The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum Park stands as one of Pearl Harbor’s most informative attractions. The centerpiece is a well-preserved WWII submarine you can actually walk through, with original equipment still intact. Self-guided audio tours let you explore at your own pace, while knowledgeable docents – many of them former submariners – offer guided options packed with insider stories and technical details.
I especially love the comprehensive guided tours where you get to squeeze through the tight corridors and see the actual bunks, torpedo rooms, and control stations. The expertly restored interior gives you a real sense of submarine life during wartime.
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Key Points
- The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum Park offers self-guided audio tours that allow visitors to explore the history of submarine warfare at their own pace.
- Visitors can witness the interior of the USS Bowfin submarine, which is preserved as a National Historic Landmark.
- The museum’s exhibits provide a detailed look into the life and operations of a World War II-era submarine.
- Guided tours are available for those seeking a more comprehensive understanding of the submarine’s history and importance.
- The museum’s location within the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites makes it an ideal addition to a full-day Pearl Harbor tour.
From Waikiki: Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour
The Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour from Waikiki offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historic Pearl Harbor site.
Over 9 hours, the tour includes guided visits to the USS Arizona Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, USS Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Highlights include a tribute to sailors lost in the attack and a guided tour of the USS Missouri battleship.
Transportation, admission fees, and pickup/drop-off service in Waikiki are all included.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and note that certain items like drones and alcohol are prohibited.
With an overall 4.5/5 rating, this tour provides an immersive and educational experience of Pearl Harbor’s significant history.
Read our full review: From Waikiki: Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour Review
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From Maui: Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour
A comprehensive Pearl Harbor experience tour from Maui offers visitors an immersive exploration of this historic site.
Priced at Kč 11,827 per person, the 9-hour tour includes round-trip airfare, admission to all four memorials and museums, and transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.
Highlights include the USS Arizona Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, USS Missouri, USS Oklahoma Memorial, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Visitors are encouraged to maintain decorum and respect during the tour, as the memorials honor those lost on December 7, 1941.
The tour provides a pickup service in Waikiki and allows for free cancellation with a 24-hour notice.
Read our full review: From Maui: Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour Review
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From Kauai: Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour
Visitors to Kauai can embark on a comprehensive Pearl Harbor experience tour, seeing the history and significance of this iconic site.
The tour includes visits to the USS Arizona Memorial, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum. Guests can expect to spend approximately 7 hours exploring these historic landmarks, with the option to add on a flight to Oahu for the complete experience.
Prices for the Kauai Pearl Harbor tour start at $339 per person, offering a deep dive into one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
Read our full review: From Kauai: Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour Review
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From Kona: Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour
From Kona, visitors can embark on a comprehensive Pearl Harbor experience tour, allowing them to enjoy the history and significance of this iconic site.
The 9-hour tour departs from Kona and takes travelers on a journey through the key landmarks, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, and the USS Missouri Battleship.
With a focus on skip-the-line access and pickup availability, the tour ensures a seamless and efficient experience.
At $499.99 per person, this tour provides a complete Pearl Harbor exploration, catering to those seeking an in-depth understanding of this pivotal moment in history.
Read our full review: From Kona: Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour Review
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Half Day Private Pearl Harbor Tour
This half-day private Pearl Harbor tour allows visitors to enjoy the history and significance of this iconic site.
Priced at £492.76 for up to 2 participants, the 5-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a self-guided audio tour of the WWII submarine USS Bowfin, a documentary on the events leading to America’s entry into WWII, and a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial.
The tour also takes guests to Punchbowl Cemetery and the exterior of Iolani Palace.
While food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included, the tour provides a comprehensive and personal experience at Pearl Harbor.
Guests should bring comfortable shoes and be aware of the no-bag policy at the Arizona Memorial.
Read our full review: Half Day Private Pearl Harbor Tour Review
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The Sum Up
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history of submarine warfare and the Pacific Theater during World War II. With a variety of tour options available from different Hawaiian islands, guests can tailor their Pearl Harbor experience to their interests and schedules. Whether a full-day or half-day tour, visitors are sure to gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.