Witness History
On December 6, 1941, the world was at war on a scale never before seen. Unknown to the Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Soldiers garrisoned throughout the territory of Hawai‘i, Japan had already declared war on the United States and was headed toward Pearl Harbor—the beginning of an event that would change the world forever.
In our Pearl Harbor tours, you’ll relive the happenings of that fateful “date, which will live in infamy.” Put yourself on the ground that morning as you pass the battle-damaged control tower on Ford Island. Step back in time at the memorial over the wreckage of the USS Arizona. Walk in General MacArthur’s steps aboard the USS Missouri, the site where he accepted the Japanese Instrument of Surrender at the end of World War II.
Our tours let you experience these key moments in world history like you never have before, through the voices of survivors, key sites, and meaningful memorabilia. You’ll see a side of Hawai‘i like no other—and the bravery and sacrifice that so many gave that day. Here’s what you need to know for the tour ahead.
USS Arizona Memorial temporary closure
Currently, the National Park Service has shut down the USS Arizona Memorial for repairs, which means you won’t be disembarking there—but don’t worry! You’ll still get the whole story of this historic icon, via a harbor tour in the Memorial vicinity.
Please be advised in the event of a Government Shutdown the National Parks currently will have limited access available to the public.
Leave your bags, camera bags and purses at home today. They aren’t allowed onsite, and you won’t be able to leave them on the tour bus. You can still bring along your cameras, water bottles, wallets and small items. If you have necessary items such as medicine and diapers you can carry them in a clear bag that offers no concealment.
Out of respect for the service members and civilians who have lost their lives, the memorial team asks that guests refrain from wearing bathing suits or profane t-shirts. Military members are to comply with any applicable military dress regulations.
You’ll find bathrooms at the Visitor Center, but none on the USS Arizona Memorial portion of the tour, which is one hour and 15 minutes long. We suggest you take a quick bathroom break before you embark on that portion of the tour.
We take care of all the admission fees for you! However, we suggest you tote along some cash, for any small purchases you may want to make along the way.
We provide the option of lunch with all of our Pearl Harbor tours, so you don’t have to carry around snacks. Just let us know you’d like the deluxe option when you purchase your tour online. Other than (clear!) bottled water, food and drinks are not allowed in many of the Pearl Harbor sites and eating is not allowed on the bus, so keep your treats at home. We do start many of our tours quite early in the morning, though, so make sure you grab a big breakfast that will keep you full and energized until lunch.
It gets hot here in the tropics. Some portions of the tours will be in full sunlight, so make sure to put on your sunscreen, and bring hats and water bottles to stay cool—especially if you’re bringing kids. There will also be some moderate walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes, and to bring a light jacket in case of rain.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
Times vary, depending on the tour you are selecting. To find your specific tour’s duration go to its webpage. Tour times are located at the top of the page under the quick details box.
What kind of food is served on the deluxe tours?
Lunch choices include a range of mouthwatering options from Restaurant 604, Sliders Grill Lunch Wagon, or The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s Laniakea Cafe, depending on your tour selection. Please see the tour webpage for specific menu details. You can find lunch offerings in the Deluxe Tour Features drop-down menu, located at the bottom of the tour’s webpage.
Are the Pearl Harbor tickets guaranteed?
Yes! All admissions are reserved and included in your tour price.
Can we meet at Pearl Harbor?
In order to keep tours streamlined and on track for all, we are not able to meet guests at Pearl Harbor. Instead, we’ll pick you up in our comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles at a convenient pick-up location.
Are the Battleship Missouri and Arizona Memorial next to each other?
They’re quite close! The Battleship Missouri (along with the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum) is on Ford Island, just past the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Because Ford Island is an active military base, proper base credentials are needed to gain entry. Roberts Hawaii shuttles have these required credentials.
Can I bring bags on the tours?
Leave your bags at home (or in your hotel room) for this trip. Purses and bags—including camera bags—are not allowed in many of the Pearl Harbor spaces. For your own security, and to keep the trip running quickly, smoothly and efficiently, we can’t allow guests to store them on the tour bus, either. Pare down for the day, and stick with just your wallet, camera, cell phone and water bottle. (Remember: Only clear water is permitted.) If you have necessary items such as medicine and diapers you can carry them in a clear bag that offers no concealment.
What is an appropriate way to dress?
This is a somber, solemn space, dedicated to the memory of the service members and civilians who lost their lives. Because of that, the memorial team asks that guests dress respectfully. You can keep the sandals, but bathing suits and profane t-shirts are not allowed. Military members are to comply with any applicable military dress regulations. We’ll also be strolling throughout the sites, so make sure you wear shoes that can take some moderate walking. Because we’ll be outdoors for some of the time, we recommend bringing along a hat in case of sun and a light jacket in case of potential showers.
Will we have a lunch break?
Definitely! We even offer the option of an included lunch with your Pearl Harbor tour, so you don’t have to worry about it—just select the deluxe package option when you purchase your tour online. Please check your own tour’s page to get the details on what will be served up.
How active will the tour be?
We’ll be strolling throughout the sites, so make sure you wear shoes that can take some moderate walking. Because we’ll be outdoors for some of the time, we recommend toting along a hat in case of sun and a light jacket in case of potential showers.
Can I bring my stroller on the tour?
While strollers are allowed in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, they aren’t allowed inside the theatre (although there is a space for stroller parking at the theatre entrance). While on the road, strollers and wheelchairs will be stowed in the compartment below the bus. Unfortunately, pets (with the exception of service animals) are not allowed on the tours.
How old do children need to be to join in?
Children 4 to 11 years old are welcome on our Pearl Harbor tours at a discounted child rate. Bring along your 12 and older family members at the standard adult rate. Infants that are sitting on an adult’s lap and not occupying a seat on the tour bus are free of charge.
How will we get to Pearl Harbor?
We’ll pick you up! You can catch one of our comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles at a convenient pick-up location—just specify where you’re staying when you purchase your tour. Plus, if you’re staying in Waikiki, our shuttle is complimentary! If you’re staying at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, outside of Waikiki, we’ll ask you for a $28 surcharge when you complete your tour purchase online.
Are there any additional fees?
Nope. We take care of everything, from admission, to transportation. The only thing not included is gratuity. If you’d like to show your appreciation for your tour guide with a tip, it’s a much-appreciated—but never necessary—gesture.
How do I let you know about my accessibility needs?
When you purchase your tour online, you’ll have a chance to include comments—please tell us here, whether you’ll be needing any special accommodations due to disability and we’ll do everything we can to assist you! That includes letting us know if you’ll need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (and what type of wheelchair you use). We can accommodate up to 500 pounds of weight per wheelchair-utilizing guest. To make the appropriate accommodations to suit our guests’ needs, we ask that any reservations that include ADA-accessible vehicles be made no less than 48 hours in advance.
Many areas of the tour are accessible, including the restrooms, theater, exhibit galleries, bookstore, information desks, drinking fountains and Navy shuttle boats. In addition, for those with hearing disabilities, the documentary film you’ll watch at the visitor center theatre is fully captioned in English and other languages, and there is an induction loop that can be synced with hearing aids. The memorial is also equipped with Braille signage and other tactile displays for visually impaired guests. While on the bus, strollers and wheelchairs will be stowed in the vehicle’s underside compartment.
I need to cancel. What now?
Let us know as soon as possible. We know plans can change unexpectedly, so any cancellations made up to 48 hours before your departure time is completely free of charge and results in a full refund. Just give us a call 808-539-9400 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Unfortunately, any cancellations (or no shows) made after the 48-hour mark are non-refundable.