Day trip to see Pearl Harbor?
 

Is it crazy to try and take a day trip to Oahu to see Pearl Harbor if we are staying in Maui? I've found decent airfare for the day (getting into Oahu at 8-9ish and leaving 4-5ish).

Will that be too jam packed? Is it crazy to try and go to a totally different island? Any thoughts are appreciated!

It's certainly not crazy - if you want to see Pearl Harbor, it's worth it. I'd suggest going early however, because you have to get tickets for a certain time and may have to wait 1-2 hours just to take the boat out to the Memorial. Some people report being able to get tickets and go almost right in late in the afternoon but I personally wouldn't risk it. Instead, I'd go early, get tickets first, then go next door to the USS Missouri (and possibly the Bowfin submarine) before your time to get to the Memorial.

If you rent a car, you could also go out for lunch and/or see a few other things besides Pearl Harbor, but it's close to the airport.

Pearl Harbor seems to be at the top of everybody's must-see list for Hawaii, but if I had one day on beautiful Oahu, I wouldn't spend it standing in lines at Pearl Harbor.

Rather, I would drive to the north shore and back to Honolulu via 83, getting off for the view at Pali Lookout. I would then take 72 to Makapuu Point and Hanauma Bay, and I would do the loop around Diamond Head before heading to Waikiki for a walk along the beach.

You may get a good deal on a car if you book it with your flight.

My Wife and I went to Pearl Harbor on a Friday, and the line went smooth when we arrived at around 8 a.m. As we waited, we took an audio tour, and by the time we were finished looking through the Museum, Our ticket number was called. So the wait isn't really bad. IF you plan on doing the other attractions like the USS Missouri and Bowfin submarine, then you will taking up some time. At the Arizona memorial we were there for about 2 or 3 hours.

happytrailstoyou, to some of us who are American history buffs, Pearl Harbor is an essential visit. I agree with you about all the other stuff - I am glad I had time in Oahu to see it all, too, it was amazing.

I made a special trip to Normandy, France to the D-Day beaches for the same reason. Some people wouldn't find it worth the bother but to some of us these types of things are a must-see. To each his or her own I guess!

I also found Pearl Harbor very moving. Our history was changed there! I think everybody who has the chance should see it.

We did a day trip to Pearl Harbor from Maui. I did not plan this excursion well on time so I would advise to book the first flight going over and the last flight coming back if you can't stay for 1 or 2 days. We when made our reservations, we thought that is what we had done, but when we got our confirmation (at the hotel when we checked in) our flight left at 8:30 am and returned at 5:00 pm. This was just not enough time to enjoy the Island or it's sights. We tried to change the reservation times, but all flights were completely booked and we didn't want to chance stand-by.

Also, consider in delays. Flight left at 8:30, we arrived at 9:00. By the time the plane landed, we got off, went to the car rental booth, stood in line, completed the contract, waited for the shuttle, stood in line for the keys and was on our way it was 10:30. So a lot of time wasted. Then you have to make time to return the rental car and go through security. So that meant being back at the airport by at least 3pm.

Once we got to Pearl harbor we had to wait an hour for our turn on the shuttle over. Afterward, we walked across the parking lot and took pictures of the Bowfin Sub. Did not have enough time for the actual tour and then took the shuttle to the USS Missouri, which had a self guided tour and we ate a snack in the Galley Area. We then hurriedly drove through traffic by Waikiki Beach just to say we've been there and took a few pictures from the car and the rushed back to the airport.

If all you want to see is Pearl Harbor then it's doable. My husband loved it and thought it was worth the time and effort even though we really didn't get to see or enjoy anything else the Island had to offer.

I did this when I was on the big island. I really did want to see Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri. I did my tour with Polynesian Adventures, and although I am not a bus tour person, I was glad to have someone else do the driving and navigating! It was VERY worth it...every American should see the Arizona Memorial at some time in their life!

I'd advise getting the 6:30am - 7:00am flight over if you do it on your own. That'll give you time to rent a car and drive over to the Arizona to get your ticket.

Friends of ours are staying with us on Maui and want to hop over to see Pearl Harbor. There are companies who will take you over from Maui and do all the driving. The day trip includes a tour of Pearl Harbor, USS Mo, and a few other stops, which would be really nice...except it's very expensive. I'm talking $250+ pp.

So an alternative to doing everything on your own is joining an Oahu based tour company. Still pricier than doing it on your own, but takes the stress out of trying to navigate Oahu as newbies.

Another thought although not exactly economical: I've seen some people report actually doing an overnight in Oahu while keeping their lodgings in Maui; that would give you 2 days on Oahu & you'd have time to see Diamond Head (also recommended early am) + other great suggestions by HappyTrails & others. Only drawback would be paying for 2 rooms for 1 night.