Pearl Harbor Visit from Ko Olina
We will be in Ko Olina the first week in December. I’ve never been to this island and want to visit Pearl Harbor. Many tours pickup from hotels in Waikiki but very few do from Ko Olina.
What tours do you recommend?
Visiting Pearl Harbor is a must when you're on Oahu, and while there aren't as many tours directly picking up from Ko Olina as from Waikiki, there are still a few options to make your trip convenient. Here are some recommendations for tours and ways to visit Pearl Harbor from Ko Olina:
- Private Tours from Ko Olina – One of the best ways to ensure a smooth experience is to book a private tour that picks up directly from Ko Olina. Many tour companies offer customizable private tours that include Pearl Harbor, and they will come to your hotel in Ko Olina for pick-up. This is often a more comfortable and flexible option, especially if you want to spend a little more time at the site.
- Roberts Hawaii – Roberts Hawaii offers a Pearl Harbor tour with pick-up options in Ko Olina. They are one of the most reputable tour companies in Hawaii, and their tours typically include stops at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the USS Arizona Memorial, and other important sites like the Battleship Missouri. Be sure to inquire about specific pick-up locations and times, as they do pick up from Ko Olina resorts on certain days.
- Gray Line Hawaii – Another option is Gray Line Hawaii, which offers a "Pearl Harbor and City Tour" that can be customized for pick-up in Ko Olina. They also provide a guided tour that includes stops at Pearl Harbor and other notable sites around Oahu. They tend to offer multiple pick-up locations, so you can confirm if Ko Olina is available when you book.
- Rental Car + Self-Guided Tour – If you'd prefer more independence, renting a car and driving yourself to Pearl Harbor can be a good option. It’s about a 40-45 minute drive from Ko Olina to Pearl Harbor, and this option gives you more flexibility with your schedule. You can also opt for self-guided tours at Pearl Harbor, which allows you to explore at your own pace. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center provides a lot of information, and there are audio tours available that are very informative.
In terms of timing, it’s best to plan on spending at least 4-5 hours for the Pearl Harbor visit, including travel time. If you're joining a tour, most of them will last around 6-7 hours in total, so make sure to plan accordingly if you want to enjoy the rest of your day on Oahu.
For December, which is a busy tourist season, it’s a good idea to book your tour at least a week in advance to ensure availability, especially for tours that pick up from Ko Olina.
Enjoy your visit to Pearl Harbor! It's a powerful and moving experience, and definitely worth the trip from Ko Olina.
