Waikiki to Pearl Harbor: How To?
Pearl Harbor, a historic gem on the island of Oahu, Honolulu, is a must-visit destination for history buffs and anyone interested in American military history. Located just a short drive from Waikiki, getting there is a breeze. This guide will help you make the most of your trip, with practical tips and useful information for first-time travelers.
Waikiki is on the south shore of Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. It’s between the Ala Wai Canal and Diamond Head crater. “Waikiki” literally means “spouting waters” in Hawaiian, which is a cool reference to its water history. Waikiki is well known for its beaches, vibrant nightlife, surfing, and snorkeling (when and if you do go snorkeling, make sure you watch the reef etiquette videos so that you know what not to do when swimming near the reefs).
China Town is also a great area to explore when you’re visiting the island. It’s got some great food options, and the nightlife is something that shouldn’t be missed.
History
Back in the 19th century, Waikiki was a favorite spot for Hawaiian royalty. They enjoyed the coconut trees, water ponds, and walled taro patches. But in the 1920s, things changed a lot. The large Ala Wai Canal was built that drained the swampland and allowed for all the tourism Waikiki is famous for today.
Things to Do
Waikiki Beach is famous for its white sand and calm waters. It’s the perfect place to surf, swim, and snorkel. In fact, it is often regarded as the birthplace of modern surfing! At the International Market, you may pick Pacific Rim crafts; if you want something more cultural, visit the Honolulu Zoo or Waikiki Aquarium. Waikiki has a lot of events and concerts that you can enjoy and get entertained at.
Modern Waikiki
Nowadays, Waikiki is the main tourist area on Oahu. Kalākaua Avenue offers hotels, restaurants, and shops for one-stop shopping and dining. It’s a real buzzing place!
Waikiki is not just a tourist hotspot, it’s also a lively neighborhood with a mix of tall buildings and local events.
And guess what? It’s really near to some other great places on Oahu. Some of them include Pearl Harbor, ‘Iolani Palace, Ala Moana Blvd, Ala Moana Center, The Hyatt Regency (a luxury stay), Aloha Tower, and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
Pearl Harbor: A Symbol of History and Resilience
Before we dive into the transportation options, let’s take a moment to understand the significance of Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, leading the United States into World War II. Today, the site is a solemn reminder of that day, home to several memorials and museums, including the iconic USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri Battleship.
Transportation Options from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor
Public Bus (TheBus)
TheBus is the most budget-friendly way to travel from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor/ Pearl Harbor Memorial/ Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
Line 20 Bus route takes about an hour and 11 minutes and costs $3. It departs from Kuhio Ave + Seaside Ave and arrives at Kamehameha Hwy + Center Dr. Buses run every 20 minutes and are one of the best Pearl Harbor transportation options available. You can get a return trip on the bus for a couple of bucks. You can also receive trip updates if you subscribe to them once you reach the island.
Bus – Diamond Head Crater is also accessible by bus!
Here are some fun ways to get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor:
Bus: Take a bus from Kapiolani Bl + Mccully St to Kamehameha Hwy + Radford Dr. It’s about a 33-minute ride and costs $3. Buses leave every 15 minutes.
Taxi or Ride-Sharing: For a faster but pricier option, hop in a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. It’ll take about 14 minutes and cost between $45 and $55.
Drive Yourself: If you’re feeling adventurous, drive yourself. The trip is about 11 miles and takes about 14 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking fees apply at Pearl Harbor, so add that to your budget.
Guided Tours and Shuttle Services: For a hassle-free experience, book a guided tour or Pearl Harbor shuttle service. These often include round-trip transportation from your hotel in Waikiki and can be more convenient if you plan to visit multiple sites at Pearl Harbor. But keep in mind that these services usually don’t include admission to the memorials themselves.
Rent a Scooter or Moped: Rent a scooter or moped for a fun and adventurous way to travel. You can enjoy the scenic views of Oahu and stop at other attractions along the way.
Pros
Flexibility: You can create your own itinerary and stop wherever you like.
Scenic Route: Enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian landscapes as you ride.
Renting a scooter is a great way to get around Pearl Harbor, especially if you’re traveling solo or with a partner. It’s more affordable than taxis or ride-sharing, and it’s a fun and easy way to explore the area. Just be sure to wear a helmet and follow the traffic rules. Parking can be a bit tricky, so make sure you have a secure spot in mind. Be extra careful if you’re going on Kamehameha Highway as some vehicles could be hitting high speeds on highways.
The ride from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor is about 11 miles, so it might be a bit tiring for some people. But if you’re up for it, it’s definitely worth it because the scenery is spectacular. Prices vary, but you can expect to pay around $40 to $60 per day. Before you go, make sure to check the condition of the scooter and read the rental terms.
Here are some other tips for visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial:
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
- Plan your day to make the most of your time.
- Respect the site and remember that Pearl Harbor is a memorial.
- There are many Pearl Harbor sites that talk about hiking. Consider hiking around there, as the scenery is magnificent.
- Pearl Harbor museums are some great places to learn all about the history of what happened during WWII. We recommend you visit all of them if you have the time.
The USS Arizona Memorial Place
The USS Arizona Memorial is in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, the place where 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed on USS Arizona during the attack of December 7, 1941, are entombed.
Coordinates: 21°21′54″N 157°57′0″W2
- A surprise attack occurred on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. One of the USS Arizona was sunk during this surprise attack. There were many losses; over 1,170 lives were lost.
- In 1943, it was thought there should be a memorial. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved its construction. The memorial was built by architect Alfred Preis137, an Austrian-born architect, who was interned during the war.132 137. 1962135.
- The design has a concave shape referring to the lowest point for the nation after the attack, and the ends are raised referring to victory.
- Structural elements have been designed to fit the whole wreck without any physical contact between different parts. It has a shrine room that bears a marble wall listing the names of lost crew members.
- The 21 open-air openings are said to refer to a 21-gun salute.
Visitation and Significance
- You can only reach the memorial by boat from the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center.
- About 1.8 million people come to the memorial each year.
- The USS Arizona Memorial is located at Pearl Harbor National Memorial and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. The wreck was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
- The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located on Ford Island, within two historic seaplane hangars (37 and 79) that survived the December 7, 1941, attack. The museum honors aviators and support personnel who defended freedom in the Pacific and preserves Pacific aviation history.
- Hangar 37 features aircraft from World War II, including a Japanese A6M Zero fighter and an American P-40 Warhawk. It also has a 12-minute film about the Pearl Harbor attack and exhibits on the history leading up to it.
- Hangar 79 is larger (over 87,000 square feet) and shows more modern aircraft, including helicopters and jets from the Korean War and beyond. It still has bullet holes from the attack.
- Visitors can experience interactive flight simulations, piloting historic planes like the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat.
- An optional tour allows visitors to climb the historic control tower for a panoramic view of Pearl Harbor.
Some useful info –
- The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tickets can be bought at the USS Bowfin ticket office, and visitors must take a shuttle bus from there to the museum.
- Guided tours are available for a deeper understanding of the exhibits and restoration processes.
- Unique exhibits include a collection of World War II aircraft and a display of artifacts from the attack.
Check out the amazing collection of restored aircraft at this museum! They’ve got the Boeing Stearman, the North American B-25B Mitchell, and even the recovered B-17 “Swamp Ghost.” But that’s not all! They’ve got interactive displays that bring history to life, showing you how battles were fought and how aviation milestones were achieved. And if you’re looking for something to take home, they’ve got a museum store with aviation-themed merchandise and historical books.
Where to eat?
Oh, and they also have a hangar cafe where you can grab a bite to eat. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the museum’s offerings.
Travelling from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor is more than just going from one place to another – it is a journey from a vibrant, modern atmosphere to the solemn and historical place of Pearl Harbor. Whether you zip through on a scooter, take a bus, join a tour, or take a cab, each choice gives you a peek of the beauty of Oahu and its rich history. Hawaii’s beauty will intrigue you whether you’re a nature lover or a history enthusiast. The blend of natural splendor and historical events will leave every visitor with an amazing sense of appreciation for both the past and the present. So, pause when you’re there, soak it all in, and enjoy the stunner that is Hawaii!
FAQs
How much is an Uber from Waikiki Beach to Pearl Harbor?
An Uber from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor will usually cost between $45 – $50, depending on traffic condition and what hour of the day it is.
Is there a shuttle from HNL to Pearl Harbor?
There is no direct shuttle service between Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to Pearl Harbor. Visitors can make use of TheBus.