Yes, you’ll need a ticket to explore the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park and yes, you can go inside the USS Bowfin (exceptions apply. see “visiting tips” below). Here’s a quick guide to pricing and options:
General Admission Tickets (prices as of January 2025)
- Adults: $25.99
- Children (ages 4-12): $14.99
Military and Local Resident Tickets with valid ID (prices as of January 2025)
- Adults: $18.99
- Children (ages 4-12): $9.99
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park Hours
The USS Bowfin is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. You’ll find the museum next to the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center. (*Special Note: Museum Building Closed for Upgrades 1/13/25 – 2/14/25. USS Bowfin Submarine and Campus Remain Open.)
Visiting Tips
- Age Restrictions: Children under 4 are not permitted on the submarine.
- Clothing and Footwear: Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.
- Accessibility: The submarine’s interior is tight and not wheelchair-accessible.
- Bag Policy: Bags are not allowed on the submarine.
- Time Needed: Pland to spend at least 90 minutes for exploring
Directions to the USS Bowfin Submarine & Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
They are located just a short walk from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Be sure to explore the many free exhibits on the grounds along the way. One that is extremely eye-opening is the exhibit of the Japanese manned torpedo which is located near the USS Bowfin.
The History of the USS Bowfin Submarine
The USS Bowfin, a Balao-class submarine, is a celebrated piece of naval history docked at the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nicknamed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the Bowfin was launched exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1942. This timing underscored its mission to retaliate against the forces responsible for the devastation that drew the United States into World War II. Over the course of its service, the Bowfin played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, completing nine war patrols and contributing significantly to the Allied war effort.
During its wartime career, the USS Bowfin was credited with sinking 44 enemy vessels, totaling over 160,000 tons. This made it one of the most successful submarines of World War II. The Bowfin’s crew demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery, often operating in hostile waters where the risk of enemy counterattacks was high. Its success in disrupting Japanese shipping lines directly impacted the enemy’s ability to resupply and reinforced the strategic importance of submarine warfare during the conflict. The Bowfin’s achievements earned it a Presidential Unit Citation and numerous battle stars.
After World War II, the Bowfin remained in service but saw its role evolve with the changing nature of naval warfare. It underwent modernization during the early Cold War to enhance its capabilities, although it was ultimately overshadowed by more advanced nuclear-powered submarines. The Bowfin was officially decommissioned from active service in 1971, marking the end of an illustrious operational career. Despite its retirement, the submarine’s legacy continued to resonate as a symbol of American resilience and ingenuity.
In 1979, the USS Bowfin found a permanent home at Pearl Harbor, where it was transformed into a museum and memorial. The decision to preserve the Bowfin was part of a broader effort to honor the submariners who served and sacrificed during World War II. Its location at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, near the USS Arizona and USS Missouri, creates a powerful connection to pivotal moments in American history. Visitors can explore the submarine’s interior and learn about the daily lives of its crew, gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of wartime submarine service.
The USS Bowfin Museum and Park also serves as an educational hub, highlighting the critical role submarines played in securing victory in the Pacific. Interactive exhibits and artifacts provide insight into the technology, tactics, and human stories that defined the Bowfin’s missions. The museum’s efforts to preserve and share this history ensure that future generations understand the sacrifices made during World War II and the importance of maintaining peace through preparedness.
Today, the USS Bowfin stands as a testament to the courage and determination of the men who served aboard submarines during one of the most challenging periods in modern history. Its presence at Pearl Harbor serves as both a reminder of the past and an inspiration for the future. By visiting the Bowfin, individuals not only pay tribute to those who served but also deepen their understanding of the submarine’s pivotal role in shaping the outcome of World War II.
The Passport to Pearl Harbor
To see all the of the Pearl Harbor Memorial, consider purchasing the Passport to Pearl Harbor for $99.99 (prices as of January 2025). This pass will provide you admission to the USS Missouri, USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. This also includes an audio tour of the visitor center and a virtual reality experience.