons; storage is available at the Visitor Center for a small fee.
How long is the shuttle boat ride to the USS Arizona?
The navy shuttle is a short ride of about 10 minutes each way, timed to the memorial's visitor groups and weather conditions.
Is the Battleship Missouri tour guided?
Yes—the tour includes a 35-minute guided walkthrough with commentary on the ship's history and life at sea.
Can the tour accommodate wheelchairs?
The tour is ADA accessible but requires advance notice for ADA vehicle reservations; some areas of the Missouri have limited access for mobility devices.
What happens if the navy shuttle is canceled due to weather?
If the shuttle is suspended, staff will provide updates; admissions for included sites and alternative arrangements depend on operational restrictions.
Are meals included?
No—meals are not included. The itinerary includes stops where guests can purchase food, but planning snacks or a packed lunch is recommended.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
Approximately 7 hours (tour time only)
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires standing and walking for museum exhibits and ship decks
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