The USS Bowfin Submarine (SS-287), known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” is one of the most popular historic sites at Pearl Harbor. Commissioned on December 7, 1942 – exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor—the Bowfin served with distinction in World War II. Today, the submarine rests at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, offering visitors an extraordinary opportunity to explore life beneath the waves during wartime.
A Living Piece of World War II History
The USS Bowfin carried out nine successful war patrols between 1943 and 1945. She sank 44 enemy ships, earning her a reputation as one of the most effective submarines of the war. With these achievements, she became a symbol of American resolve and played a key role in turning the tide in the Pacific.
Walking through the submarine today, you can step into the narrow passageways, crew bunks, torpedo rooms, and control centers that defined life on board for nearly 80 sailors. The Bowfin is preserved almost exactly as she appeared during her wartime service, making it one of the few submarines in the world where visitors can experience such authenticity.
What You’ll See at the Museum & Park
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is more than just the submarine itself. The complex includes:
- USS Bowfin Submarine Tour – Explore the submarine interior with a self-guided audio tour.
- Submarine Museum – Exhibits featuring submarine technology, torpedoes, and the history of undersea warfare.
- Waterfront Memorial – A solemn tribute to the 52 U.S. submarines and over 3,500 submariners lost during WWII.
- Gift Shop – A selection of books, apparel, and souvenirs dedicated to naval history.
Practical Information
- Location: Next to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, just steps from the entrance.
- Tickets: Entry to the USS Bowfin Submarine & Museum is separate from the USS Arizona Memorial program. Tickets are available on-site and online.
- Hours: Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day).
- Accessibility: Due to its original design, the submarine interior is not wheelchair accessible, but the museum exhibits and memorial grounds are.
Tips for Your Visit
- Allow 1–2 hours to fully explore the submarine and museum.
- Bring comfortable shoes—the submarine has ladders and tight passageways.
- Photography is allowed, but space is limited inside.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Why Visit the USS Bowfin
The USS Bowfin Submarine is more than a museum – it’s a chance to stand in the same space where American submariners lived, worked, and fought. It provides an unforgettable glimpse into the courage and sacrifice of the Silent Service during WWII.