Private Arizona Memorial Bowfin Submarine and Honolulu City Tour

A Personal Touch to History: Private Arizona Memorial, Bowfin Submarine, and Honolulu City Tour

If you’re visiting Honolulu and want to experience Pearl Harbor without the chaos of large groups, this private tour might be just what you’re looking for. For $895 per group (up to three people), you’ll spend about 7 hours exploring key WWII sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial, U.S. Navy’s Bowfin Submarine, and a quick but insightful drive through Honolulu’s highlights. The tour includes pickup from Waikiki, private transportation, and tickets for the main attractions, offering a streamlined and relaxed experience.

What we love most about this tour is the personalized nature. With just your group and a knowledgeable driver, you get the flexibility to enjoy each stop at your own pace. Plus, the inclusion of tickets to the Arizona Memorial means no waiting in long lines or risking sold-out time slots—something especially valuable during peak season. The short city drive rounds out the day with a taste of Honolulu’s history, including Iolani Palace and Punchbowl Cemetery.

A possible consideration is that this is a fully private experience, which means it’s priced higher than large group tours. Also, reviewers note that some guests expected more guidance at Pearl Harbor, feeling on their own after the initial orientation. If you prefer a highly guided, narrated tour, this might not be the perfect fit. However, if you value privacy, comfort, and customized pacing, this experience is ideal.

This tour best suits history enthusiasts, travelers with a tight schedule, or those who simply want a more intimate, less hurried visit to Pearl Harbor. If you’re comfortable with a flexible itinerary and enjoy personal service, you’ll find this tour offers excellent value and genuine comfort.

Key Points

Private Experience: You’ll travel with just your group, avoiding crowded buses and long lines.
Inclusions: Tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial and Bowfin Submarine Museum, plus personalized orientation.
Comfort & Convenience: Pickup from Waikiki hotels and private transportation make logistics easy.
Balanced Itinerary: Combines historical sites with a brief city tour, perfect for a full but manageable day.
Cost-Effective for Small Groups: Although pricier, the exclusivity and flexibility can be worth it.
Limited Guidance at Sites: Some reviews mention minimal guidance once at Pearl Harbor, so come prepared with your own questions.

A Detailed Look at What to Expect

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The Pickup and Transport

The tour begins with private pickup from your Waikiki hotel, which in Hawaii can mean a lot of walking and waiting if not arranged privately. Here, you’ll meet your driver—likely a fluent English speaker—who will be your guide for the day. The private minivan ensures a comfortable ride, avoiding the crowding of larger tour buses, and allows for quick, direct transfers between sites.

The USS Arizona Memorial

The highlight for many visitors, the Arizona Memorial, is included with a reserved ticket—so no need to line up or worry about availability. You’ll be driven to the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, where your driver provides an orientation about the site. Then, you’ll take the U.S. Navy shuttle boat to the memorial itself, which floats above the sunken battleship.

Expect about 2 hours 30 minutes at this stop, which includes visiting two museums: Road to War and Attack. These museums showcase original footage and personal stories of the December 7, 1941 attack. We loved the way these exhibits contextualize the events, making history feel more immediate and personal. However, some reviews mention that once you’re at the memorial, you’re on your own to explore freely, which might leave some looking for more guided commentary.

The USS Bowfin Submarine & Museum

Next, the tour continues with a visit to the USS Bowfin Submarine, also included in your ticket. You’ll get to walk through the submarine, hearing an audio set tour that details life aboard a WWII submarine. The museum offers additional exhibits on submarine warfare, which are engaging and give a tangible sense of what it was like to serve beneath the ocean’s surface.

This stop lasts around 2 hours 30 minutes. We found the self-guided audio tour a good way to absorb details at your own pace, and the submarine’s narrow corridors and control room give a real sense of the vessel’s cramped conditions. It’s a surprisingly intimate experience that brings history alive.

Honolulu City Drive

Finally, the tour takes a short drive through Honolulu that covers some iconic sights: Iolani Palace, Hawaii State Capitol, King Kamehameha statue, Washington Place, and Punchbowl Cemetery. This portion is about 1 hour 30 minutes, with the driver pointing out landmarks and giving quick historical snippets.

While this part isn’t a deep dive, it’s a nice way to get a sense of Honolulu’s political and royal history, especially if you’re tight on time but want a taste of the city’s past and present. It’s worth noting that admission to these sites is free, so you get a quick overview without extra costs.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s value lies in the all-inclusive approach—tickets, private pickup, and drop-off are covered. We appreciated the bottled water and tropical juice or cappuccino, which kept us refreshed during the day.

However, lunch is not included, so plan accordingly. Also, the tour does not meet guests outside the designated pickup zones, so you’ll need to be at your Waikiki hotel or a specified location.

Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer, Julianne, shared that her party felt somewhat left to manage at Pearl Harbor after the initial orientation, with the comment: “I didn’t realize that we…” indicating some expectations for more guided commentary. This highlights an important point: this tour prioritizes flexibility over constant guidance at the sites.

On the plus side, others appreciate that the tour avoids long lines and sold-out tickets, which could be a real hassle during busy seasons. With tickets already reserved, you’re freed from the worry of missing out on the Arizona Memorial.

Analyzing the Price and Experience

At $895 per group, this tour is more costly than standard large-group offerings. But for some, the privacy, direct transport, and fewer crowds make the extra expense worth it. You’re paying for a tailored experience that respects your pace and preferences, which can turn a busy, overwhelming day into a relaxed, meaningful visit.

Who will love this tour?

History buffs eager to explore WWII sites without the distraction of crowds.
Couples or small groups seeking an intimate, customized experience.
Travelers on a tight schedule who want to maximize their time at key sites.
Those who prefer private transport and flexibility over rigid group schedules.

Who might want something different?

Visitors looking for a highly narrated, guided tour might find this too independent.
Budget travelers may find the cost steep compared to larger, less personalized options.
Those wanting a full day with in-depth city exploration might need a longer, more comprehensive tour.

FAQ

Is the Arizona Memorial ticket included in the price?
Yes, your tour includes a reserved ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial, so you won’t need to wait in long lines or worry about availability.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you may have some flexibility with timing and focus, but major stops like Pearl Harbor and Bowfin are fixed. The city drive is brief and meant to give a snapshot of Honolulu.

Is this tour suitable for mobility-impaired travelers?
Most likely yes, given the private transportation and relatively short walking distances at each site, but it’s best to confirm specific mobility needs with the provider.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and water are recommended. The tour provides bottled water and tropical juice or cappuccino to keep you refreshed.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to eat before or after, or bring snacks for the day.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The tour is designed for groups up to three people, making it ideal for couples or small groups.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers a well-curated, intimate way to visit Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s landmarks without the hassle of large groups. It’s perfect for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and a personalized experience. While it might be pricier than bus tours, many find the convenience and quiet pacing worth the extra dollars.

If you’re interested in history but dislike the feeling of being herded around, this tour strikes a nice balance—giving you time to reflect and absorb. Just keep in mind that once at Pearl Harbor, you may be on your own, so a little prep on your part for questions or additional context can enhance your visit.

In short, if privacy, comfort, and tickets secured in advance top your list, this tour will meet your needs and give you a memorable day exploring Oahu’s most significant WWII sites and iconic city sights.

Note: Always double-check availability and specific details with the provider to tailor the experience to your needs.