Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum & USS Bowfin Honolulu, HI

11 Arizona Memorial DrHonolulu, HI 96818
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$25.99
Total Price: $25.99 (USD)
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Admission Options

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

  • Includes access to the USS Bowfin (SS-287) WWII fleet submarine, three interactive galleries, and outdoor exhibits.
  • Plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to see all areas.
  • Select the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket to visit all four historic sites in one day.
  • Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.
  • Complimentary self-guided audio tours available in seven languages.
  • Food truck and gift shop available onsite
  • Children under 4 are not allowed aboard the submarine.
  • Bags, backpacks, and purses are not allowed; lockers are available near the visitor center entrance (fee applies).

Description

Visit the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum at Pearl Harbor and explore one of Hawaii's most immersive military history experiences. Admission includes access to the World War II fleet submarine USS Bowfin (SS-287), three interactive museum galleries, and several outdoor exhibits and memorials.

Tour the USS Bowfin, known as the "Pearl Harbor Avenger," and learn what it was like for her crew of 80 to live and serve on board. The submarine made nine war patrols in the Pacific during WWII and now stands as a tribute to the 288 U.S. submarines that served in the Pacific Theater.

Inside the museum, hands-on displays bring to life the proud history and future of the U.S. Navy's Silent Service—from WWII through the Cold War and into today's modern fleet. The campus also features a shaded lanai (patio), outdoor artifacts, gift shop, a comfort station, a food truck and other concessions.

All tickets include a free self-guided audio tour, available in seven languages with both adult and family-friendly versions. Guests unable to board the submarine can take a virtual tour located inside the museum.

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Reviews

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S1966WDbobw
Paris, Texas
"USS Bowfin at its best"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed June 11, 2025 NEW
This is an amazing submarine tour. I have never seen a WW2 sub that was restored the way this one is. There is brass polished up from one side to the other and the torpedo rooms looked brand new. The surface guns were also cleaned up like it was ready for war. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
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63impala
Stoneham, Massachusetts
"Tour a historic submarine"
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed June 10, 2025 NEW
It is well worth the time to tour this historic submarine. Keep in mind that you will need to be agile to go from compartment to compartment. You will have no trouble standing up but will have to duck and swing into the next compartment. Imagine being a sailor on this vessel day in and day out!
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ensonricky
Greater London, England
"Pristine"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed May 19, 2025 NEW
Being s popular venue the Pearl Harbour parking was challenging. Not sure how legitimate I ended up. Parking in a dirt bank in the grounds of an abandoned property just passed the attraction. There was no line to the attraction which is in immaculate condition. Surprisingly spacious inside everything was polished to within an inch of its life. The area below deck was fascinating and I enjoyed every second. There was no sense of being hurried through the attraction. The deck was worth a quick stroll from end to end but all the interest was below deck. There is also a small museum and display of missiles right next to the submarine.
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Snakewrangler
Brentwood, California
"Tight squeeze"
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed March 27, 2025
Lots of informational displays to walk around. There is some interactive stuff, but younger kids get board pretty quick. The tour of the submarine is pretty fun and you get to see how tight space is/was on those ships.
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sharrongeg
Henderson, Nevada
"Enjoyable"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed March 06, 2025
We toured the Bowfin WWII retired submarine in late February. It is a relatively small sub with a crew of just about 80 men. The audio tour was very helpful. Well worth an hour or two of your time. One suggestion for the museum…please number exhibits with a larger font, and perhaps in a neon color. Many of the exhibit numbers (which one needs for the audio tour) were hard to spot. Sub not appropriate for larger individuals, or those with mobility issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

Where is Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum located?

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum 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 Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum's hours?

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum 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 Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum suitable for children?

Yes, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is generally appropriate for children and offers educational insights into naval history and life aboard a submarine. 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 for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the museum, submarine, and grounds. If you select the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket option, plan to spend about 7 hours visiting all four of the historic sites.

Can I bring food and beverages?

Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum or aboard the submarine. A food truck is available onsite, and seating is provided in the shaded lanai area. There are also several cold beverage vending machines onsite.

Are there vegan or vegetarian food options at the museum?

Yes, Jake's Street Food at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum offers vegetarian options. The Lanaikea Cafe in the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum offers vegan options.

What items are not allowed at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum?

For security reasons, bags are not permitted inside any Pearl Harbor Historic Site, including backpacks, purses, camera bags, fanny packs, luggage, and diaper bags. Lockers are available near the visitor center entrance for a fee.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the museum galleries and outdoor areas are wheelchair accessible. However, the USS Bowfin submarine is not accessible due to its historic structure. A virtual tour of the submarine is available inside the museum for guests who cannot board.

Can I bring a pet?

Only ADA-defined service animals are permitted inside.