On our previous trips to Oahu, we’ve toured the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri, but we had never been to the other area attractions — the USS Bowfin and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum — until recently. Both were interesting. Today, we’ll discuss the USS Bowfin.
The USS Bowfin was a fleet attack submarine used in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Now, she proudly rests in Pearl Harbor. She’s located in the water on the right as you enter the grounds to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
A ticket to tour the USS Bowfin includes a self-guided tour through the submarine as well as a separate museum. When we visited, we were given audio guides with headphones. The various points of interest were numbered. After pressing the number into the guide, we could listen to descriptions which could virtually bring inanimate objects to life.
The submarine is shockingly small considering the number of people who would occupy the space. If I remember correctly more than 70 men would be needed to operate the missions. With such tight quarters, every inch of this submarine seemed to serve a purpose.
After touring the USS Bowfin, we walked through the museum. In addition to the interesting memorabilia, I must say that the air-conditioned museum provided a very pleasant escape from the Hawaii heat.
At the time of writing, a ticket to the USS Bowfin costs $15 per adult and $7 per child. We used our Entertainment coupon book to get a buy one admission, get one free. Check the USS Bowfin’s website for their current ticket prices, hours and more information.
If you have the available time, touring the USS Bowfin is certainly interesting. Please enjoy our short video overview of the Bowfin as well as our photos.
Have you toured the USS Bowfin in Pearl Harbor? How was your visit?
Sheila Beal
