Arizona Memorial
The Home of the Brave- Hawaii Victory Tour began in 1991 upon request of World War II Veterans visiting Hawaii to commemorate the 50th anniversary of December 7th, 1941. Glen Tomlinson, founder and president of Home of the Brave-Hawaii Victory Tour was also on the commemoration committee, and felt it important to offer a tour that did not glamorize the war, but instead offered patrons of the tour a glimpse into what it was really like in the 1940’s.
Pickup from Waikiki area hotels is early between 600am – 620am, our tour would be conducted in an air-conditioned touring van, our guide for the day wearing a WWII Army Air Corps uniform, a TV on board shows movie clips and other historical features throughout the day. The tour begins early to beat the crowds at the first stop, shown here Valor in the Pacific Visitor Center and the Arizona Memorial.
“Tropic Lightning”
You will stop at Wheeler Army Airfield, continue on to Schofield Army Barracks (filmed in the classic movie “From Here to Eternity”, the largest Army Base outside the Continental United States. Most people do not realize that the Japanese attack aircraft flew over Schofield on their way to Wheeler Field and Pearl Harbor, where they warmed up their guns by firing on the Base. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 24th and 25th Divisions housed at Schofield Barracks would be deployed to the north and south shores to deter further attacks. “Tropic Lightning Museum” is dedicated to the history of the 25th Infantry, tracing their deployment throughout the South Pacific. The museum houses a fascinating collection of World War II photos, tanks and weapons used during the conflict,as well as honoring this proud division as it has continued to serve from WWII, Korean War,Vietnam conflict,Gulf War, Afghanistan and even Iraq. Should your tour be on Monday and this museum be closed,you would then visit The United by Sacrifice Memorial honoring soldiers of 4 different wars.
Vintage Army Jeep
The tour continues along to Fort Shafter, the oldest U.S. Military base on OAHU completed in 1907, if you tour it today, it looks identical to how would have looked on December 7th, 1941. The “Pineapple Pentagon“(nickname for the headquarters of the U.S. Army Pacific Command) is located here along with a beautiful fountain built by Italian prisoners of war, King Kamehameha’s cannon, the parade grounds and beautiful plantation style homes. Just inside Richardson Hall, the most beautiful mural surrounds you, completed in 1945, entitled “Marching Men” was painted by William R. Domaratius, a former Army master sergeant(your guide should let you in on surprising detail of this mural) that you might not other wise notice on your own. Also look down, the tile work in the floor depicts the U.S. Army, Pacific Insignia. While on base, you will enjoy a lovely buffet lunch ( cost not included in tour) at the Fort Shaftner Military Club.
Continuing on the tour you will drive through Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery, known to Hawaiians as Puowaina or “Hill of Sacrifice”, this is the final resting place of more than 30,000 American Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen. Among those buried here are the 586 Pearl Harbor Victims, various Medal of Honor recipients, Ernie Pyle(the famous WWII war correspondent) and many “unknowns” from wars in the Pacific. The Statue of Columbia, surrounded by marble columns is inscribed with the names of more than 10,000 Americans missing in action in the Pacific.
Finally after touring through downtown Honolulu, you will arrive at your final stop the Home of the Brave Museum and headquarters for the tour. Patrons of all ages love this final stop, a wonderful collection of photos, uniforms, vehicles (take your photo in this WWII jeep or vintage Harley Davidson Motorcycle used in the Disney film Pearl Harbor). See the Wall of Fame honoring American Veterans, then grab a coca-cola at the Wiki Waki Woo Bar and watch vintage movies in their mini theatre.
“Wiki Waki Woo Bar”
This day on OAHU is such amazing opportunity to take a sentimental journey back to a time that changed the course of history for ever. All the staff associated with Home of the Brave- Hawaii Victory Tour are so passionate about making sure that the story of these many brave men and women is told correctly and never forgotten. I strongly urge you to spend a day off the sand, and experience this tour, especially multi-generational travelers. Great T-shirts !! Ask me about my personal experience with this tour.
** Due to military base operations, actual tour routing and military sites may be changed or substituted without advance notice. Tour times approximate 6:00am/ 6:20am – return to your Waikiki hotel around 2:00pm
* Operates Monday-Friday / Closed Saturday and Sunday ** Lunch is not included in the tour price
I would suggest that you make your reservations at least one week in advance- the tour sells out daily.
For reservations call (808) 396-8112 – Website www.pearlharborhq.com
*** A portion of proceeds is donated to the Military Morale Welfare & Recreation Fund ***
Contact Linda Dancer Oahu Destination Specialist to make your travel arrangements to Oahu
Email : [email protected] or by phone Direct Line 931-337-0770 or Toll Free 1-888-811-1888 ext 331
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