Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (USS Bowfin) Honolulu
Explore the 'Pearl Harbor Avenger,' a WWII submarine offering an immersive glimpse into naval history and the lives of its brave crew.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (USS Bowfin) Honolulu
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 'Pearl Harbor Avenger,' a WWII submarine offering an immersive glimpse into naval history and the lives of its brave crew.
"Stepping inside the Bowfin gave me a whole new level of respect for our sailors."
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
Enhance your understanding of the submarine's history and features with the free audio guide. It's highly recommended!
⏳ Allow 2 Hours
Take your time to explore the submarine and museum exhibits thoroughly. Reading and listening to the audio guide takes about 2 hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
USS Bowfin Submarine Tour
Inside the submarine
Step aboard the 'Pearl Harbor Avenger' and experience life aboard a WWII submarine. Tight quarters and authentic artifacts offer a unique perspective.
Submarine Warfare Exhibits
Museum building
Explore detailed exhibits on the history and technology of submarine warfare, showcasing the crucial role of these vessels in WWII.
The 'Pearl Harbor Avenger' Legacy
Exterior and museum
Learn about the USS Bowfin's nickname and its significant missions, earning it the title 'Pearl Harbor Avenger' for its service.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Prepare for Tight Spaces
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
Enhance your understanding of the submarine's history and features with the free audio guide. It's highly recommended!
⏳ Allow 2 Hours
Take your time to explore the submarine and museum exhibits thoroughly. Reading and listening to the audio guide takes about 2 hours.
🎒 Bag Check Required
Bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the museum or on the submarine. There's a bag check service available for a fee.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Areas
The museum has areas designed to be engaging for children, making it a great family outing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
Enhance your understanding of the submarine's history and features with the free audio guide. It's highly recommended!
⏳ Allow 2 Hours
Take your time to explore the submarine and museum exhibits thoroughly. Reading and listening to the audio guide takes about 2 hours.
🎒 Bag Check Required
Bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the museum or on the submarine. There's a bag check service available for a fee.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Areas
The museum has areas designed to be engaging for children, making it a great family outing.
📍 Location Context
Located within the Pearl Harbor historic sites, it's often visited alongside the USS Arizona Memorial and other attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the USS Bowfin Museum and submarine tour to be a fascinating and eye-opening experience, offering a deep dive into WWII submarine warfare. The authenticity of the submarine and the detailed exhibits are highly praised, providing a profound respect for the sailors' sacrifices. Some visitors note the confined spaces might be challenging for those with claustrophobia, but many find it manageable with the provided audio guide.
"The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum offers a fascinating and immersive glimpse into the history of submarine warfare. The exhibits are well-presented and provide a wealth of information about the life and missions aboard submarines. For those planning a visit, it's worth noting that touring the submarines involves navigating through tight and confined spaces, which might be challenging for anyone prone to claustrophobia. That said, it's a unique and educational experience that history enthusiasts and curious minds will greatly appreciate"
Tim Chu
"Visiting the USS Bowfin Museum was an awesome and eye-opening experience. It was fascinating to walk through the exhibits and see the Pacific Fleet’s role in various conflicts—how much sacrifice and strategy went into each era of naval warfare.
The highlight, without a doubt, was getting to tour the actual submarine. Being inside the Bowfin gave me a whole new level of respect for our sailors. The tight spaces, complex equipment, and confined living quarters really make you appreciate what they had to endure during missions.
This museum does a great job honoring the legacy of our submarine force while helping visitors understand the cost of freedom. Highly recommended if you’re in the area or interested in military history!"
Pedro Loran
"Unexpectedly enjoyed this experience. Had 8am tickets for the USS Arizona and stumbled upon this museum opportunity while waiting as we got there right at open (7am). Perfect timing as we were the only ones on the submarine at that time. Definitely recommend taking the free audio devices as this enhanced our experience and learning of the submarine. Although I would consider myself to have self-diagnosed claustrophobia, I did not have a problem walking through the relatively smaller spaces and doors."
Alexis Grieves
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor, which is about a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. Alternatively, public buses are available, though they take longer.
Yes, there is parking available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where the museum is located. There is usually a fee for parking.
With a 5-hour layover, it might be possible to visit if traffic is light and you prioritize it. Factor in travel time to and from the airport and bag check.
No, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (USS Bowfin) is separate from the National Park Service sites like the USS Arizona Memorial, though it is located within the same Pearl Harbor historic area.
Operating hours can vary, but typically the museum is open daily from morning to late afternoon. It's best to check the official website for the most current hours before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees apply for the USS Bowfin Museum and submarine tour. Prices can vary, so check the official website for current ticket costs.
While not always mandatory, booking your tickets in advance online is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to guarantee entry and avoid long queues.
Some tour operators offer combo packages that may include the USS Bowfin along with other Pearl Harbor sites. However, you can also purchase tickets individually for each attraction.
Yes, you can purchase tickets specifically for the USS Bowfin Museum and submarine tour without needing to visit the USS Arizona Memorial.
The USS Arizona Memorial program itself is free, but there is a small reservation fee ($1) to secure your ticket in advance through recreation.gov.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the submarine and the museum exhibits. Some can get through the Bowfin in as little as 20 minutes if they don't linger.
Touring the submarine involves navigating narrow passageways and stairs, which can be difficult for those with significant mobility challenges. The museum exhibits may be more accessible.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be on your feet. Dress in light, breathable clothing as it can get warm inside the submarine.
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum and on the submarine, but check for any specific restrictions.
Yes, restrooms are available at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. It's advisable to use them before boarding the submarine, as facilities inside are limited.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically food concessions and cafes available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, offering a range of options for lunch and snacks.
No, outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the submarine or museum exhibits. There are designated areas where you can consume them.
Besides the concessions at the visitor center, there are various restaurants and eateries in the surrounding Honolulu area, ranging from casual to upscale.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture striking images of the submarine from the exterior, the museum exhibits, and the unique interior shots of the cramped living quarters and control rooms.
Check the museum's specific photography policy. Tripods and professional equipment may have restrictions.
The iconic shot is often the exterior of the submarine itself, or the narrow passageways inside. Don't miss the large ring outside, representing new submarine classes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The museum has specific exhibits designed to be engaging for younger visitors, making history come alive. Remember to factor in the bag check, as children might have small backpacks they'll need to leave behind. The audio guide can also be a fun way for older children to learn about the submarine's history. When visiting with children, consider the potential for claustrophobia. While many kids manage fine, it's good to be aware. The museum staff are usually helpful, and there are plenty of opportunities to take breaks. Visiting early in the day can also help avoid larger crowds, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for potential package deals if you plan to visit multiple Pearl Harbor attractions, but always compare prices with individual ticket purchases. Utilizing public transportation or rideshares strategically can also help manage costs. Pack snacks and water, as on-site food options can add up.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The USS Bowfin: 'Pearl Harbor Avenger'
Visiting the actual submarine offers a visceral understanding of the challenges faced by its crew. The tight living quarters, cramped control rooms, and complex machinery all paint a vivid picture of life underwater. Many visitors express a newfound respect for the sailors who endured these conditions during their missions. The museum surrounding the submarine further details its history and the broader context of submarine warfare in the Pacific theater.
For those interested in military history, the USS Bowfin is a must-see. It provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to walk through history and appreciate the engineering marvels and human resilience that defined this era. The audio guide significantly enhances the experience, offering detailed narratives and insights into the submarine's operations and the lives of its crew.
Navigating Pearl Harbor: A DIY Approach
When planning a DIY visit, it's crucial to understand the different attractions available: the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Battleship, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (USS Bowfin), and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Each requires separate tickets, with the USS Arizona Memorial having a nominal reservation fee. Booking these in advance, especially for the Arizona Memorial, is highly recommended as tickets can sell out quickly.
For a single day visit, it's possible to see multiple sites, but be mindful of the time required for each. The USS Bowfin can be toured relatively quickly (around 1-2 hours), while the USS Missouri can easily take up a significant portion of the day. Planning your route and booking timed entries will help maximize your experience and ensure you see what interests you most.
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