Home of the Brave-Hawaii Victory Tour

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.

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.

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

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