USS Bowfin Submarine Museum at Pearl Harbor
The USS Bowfin Submarine was launched one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She made nine patrols during WWII.
The USS Arizona Battleship is the most well-known memorial at Pearl Harbor, but there are plenty more battleships and submarines from the attack on December 7, 1941 docked at this iconic Oʻahu harbor. Among them is the USS Bowfin, a fleet attack submarine that was stationed in the Pacific during WWII and launched on December 7, 1942, one year to the day following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Nicknamed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the USS Bowfin took part in nine patrols during WWII, the last of which was a night attack off the coast of China during “Operation Barney.” Now permanently stationed at Pearl Harbor, visitors can board and tour the submarine.
What to Expect on the USS Bowfin & Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
Visitors are invited aboard the actual submarine. Inside, you will get a glimpse of what life was like aboard during its military service and patrols. The self-guided tour includes recorded narration that is keyed to stops throughout the submarine. You'll see the locations where the Bowfin’s crew (known as “sewer pipers”) worked, ate and slept while part of nine rigorous patrols during the war.
In addition to the museum, there is an missile exhibit along the water by the submarine. This area of Pearl Harbor is dedicated to the sacrifice of more than 3,500 submarine personnel lost in WWII. Less than two percent of the U.S. Navy, these soldiers sank more than 5.5 million tons of enemy ships, while sustaining losses of 52 submarines that remain on Eternal Patrol.
Plan Your Visit To The USS Bowfin
The USS Bowfin Submarine is located inside the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is located inside the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, to the right of the entrance.
It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry is 4:30 p.m.) except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
- Adults — $25.99+tax
- Child (ages 4-12) — $14.99+tax
- Military and kama’āina — $18.99 +tax (purchase tickets onsite with valid ID)
- Military and kama’āina child — $9.99+tax (purchase tickets onsite with valid ID)
Children under four are not permitted on the submarine for safety reasons, however, they may visit the grounds at no charge.
Wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted aboard the submarine.
There is a gift shop, food truck and restrooms located inside the park.
This article was originally published on Feb. 13, 2009, and was updated Aug. 23, 2026.