This article was originally published on Feb. 13, 2009, and was updated Sept. 21, 2025.
The USS Arizona Memorial is well-known, but Pearl Harbor is home to more historic battleships and submarines that are docked at the iconic Oʻahu harbor. Among them is the USS Bowfin – a fleet attack submarine that was stationed in the Pacific during World War II and launched on December 7, 1942, one year to the day following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Pearl Harbor
Nicknamed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the USS Bowfin took part in nine patrols during World War II, the last of which was a night attack off the coast of China during “Operation Barney.”
Fittingly, the “Pearl Harbor Avenger” now has a permanent home berth at Pearl Harbor, and the historic submarine is available to tour.
What To Expect At The USS Bowfin Submarine and Museum
You are invited aboard the actual submarine, where you will get an inside 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.
Witness the locations where the Bowfin’s crew (known as “sewer pipers”) worked, ate and slept while part of nine rigorous patrols during the war.
There is also a museum and park onsite that are dedicated to the sacrifice of more than 3,500 submarine personnel lost in World War II.
This gallant band of brothers, comprising less than two percent of the U.S. Navy, 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 Bowfin
The park is located adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas day. The last admission into the campus is set for 4:30 p.m. each day.
Military, kama’āina (local residents) and school group pricing is available. Children under four are not permitted on the submarine for safety reasons, however, they may visit the grounds at no charge.
