Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour

A Balanced Look at the Deluxe Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour

If you’re visiting Honolulu and want to get a meaningful glimpse into Hawaii’s wartime history combined with a taste of local sights, this 7-hour tour offers a solid balance. For $155 per person, you’ll visit the Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial, step aboard the USS Bowfin submarine, and enjoy a quick drive-through of downtown Honolulu. The tour includes pickup from Waikiki hotels, making it convenient, especially after a flight or a long day of travel.

Two things we genuinely appreciate about this experience: first, the inclusion of both the Arizona Memorial and the Bowfin submarine gives a layered perspective on WWII in the Pacific. Second, the small-group setting (max 14 travelers) ensures a more personal, engaging experience rather than being herded through a large crowd.

However, a potential consideration is the tight schedule, especially if you’re hoping for more time at each stop. Some guests have found the city tour a bit rushed, and others feel they could do without the city drive to extend their time at Pearl Harbor. This tour suits those with a keen interest in history, particularly WWII, and who appreciate a guided, well-organized outing without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, well-paced visit with knowledgeable guides and a mix of history and local scenery, this tour is likely to suit you well.

Key Points

• In-depth WWII sites: Visit both the Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin, receiving detailed insights into the Pacific Theater.
• Small-group experience: With a maximum of 14 people, enjoy more personalized attention and easier discussions.
• Comprehensive itinerary: Includes a short drive through Honolulu to see King Kamehameha’s statue, Iolani Palace, and Punchbowl Cemetery.
• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off make it seamless and stress-free.
• Value for price: Includes admission tickets and an audio guide for Bowfin, plus a water bottle for each passenger.
• Potential time squeeze: Some reviews highlight that the schedule can feel rushed, especially at Pearl Harbor and the city tour.

What You Can Expect From This Tour

Starting at Pearl Harbor

Your day begins early with hotel pickup in Waikiki—a small group setting means you’ll likely travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Once at Pearl Harbor’s Visitor Center, your guide will manage the tickets and help you navigate the Road to War and Attack museums, where you’ll see original footage of the 1941 attack.

The highlight here is riding the U.S. Navy shuttle boat to the Arizona Memorial, where you’ll hear stories of heroism and loss. Some reviews note the admission is included, and the 2 hours 30 minutes allocated allows you to absorb the somber atmosphere and historical displays without feeling rushed.

Exploring the USS Bowfin Submarine

Next, you’ll visit the USS Bowfin, dubbed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” This Balao-class submarine is a fascinating step back in time, giving you a close-up look at what life was like for WWII submariners. The audio guide enhances the experience, providing details about the submarine’s missions and the conditions the crew endured.

Guests have enjoyed this part, with one reviewer mentioning how they appreciated the opportunity to walk through the submarine museum and learn about the Silent Service. The 2 hours 30 minutes here is enough to explore without feeling like you’re rushing.

A Quick Drive-Through of Honolulu

After the historical sites, your guide will take you on a short drive through downtown Honolulu, highlighting key landmarks like Iolani Palace, the Hawaii State Capitol, the golden statue of King Kamehameha, and Washington Place.

This part of the tour offers a taste of the island’s rich royal and political history. You’ll also pass the Punchbowl Cemetery, a poignant reminder of Hawaii’s military sacrifices. With around 1 hour 30 minutes for this segment, it’s enough to get a snapshot, but some guests might wish for a longer look, as noted in reviews that mention the city tour being somewhat rushed.

End of Tour

Finally, the group is dropped back at Waikiki hotels, with a bottle of water provided. The overall length and structure make it a manageable half-day outing—ideal for those with limited time or wanting a focused historical experience.

What We Love About This Tour

The combination of sites is a major plus. Visiting both the Arizona Memorial and Bowfin offers a layered understanding of WWII’s Pacific front, appealing especially to history enthusiasts. The guided commentary and small-group atmosphere ensure a more intimate and informative experience than big bus tours.

Another highlight is the convenience: hotel pickup and drop-off, included tickets, and a well-organized itinerary. Plus, the water bottle is a thoughtful touch for a full day spent outdoors.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

Some guests find the timing tight, especially at the city landmarks. If you’re a person who likes to linger or explore more deeply, the short drive-by may feel rushed. Reviews mention that cutting back on the city tour could extend your time at Pearl Harbor—a valid point if history is your main interest.

Also, if you’re expecting a luxurious, lengthy tour, this may feel a bit brisk. It’s better described as a focused, well-organized overview rather than an in-depth exploration of every site.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, first-time visitors to Honolulu, or those with limited time who want a comprehensive snapshot of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s highlights. It’s especially suitable if you appreciate small-group settings and guided narration that enhances your understanding beyond just wandering around alone.

If your priority is to see the key sites without fuss, and you’re okay with a more compact schedule, this tour offers solid value. On the other hand, if you’re craving more time at each location or a leisurely pace, you might want to consider extending your visit or choosing a different option.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

The tour kicks off with a timely pickup from your Waikiki hotel, often in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle suited for small groups. Once at Pearl Harbor, your guide will help you navigate the visitor center, which features two museums: Road to War and Attack.

The museums display original footage of the attack, along with artifacts and exhibits that make the history tangible. This part of the visit is deeply moving and provides context for the significance of the Arizona Memorial. The shuttle boat ride to the memorial itself is a poignant moment, taking you over the waters where many heroes rest.

Guests have appreciated the admission included and the guided commentary, which adds weight to the experience. One reviewer called it a “great experience” and highlighted the friendly, knowledgeable guide.

USS Bowfin Submarine & Museum

The next stop is the USS Bowfin, which is much more than a static display. You’ll get to step aboard and see the confined quarters and tight spaces submariners lived and fought in. The audio set tour offers detailed explanations, making it a more immersive experience.

Many appreciate how the submarine’s conditions are vividly portrayed, providing perspective on the challenges faced by WWII submarine crews. Walking through the museum, you’ll learn about the Silent Service’s crucial role in the Pacific. The admission tickets are included, and reviews praise the personalized attention and insightful narration.

Honolulu Drive-Through

The final segment is a quick glimpse of Honolulu’s royal and political history. Passing landmarks like Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue offers insight into the islands’ royal lineage and governance. The Punchbowl Cemetery provides a solemn pause, honoring fallen servicemen.

This part offers a photo-friendly snapshot rather than an in-depth tour, which some guests find a bit rushed. Still, it’s a valuable addition for those wanting a taste of local culture and history.

The Price and Its Value

At $155 per person, this tour provides a lot of value by including admission tickets, small-group transport, and guided narration. When compared to the cost of individual tickets and transportation, the organized tour saves you time, hassle, and potential confusion.

The small-group format often adds to the overall value by allowing more personalized attention and flexibility with questions. Plus, the hotel pickup removes the stress of figuring out transportation, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local transit.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you want a thoughtfully organized, history-rich experience in Honolulu, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s most suitable for first-time visitors, history enthusiasts, or travelers who value small-group intimacy and guided insights.

While some reviews note that the schedule can be tight, others appreciate the efficient use of time and the chance to see key sites without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re seeking a balanced, respectful look at WWII sites combined with a taste of Honolulu’s landscape, this tour offers a solid, reliable option.

For those with more time or specific interests, consider extending your visit or selecting a tour that allows longer at each site. But for most looking for a meaningful half-day excursion, this package delivers a worthwhile peek into Hawaii’s wartime past and local sights.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from Waikiki hotels, making it easy to start your day without extra planning.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 7 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks.

Are tickets included?
Yes, your tour includes admission tickets to the Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin, along with the audio guide for Bowfin.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers, promoting a cozy and engaging environment.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The schedule is fixed, but some reviews mention that time constraints might be a concern; for more flexibility, consider extending certain parts of the day.

Is lunch provided?
No, lunch and breakfast are not included, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water (provided), especially since parts of the tour are outdoors.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most children enjoy the sights, but parents should consider their kids’ patience with the rushed schedule.

What about weather considerations?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In summary, this tour offers a well-structured, informative glimpse into the pivotal moments of WWII at Pearl Harbor, combined with a short city tour and small-group comfort. It suits travelers who want to maximize their time and understanding of Hawaii’s military history without the hassle of self-guided logistics. Though the schedule can feel tight, the overall experience is a respectful, engaging, and memorable way to connect with Hawaii’s past.