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Pearl Harbor tours

S

Sooby

TUG Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2006
Messages
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Location
Cleveland
Any suggestions for tours to Pearl Harbor from the Grand Islander? Don’t have a car and will be in May.
 
When we went to Pearl Harbor years ago we did not do a tour. We took a cab to, and from, there. We did what I guess they now call their self guided tour. At that time you just showed up, bought your entrance tickets and went it. I do remember you had to pay extra to see a couple of the vessels. It looks like there is a lot more to choose from now.
 
Thanks. I also went years ago but was not sure if now doing a tour would be easier with admissions.
 
I believe Pearl Harbor is free except maybe a $1 fee if you want to do a USS Arizona tour (tickets on recreation.gov). About 3-4 years ago, there was a bus that left right outside of the Hilton Hawiian Village that went there and back for about $3-4 each way if I remember correctly. It was an easy day trip that I think I just found via google maps if you want to do it on your own. I didn't take a tour so can't recommend one but I did take some other tours with Hawaii Tours which were decent (I think they're just a reseller though).
 
The Bus is the least expensive way to go; it's easy if you check Google maps for where to catch the bus (across Ala Moana St) and get off. You will need to reserve tickets for the Arizona in advance. For everything else, you can buy tickets there. I don't think any of the tours include all the attractions; most only include the Arizona.
 
We went in 2016 bought tickets to go to the Arizona we stayed nearby it was very emotional.
 
I've driven to Pearl Harbor and taken an organized tour there. The concierge at GI should be able to get you into a tour if it's last minute, but it would be worth it to book those ahead of time. I think they have the tour bus pickup under the GI, so it's very easy to get to.

If you do go the tour route, there are some options when you get there. I think most will do the Arizona as a standard part of the tour but you also can take optional "off site" tours to the Missouri or the Aviation Museum. You board a separate bus to get to those and pay a separate admission. I don't think you would have time to do both on a single tour though. Plus you might be able to do a combo PH/Punchbowl/city tour.

Personally, I like to just drive there and take my time. Doing a tour doesn't leave you much time to do the optional things (Bowfin in addition to the other two I already mentioned). On the plus side, a tour will make sure (or try to make sure) you get a guaranteed time slot (weather and surf conditions permitting) over to the Arizona. Go on your own and you will need to secure a time slot to the Arizona yourself or wait in the god awful standby line.
 
Hoodwink said:
I've driven to Pearl Harbor and taken an organized tour there. The concierge at GI should be able to get you into a tour if it's last minute, but it would be worth it to book those ahead of time. I think they have the tour bus pickup under the GI, so it's very easy to get to.

If you do go the tour route, there are some options when you get there. I think most will do the Arizona as a standard part of the tour but you also can take optional "off site" tours to the Missouri or the Aviation Museum. You board a separate bus to get to those and pay a separate admission. I don't think you would have time to do both on a single tour though. Plus you might be able to do a combo PH/Punchbowl/city tour.

Personally, I like to just drive there and take my time. Doing a tour doesn't leave you much time to do the optional things (Bowfin in addition to the other two I already mentioned). On the plus side, a tour will make sure (or try to make sure) you get a guaranteed time slot (weather and surf conditions permitting) over to the Arizona. Go on your own and you will need to secure a time slot to the Arizona yourself or wait in the god awful standby line.
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Thanks for all the good information. Taking a nephew and Pearl Harbor is a must see.
 
Sooby said:
Any suggestions for tours to Pearl Harbor from the Grand Islander? Don’t have a car and will be in May.
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Call the Concierge at the hotel and ask him for advice.
 
Make sure you are on the Official National Park web site. If it isn't .gov it is a travel agency or tour company that is trying to get you to pay for more services. All you need is to book your tickets for the Arizona Memorial far enough online. This is a must. Plan ahead. Please research. Order your tickets as soon as you know the dates.

Remember, all the concierges at the Hilton report and are paid by the HGVC timeshare department (even at the hotel) and they are rewarded and judged on how many they recruit for sales presentations. Most guests don't know this. I find this deceptive. But, that is how I feel. They are more tied to the sales department than to giving clients the best advice. They also get a commission from selling a tour than telling you to do it yourself.

I have taken numerous friends to the Arizona Memorial and the other attractions at the Arizona Memorial and National Park over the years. The process is easy and there are numerous ways for you to get there economically. No need to pay for a corporate bus tour full of tourists unless you are in need of being taken care of from pick up at hotel to drop off when the tour is finished. It depends on your style of travel.

1. Reserve tickets ahead of time (as soon as possible during busy season)
2. A. Take the bus from the Hilton (there are multiple options) It takes about 50 minutes to an hour and 10 minutes. B. As mentioned above take a bus to the airport and get a rental car for the day. C. Reserve a rental car in Waikiki. or D. Take a corporate group tour from your hotel if that is most comfortable for you. There are several options for you.
3. If you rent a car for the day then you can enjoy a drive to the North Shore, Kailua for lunch, a drive over the Pali, or a drive around the south coast. I love Oahu and it is one of my favorite islands (I guess I love them all. HAHA)
4. If you take the bus I suggest considering taking the return bus to Niko's Pier 38 for lunch or dinner. The Furikake tuna has been my favorite since the early 00's when it was a small walk up window. It has now evolved into a full restaurant on the pier. When finished eating the most delicious tuna grab a bus back to your hotel or add another stop at Ala Moana Mall.

Again, make sure you are on the official .gov site and do not fall for some marketing paid position on google designed to sell you group bus tours.
 
HedonisticEpicurean said:
Again, make sure you are on the official .gov site and do not fall for some marketing paid position on google designed to sell you group bus tours.
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There are a lot of official looking Pearl Harbor tour operators out there. There is not official Pearl Harbor tour that I'm aware of, they are all independent companies. PH can be done for free (or $1 if you want an Arizona tour).

Also - Be sure to check the bag policy. It's pretty strict. Best bet is to walk in empty handed and buy something small at a gift shop if you want a bag. If I remember correctly, women can't even bring in a purse. Clutches that you carry in your hand only. It's been 3 years since I've been there at this point, so don't take my word on it - Verify it with the official web site. If you have any question like "Maybe I can take this...' No. You can't. They are very strict.
 
Have been to the Arizona many times. Buy your tickets in advance and take Uber or a bus there and spend lots of time. Bowfin, USS Missouri, and the Aviation Museum are each separate and much more expensive so pick and choose what interests you. Whatever you do reserve the actual ride out to the Arizona, it is one of the most powerful experiences you can imagine.
 
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