7 Must-Book Pearl Harbor Private Tours for a Stress-Free Trip

Are you a history buff or want to world-school on your trip to Oahu? Check out these incredible Pearl Harbor private tours for the ultimate Oahu experience. Scroll for the full list!
This post about the best Pearl Harbor private tours was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.

One of the most popular things to do on Oahu is visit Pearl Harbor. In fact, many go on Hawaii vacations to see Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

If you’re a history lover, you’ve probably learned a lot about the Pearl Harbor attack that occurred on December 7th, 1941.

On that fateful day, the Japanese attacked American military members at the naval base in Pearl Harbor, leading to the deaths of more than 2,400 people. This tragic event led to the United States’ involvement in World War II.

After learning about the attack and how everything happened, you may want to experience the area while learning more about its lengthy history. 

Or maybe you have a friend or family member with a Pearl Harbor connection and want to learn more for personal reasons.

Sometimes, researching what is the best Pearl Harbor tour can be overwhelming. That’s why I pulled together this list of best Pearl Harbor tours, specifically Pearl Harbor private tours. These are awesome for asking many questions and hearing all kinds of stories about Pearl Harbor Historic Sites and World War II.

Here is your entire guide on the complete Pearl Harbor tour options available. You will see half-day city tour and Pearl Harbor National Memorial excursions the entire family will love.

Click HERE for the top-rated private Pearl Harbor tour.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

7 Amazing Pearl Harbor Private Tours

A private tour is one of the best ways to understand Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. These guided tours provide tourists with valuable information while allowing them to experience the area, take photos, and ask questions about Pearl Harbor. I think it is the best way to tour Pearl Harbor National Memorial!

While Pearl Harbor group tours might be cheaper, you are more restricted on what you can do and learn.

If you’d prefer a Pearl Harbor private tour that gives you and your loved ones more time to talk with the local expert guides who have plenty of knowledge to share, consider booking one or more of the best Pearl Harbor tours listed below.

Here are some of the best Pearl Harbor tours to consider!

1. Half-Day Pearl Harbor and Honolulu Landmarks Tour

Spend half your day on an enjoyable Pearl Harbor and Honolulu Landmarks Tour. During the Pearl Harbor tour, you’ll see the USS Arizona Memorial.

You can head to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and watch a short film on the Pearl Harbor attack. Plus, you can ride along the harbor in a US Navy vessel.

Private transportation is available for you and your group, whether you’re traveling with family or friends. Check the latest rates and more information.

Find out how to book a Pearl Harbor private tour by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel with Kids. Image of the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

You can expect a local expert guide to take you around Pearl Harbor and Honolulu to see famous landmarks and talk to you about each one. 

This Hawaii Pearl Harbor tour will be an educational experience for you while taking photos of some of the stunning landmarks in the area. 

Snacks and bottled water are available to guests to keep them hydrated and full throughout the trip. Feel free to ask your guide for handy tips and suggestions on other great places to visit while staying on the island.

2. Private Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour

Make reservations on this convenient and enjoyable Private Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour. On your trip, you may notice that people want to see the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

Because it’s such a coveted spot for tourists, the line forms early in the morning, and most people need to get there as early as possible to get a good place in line. However, if you book this Oahu Pearl Harbor tour, you’ll get to skip the line, making it the best USS Arizona tour! Check the latest rates and more information.

Royal Seal on a gate to Iolani Palace on Oahu
Royal Seal on a gate to Iolani Palace. Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Not only will you get the perfect opportunity to see the USS Arizona Memorial, but your local expert guide will take you on a trip to the downtown area of Honolulu. You can expect to see beautiful things on excursions, such as the Iolani Palace, see the King Kamehameha Statue, and other historic landmarks.

If you decide to take this Pearl Harbor tour in Hawaii, your guide can pick you and your group up at the hotel and drop everyone back off at the end of the day. This makes things even more convenient for everyone. 

You’ll get to try locally-grown fruit while enjoying snacks and beverages provided by your Pearl Harbor private tour guide. 

A maximum of 14 people can go on this tour. This makes it an excellent choice for a family or friends who want to explore Pearl Harbor Historic Sites and Honolulu together. It is one of the best guided tours of Pearl Harbor by far!

3. Step Back Into History Pearl Harbor Private Tour

Enjoy the most freedom possible with the Step Back Into History Pearl Harbor Private Tour. Take a trip with a certified tour guide to experience Pearl Harbor Historic Sites and its natural beauty. 

The best thing about this tourPearl Harbor VIP tour is that you’ll get to decide where you want to go. While most tours already have the itinerary planned for guests, this tour lets you determine where you want to go next. It truly is the best way to visit Pearl Harbor! Check the latest rates and more information.

Pearl Harbor is one the top attractions on Oahu for families
Be sure to check out the USS Bowfin Submarine at Pearl Harbor. Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

The Pearl Harbor guided tour lasts for eight hours. And it consists of all the fun and exciting things you’re interested in doing and seeing while you’re there. You’ll visit historical spots, including the USS Arizona Memorial, during your tour. 

If you’re unsure where to go next, the Pearl Harbor tour guide will provide you with plenty of suggestions for you to choose from, making this a customizable experience. This is one of the best Pearl Harbor tours.

4. Private Half-Day Guided Tour in Pearl Harbor and Honolulu

Enjoy a high-end tour tailored to your needs with this Private Half-Day Guided Tour in Pearl Harbor and HonoluluYou can check out the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to learn more about the Pearl Harbor attack and the soldiers who lost their lives. 

This private Pearl Harbor tour is geared toward families who primarily want to see the USS Arizona Memorial and don’t have time/interest in seeing the other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. Check the latest rates and more information.

This private Pearl Harbor tour also includes a visit to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Image of a bunch of stairs leading up to a monument.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.

You can ride on a ferry to the USS Arizona Memorial, experiencing the beautiful ocean while visiting this popular spot in the area. 

Plus, you’ll also get to take a tour of the Punchbowl Cemetery. Choose some of the monuments you’d like to see and places you’d like to visit, and your tour guide will make sure you get there easily.

This Pearl Harbor half-day tour is perfect if you need a shorter trip!

5. Private Guided Pearl Harbor Tour for Small Groups

This is another one of the best Pearl Harbor tours!

The tour is a meaningful piece of history, and one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii is visit Pearl Harbor. And this private Pearl Harbor tour comes with free transportation from Waikiki. Or you can add transportation from other parts of the island for an added fee.

With this guided tour, you can experience this historic expedition at your own pace without feeling rushed or stressed about time and spend as much time exploring Pearl Harbor as you want! Check the latest rates and more information.

Planning to visit Pearl Harbor with kids? Read this Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum review by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel with Kids. Image of a WWII airplane painted with a face with sharp teeth.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

After visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, you can explore the Pacific Aviation Museum, the USS Battleship Missouri, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, or take a tour around Honolulu. This is an excellent option for anyone who wants their family to see sights on vacation, too.

Take advantage of a half-day or full-day sightseeing tour to have enough time around Honolulu’s best spots before returning home. This is one of the best Pearl Harbor tours from Waikiki.

6. Private Pearl Harbor & North Shore Tour

If you’re short on time during your trip, this Pearl Harbor private tour lets you spend an entire day touring Pearl Harbor Historic Sites and the North Shore.

With this full-day complete Pearl Harbor tour, you will get a traditional Hawaiian Lei, water, snacks, coffee, and so much more provided for you. You will head to Pearl Harbor and explore all they have to offer. Check the latest rates and more information.

Best things to do in haleiwa oahu, featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Road sign for the town of Haleiwa famed as a surfing mecca on the North Shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, USA
Haleiwa sign in North Shore Oahu.

From there, you’ll hop back in the car and drive up to the North Shore, where you will explore Dole Plantation and historic Haleiwa Town, watch surfing at Sunset Beach, see some sea turtles, and so much more.

This is a fun option if you are just island hopping to Oahu for the day or need a cruise shore excursion.

7. Royal Star Private Tour – Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour

If you are heading to Oahu with a group (like a bunch of extended family, work colleagues, wedding guests, or school group), you might consider booking this Royal Star Private Tour. They have private tours available for groups of 10 and possibly more.

On this Pearl Harbor private tour, you’ll get to visit Pearl Harbor and explore the moving history of World War II. You will be given a reserved ticket for the USS Battleship Missouri, where you’ll learn about its significance in the war. Check the latest rates and more information.

Image of a row of plaques with palm trees in the background at the Pearl Harbor memorial.
Pearl Harbor Memorial on Oahu.

Your drive will provide historical commentary on Hawaii’s involvement in World War II, offering a deeper understanding of the events that took place during the Pearl Harbor attack.

Additionally, you’ll drive past some of Honolulu’s most famous landmarks, including Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha Statue, and Chinatown, giving you a well-rounded Honolulu City Tour experience.

It is important to know that this tour does NOT provide the USS Arizona Memorial tickets. You’ll need to reserve those HERE.

This is one of the Oahu Pearl Harbor tours that allows you to see the USS Missouri Battleship, so definitely check it out!

Pearl Harbor Small Group Tours

If you’re debating between a private Pearl Harbor tour and a small group Pearl Harbor tour, here are a few options to think about. Small group tours are less expensive than private tours, but you might have strangers in your group.

Small Group Pearl Harbor City Tour

For one of the Pearl Harbor tours from Honolulu, get picked up at your hotel for a lengthy Pearl Harbor City Tour. You’ll spend the day with less than 25 people while traveling through the city and checking out different military memorial sites. 

The local expert guides will provide educational narration throughout the Hawaii Pearl Harbor tours. And they will make sure you understand the history of Pearl Harbor and how the events happened. 

You don’t have to worry about feeling hot or uncomfortable on this tour. Guests get to ride around on an air-conditioned minibus. Check the latest rates and more information.

Image of a big grassy field with a flag at one end surrounded by trees.
National Memorial Cemetery in Hawaii.

The tour begins in the morning with a visit to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. This cemetery serves as a place to pay respect to those who fought in World War II and other military conflicts.

It’s an eye-opening experience and a fantastic way to start the day by learning about the Pearl Harbor attack. 

Once you’ve stopped by the Cemetery, you and your loved ones can head to downtown Honolulu to visit churches and other important buildings. You can spend the day learning and exploring the city before being dropped back at the hotel.

It is another one of the best Pearl Harbor tours to go on!

Salute to Pearl Harbor Small Group Tour 

If you want to visit memorial sites on Pearl Harbor, take the Salute to Pearl Harbor Tour. The tour lasts four hours and is a fun yet educational experience appropriate for people of all ages. A maximum of 12 people can join this small group tour.

You’ll ride in a minivan that picks you up from your hotel. Once you’re on the minibus with your loved ones, you’ll head to several local hot spots. This includes the USS Arizona Memorial and Pacific National Monument. Check the latest rates and more information.

Image of American flags flying in front of the USS Battleship Missouri at Pearl Harbor on Oahu.
Flags flying in front of the USS Battleship Missouri

Your guide will provide detailed information on these monuments’ history, including what they stand for and why people come to see them. 

Hear some of the most remarkable stories about the island with your tour guide, who is happy to answer any questions you might have on your journey.

If you need one of the Pearl Harbor tours with hotel pickup, this is a great tour!

Pearl Harbor Tours for Large Groups

If you want to compare prices or experiences between private groups and the regular Pearl Harbor tours in Oahu, I’m listing some more popular tours at Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor WWII Heroes Adventure Group Tour

If learning more about World War II is on the agenda, this Pearl Harbor WWII Heroes Adventure Tour is a must. The full-day tour typically lasts about nine hours, giving you plenty of time to learn and explore. This tour holds up to 56 people.

You’ll get picked up at your hotel and conveniently dropped back off at the end of the day. Expect to visit the USS Missouri while learning about Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. Check the latest rates and more information.

Not only do you get to see these stunning sights, but you have the chance to get on them! 

And don’t hesitate to step foot on the USS Bowfin. You’ll learn about its critical role in the war many years ago. The tour guide will provide in-depth information on each spot you visit, ensuring you know what these places are known for and why.

It is another one of the top Pearl Harbor tours!

Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour

Never forget what happened in Pearl Harbor when taking the Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour. The average tour lasts seven hours, providing guests with many opportunities to experience the area’s history. This tour has a maximum of 60 guests.

During this tour, you’ll see the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Battleship Missouri, and Pacific National Monument. Check the latest rates and more information.

Beyond visiting these iconic sites, you’ll also tour downtown Honolulu, stopping at famous landmarks such as Iolani Palace, the Hawaii State Capitol, and the King Kamehameha Statue.

Expect a memorable time with a considerate tour guide who will get you from one destination to the next while talking to you about the beautiful island. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Pearl Harbor Oahu Tour Reviews FAQs

Which island is Pearl Harbor located?

Pearl Harbor is located on Oahu, right by Honolulu.

What are the main Pearl Harbor attractions?

The top four things to do at Pearl Harbor are the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Battleship Missouri, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the USS Bowfin Submarine and Park.

How do I get Pearl Harbor tickets?

If you make your Pearl Harbor reservations online, Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial are free to enter. However, you’ll need a ferry ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial. You can either get one of the free tickets they distribute first thing in the morning or reserve online HERE. You’ll need to pay entrance fees for the USS Battleship MissouriPearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the USS Bowfin Submarine.

How far is Pearl Harbor from Honolulu?

Pearl Harbor is about 15 minutes away from the middle of Honolulu.

Can you visit Pearl Harbor on your own?

Visiting Pearl Harbor on your own is nice and can certainly be done. But I think the Pearl Harbor tours Oahu offers are incredible and worth doing at least once.

Is Pearl Harbor worth visiting?

Yes absolutely. You should plan to go on at least one Pearl Harbor excursion, but most visitors do a Pearl Harbor Hawaii tour every time they visit the islands!

Which Pearl Harbor tour is the best?

The best tour of Pearl Harbor all depends on what you want to see and do. A visit to Pearl Harbor can be done with a half-day or full-day tour. A private tour of Pearl Harbor is usually best so you can go at your own pace and enjoy all it offers. If you want to see all the sites, this is probably the best private tour of Pearl Harbor.

Take Educational Pearl Harbor Private Tours 

When learning more about Pearl Harbor Historic Sites is one of several things you’d like to do while in Hawaii, these are some of the best Pearl Harbor tours to take. You can take advantage of Pearl Harbor private tours with fewer people.

Pearl Harbor trips are so incredible that you will want to take at least one Pearl Harbor tour Oahu has to offer! It’s one of the top tours in Oahu that you can do with your family.

Instead of traveling with large groups, visit the wonderful places on the island with loved ones, such as your family and friends. No matter which private tour of Pearl Harbor you choose, you can have a fun learning experience while stopping by many memorial sites and historical places.

Purchase your best Pearl Harbor tour tickets above from the one that best interests you, and enjoy!

Looking for more Pearl Harbor activities and tours? Read my Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum reviewwhere to eat near Pearl Harborhow to get from Waikiki to Pearl HarborUSS Battleship Missouri review, and my guide to Pearl Harbor with kids.