Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum & USS Bowfin Honolulu, HI

11 Arizona Memorial DrHonolulu, HI 96818
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$25.99
Total Price: $26.51 (USD)
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Admission Options

Overview

Discover what life was like as a WWII submariner during an unforgettable self-guided tour of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. Learn the history of the USS Bowfin as you explore the museum's galleries and exhibits that document the history of the U.S. Navy's Submarine Force during WWII, the Cold War, today, and into the future. Includes a free audio guide.

up to 7 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Includes access to the USS Bowfin (SS-287) WWII fleet submarine, three interactive galleries, and outdoor exhibits.
  • Plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to see all areas.
  • Select the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket to visit all four historic sites in one day.
  • Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.
  • Complimentary self-guided audio tours available in seven languages.
  • Food truck and gift shop available onsite
  • Children under 4 are not allowed aboard the submarine.
  • Bags, backpacks, and purses are not allowed; lockers are available near the visitor center entrance (fee applies).

Description

Visit the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum at Pearl Harbor and explore one of Hawaii's most immersive military history experiences. Admission includes access to the World War II fleet submarine USS Bowfin (SS-287), three interactive museum galleries, and several outdoor exhibits and memorials.

Tour the USS Bowfin, known as the "Pearl Harbor Avenger," and learn what it was like for her crew of 80 to live and serve on board. The submarine made nine war patrols in the Pacific during WWII and now stands as a tribute to the 288 U.S. submarines that served in the Pacific Theater.

Inside the museum, hands-on displays bring to life the proud history and future of the U.S. Navy's Silent Service—from WWII through the Cold War and into today's modern fleet. The campus also features a shaded lanai (patio), outdoor artifacts, gift shop, a comfort station, a food truck and other concessions.

All tickets include a free self-guided audio tour, available in seven languages with both adult and family-friendly versions. Guests unable to board the submarine can take a virtual tour located inside the museum.

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Reviews

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Snakewrangler
Brentwood, California
"Tight squeeze"
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 27, 2025 NEW
Lots of informational displays to walk around. There is some interactive stuff, but younger kids get board pretty quick. The tour of the submarine is pretty fun and you get to see how tight space is/was on those ships.
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sharrongeg
Henderson, Nevada
"Enjoyable"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 06, 2025
We toured the Bowfin WWII retired submarine in late February. It is a relatively small sub with a crew of just about 80 men. The audio tour was very helpful. Well worth an hour or two of your time. One suggestion for the museum…please number exhibits with a larger font, and perhaps in a neon color. Many of the exhibit numbers (which one needs for the audio tour) were hard to spot. Sub not appropriate for larger individuals, or those with mobility issues.
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VillagerRick
"Not For Folks With Limited Mobility"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 05, 2025
This is a well preserved representation of a submarine. The living and working spaces are smaller than I can imagine someone living and working in. On the tour it was explained how incredibly hot it could get inside. The passages from one part of the vessel are a challenge for able bodied folks. The narrow and small hatchways (doors) between rooms can be difficult to navigate.
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achan60
Fort Langley, Langley, British Columbia
"Easy Audio Tour of a US submarine"
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed January 29, 2025
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum is located just inside the the Visitor Center, so you can walk to it before / after touring the USS Missouri or the Air Museum on Ford Island. I decided to do a quick tour before getting on the shuttle to Ford Island because it was early in the day & not crowded. If you are a War historian or just curious, its fun to see how men lived and operated on submarines for 60 day tours during WWII and afterwards. I used the GoCity app, so I had access to multiple museum sites for one price, and in this case it included an audio tour. Just a warning -- the doorways in a sub are small & the stairs are narrow & steep, so this is not an easy trek for those with mobility challenges.
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WanderingFarmer
Payson, Utah
"Another great history stop"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed January 29, 2025
It would take a special breed of men to live and operate these old submarines. Amazing history you can actually walk down into (if your not claustrophobic that is). Well worth the visit if your in the area, tickets were expensive but in my opinion well worth it for the experience seeing the inside of a actual submarine.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

Where is Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum located?

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is at 11 Arizona Memorial Drive, Honolulu, HI 96818. The entrance to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is located to the right of the entrance through the large black hull ring.

Where can I park?

You can park in the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center parking lot and enter through the memorial entrance.

What are the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum's hours?

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is open daily from 7 AM - 5 PM (subject to change without prior notice). Last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. Closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Is Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum suitable for children?

Yes, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is generally appropriate for children and offers educational insights into naval history and life aboard a submarine. A family-friendly version of the complimentary audio tour is also available. However, sensitivity to historical and warfare topics, as well as the child's age and interests, should be considered before visiting. Also, please note that children under age 4 are not permitted on the submarine for safety reasons.

How long is the tour?

Plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the museum, submarine, and grounds. If you select the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket option, plan to spend about 7 hours visiting all four of the historic sites.

Can I bring food and beverages?

Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum or aboard the submarine. A food truck is available onsite, and seating is provided in the shaded lanai area. There are also several cold beverage vending machines onsite.

Are there vegan or vegetarian food options at the museum?

Yes, Jake's Street Food at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum offers vegetarian options. The Lanaikea Cafe in the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum offers vegan options.

What items are not allowed at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum?

For security reasons, bags are not permitted inside any Pearl Harbor Historic Site, including backpacks, purses, camera bags, fanny packs, luggage, and diaper bags. Lockers are available near the visitor center entrance for a fee.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the museum galleries and outdoor areas are wheelchair accessible. However, the USS Bowfin submarine is not accessible due to its historic structure. A virtual tour of the submarine is available inside the museum for guests who cannot board.

Can I bring a pet?

Only ADA-defined service animals are permitted inside.