Oahu Travel Guide: Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and Honolulu City Tour (2025)
Introduction
Oahu, the vibrant heart of Hawaii, blends historic landmarks with tropical beauty. While many visit the island for its pristine beaches, Oahu's historical sites, particularly Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, offer profound insight into world history. Combine that with a city tour of Honolulu, and you get a deeply enriching travel experience.
If you're planning a trip to Oahu in 2025, this guide will walk you through what to expect, must-see attractions, tour tips, and local insights — all with SEO-rich information for travelers seeking a complete Hawaiian cultural and historical journey.
1. Pearl Harbor: A Must-Visit Historical Landmark
📍 What is Pearl Harbor?
Pearl Harbor is a U.S. naval base on the island of Oahu, most known for the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, which led to the U.S. entering World War II. Today, it's one of the most visited historical sites in the United States.
✨ Why Visit?
- Deep historical significance
- Free and paid memorial experiences
- Ideal for families, history buffs, and educational travel
- Accessible from Waikiki (approx. 30-minute drive)
2. USS Arizona Memorial: Honoring the Fallen
⛴️ Overview
The USS Arizona Memorial is built directly over the sunken battleship USS Arizona, which remains underwater as a war grave. Over 1,100 sailors lost their lives on that ship during the attack.
🎫 How to Visit
- Free tickets are available through the National Park Service, but advance reservations are highly recommended (especially in 2025 as tourism rebounds).
- Boat shuttle departs from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
- The tour includes:
- A short historical film
- Boat ride to the memorial
- 15-minute stay at the memorial itself
⏰ Tip: Arrive early!
Morning tours are less crowded, and the waters tend to be calmer.
3. Other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
While the USS Arizona Memorial is the highlight, there are other major attractions nearby:
🛳️ USS Battleship Missouri Memorial
- Known as the “Mighty Mo,” this is where Japan officially surrendered in World War II.
- You can walk the decks and tour the ship's interior.
- Admission fee applies.
✈️ Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
- Located in historic Hangar 79
- Features WWII-era aircraft and immersive flight simulators
🌉 USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
- Offers a close look at life aboard a WWII submarine
- Great for families with kids interested in technology and adventure
4. Honolulu City Tour: Culture Beyond the Beach
After exploring Pearl Harbor, a guided city tour of Honolulu gives you a wider appreciation of Oahu’s unique cultural blend.
🚐 What to Expect on a City Tour
Typical Honolulu city tours include stops at:
🏛️ Iolani Palace
- The only royal palace on U.S. soil
- Former home of the Hawaiian monarchy
- Elegant, European-inspired architecture
🐢 King Kamehameha Statue
- An iconic photo stop
- Honoring the king who unified the Hawaiian Islands
🌺 Punchbowl Crater / National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
- A peaceful site honoring fallen U.S. soldiers
- Located in an extinct volcanic crater
🏖️ Waikiki Beach Drive-by
- Quick drive through Waikiki, Oahu’s most famous beachfront district
🗺️ Optional Add-ons
- Chinatown Honolulu for local eats and street art
- Ala Moana Center for shopping
- Diamond Head Lookout for panoramic views (hike not included in most city tours)
5. How to Book Tours
🎟️ Booking Options
- Official websites like Recreation.gov for USS Arizona
- Local tour companies like:
- Polynesian Adventure Tours
- E Noa Tours
- Roberts Hawaii
💡 Tips:
- Combo packages (Pearl Harbor + city tour) offer better value
- Most tours include hotel pickup/drop-off from Waikiki
- Ask if entry fees are included (some only include transportation)
6. Best Time to Visit Oahu (2025)
🗓️ Ideal Travel Months:
- April to June: Great weather, fewer crowds
- September to mid-December: Lower prices, cooler temps
🌀 Hurricane Season:
- June to November (though direct hits are rare)
- Always check travel insurance and cancellation policies
7. What to Wear and Bring
👕 Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable clothes
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
🎒 Essentials:
- Government-issued ID (required for Pearl Harbor)
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Camera or smartphone (but note: bags not allowed inside Pearl Harbor — lockers available)
8. Is Pearl Harbor Family-Friendly?
Absolutely! Many exhibits are interactive and educational, especially at the Aviation Museum and Bowfin Submarine. The historical aspect can spark meaningful discussions for older children.
✅ Tips for Families:
- Bring snacks and plan restroom breaks between attractions
- Explain key historical moments in age-appropriate language
- Visit earlier in the day when kids are alert and engaged
9. Accessibility and Visitor Tips
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes (memorial, museums, and most tours)
- Language: English (with some multilingual audio guides)
- Security: Strict bag policy — consider carrying only essentials
- Duration: Allow at least 3–4 hours for Pearl Harbor, and another 3 hours for a full city tour
10. Suggested Itinerary (Full-Day)
| 7:30 AM | Depart hotel for Pearl Harbor |
| 8:00 AM | USS Arizona Memorial Tour |
| 9:30 AM | Explore Battleship Missouri or Aviation Museum |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch (on site or nearby) |
| 1:30 PM | Start Honolulu City Tour |
| 2:00–5:00 PM | Visit Iolani Palace, Punchbowl, and more |
| 5:30 PM | Return to Waikiki |
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Do I need tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial?
Yes. It’s free, but you need a reservation via the National Park Service.
❓ How much does a combined Pearl Harbor and City Tour cost?
Anywhere from $75 to $150, depending on the operator and inclusions.
❓ Are food and drinks available at Pearl Harbor?
Yes, but options are limited. It’s best to bring your own snacks or dine nearby.
❓ Can I take photos?
Yes, photography is allowed in most areas, except inside certain museums.
Conclusion
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or a family exploring Hawaii together, visiting Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and embarking on a Honolulu city tour offers an unforgettable and deeply meaningful experience.
These landmarks provide not just insight into Hawaii's role in global history, but also a rich immersion into the culture, resilience, and beauty of the island of Oahu.
So if you're planning your 2025 Hawaii trip, make sure to include this journey through the past — and let it deepen your appreciation for the present.
🧭 Ready to Plan Your Oahu Trip?
Explore official booking options, guided tours, and helpful tips to make the most of your time in Pearl Harbor and Honolulu. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this part of Oahu will leave a lasting impact.