Oahu WWII Shore Excursion — Pearl Harbor, USS Missouri & Historic Honolulu
Step off the cruise pier and into history on a 7.5-hour small-group shore excursion that links Pearl Harbor’s Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri, and downtown Honolulu. This guided tour blends archival footage, ranger-led interpretation, and quiet reflection with practical logistics for cruise travelers.
The Experience
Before You Go
No bags at the Arizona Memorial
The National Park Service prohibits purses, backpacks, and bags—carry essentials in pockets and leave larger items on the ship or in your locker.
Bring photo ID
Everyone 16+ needs government-issued ID to enter Pearl Harbor; under-16s require a birth certificate copy.
Wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes
You’ll stand in exhibits and board small shuttles; stable footwear reduces slips when stepping on/off the Navy shuttle.
Hydrate and layer
Bring a pocket water bottle and a light layer—the harbor can be windy in the morning and warm by midday.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Stand on the USS Missouri’s quarterdeck at low visitor times to read plaques and reflect on the surrender signatures.
- •Drive past the Nuuanu Pali lookout en route to downtown for a quick volcanic-ridge perspective of Oʻahu’s wind-carved terrain.
Wildlife
- •Brown noddies and terns hunting over the harbor
- •Feral chickens near some older Honolulu neighborhoods
Conservation Note
Visitors should follow strict no-bag rules to protect sensitive memorial sites and avoid leaving waste; local operators support NPS guidelines to minimize impact.
Pearl Harbor’s role as a strategic naval base shaped Hawaii’s 20th-century transformation; the USS Missouri hosted the formal Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945.
Photographer's Notes
- • Arizona Memorial viewing platform (for reflective shots of the wreck below)
- • Bow or stern of the USS Missouri to capture scale and the harbor
- • Kawaiahao Church or Iolani Palace frontage for civic architecture
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Stable shoes for boarding shuttles and walking on ship decks and memorial walkways.
Pocket water bottleEssential
Hydration you can carry through no-bag security checks.
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)Essential
Open exposure at memorials and on ship decks makes sun protection important.
Light wind layer
Mornings can be breezy; a thin jacket keeps you comfortable on exposed decks.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour is about 7.5 hours (450 minutes), covering Pearl Harbor, USS Bowfin area, USS Missouri, and a driving tour of downtown Honolulu.
Are admissions included?
Yes—admission to the Arizona Memorial program and the USS Missouri is included in the excursion price.
Can I bring a bag or backpack?
No—there is a strict no-bags policy at the Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center; small cameras with lenses under 6 inches are allowed.
Is this suitable for cruise passengers with tight schedules?
Yes—the operator coordinates meeting points to match cruise ship schedules and guarantees return in time for embarkation.
What identification is required?
Guests 16 and older must carry photo ID; guests under 16 need a copy of their birth certificate to enter Pearl Harbor.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Certain memorial areas have limited accessibility; contact the operator ahead of booking to discuss accommodations and shuttle boarding needs.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
7–8 hours
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for extended standing, short walks, and boarding a shuttle; able to manage stairs and brief periods of standing.
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