USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park in Honolulu, HI

11 Arizona Memorial DrHonolulu, HI 96818
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Starting at
$21.99
Total Price: $23.39 (USD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

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

  • Get a glimpse into life aboard a real submarine during the war.
  • Interactive displays engage visitors, especially children, with hands-on learning experiences.
  • Plan to spend 1.5–2 hours on the submarine and grounds.
  • For a fuller historical experience, select the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket option and visit all of Pearl Harbor's historic sites in one day.
  • Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.
  • Tours are self-guided and include free audio guides, available in seven languages.
  • Children under 4 are not permitted on the submarine for safety reasons.
  • Food and drinks available from Jake's Food Truck at the USS Bowfin.
  • Bags of any kind, including backpacks and purses, are not allowed on the submarine or at any of the memorials. Lockers are available to rent near the entrance to the visitor center.

Description

Tour the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, USS Bowfin, a World War II submarine, and outdoor exhibits and learn what it was like for her crew of 80 men to serve onboard. Learn and be inspired by the proud past and bright future of the U.S. Navy’s “Silent Service”—from WWII, the Cold War, today, and into the future.

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum campus recently underwent an extensive renovation to better honor the history of the United States Navy’s Submarine Force. The campus is also home to the USS Bowfin (SS-287), a fleet submarine that was launched on December 7, 1942, and nicknamed “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” The USS Bowfin submarine made nine war patrols in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. She opened to the public at Pearl Harbor in 1981 and proudly represented the 288 U.S. submarines that served in the Pacific during WWII.

This historic warship experience includes many interactive exhibits to understand better what it was like to serve on submarines. The campus also includes several outdoor artifacts, a gift shop, a comfort station, a shaded lanai (patio), a food truck, and several other concessions. All tours include free audio guides available in seven languages and two options: adult and family oriented, which tells the history in a more child friendly way.

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park Reviews

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jkdeal2020
Bakersfield, California
"The smell of the boat is something no sailor will ever forget. Brings back great memories. "
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed November 18, 2024 NEW
The USS Bowfin and Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is a great place to visit. The museum has lots of information about sonar, navigation, and submarine history. The audio guided submarine tour gives you information about each space as you enter. You get a feeling of how confined the spaces were for the crew. You can explore almost the entire submarine from the torpedo rooms, ward room, crew's mess, berthing, and engine room. There is a small admission fee which goes to help preserve and maintain the museum for all to enjoy. There is a gift shop to purchase souvenirs and also a food truck to grab a quick bite to eat.
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348emilyl
Lufkin, Texas
"Museum and Sub are Amazing"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed October 13, 2024
Touring the submarine itself was interesting, but, as others have mentioned, not good for the claustrophobic. Doorways are tiny. I’m only 5’3” and I had to duck. But still worth it to see the living quarters. The associate Museum is also fascinating! Popular culture focuses a lot on the land/air battles of WWII, despite the fact that subs were instrumental in winning the war. We learned a lot! The Passport to Pearl Harbor also grants you access and transportation to the Battleship Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. The website also lists the USS Oklahoma Memorial but we didn’t visit it. We enjoyed the Passport as we got to see so many things.
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daved227
Newark, Delaware
"Cool Sub"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed September 30, 2024
We visited this sub while at Pearl Harbor. You can both walk the deck as well as go inside to see how the sailors lived and operated this machine. It is interesting to see all the mechanics that go into one of these things. A neat little museum to not miss if you have time. Rooms are small and doorways even smaller so if your tall prepare to duck a lot. It was cool inside as I believe they kept it airconditioned for us visitors. I can't image living in this under water I would have gone crazy. Not for the claustrophobic.
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443jonathanj
"Naval Operations of Pearl Harbor"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed September 27, 2024
This is a unique opportunity to tour an actual submarine. The museum offers a wealth of information about navy history and systems. An extensive collection of submarine warfare systems is on display. Visitors can learn how sonar and ocean navigation works. This is a very enlightening experience. Pro tip: The submarine is very tight quarters and very hot.
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peteusn761
Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
"A great day learning about submarine history and technology from WW2 to the present plus good food!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed August 11, 2024
The museum includes the USS BOWFIN itself, a WW2 submarine which is very well preserved, where you can take your time looking through all the compartments, as well as a very newly renovated museum with many interactive exhibits, historial items and educational games. We spent most of a day there and had a really good lunch as well. There are things for the history buffs as well as technology geeks, and a bunch of places for kids to play.
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Frequently Asked Questions about USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

Where is USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park located?

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park 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 USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park hours of operation?

The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park 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 USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park appropriate for children?

Yes, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is generally appropriate for children and offers educational insights into naval history and life aboard a submarine. Additionally, 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 approximately 1.5–2 hours to tour the submarine and grounds. If you select the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket option, plan to spend about 7 hours visiting all of the historic sites.

What’s included?

The Submarine and Museum Tour includes admission to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, USS Bowfin, a World War II submarine, and outdoor exhibits. All tours are self-guided and include free audio guides. Passport to Pearl Harbor includes admission to all of Pearl Harbor's historic sites including the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Arizona Virtual Reality Center, Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Please note that the Passport to Pearl Harbor does NOT include the boat ride tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial.

Can I bring my own food/beverages?

No, but Jake's Food Truck is available onsite. There are also several cold beverage vending machines and plenty of seating on a covered lanai, which looks out at the USS Bowfin Submarine.

Are there vegan or vegetarian food options on-site?

Yes. Jake’s Street Food in the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum offers vegetarian options while Lanaikea Cafe in the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum offers vegan options.

Is the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park wheelchair accessible?

The museum, park, and on-site restrooms are all accessible for visitors who require wheelchairs. However, the submarine itself is not wheelchair accessible and may be difficult to maneuver for people with limited mobility.

What items are not allowed at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park?

For security reasons bags are not permitted inside any of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, including backpacks, purses, camera bags, fanny packs, luggage, diaper bags, etc. Storage for bags is offered onsite for a fee near the entrance to the visitor center.

Can I bring a pet?

Only ADA-defined service animals are permitted inside.