Waikiki to Pearl Harbor: How To?
If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, and want to visit all the highlighted locations like North Shore, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Downtown Honolulu, and Pearl Harbor, you’re in for a treat. This historic site is a must-see, offering a poignant reminder of the events of December 7, 1941, and honoring the brave soldiers who lost their lives during the attack. And guess what? If you’re staying in Waikiki, getting to Pearl Harbor is a breeze because of many transportation options! Here’s a detailed guide to help you make your way there.
Waikiki: Some Info About the Stunning Shoreline
Waikiki is a lively neighborhood on the southern shore of Honolulu, Hawaii. It’s famous for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and cultural significance. Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Waikiki a must-visit place.
History
The name “Waikiki” means “spouting waters” in Hawaiian. It refers to the area’s natural springs and streams that used to flow into the ocean.
Royal Retreat: Back in the day, Waikiki was a favorite spot for Hawaiian royalty. It had lush landscapes with fishponds and taro patches. It became a popular tourist destination in the early 1900s, especially after the Moana Surfrider Hotel was built in 1901. That’s when it started to become a resort area.
Surfing Roots: Waikiki is often called the birthplace of modern surfing. Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer and surfing legend, helped make surfing popular here. There are still many surf schools that teach people how to ride the waves.
Attractions and Activities
Waikiki Beach: The main attraction, Waikiki Beach, is famous for its golden sand and clear blue water. It’s a great place to swim, surf, and relax. There are also lots of luxury hotels and restaurants nearby, so it’s always buzzing with tourists.
Water Sports: Besides surfing, you can try other water sports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing.
Diamond Head State Monument: This volcanic crater is a must-visit for nature lovers. Hike through the trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and Honolulu. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
Transportation: Waikiki is super easy to get to by public transportation. The bus system makes it easy to get around the island, including to Pearl Harbor.
Walking-Friendly Area: Most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other, so you can explore on foot.
Visitor Tips:
Best Time to Visit: Waikiki is beautiful year-round, but winter can be a bit crowded because of the surf.
Sunset Views: Don’t miss out on the stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Kuhio Beach Park and along the shoreline at Waikiki Beach are great spots.
Cultural Respect: When you’re visiting cultural sites or doing cultural activities, it’s important to respect local customs and traditions.
Waikiki is a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you want to relax on the beach or learn about local traditions, Waikiki has something for everyone.
Public Transportation Options:
1. Public Bus:
TheBus, specifically lines 20 or 42, is the most budget-friendly way to reach Pearl Harbor. A one-way ticket costs around $3, and the journey takes about an hour and 11 minutes. You can catch the bus at Kuhio Ave + Seaside Ave. Buses run every 20 minutes, so it’s a convenient option for travelers. For more info, check out TheBus website.
2. Taxi or Rideshare:
If you prefer a more direct route, a taxi or rideshare service like Uber will get you there in about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost will be between $45 and $50.
3. Guided Tours:
Many companies offer guided tours that include transportation from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. These tours often include entry fees, a professional guide, and additional sightseeing opportunities. Tours can range from half-day to full-day experiences, depending on the itinerary.
4. Pearl Harbor Shuttle:
This shuttle service offers round-trip transportation service between Waikiki and Pearl Harbor.
Pickup locations:
Ala Moana Hotel: Stand curbside on Mahukona St. located below the hotel’s Starbucks (follow signs).
Red Lobster: Stand curbside at the entrance located on Hobron Lane.
International Trump Hotel: Stand curbside on Saratoga St. in front of the valet.
Ross Department Store: Stand curbside in front of the store on Seaside Ave.
Hyatt Regency: Tour Bus Terminal.
Benefits: Taking a tour can make your visit to Pearl Harbor even more special by giving you a deeper understanding of the history and showing you all the important places without the stress of planning.
How About Renting a Scooter or a Moped?
When you rent a scooter/moped from Moped Rental Waikiki, you will have infinite flexibility to travel around and explore the island at your own pace. It’s also evident that renting a scooter can give you more freedom than renting a car because a scooter will be able to access parts of the island a car cannot. Rentals start at a very reasonable and affordable price and you can rent them by the day!
What to Expect at Pearl Harbor National Memorial:
Pearl Harbor is a must-visit place to learn about a crucial moment in history and feel the lasting impact it had on America and the world. With its many memorials and museums, Pearl Harbor is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and resilience of those who fought in one of history’s biggest wars. Whether you’re a history buff or just someone who wants to learn something new, Pearl Harbor is an educational experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Pearl Harbor is on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and it’s famous for the surprise military attack by Japan on December 7, 1941. This attack marked the start of World War II for the United States and has since become a place where people remember and learn about the war. Here’s everything you need to know when you visit Pearl Harbor.
What Happened?
On December 7, 1941, Japan surprised the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and attacked it. This attack killed 2,403 Americans and damaged the fleet badly. It ended years of America being alone and made the U.S. officially join World War II the next day.
How Did It Change the World?
The attack changed the way the U.S. did things in the world and how other countries saw it. It made the Allied forces stronger and changed the balance of power in the world. This led to many important military battles in the Pacific Theater.
When you get to Pearl Harbor, you’ll find a few main attractions:
Pearl Harbor Visitor Center:
Before you go to the memorial, take some time to check out the exhibits at the visitor center that tell you about what happened on December 7th. They have cool stuff and videos that show you what happened.
USS Missouri Memorial:
This battleship was really important in World War II and is where Japan surrendered. It’s on Ford Island.
Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park:
This museum shows you the USS Bowfin submarine and tells you about naval history.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl Cemetery):
It’s a short drive from Pearl Harbor, and it’s a cemetery that honors veterans. It’s a peaceful place to think.
The USS Arizona Memorial Place:
It is a national memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, that pays tribute to the brave crew members who lost their lives in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor back in 1941. It’s a floating bridge that spans the sunken battleship’s hull.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the green light for the memorial in 1958, and it was finally completed in 1962. The Pacific War Memorial Commission dedicated it. Initially, the U.S. Navy took care of the memorial, but the National Park Service stepped in and took over in 1980.
If you’re planning a visit, here are some details:
– The memorial is open every day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
– Admission is free, but it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance.
– You can only get to the memorial by boat.
– It’s part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.
Nearby attractions include the USS Oklahoma Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
Tips for Your Visit
Best Time to Go:
Try to get there early in the morning. The visitor center opens at 7 a.m., and it’s usually less crowded then.
Tickets:
The USS Arizona Memorial is free, but tickets are limited and can sell out quickly during peak times. You can either book a tour that includes tickets or reserve them online in advance.
What To Bring?
- A government-issued ID
- Comfortable clothes and shoes that you can walk in
- Sunscreen and water
Remember: big bags aren’t allowed inside Pearl Harbor. It’s best to bring only what you really need.
If you plan your trip well and choose the right way to get there, you’ll have a great time from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Whether you take public transport or a guided tour, this visit will be a really meaningful way to learn about an important part of history.
FAQs
How much is an Uber from Waikiki Beach to Pearl Harbor?
An Uber ride from Waikiki Beach to Pearl Harbor usually costs between $30 and $40, depending on traffic and demand. The trip usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes.
Does the Waikiki trolley take you to Pearl Harbor?
The Waikiki Trolley doesn’t go directly to Pearl Harbor anymore, as of 2021. But there are still other ways to get there, like shuttles from hotels, public buses, or private taxis or rideshares. If you want a fun way to see the sights, ask your hotel about shuttle services or check out guided tours that include transportation to Pearl Harbor.