Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

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Immediately adjacent to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum campus was recently renovated and features the WWII fleet submarine, USS Bowfin, a museum, outdoor artifacts, a lanai (shaded patio), food service, gift shop, restrooms and concessions. The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can learn about the history of the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Force – the Silent Service during WWII, the Cold War, and Today and into the Future. The museum features a mix of traditional exhibits, multi-media, and interactive displays.

USS Bowfin (SS-287)

On December 15, 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Portsmouth Navy Yard was given the order to start construction on the new Balao-class fleet submarines. The third boat of the class was to bear the name USS Bowfin (SS-287). Of all the classes of submarines used during World War II, the Balao-class contributed the most submarines to the submerged fight. Approximately 265 were ordered and more than 119 were completed between 1942 and 1945. Major improvements over the previous Gato-class were the upgraded thicker, higher yield strength steel and the pressure hull skin and frame, which increased their test depth to 400 feet.

The USS Bowfin measures nearly 312 feet and has a submerged displacement weight of 2,415 tons. During WWII, USS Bowfin went out on nine war patrols in the Pacific between 1943 and 1945. The USS Bowfin boasts ten torpedo tubes and rack space for 14 reloads and could reach speeds of 20.25 knots on the surface and 8.75 knots submerged.

USS Bowfin’s World War II commanding officers believed that she sank 179,646 tons (34 large vessels, plus 10 more under 500 tons) and damaged 33,934 tons (five large vessels plus two smaller ones) for a total of 213,580 tons sunk or damaged. She remains a legend, for among the 188 World War II submarines with sinking records, Bowfin ranks 17th in tonnage and 15th in number of ships sunk.

Admission and Tours

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is currently open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.* General admission is $21.99 for adults and $12.99 for children aged 4-12. Military, kama‘aina (local resident) pricing is $15.00 per adult and $7.99 per child (4-12). School group pricing is available. Admission includes an audio tour that is available in seven languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Chinese). For more information, call (808) 423-1341 or visit www.bowfin.org. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Exhibits & Collections

Our recently renovated musuem features interactive exhibits that highlight the Submarine force's contributions during WWII, the Cold War, today and into the future.

Outdoor highlights include:

• USS Bowfin (SS-287) – a decommissioned WWII submarine museum and living memorial
• The Waterfront Memorial – honoring more 3,500 officers and crewmen lost during World War II
• A Conning Tower – where visitors can explore the confined space of a WWII submarine
• Japanese Kaiten – one of the only remaining Japanese manned torpedoes in existence
• McCann Rescue Chamber – an actual rescue chamber used to bring survivors to the surface
• Over a dozen missiles, torpedoes, anchors, and propellers

USS Bowfin Gift Shop

Choose from a wide selection of nautical and naval souvenirs including T-shirts, hats, books and other great Pearl Harbor merchandise. Enhance the experience for children by choosing something from the gift shop’s special “keiki” section featuring educational items perfect for young minds.

Bowfin's Lanai Food Court

Jake's Food Truck is the most convenient and affordable place for lunch at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Open daily from 9:30am to 3pm.


Education

Bring your class today and submerge yourself in the history of submarines! The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park maintains an active role in educating the next generation on the history, science and interesting facts surrounding the life of our undersea warriors. We offer several educational programs tailored to different groups who want to learn more, including:

• Junior Submariner Program
• Student Visits (group visits)
• School Outreach Program
• Scholarships (for submariners and immediate family)
• Research Library

Please see our website for details on these programs. To schedule a visit to your school or educational organization, please contact Charles R. Hinman, Education & Outreach, at (808) 423-1341 or email: education@bowfin.org.


Evening Events

We are able to host private events at the USS Bowfin between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm. USS Bowfin and our museum can remain open for your functions.

Please contact our office for additional information.

We Remember

USS Bowfin served in the Pacific and spent most of her patrols in the South China Sea, Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Japan, and into the Sea of Japan. She was re-commissioned for the Korean Conflict during 1951-1954. From 1960 to 1971, USS Bowfin was a Naval Reserve training boat in Seattle before being transformed into a museum in 1979. In April 1981, she opened to the public and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

USS Bowfin is considered the best preserved and most visited submarine that served in WWII. More than 9 million visitors have come to pay their respects to this Submarine and its memorial. Her naval service will not be forgotten.

Contact Us

Hours
Open Daily 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
CLOSED ON NEW YEAR’S DAY, THANKSGIVING, AND CHRISTMAS

Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
11 Arizona Memorial Drive

Honolulu, HI 96818

Phone: (808) 423-1341
E-mail: info@bowfin.org