USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park in Honolulu, HI

11 Arizona Memorial DrHonolulu, HI 96818
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Starting at
$25.99
Total Price: $26.51 (USD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum will temporarily close its museum building for upgrades from January 13, 2025, until February 14, 2025.  The submarine USS Bowfin and the remainder of the campus will remain open.

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.

Important Notice:
The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum will temporarily close its museum building for upgrades from January 13, 2025, until February 14, 2025. The submarine USS Bowfin and the remainder of the campus will remain open.

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park Reviews

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RemittanceNinja
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
"Still in absolute wonder"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed December 29, 2024 NEW
Being a huge history buff, going to Pearl Harbor was a dream come true for me. I was not expecting to enjoy the submarine exhibit portion as much as I did. The indoor museum portion (which has WWII, Cold War, and modern exhibits) was truly awe-inspiring, in the sense that it gives you a magnitude and appreciation for 20th century history. The real-life torpedos, warheads, and so much more really give you a sense of the stakes of war during these periods, and just how close humanity could have been to disaster should history have taken another path. The absolute highlight was getting to go on the Bowfin, which has been lovingly restored, and set up as an interactive exhibition to board. Again, actually getting to walk through the submarine compartments and seeing the cramped quarters in which the submariners lived for months at a time was breathtaking. Highly, highly recommend, and I will never forget this visit.
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A5434XZlauraa
"Great experience"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed December 14, 2024
Was so amazing we got there when it opened and had the sub to our selves. My grandfather was on one of the early s boats and always talked about sleeping on the torpedoes. I always enjoyed his stories. Defiantly understand his stories more thanks
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AM_of_Oz
Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
"Brilliant"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed December 07, 2024
Brilliant museum with interesting displays and information about the history of warsubs and military weaponry from the past and now and into the future. Interactive exhibits for children, and adults alike, great food court area inside too, I got a great teriyaki burger from Jake's. Neat, tidy, clean area for sitting and eating, or contemplating.
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Astrobeemer
Vancouver, British Columbia
"Very cool submarine museum"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 23, 2024
Might seem small but the USS Bowfin is one of the great maritime museums of the US. Launched exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor , the USS Bowfin was an attack submarine in WWII which sunk 44 enemy ships. It is very interesting to tour this very well kept submarine and see how the sailors onboard lived. It is not for those who are claustrophobic or have mobility issues , but surprisingly it was not crowded at all and our tour was amazing.
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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 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 18, 2024
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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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.