As Hawaii’s main city, Honolulu is an iconic and exciting destination, often used as a gateway to explore the rest of the islands. Embark on an unforgettable journey with our private half-day highlights tour, including a visit to the historic Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, followed by a scenic sightseeing tour around Downtown Honolulu.
On this private half-day tour, you will:
- Enjoy comfortable round-trip transportation from your hotel in Waikiki;
- Discover the historic sites of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. naval base that gained international significance after a surprise military attack by Japan in 1941;
- Immerse yourself in WWII history to understand how the attack on Pearl Harbor led the United States into the war;
- Embark upon a ferry ride to the USS Arizona Memorial built directly over the remains of the sunken ship;
- Explore the main highlights of Downtown Honolulu;
- Learn about the Royal Family of Hawaii and admire the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S.;
- Contemplate the gold-leaf Statue of King Kamehameha I, a powerful and revered figure in Hawaiian history;
- See the majestic Aloha Tower, an iconic landmark at Honolulu Harbor.
Located on the island of O’ahu, which is popularly known as “the gathering place,” Honolulu represents a melting pot of cultures and is the financial, cultural, and touristic centre of Hawaii. While many come to enjoy the gorgeous beaches of Waikiki, the rich history of Pearl Harbor and Downtown Honolulu are well worth exploring.
Your private tour will begin at your accommodation in Waikiki, where your driver-guide will pick you up and begin your journey to your first destination: Pearl Harbor. You will soon be immersed in WWII history as your guide takes you back to that fateful day in 1941 when the Japanese bombs fell upon the US Pacific Fleet in a devastating attack that took over 2000 lives. As you make your way around the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, you will have the chance to visit two museums and see a wealth of artefacts, photos, and video testimonials of the horror inflicted upon the soldiers, sailors, and civilians in the area.
You will also embark upon a ferry ride out to the USS Arizona Memorial, which stands above the remains of the sunken battleship that suffered the most severe damage in the attack. Widely considered one of the most poignant war memorials in the United States, you will contemplate the striking concave shape of the monument and the outline of the ship visible beneath the surface. When you enter, you will see the names of the victims engraved in marble in the solemn shrine within the memorial site.
Following your moving visit to Pearl Harbor, you will then proceed to explore Downtown Honolulu, the city’s commercial, historic, and cultural epicentre. Your guide will show you the key sights and explain what makes the city tick, tailoring the exact route according to your interests. You will learn about the tragic and fascinating history of the Hawaiian Royal family as you pass by the ornate statue of King Kamehameha I, the Kingdom of Hawaii’s first ruler. You will also pass the remarkable Iolani palace, the only royal palace in the US and the official residence of the last Hawaiian rulers until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. You will cruise past some of the city’s famous skyscrapers and see Honolulu Harbor and its most iconic landmark, the Aloha Tower. You will discover how this former lighthouse has long been a beacon welcoming travellers to Honolulu and remains an enduring symbol of Hawaiian hospitality.
After your exhilarating voyage of discovery around Honolulu, your driver-guide will return you to your hotel in Waikiki, armed with a wealth of knowledge and appreciation of what the city has to offer. Your guide will be happy to provide you with further recommendations for things to see and do for the rest of your time on the island.
