Waikiki is a beautiful beachfront neighborhood of Honolulu on the south shore of Oahu island. As you guessed, Waikiki is famous for Waikiki Beach, aesthetic dining areas, cocktail bars, and lots of adventure. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, paddle boarding, and indulging in watching sunsets. You can also have fun thrifting items and souvenirs in nearby stores and malls.
There are a lot of things for you to do near Waikiki, and if you want to experience visiting famous landmarks around, you can always go to Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor contains various historical sites that will help you learn about some history and pay respects to memorials. In this article, I will help you understand how to get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki.
Getting to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki
Here are some transportation ways in which you can get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki:
The Bus Honolulu
The most affordable option to go anywhere on Oahu is always public transportation. It is better here in the County of Honolulu transit service than in most mainland states. To go from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor, you can wait at one of the stops along Kuhio Ave or at Ala Moana Center. You can simply talk to the driver and let them know that you want to get down at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. If you need to go from another part of the island to Pearl Harbor, you should be prepared for a longer ride with multiple transfers.
The upside of taking public transportation to Pearl Harbor is that it is very low price. There are also many downsides if you choose this way: the trip can take around an hour since the bus has many stops along the way. You can also find plenty of tourists and local commuters using the bus to get around. So, during rush hours, be prepared to find that the bus service will be packed. The route to Pearl Harbor is also the route to the main airport, so it gets extra crowded when visitors with big bags board the bus.
Rent a Scooter
I would always suggest you rent a scooter to avoid all mishaps, as with this option you get all the freedom you need. By now, you are already familiar with the traffic around Honolulu during rush hours, and if you want to show up bright and early to Pearl Harbor, I would not suggest using public transportation. There’s always a great plus side to renting a scooter: you can make as many stops as you like, combine activities as you wish, be comfortable, and have control the whole way. But the downside is that you will be completely on your own with finding directions, figuring out parking, and other driving dilemmas.
You can drive to Pearl Harbor via Ala Moana Blvd/Nimitz Highway or H-1 Freeway West from Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. You can find many moped rental services near Honolulu, and even if you’re an experienced moped enthusiast or a first-time rider, they help ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Guided Tours
The old-fashioned way to get to Pearl Harbor is, of course, the guided tours that can help you cover Oahu sights and other popular destinations. Guided tours include transportation, including pickup from your hotel, and a loyal guide who will not only take you to Pearl Harbor but also around the museums, the memorials, and other attractions in the area. They will also give you more insights into such historical places, which you don’t have to spend time researching.
Many tours combine a visit to Pearl Harbor with other Oahu sights. Book a tour package that includes round-trip transportation from Waikiki, sightseeing, and tickets to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and the USS Arizona Memorial. As you already know, a guided tour may not be the cheapest option, but it’s certainly the least complicated one. Let other people worry about your directions, parking, tickets, and planning so you can just enjoy your well-deserved vacation!
Taxi, Uber, or Lyft
Taking a taxi is a good idea when you’re staying near central Honolulu but not in Waikiki. Several taxi companies will send a driver right to your front door to take you directly to Pearl Harbor. It’s a convenient option, but it sure is the most expensive option. You won’t have to worry about directions, and you can leave whenever you like. But you’re still on your own when it comes to buying tickets, getting around between the sites at Pearl Harbor, and finding information. Compare services and fare estimates based on your location with Uber and Lyft to get the best rates for this convenient option.
Shuttle Services
If you take time to ask your hotel concierge about transportation, they will help set you up with shuttle services. Shuttle services usually provide minibusses or vans to collect groups of like-minded visitors from various hotels. This option is usually affordable and reasonably quick. If you’re unlucky, you will be one of the first guests to be picked up. In that case, you’ll have to spend time waiting in front of other hotels while other guests get ready to go.
A round-trip shuttle service from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor costs $20, departing from your hotel or a nearby location. But one of the main downsides is that you won’t have control over the activities, do more exploring, or make several stops, as shuttle services offer you the least freedom to have it in your own way.
Pearl Harbor Attractions
You can make the most of your trip with a comprehensive itinerary that includes everything you’ll do and encounter.
USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial overlooks Pearl Harbor and is located on the shoreline right off Kamehameha Highway (HI-99). It is a remembrance of the American soldiers who lost their lives during the Pearl Harbor attack. The beautiful ship serves as the final resting place of over 1,000 martyred soldiers. You can visit the memorial to pay your respects and learn about the history of the attack. You can also take a small boat tour to the memorial, which is located in the middle of Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor Memorial
Pearl Harbor is situated west of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It is a lagoon harbor, and most parts of the surrounding lands act as the United States Navy deep-water naval base. Millions of people visit Pearl Harbor throughout the year to pay respect to those brave soldiers who lost their lives in the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.
You can also visit the Battleship Missouri, known as the “Mighty Mo,” a museum ship that played a significant role in World War II. It was a US Naval battleship and is a very important part of history, as it was on her deck that the Japanese forces surrendered to the United States in World War II. You can also explore the Pacific National Monument and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum to learn about its significance.
Tips and Essentials for Visiting Pearl Harbor
As you get ready to explore some Hawaiian history, you need to make sure you follow these personal tips:
- Dress comfortably and wear sunscreen to make the most of your Pearl Harbor trip.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the historical sites.
- Dress modestly and respectfully, as you will be visiting a memorial and cemetery. Bring shirts; swimsuits are not allowed.
- Bring enough water bottles and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.
- If you’re considering buying a tour package, make sure it includes lunch and snacks.
What to Bring
- Government-issued ID
- Any type of concealable bag is not allowed at Pearl Harbor
Conclusion
Visiting Pearl Harbor from Waikiki is a must-do experience for anyone interested in history and culture. From Waikiki, the trip generally takes 45 minutes by car and over an hour by bus. If you do the right planning and preparation, you can make the most of your trip. To reach Pearl Harbor from Waikiki, you can rent a scooter or moped or try the public transportation system.
Take in the breathtaking scenery and pay your respects to these world-famous historical sites to make your Pearl Harbor trip memorable. Beyond just visiting the memorials, try to connect with the stories of bravery and resilience that shaped history. Whether you choose a guided tour or explore on your own, the experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for those who served and the sacrifices they made.
FAQs
How to visit Pearl Harbor from Waikiki?
You can take buses No. 20 or 42 to reach the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center. If you’re unsure about which direction to take, simply ask the driver for guidance. The fare for the bus is $2.60, making it an affordable option for transportation.
Are there shuttles from Waikiki Beach to Pearl Harbor?
The Pearl Harbor Shuttle at 11:00 AM provides round-trip transportation to and from Waikiki. It conveniently takes you to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and the USS Arizona Memorial. The journey lasts approximately 30 minutes, with around 20 minutes of travel time each way.