You need different kind of holiday expectations when you visit the Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor. It's simple, somber and short. You are, after all, visiting a Veterans' Cemetery. If you bring children or anyone who knows little of the dramatic events of December 7, 1941, be sure and read about it first, or watch some videos about it. This will enhance the experience greatly, otherwise, for children especially, it will seem pretty boring.
Getting there can be challenging if you don't have a car. We took the hour long trip by TheBus from Waikiki. Cheap, but a real 75 minute rattle and roll.