The history of Hawaii is inextricably linked with the notorious bombardment of the U.S. military base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which caused huge loss of life and led directly to the U.S.A. joining the Second World War. Possibly less well known is that, exactly one year after the attack, the USS Bowfin was launched into the harbour as an undercover avenger. Over the course of the war the vessel succeeded in sinking 44 enemy submarines. Now there is a museum dedicated to telling its story and giving visitors an insight into the lives of the brave soldiers who manned it.Your visit starts with an audio tour of the submarine, lasting around 30 minutes. The tour is self-guided, so you can pause as often as you like, choosing your own pace. Explore the vessel’s narrow confines and get a first-hand impression of what daily life must have been like in these cramped and dangerous conditions. Among the exhibits are recruitment posters, contemporary documents, military artefacts and hardware, including a Poseidon ballistic missile which has been specially displayed to show the complex electronic circuitry which made it a revolutionary weapon of its time.Leaving behind the claustrophobia of the submarine, most people are grateful to be out in the fresh air, making the dedication of its wartime crew seem even more impressive. In the park you can view some of the larger exhibits, such as a Japanese Kaiten torpedo and various other underwater missiles, as well as pay a visit to the memorial dedicated to the brave submariners who perished here during the war.The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park are reached via a footbridge from Pearl Harbor and are open daily (except for major public holidays) on payment of an admission charge. Visitors are not allowed to take bags on board but storage lockers are available to rent.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park Tours and Activities
Visit USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park
Plan a trip to see USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park
Stay Hotel Waikiki
Reviewed on 24 May 2024
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort
Reviewed on 27 May 2024
OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Reviewed on 25 May 2024
Popular places to visit
World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
You can find out about the history of Halawa with a visit to World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
USS Arizona Memorial
Take a boat tour to the USS Arizona Memorial, where the tragic events that led up to this dark day in American history are brought vividly to life.
Aloha Stadium
Catch an event at Aloha Stadium during your trip to Halawa. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
USS Missouri Memorial
Explore this huge vessel and learn about the Battle of Pearl Harbor on the spot where World War II ended.
USS Oklahoma Memorial
You can learn about the history of Naval Station Pearl Harbor with a visit to USS Oklahoma Memorial. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Pearl Harbor
Discover where America's involvement in World War II started and ended amid the moving memorials and battleship museums of this historic harbor.
Top USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park
- Holidays and getaways similar to USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park
- Are there hotels near USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park?
- Hotels near popular Honolulu Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Waikiki Beach
- Waikiki Beach Walk
- Ala Moana Center
- International Market Place
- Royal Hawaiian Center
- Diamond Head
- Honolulu Zoo
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Ala Moana Beach Park
- USS Arizona Memorial
- Iolani Palace
- Aloha Tower Marketplace
- Magic Island
- Queen Kapiʻolani Regional Park
- Prince Waikiki
- Hampton Inn & Suites Oahu/Kapolei
- Pagoda Hotel
- Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu
- Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki
- Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
- Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
- Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites
- Ala Moana Hotel by LSI Resorts
- The Equus
- Ala Moana Hotelcondo by Luana Vacation Rental
- Hotels near Waikiki Beach
- Hotels near Waikiki Beach Walk
- Hotels near Ala Moana Center
- Hotels near Royal Hawaiian Center
- Hotels near Hawaii Convention Center
- Hotels near Honolulu Zoo
- Hotels near Diamond Head
- Hotels near Kaimana Beach
- Hotels near USS Arizona Memorial
- Hotels near Iolani Palace
- Hotels near Waikele Premium Outlets