USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park Reopens to the Public Beginning Friday, November 6

Oahu • November 6, 2020

Bowfin to reopen with new guidelines as health and safety take top priority

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii   (November 4, 2020)  –The Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association is scheduled to reopen its USS  Bowfin  Submarine Museum & Park to the public on Friday, November 6, 2020 with advanced health guidelines in place for the safety of visitors.

“We’ve taken advantage of the closures this year to make a number of improvements to our campus and we look forward to welcoming the public,” said Chuck Merkel, Executive Director of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association.

The improvements include new interpretive signs for all of the outside exhibits, an outdoor play area for children, and the addition of a hull ring at the campus entrance that compares the size of World War II submarines to today’s much larger nuclear subs.

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

The World War II submarine, USS  Bowfin,  will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The Gift Shop will be open, but food service and some concessions will remain closed.  These will reopen as visitation dictates.  The museum remains closed for renovations and will reopen in early 2021.  

Bowfin  joins the Pearl Harbor National Memorial (PHNM) in reopening to the public.  The PHNM reopened September 28 and features two war museums and access to the USS  Arizona  Memorial.  Guests can book a ticket on the Navy shuttle boats to the Memorial through  recreation.gov ; the shuttles run daily from 8am to 1pm 

The Pacific Historic Parks bookstore is also open daily from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

The health and wellbeing of our visitors is a top priority.  Bowfin  has taken the necessary health precautions to ensure a safe and positive visitor experience, and asks that you continue practicing the following when visiting:

  • If you are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, please stay home and visit us when you are well.
  • Practice social distancing.  Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and others.
  • Face coverings must be worn in order to enter.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance of your visit.

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

Since opening to the public in 1981, more than 9.5-million visitors have toured the USS  Bowfin.  Adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, the USS  Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, operated as a private, non-profit organization, is dedicated to the sacrifice of more than 3,500 submarine personnel lost in World War II.  This gallant band of brothers, compromising less than 2 percent of the U.S. Navy, sank more than 5.5 million tons of enemy ships, while sustaining the loss of 52 submarines that remain on Eternal Patrol. 

The USS  Bowfin  Submarine Museum & Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  General admission to the submarine is $15 per adult and $7 per child 4-12. Military,  kama‘āina  (local resident) is $8 per adult and $4 per child 4-12. School group pricing is available. For more information, call (808) 423-1341 or visit  bowfin.org.

a sea turtle swimming through clear blue water
By Gavin Hillman June 6, 2025
Want to see some Sea Turtles during your time on Oahu? Check out our full guide to turtle watching on Oahu! From the best spots to guided tours here is everything you need to know!
hawaiian airport runway with 3 planes and hawaiian designs on the tail
By Gavin Hillman June 6, 2025
Here's everything you need to know about what to pack for a trip to Hawaii - from beach essentials to the small things this is a complete Hawaii packing guide.
Volcanic summit landscape of Haleakalā National Park with rugged crater and clouds below.
By Gavin Hillman May 25, 2025
Discover everything you need to plan your trip to Haleakalā National Park on Maui. Explore sunrise tips, hiking trails, cultural sites, camping, and top photo spots in this complete visitor guide.
Looking for the best waterfalls on the island of Kauai? Check out our list of the top 5.
By Gavin Hillman May 24, 2025
Explore the top 5 must-see waterfalls on Kauai, Hawaii — from iconic roadside cascades like Wailua Falls to remote jungle treasures like Hanakāpīʻai Falls. Learn how to get there, what to expect, and tips for making the most of your waterfall adventure.
Scuba diver swimming alongside a green sea turtle in clear Hawaiian waters.
By Gavin Hillman May 23, 2025
Everything you need to know about scuba diving in Hawaii — from top islands and dive sites to marine life, certification tips, and the best time to dive. Perfect for beginners and pros alike.
A shark is swimming in the ocean near a coral reef.
By Hawaii April 30, 2025
Discover the latest shark facts in Hawaii, including safety tips, common species, and insights from local experts. Stay informed and safe during your island adventures.
By Cheryl Lee April 30, 2025
Time to get out and explore! The island’s full of awesome spots—just keep an eye out, some might ask for a reservation or an entrance fee to get in.
By Cheryl Lee April 27, 2025
Downtown Honolulu is rich in history, showcasing Hawaii's royal past, cultural fusion, and modern vibrancy. This walking tour includes the must-see landmarks: ‘Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha Statue, the Hawaiian Mission Houses, and other nearby attractions.
By Cheryl Lee April 26, 2025
Make memories—and bring a little paradise home! Hawaii’s family-friendly shopping centers offer something for everyone, from charming local boutiques and challenging breakout rooms to free hula shows, helpful services, and delicious dining the whole family can enjoy.
By Cheryl Lee April 26, 2025
Vacations are the perfect excuse to indulge - whether you're savoring a melt-in-your-mouth Beef Wellington or diving into an endless seafood buffet stacked with fresh crab legs. For the more adventurous, quick bites like beer-battered fish tacos or wood-fired pizzas hit the spot before grabbing your snorkel gear and heading to the beach. Ready to eat your way through paradise? Check out some of our favorite restaurants in Waikiki!
More Posts