We were picked up right at our hotel, joined by guest from other hotels. Once we got on the road, our driver drove through the Waikiki area, pointing out some historical sites and interesting points about the city and it's culture. It's a big city, so the traffic slowed it down a bit, but the weather is so nice, nobody seemed to mind. We stopped at the Aloha Tower (very impressive), the Iolani Palace, a magnificent building, also a national landmark, AND directly across the street from the building you see on every Hawaii Five O episode, the one with the 7 foot high statue of King Kamehameha in front. If you ever watched the show, you have to get your picture taken there!
The drive to Pearl Harbor is about 20-25 minutes out of the city, and the tour guide begins giving commentary on the attack in 1941, the path of the Japanese planes, etc, the hospital that survivors were taken, and more. On the way in, you will see Aloha Stadium, the site of many of the NFL's Pro Bowl game for many years. Pearl Harbor is a must-see for every American with any sense of history, and to all for the same reason. The museums with the artifacts and maps, combined with the gripping movie that is shown really brings it to life. To be on ground that experienced such horror is beyond words. The boat ride to the USS Arizona is a well-oiled procedure by the US Navy personnel, and people showed the utmost respect for the memorial and it's significance in American history. We got plenty of time for the tour, and free time to walk around and enjoy the beautiful weather. This tour is a GREAT take for the money, so I highly recommend it. Jack G, Massachusetts