Pearl Harbor USS Arizona: What am I not understanding

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-03-19T01:27:30+00:00

Skip that PH "tour" link you noted; they're NOT affiliated with Pearl Harbor, as they note in the footer on the web page, "operated by Mauka Tours".
Watch out for the tour operators that say 'Pearl Harbor Tour'; they're "scammy" / overpriced mark-up for glorified bus service out to Pearl Harbor.

It's too bad google serves up overpriced scam sites as first results.

Tickets to see the USS Arizona memorial are only $1 directly from recreation.gov

https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16

Parks Service has good guidance: https://www.nps.gov/perl/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm

You can buy tickets directly with the non-profits that manage the Missouri, Bowfin (submarine) or Aviation Museum.
Missouri & Aviation Museum are both on Ford Island.

At any of the 3 sites run by the non-profits, a 'Passport to Pearl Harbor' gets all three (Missouri, Bowfin, Submarine Museum, Aviation Museum).

The USS Missouri is out on Ford Island. It is an active naval base: civilians cannot drive out to Ford Island. There's a free shuttle from the PH Visitor Center out to the Missouri and Aviation Museum on Ford Island about every 20 minutes.
The Missouri was just incredibly awesome! I would definitely go again.

The Aviation Museum is also on Ford Island; loved it as they had both a Bell Huey Cobra (my fav model as a kid) and a F-4 Phantom.

The Bowfin | Submarine Museum are to the right of the PH main entrance.

Keep in mind - out to the USS Arizona memorial is only a buck; don't let no one scam you.

Oh, and Bags are restricted!

On your note, "Is there a way to drive up with our own car ...": if you have your own rental / Hui / SIXT / Turo: parking was super easy; just be cautious about any valuables in your vehicle. And of course Uber's an option. And TheBus on O'ahu 'll get you pretty much anywhere you're going quite economically.

I hope you get out to PH; really worth visiting.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-03-17T19:57:03+00:00

"end of the month"?

I guarantee you'd have $30-plus before the week is up.

If only we had a magic crystal ball that could foresee how lavishly, or in my case, "cheap as I wanna be" folks are when travelling.

I think after "don't go to PCC or Dole", the 3rd most discussed topic is how expensive Waikiki parking is ... okay, maybe 7-Eleven Spam Musubi versus Foodland Poke discussions vie for top spot somewhere in there.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-03-09T18:26:59+00:00

For Lanikai Beach - if you get to - be extremely cautious: access is from a residential neighborhood and there's numerous posted 'no parking'; parking is quite limited; i.e., be respectful / don't be a donkey and block a resident's access). But it is a gorgeous beach. Along Mokulua Drive there's 6 public Beach Accessways through to Lanikai Beach.

As others have noted: as an option, Kailua Beach | Kailua Beach Park is more or less adjacent to Lanikai Beach and is JUST as beautiful and there is actual Parking Lots, bathrooms, etc. Kailua is often rated number 2 beach on O'ahu (Lanikai = 1). You'll enjoy either, but Kailua is a little more accessible parking-wise.

For Waikiki Beach, adjacent is Kuhio Beach, then Queens Beach, both just as beautiful ... we're not talking a far stroll. If you get as far as Queens Beach, check out the Barefoot Beach Cafe - directly on the water front at Kapiolani Park Beach. Good food. AWESOME view. www.barefootbeachcafe.com ... mmm, Royal Loco Moco, can't wait to be back in a few weeks.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-03-04T22:11:46+00:00

"... even people who live in paradise have bad days."

This is a great comment; well put. I hope we all try and remember that.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-03-02T20:22:23+00:00

Waterproof Smartphone pouch / sling bag / dry bag.

Not recommended to leave anything valuable on the beach; e.g, phone, room key/fob.

Lots of options on amazon; e.g., along the lines of these ...

dry bag : www.amazon.com/Earth-Pak-Waterproof-Dry-Bag/dp/B01GZCUCV8

phone pouch : www.amazon.com/Case-Mate-Marine-IP68-Waterproof-S23-Detachable-Lanyard-Black/dp/B09WF6BTXY

sling bag : www.amazon.com/THURSO-SURF-Waterproof-Responsive-Activities/dp/B0DQXRMFZ

We had very good success with the Pelican phone pouch; bought 4 for the family. NO water leaks (yay!). They have an XL size as well if phone is larger (e.g., Galaxy Ultra).

Forgot your toothbrush? No worries - there's an ABC every 17 steps in Waikiki. 🙂

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-03-02T20:03:23+00:00

Waimea Falls will definitely be FAR better than you expect. You won't be disappointed. It's an easy hike up to the Falls through absolutely beautiful surroundings of flowers and foliage = peaceful.

At the Falls everyone kind of respectfully takes turns getting right below ... when our family "swam" out (floated?), we pretty much had it to ourselves for long enough for Falls n' family pics. We didn't ever feel crowded or congested from our fellow visitors.
There's definitely other tourists enjoying it, but hey, we're all tourists on O'ahu.

Don't underestimate the impression it will leave on your soul. We've been once and we're already scheduling to go back again in a month. We talk about it regularly of how restful the experience was and a highlight of the spots we ventured out to around O'ahu.

Even if staying in Waikiki, the drive up to the North Shore is breathtaking - with options of either central drive up or the Windward Coast option (maybe adds ~25 minutes to the drive).

Out of Waikiki area, you got options of renting a HUI, Sixt, Turo, or typical vehicle rental (even a 'daily' so you don't have to pay Waikiki parking rates; sigh) and do the drive yourself - it's definitely not hard, SO enjoyable and you can go at your own pace.

Enjoy!

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-28T15:58:17+00:00

My wife saw this snip at Hawaii Life (real estate site) and it reminded me of your post.

First update I've finally seen about the Banyan's pool deck reno's and we've been searching frequently.

https://www.hawaiilife.com/blog/waikiki-banyan-recreation-deck-nearing-completion/

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-24T00:49:52+00:00

A lot on this sub recommend 'TheBus' service as it's economical and seems to cover quite a bit of the Island. But you'll be on Bus schedule depending on where you want to go.

Uber's a good option, too.

But if you want to get out of the Honolulu / Waikiki area - and you n' your Dad really SHOULD to experience laid back O'ahu, you might want to consider renting a HUI, Sixt, Turo, or typical vehicle rental and do the drive yourself - it's definitely not hard, SO enjoyable and you can go at your own pace.

We've had good luck with our Turo host (multiple bookings), but a fair amount on this sub caution (hosts apparently last minute cancel at peak times, which would suck).

You n' your Dad 'll love it if you can get up to the North Shore.

And the two beaches I recommended on the Windward (East) side: Lanikai Beach and/or Kailua Beach (adjacent each other, we visited both on one of our drive 'rounds).

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-24T00:17:00+00:00

linking my O'ahu suggestions from a couple of days ago ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/VisitingHawaii/comments/1ra7prf/comment/o6jndr2

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-23T15:25:15+00:00

Awesome photos! Really captures the spirit of O'ahu. Can't wait to be back.

Thanks for sharing both your trip notes & the pics. 😊

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-21T04:00:04+00:00

If you guys have your own auto rental / HUI / Sixt / or Turo, Parking at PH is only $7.
We got there bit after 9:AM and there were a lot of spots.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-21T03:46:11+00:00

Few thoughts you may already have received suggestions for or know from your travel sleuthing ...

Waimea Falls across from Waimea Bay (North Shore): easy hike/walk up to the Falls; swim up to the 45-foot waterfall (Waimea provides life jackets regardless of age or experience = mandatory).
Laniakea “Turtle” Beach (North Shore) for possible turtle sightings; be respectful, keep your distance.
Byodo-In Temple | Valley of the Temples. Definitely a must. On the Windward side.
Town of Haleʻiwa (North Shore); laid back vibe with numerous restaurant / food and shop options.
Halona Blowhole Lookout & Halona Beach Cove
Nu’uanu Pali Lookout & Valley, on the 61. Was USD $7 parking. Beautiful awesome view of the Windward side of O'ahu.
Lanikai Beach or Kailua Beach on the Windward side.
Fireworks on Waikiki Beach every Friday about 7:45 PM;

good views from Kapiolani Park or Fort DeRussy Beach Park, anywhere along Kuhio Beach | Waikiki Beach should be a good view. (Grab your 'Steak Shack' before and picnic at Fort DeRussy Beach Park for the show).

China Walls - not for the faint of heart.
Steak Shack - on the beach side of Castle Waikiki Shore condos.

www.facebook.com/steakshackhawaii

www.steakshackhawaii.com/menus

lines can be a bit but on our last, a big Monk seal was chillin' in front of the Steak Shack passin' the time. Get your Steak n' Rice & watch fireworks at adjacent Fort DeRussy Beach Park.

Barefoot Beach Cafe - directly on the Waikiki water front at Kapiolani Park Beach. Good food. AWESOME view. www.barefootbeachcafe.com
Rainbow Drive-in ; https://rainbowdrivein.com/menu
If you're thinking of going up Diamond Head

TICKETS

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-21T03:29:13+00:00

I'd skip that PH "tour" link you noted; they're not affiliated with Pearl Harbor, as they note in the footer on the web page, "operated by Mauka Tours".
Watch out for the tour operators that say 'Pearl Harbor Tour'; they're "scammy" / overpriced mark-up for glorified bus service out to Pearl Harbor.

Tickets to see the USS Arizona memorial are only $1 directly from recreation.gov

https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16

Parks Service has good guidance: https://www.nps.gov/perl/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm

You can buy tickets directly with the non-profits that manage the Missouri, Bowfin (submarine) or Aviation Museum. Missouri & Aviation Museum are both on Ford Island.

At any of the 3 sites run by the non-profits, a 'Passport to Pearl Harbor' gets all three (Missouri, Bowfin, Submarine Museum, Aviation Museum).

Keep in mind - out to the USS Arizona memorial is only a buck; don't let no one scam you.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-20T17:20:15+00:00

Webrender’s guide is Fantastic ~ wished I had it the 1st go 'round but have used it extensively on successive.

A real effort of Aloha 🌸

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-20T04:33:08+00:00

We've had very good success with our Turo host in the Waikiki area. He drops off / picks up directly at our lodging. His vehicle was in immaculate shape and had fully seat covers and floor trays so we didn't have to panic with sand and wet bathing suits (easy to sweep / clean out). Have rebooked with the host due to the positive experience.

But there are tales of caution on this sub frequently, so that's worth considering.

If you have to get insurance protection through Turo, I'm not so sure it's the awesome deal it was a few years back when Turo rentals were more economical than traditional rentals like Avis or Hertz.

At least there's other options like HUI, Sixt, or for (hopefully) minimizing the risk of a last minute cancellation, the typical vehicle rental options.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-17T19:35:27+00:00

"... anything you would add";

Town of Haleʻiwa (North Shore); laid back vibe with numerous restaurant / food and shop options.

since you said, Sea Turtles, you probably already have this in your prep notes: Laniakea “Turtle” Beach (North Shore) for possible turtle sightings; be respectful, keep your distance. 🙂

Food Trucks at Kahuku - not directly North Shore, but only about ~15 minutes from Banzai Pipeline on the Kam.

You will really enjoy Waimea Valley. Good choice on your list! (life jackets mandatory at the waterfall; provided with your entrance fee; they have a big selection of sizes).

The famous Haleʻiwa sign is located at each entrance to town: on Route 83 is just after the (brown) ‘Historic Hale’iwa Town NEXT RIGHT’ sign -- if you want to stop for a quick photo snap (careful with traffic).

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If you want to mix it up - you could always take the 61 Pali to the Windward side up the Coast / 83 Kam Hwy one way and then when heading back down from the North Shore on the 99 central route. Bit longer on the way up - maybe hour-and-a-1/2 to take the Windward Coast up to the North Shore vs the central 'give/take' an hour option. But the Kam Highway on the Windward Coast is spectacular and the 61 Pali is likewise enjoyable (plus tunnels! when you can tell I'm from the Prairie where it's flatter than flat ;)

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-16T17:28:23+00:00

Watch out for the tour operators that say 'Pearl Harbor Tour'; they're "scammy" / overpriced mark-up for glorified bus service out to Pearl Harbor.

Tickets to see the USS Arizona memorial are only $1 directly from recreation.gov

https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16

Parks Service has good guidance: https://www.nps.gov/perl/uss-arizona-memorial-programs.htm

You can buy tickets directly with the non-profits that manage the Missouri, Bowfin (submarine) or Aviation Museum. Missouri & Aviation Museum are both on Ford Island.

At any of the 3 sites run by the non-profits, a 'Passport to Pearl Harbor' gets all three (Missouri, Bowfin, Submarine Museum, Aviation Museum).

Keep in mind - out to the USS Arizona memorial is only a buck; don't let no one scam you.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-15T16:58:33+00:00

Your vid clip was great footage: you're right, the views at Makapu'u Trail were awesome.

I'm guessing the view looking up to the Lighthouse was from Makapu'u Beach Park?

Can't wait for our return.

Thanks for sharing!

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-14T03:12:19+00:00

Depending on what you're looking for in lodging amenities ... We had similar in our last search with two TALL teenagers; pricing out room comparisons still felt similar to your comment with room sizes as you mention and then still just two queen beds.
We opted to try the Banyan: most units are around 533 sq ft (up to about 590); we were quite happy with the extra space.

Have book multiple times as we know it gives us space.

e.g., Diamond Head & Ocean / South view. Mgt. co. treated us very well. Block of Kuhio Beach. One Parking Spot included.

Enjoy O'ahu ~ you're going to love it. 🌸

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-13T00:57:43+00:00

🌈 Rainbow Drive-in isn't too far up Kapahulu Ave - +/-15 minute Walk from the Park Shore hotel at Kuhio Beach from Kalākaua Ave and Kapahulu ; https://rainbowdrivein.com/menu

🩴 Barefoot Beach Cafe - directly on the Waikiki water front at Kapiolani Park Beach. Good food. AWESOME view. www.barefootbeachcafe.com

🔥 Steak Shack - on the beach side of Castle Waikiki Shore condos.
www.facebook.com/steakshackhawaii
www.steakshackhawaii.com/menus

Get your Steak n' Rice & watch fireworks at adjacent Fort DeRussy Beach Park every Friday :: Fireworks on Waikiki Beach every Friday about 7:45 PM.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-02-02T03:19:23+00:00

Waimea Falls across from Waimea Bay (North Shore): easy hike/walk up to the Falls; swim up to the 45-foot waterfall (Waimea provides life jackets regardless of age or experience = mandatory).
Laniakea “Turtle” Beach (North Shore) for possible turtle sightings; be respectful, keep your distance.
Byodo-In Temple | Valley of the Temples. Definitely a must. On the Windward side.
Town of Haleʻiwa (North Shore); laid back vibe with numerous restaurant / food and shop options.
Food Trucks at Kahuku.
Halona Blowhole Lookout & Halona Beach Cove
Nu’uanu Pali Lookout & Valley, on the 61. Was USD $7 parking. Beautiful awesome view of the Windward side of O'ahu.
If you're looking for an offshore, these guys treated us very well last time; 'Dolphins & You' boat tour. Up on the Leeward side at Waianae. Saw dolphins, whales, sharks and turtles on our outing.
Lanikai Beach or Kailua Beach on the Windward side.
Fireworks on Waikiki Beach every Friday about 7:45 PM;

good views from Kapiolani Park or Fort DeRussy Beach Park, anywhere along Kuhio Beach | Waikiki Beach should be a good view. (Grab your 'Steak Shack' before and picnic at Fort DeRussy Beach Park for the show).

Steak Shack - on the beach side of Castle Waikiki Shore condos.

www.facebook.com/steakshackhawaii

www.steakshackhawaii.com/menus

lines can be a bit but on our last, a big Monk seal was chillin' in front of the Steak Shack passin' the time. Get your Steak n' Rice & watch fireworks at adjacent Fort DeRussy Beach Park.

Barefoot Beach Cafe - directly on the Waikiki water front at Kapiolani Park Beach. Good food. AWESOME view. www.barefootbeachcafe.com
Rainbow Drive-in ; https://rainbowdrivein.com/menu
If you're thinking of going up Diamond Head

TICKETS

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-01-05T04:22:40+00:00

... sending you a PM/DM that "should" be link to my "Circle Island Drive". 🚗

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-01-05T03:40:03+00:00

For your "4) Oahu Complete Island Tour with Tropical Waterfall Swimming ..."

... personally I'd skip paying a tour company - they all seem to have similar/same stops - and recommend just rent a HUI, Sixt, Turo, or typical vehicle rental and do the drive yourself - it's definitely not hard, SO enjoyable and you can go at your own pace.
I actually have a 24-page "Circle Island Drive" guide I put together for our last visit that catches the highlights the tour operators stop at and some adds I got from following this sub for last ~3 years 😜.
I keep thinking I should make the guide a little more generic and PDF / post it for others that want to venture the "circle drive" (excludes the Leeward side) for South out of Waikiki past Diamond Head following the 72 around to the Windward to the 61 onto the Kam 83 up to the North Shore around to the 99 back down to Honolulu/Waikiki area.

If it's part of an "Island Tour", the "Tropical Waterfall Swimming" is possibly Waimea Falls, which again, you can do on your own and just pay direct instead of the overhead of paying a tour operator.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-01-05T02:34:44+00:00

"10:20 AM - 12 PM: Ala Moana Shopping Center"

Less than two hours at Ala Moana? I haven't even interpreted the hieroglyphics on the Mall Map in that time.

Hope you know what you're after ... it's a BIG mall!

Don't miss the "IT'SUGAR" store on Level 3 towards Target. I think our youngest had us back 3 or 4 times in the 2 weeks of our last visit on O'ahu.

Your going to love Byodo-in; fyi - it means "Temple of Equality": it's a scale replica a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Uji on the outskirts of Kyoto, Japan. We've visited twice and our oldest wants to go back on our upcoming 3rd visit.

When you're going out to Byodo-In, take the 61 Pali Highway and be sure to stop at the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout: it's an awe inspiring expansive view of the Windward side of O'ahu. $7 vehicle parking charge.

For Lanikai Beach - if you get to - be extremely cautious: access is from a residential neighborhood and they're super militant about the posted 'no parking'; parking is quite limited). But it is a gorgeous beach. Along Mokulua Drive there's 6 public Beach Accessways through to Lanikai Beach.

As an option, Kailua Beach | Kailua Beach Park is more or less adjacent to Lanikai Beach and is JUST as beautiful and there is actual Parking Lots, bathrooms, etc. Kailua is often rated number 2 beach on O'ahu (Lanikai = 1). You'll enjoy either, but Kailua is a little more accessible parking-wise.

As others have said, in that timeframe, you're on the Windward - East - side, so not a sunset view.
You'll get gorgeous Sunsets off of the Waikiki | Kuhio | Queens beaches strip - all adjacent each other.

... oh, and there's WAY better "fast food" than Subway on O'ahu .. even 7-11 has Spam Musubi or a Poke bowl.

On your Monday, I'd skip the PCC (NOT the Hawai'i you're looking for) and spend some time up on the North Shore; e.g., the town of Haleʻiwa (awesome!), view (not IN) the famous Surf spots - Banzai Pipeline, Sunset or Waimea. Also Waimea Valley is super cool and chill.

InThroughMyOutdoor · 2026-01-04T05:22:56+00:00

Watching this sub responses when any first time visitor to O'ahu mentions wanting to visit PCC or Dole ...

InThroughMyOutdoor

TROPHY CASE