Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
The USS Bowfin earned her nickname, "The Pearl Harbor Avenger,” through nine war patrols that sent 44 enemy ships to the bottom of the Pacific. Today she sits dockside at Pearl Harbor, and you can climb aboard her yourself.
That's what sets this experience apart. While many historic sites ask you to imagine what it was like, the Bowfin invites you to actually feel it. You descend through hatches, squeeze through narrow passageways, and stand in the cramped torpedo rooms where crews lived and worked for months at a time in conditions that were, by any modern standard, extraordinary. The submarine is remarkably intact; her bunks, her periscopes, her control room, and the free audio guide (available in seven languages) fills in the stories that the steel itself can't tell.
The adjacent museum adds context, with three interactive galleries covering the broader history of submarine warfare in the Pacific, along with a memorial honoring the 3,505 submariners who were lost during World War II.
General Admission
Estimated Visit Duration:
1.5 to 2 hours for the submarine and museum combined.
What's Included:
General admission ($25.99 adults / $14.99 children ages 4–12) covers a self-guided tour of the USS Bowfin, the three museum galleries, outdoor exhibits, and a free audio guide. Jake's Street Food is on site for casual waterfront dining, along with a gift shop.
Upgrades Available:
For a more exclusive experience, the Captain's Tour pairs you with a former U.S. Navy nuclear submarine commanding officer for a private guided tour. Call 808-423-1341 for availability.
Practical Notes:
Open daily 7:00am–5:00pm; last entry to the submarine is 4:30pm. No reservations are required.
The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is located adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and is the only historic site accessible on foot; no shuttle needed.
The submarine involves steep ladders, tight spaces, and low overhead clearances and is not wheelchair accessible, though a virtual tour is available inside the museum for those unable to board. The museum and visitor center are fully accessible. Closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Military personnel in uniform are admitted free.
Everything to See at Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
All included with general admission ticket.
Bowfin Submarine
Tour World War II submarine Bowfin, which survived nine war patrols, and learn what life in the "Silent Service" was like for her 80-man crew.
Submarine Museum
A wealth of submarine-related artifacts and interactive exhibits.
Waterfront Memorial
Monuments to each of the 52 US Submarines and more than 3,500 American submariners lost during World War II.
Shop
Gift Shop
The gift shop at Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum offers a wide array of submarine and historic Pearl Harbor souvenirs and gifts. From USS Bowfin branded merchandise to kids puzzles and games, there is something for everyone at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum gift shop.
Open 9:00am - 5:00pm
Shop Online
Dine
Jake's Street Food
Jake’s Street Food is a culinary gem located in the heart of the Submarine Museum area. With a shaded seating area and amazing views of the submarine and the harbor, Jake's is the perfect lunch pit stop.
Jake’s Street Food offers diverse options, from savory street tacos to sizzling stir-fries and tantalizing vegetarian creations.
Admission required to dine at Jake's Street Food.
Open 10:00am - 2:30pm
Who It's Best For?
History enthusiasts, military veterans (especially those with a submarine connection) and anyone who prefers a hands-on, immersive experience over a passive one.
Older children and teenagers tend to find the USS Bowfin genuinely fascinating.
Families with very young children should note that kids under 4 are not permitted aboard the submarine for safety reasons, though they are welcome in the museum and on the grounds.
The Ultimate Experience: Passport to Pearl Harbor
Immerse yourself in the key moments of World War II and unlock an unforgettable experience with our Passport to Pearl Harbor at the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. This one all-encompassing pass includes general admission to:
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Battleship Missouri Memorial
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Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
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Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
As well as a self-guided multimedia tour at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and one VR experience at the Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Center!
Flexible Exploration:
Enjoy all four Pearl Harbor Historic Sites destinations over one or two consecutive days in whichever order best suits your schedule!
One Visit per Passport: Remember, whatever you visit on Day one, it’s off-limits for Day 2. This way, you can fully experience each destination!*
*PASSPORT INCLUDES ONLY ONE GENERAL ADMISSION TO EACH OF THE FOUR SITES WITHIN THE TWO-DAY PERIOD.
Adult (Ages 13+) - $99.99
Child (Ages 4-12) - $49.99
PASSPORTS DO NOT INCLUDE RESERVATIONS TO THE USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL. Please visit the National Park Service website at recreation.gov to reserve tickets.