Hawaii Tickets

Uss bowfin tickets

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USS Bowfin Submarine docked at Pearl Harbor with clear sky and water.
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Visit the legendary USS Bowfin (SS-287), a WWII attack submarine called the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” Launched a year after Pearl Harbor, Bowfin completed nine war patrols, sinking 44 ships, and became one of the war's most formidable submarines. Now resting at Pearl Harbor as a museum, she offers a rare glimpse into submarine life.

Why visit the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum

USS Bowfin Submarine docked at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, with visitors on deck.
USS Bowfin Submarine docked at Pearl Harbor with clear sky and water.
Child looking through a periscope
USS Bowfin submarine torpedo room with torpedo tubes and control panel.
Pearl Harbor memorial plaques and submarine view, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Aerial view of Pearl Harbor, showing naval base and surrounding landscape in Honolulu, Hawaii.
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Step aboard a real WWII submarine

Climb down into the USS Bowfin and walk through the same tight passageways that sailors once navigated during wartime patrols. You’ll see the cramped bunks stacked three high, the complex controls in the engine room, and the torpedo bays where missions began. Every switch, hatch, and valve is original, giving you a realistic sense of what life was like serving in the submarine fleet known as “the Silent Service.”

Discover heroic stories

The Bowfin was nicknamed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger” for good reason; she was launched exactly one year after the infamous attack. Over the course of nine patrols, she sank 44 enemy vessels, earning her place as one of the most successful submarines of WWII. Inside, detailed exhibits share the stories of her daring missions and the extraordinary bravery of the crew who operated in dangerous, high-stakes conditions.

Interactive and family-friendly learning

The Bowfin experience isn’t just about looking, it’s about doing. You can peer through an operational periscope, see how torpedoes were launched, and explore the survival equipment that kept submariners alive beneath the ocean’s surface. These interactive touches bring the technical side of submarine life to life, making it engaging for kids and educational for adults.

The submarine museum

After exploring the vessel, step into the on-site museum, where galleries highlight artifacts from submarine warfare. You’ll find vintage torpedoes, navigation maps, uniforms, and even personal letters that humanize the stories of the sailors. Together, they paint a fuller picture of how submarines shaped the outcome of the Pacific War.

Waterfront memorial tribute

Just beyond the Bowfin, you’ll find a serene outdoor memorial honoring the 52 American submarines and more than 3,500 crew members who never came home. With the waters of Pearl Harbor as a backdrop, this space provides a powerful moment for reflection and remembrance.

Complete Pearl Harbor experience

The USS Bowfin rounds out the Pearl Harbor historic sites, standing alongside the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. While each site offers a different perspective, the Bowfin’s story of stealth and undersea warfare adds an essential layer to understanding the broader history of WWII.

Explore what’s inside the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum

Submarine control room with dials and gauges, showcasing naval technology.

Aboard the USS Bowfin submarine

As you climb through the hatches, you’ll find yourself in the same cramped compartments where 80 submariners lived and worked during long wartime patrols. The control room, engine spaces, crew bunks, and torpedo bays are all preserved, giving you a vivid look at how submariners navigated, slept, ate, and fought in total secrecy. Authentic dials, switches, and periscopes make you feel like part of the crew.

Control panel with gauges and valves inside USS Bowfin Submarine.
Submarine interior with control panels and open hatch.
Bunk beds in a narrow cabin on an American World War Two battleship.
Torpedo detail with propeller and fins on display in a museum exhibit.

History of the USS Bowfin

The USS Bowfin (SS-287) was launched on December 7, 1942, exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Because of this symbolic timing, she earned the nickname “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” During World War II, Bowfin became one of the most effective submarines in the Pacific Fleet. Over the course of nine war patrols, she sank dozens of enemy vessels, disrupting Japanese shipping lines and striking deep into hostile waters.

Despite the hardships, her crew forged a reputation for skill and determination, completing every patrol successfully and returning home without being lost in battle, a fate that claimed many of her sister subs.

After the war, Bowfin served in various training and support roles before eventually being retired. In 1971, she found a permanent home at Pearl Harbor, preserved as a museum ship to honor the “Silent Service”, the submariners whose vital contributions often went unseen but were crucial to victory. Today, the USS Bowfin stands as both a memorial and a museum.

Know before you go

Control room of Submarine Growler at Intrepid Museum, featuring navigation instruments and gauges.

Timings: Daily: 7am – 5pm (last admission at 4:30pm)

Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day

Best time to visit:

  • The best time to visit the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum is on weekday mornings, when crowds are lighter and you can explore the submarine’s narrow passageways without feeling rushed. Weekends tend to draw more families and tour groups, making the interior feel more crowded.
  • For an even smoother visit, plan your trip during the low season (May, September–November), when there are fewer visitors and more comfortable weather for both the submarine and outdoor memorial. During peak travel months and holidays, it’s best to arrive early and secure tickets in advance.

Address: USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, 11 Arizona Memorial Dr, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States | Find on Maps

  • Nearby landmark: Located right next to Pearl Harbor National Memorial
  • Closest bus stop:  Arizona Memorial (approx. 2–3 minute walk)
  • Closest train station: Hālawa / Aloha Stadium Station (Skyline) | 10–12 minute walk
  • Full-day tour & Pearl Harbor Passport includes round-trip transportation from select Waikiki hotels.
Restroom signs indicating men's and women's washrooms in a public facility.
  • Restrooms and water fountains are available on-site for your convenience.
  • Outdoor exhibits feature submarines, torpedoes, and missiles, with shaded seating areas for breaks.
  • First-aid and visitor information stations are available for assistance.
  • A museum, theater, and indoor galleries provide additional exhibits and displays.
  • Gift shops offer books, apparel, and exclusive Pearl Harbor souvenirs.
Wheelchair in a museum setting highlighting accessibility features.
  • The museum, outdoor exhibits, and park areas are wheelchair accessible.
  • Please note: due to the narrow ladders and passageways, the submarine itself is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Assistive listening devices are available with the complimentary audio tour.
Man placing bag in locker at tourist attraction.
  • Children under 4 years old are not permitted inside the submarine for safety reasons.
  • Bags of any kind (including purses and backpacks) are not allowed inside; secure storage is available nearby for a small fee.
  • Food and drinks are not allowed inside the submarine or museum, but clear water bottles are permitted.
  • Photography is allowed throughout the site, but care should be taken inside the submarine’s tight spaces.
  • You are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and shoes, as the submarine involves climbing ladders and navigating narrow corridors.
Woman browsing items in a gift shop with colorful shelves in the background.

USS Bowfin gift shop

  • Located right at the submarine park, this shop offers submarine- and Navy-themed memorabilia, including books, models, apparel, toys, and collectibles that highlight the life of submariners during World War II. It’s a great spot to pick up exclusive Bowfin souvenirs and educational items.
  • Hours: Daily 7am to 5pm
  • Location: At the museum entrance | Find on Maps

Visitor tips

  • Wear flat, closed-toe shoes since the submarine has narrow passageways, ladders, and uneven flooring.
  • Be mindful of the tight spaces inside, as the submarine’s interior can feel claustrophobic to you.
  • Children under 4 years old are not allowed inside the submarine for safety reasons, but they can enjoy the outdoor exhibits and museum displays.
  • There are no water fountains or restrooms inside the submarine, so take care of these needs before stepping aboard.

Frequently asked questions about USS Bowfin Museum tickets

The submarine was launched exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1942. Her nickname honors her role in avenging the attack by serving in the Pacific during World War II.

Beyond USS Bowfin Submarine Museum

Battleship Missouri

USS Arizona Museum

Aviation Museum