Day Trip from Maui

Question

We will be at the Westin Kaanapali Villas for a week in January. We have been to Maui & Kauai before. I’m wanting to go to Pearl Harbor on Oahu this trip. I have not scheduled any flights for this trip yet.

Does it make more sense to take an inter-island flight to Oahu for a day or to schedule our last day in Oahu before flying home? How long do people spend at Pearl Harbor? Is there any other must sees in Oahu that I should plan on?

We will most likely be Ubering to Pearl Harbor. If we did it on our last day, I’m assuming we could check luggage for our return flight before going to Pearl Harbor.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Answer

Visiting Pearl Harbor from Maui as a day trip is certainly feasible, but it requires careful planning due to flight schedules and the time needed at the site. Most people spend about 3 to 4 hours at Pearl Harbor if they plan to see the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, and the other exhibits. If you add transportation time to and from the airport, plus security and possible wait times, a full day is needed.

Here are some considerations for your trip:

Day Trip vs. Last Day: Flying to Oahu for a single day is possible but can be tight. If you schedule your visit for the last day before your flight home, you can maximize your Maui time and avoid booking an extra night on Oahu. You would just need to factor in luggage check-in at Honolulu Airport before heading to Pearl Harbor.
Transportation: Uber or taxi from Honolulu Airport to Pearl Harbor is convenient and takes roughly 20-30 minutes each way, depending on traffic. Be sure to allow extra time to ensure you catch your flight home.
Tickets: The USS Arizona Memorial requires timed-entry tickets, which can be reserved online. Getting tickets in advance will save time and ensure you can fit the visit into your schedule.
Other Must-Sees on Oahu: If you have extra time, consider a few quick highlights near Honolulu:

Waikiki Beach for a quick stroll or breakfast with ocean views
Diamond Head Crater lookout or short hike if you have a couple of hours
Iolani Palace or the King Kamehameha Statue for a bit of history in downtown Honolulu
Food stops: Leonard’s Malasadas or a plate lunch from a local eatery

Overall, visiting Pearl Harbor on your last day is often the simplest approach, as it avoids extra inter-island flights and hotel arrangements. You’ll need to plan carefully with your flight times, allowing at least half a day dedicated to the Pearl Harbor experience.