USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park

USS Bowfin Tickets!

– USS Bowfin Ship Specifications –

Mission Statement: USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park’s mission is to restore and preserve the WWII submarine USS Bowfin (SS-287). Bowfin Park’s parent organization, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association (PFSMA), is a non-profit group that receives no state or federal funding. The museum includes an extensive look at the fascinating history of submarines from the first daring attempt in 1776 to use a submersible in warfare to the feats of today’s nuclear submarines. The submarine provides an opportunity for visitors to go below deck aboard this National Historic Landmark, the Famous World War II submarine, USS Bowfin (SS-287). Launched on December 7, 1942, she was nicknamed the Pearl Harbor Avenger and sank 44 enemy ships during the course of her nine extraordinary war patrols. The Waterfront Memorial stands in silent tribute to the 52 American submarines and the more than 3,500 submariners lost in World War II. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is operated by the non-profit Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association. Proceeds from admissions and gift shop sales are used to continue the preservation and restoration of the USS Bowfin. Write USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, 11 Arizona Memorial Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, or call (808) 423-1341.

Submarine: Visitors are given a walkman-style cassette player that narrates their tour as they explore this historic WWII submarine to imagine what life on board must have been like for her 80-man crew. USS Bowfin was launched on 7 December 1942 and completed nine successful war patrols. For her wartime service she also earned both the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation. USS Bowfin was acquired from the U.S. Navy in 1979 and opened to the public in 1981. In 1986 she was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior.

Museum: Explore the intriguing world of submarines, both past and present. The 10,000 square foot Museum exhibits an impressive collection of submarine-related artifacts such as submarine weapon systems, photographs, paintings, battleflags, original recruiting posters, and detailed submarine models, all illustrating the history of the U.S. Submarine Service. Exhibits include a Poseidon C-3 missilethat allows visitors to examine its inner workings. It is the only one of its kind to be on public display.

Waterfront Memorial: Within Bowfin Park stands a public memorial honoring the 52 American submarines and the more than 3,500 submariners lost during WWII.

Hours & Admissions:

Located adjacent to the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center at Pearl Harbor

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., last tour of the submarine at 4:30 p.m.

Closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day

Children under the age of four are not permitted on the submarine for safety reasons, however are allowed to tour the museum and mini-theater at no charge.