HONOLULU BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Silence, Salt and Stones: A Waikiki Departure to the USS Arizona Memorial and Historic Honolulu
A half-day guided tour from Waikiki that pairs the solemn Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor with a narrated drive past Honolulu’s defining historic sites.
Silence, Salt and Stones: A Waikiki Departure to the USS Arizona Memorial and Historic Honolulu.
This half-day excursion moves from the bustle of Waikiki to one of the quietest places in American memory. Beginning at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the tour frames December 7, 1941, through exhibits and a documentary, then carries you across the harbor to the white, open-air USS Arizona Memorial for a moment of hushed reflection before returning to view Honolulu’s royal and civic landmarks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center — Exhibits and Documentary
Start with two hours at the Visitor Center to work through exhibits that set the context for the attack of December 7, 1941, and watch a documentary that prepares you for the memorial experience.
USS Arizona — A Quiet Place of Remembrance
A U.S. Navy boat ride delivers you to the open-air Arizona Memorial where the outlines of the sunken battleship lie just below the surface; oil droplets known as the 'Tears of the Arizona' and the Remembrance Wall listing 1,177 names confront visitors with the human cost of the attack.
Historic Honolulu — Palaces, Statues and Sacred Stones
The tour continues with a narrated drive-by of Honolulu landmarks: Punchbowl National Cemetery, Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha Statue, Kawaiaha'o Church and Ali’iolani Hale, sketching Hawaii’s layered history from monarchy to modern statehood.
What the day feels like
What the tour feels like
The itinerary balances structured interpretation with quiet, self-guided moments: an introduction at the Visitor Center, a short documentary, a U.S. Navy boat crossing to the memorial for reflective time above the wreck, then a calm, narrated drive through Honolulu’s historic core that places the wartime narrative alongside the islands’ royal and civic landmarks.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits and what constraints to expect.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Carry government-issued photo ID (passport if traveling from abroad), cash for tips and bag storage if needed, comfortable clothes and covered shoes (no swimwear), sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and a camera.
Dress appropriately to honor the memorial; comfortable shoes are recommended as you will be on your feet for extended periods.
Bring snacks and water that can be easily carried due to the no-bag policy; meals are not included and there are on-site dining options near the Visitor Center.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When and for how long does the tour run?
Pick-up from Waikiki hotels is typically between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, with a daily start at 7:00 AM; the tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Are entry tickets included?
Yes—entry tickets for the attractions on the tour are included in the tour price and will be provided by your guide the morning of the tour; note that the National Park Service does not guarantee pre-arranged Arizona Memorial boat passes and you may be directed to the walk-up line if passes are not provided.
Can I bring a bag into Pearl Harbor?
Purses and bags are not allowed inside Pearl Harbor; bags may be stored for a fee (typically $7 each). Clear plastic bags in which the contents are visible are permitted, and exceptions are made for necessary medical equipment.
Are there dress or behavior rules?
Yes—this is a site of loss and reflection; appropriate dress and conduct are expected, swimwear is not allowed, and there is no smoking on the Visitor Center grounds or at the memorial.
Are meals included and are there food options on site?
Meals are at your own expense; there are a few on-site dining options such as food trucks and snack stands where you can purchase food before or after the tour.
What happens if the memorial is closed or boat passes are unavailable?
Sites are subject to closure due to stormy weather; if pre-arranged boat passes are not provided, you will be directed to the Arizona Memorial walk-up line, which typically has about an hour wait.