Welcome aboard the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, a mesmerizing destination that allows visitors to witness the fascinating history of submarines and their important role in various historical events. Located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, few attractions can transport you back to the World War II era and give you a glimpse of what life was like on a submarine during those turbulent times. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for an unforgettable experience, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is a must-visit destination that will take your breath away.
The History Behind the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is an ode to America’s naval history and a tribute to the brave soldiers who fought in World War II. Located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, this living museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy and memory of one of the most significant submarines of the Second World War – the USS Bowfin. The park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Hawaii and is home to a variety of exhibits, artifacts, and unforgettable experiences.
Origin of the USS Bowfin
The USS Bowfin was built in 1942 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and launched in December of that same year. The submarine earned its nickname, “The Pearl Harbor Avenger,” by earning the highest kill count of any U.S. Navy submarine during the war. The USS Bowfin completed nine successful war patrols during its service, patrolling the Pacific Ocean and sinking 44 enemy ships. In total, the submarine traveled over 75,000 miles during its service.
The USS Bowfin played a significant role in the Pacific theater of World War II, contributing to the eventual defeat of the Japanese forces. In recognition of its heroism, the USS Bowfin was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and earned the admiration of countless Americans.
Transformation into Museum & Park
After the USS Bowfin’s final patrol in 1945, the submarine was decommissioned and retired. In 1971, a group of Hawaiian veterans and civilians led a campaign to save the USS Bowfin from the scrapyard. Their goal was to transform the submarine into a living museum and memorial to all U.S. submarine forces in the Pacific, and their efforts paid off. The USS Bowfin Memorial was formally dedicated on April 1, 1981, and has been open to the public ever since.
Today, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is a must-see for tourists visiting Hawaii. The museum has been expanded to include a visitor center, a waterfront memorial, a gift shop, and other attractions to help visitors explore and learn more about the history of World War II submarines. The museum’s most iconic feature is, of course, the USS Bowfin, which sits majestically in a dry dock, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a real-life World War II submarine.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is constantly evolving and improving. In 2021, the museum unveiled a new multimedia exhibit called “Voyage to the Pacific,” which utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality to give visitors an immersive experience of what it was like to serve aboard a submarine during the war.
The museum is also in the midst of a major renovation project that aims to upgrade and modernize the infrastructure and exhibits. The renovation includes improvements to the visitor center, the addition of new exhibits, and a new education center that will serve as a hub for interactive activities and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is more than just a museum – it’s an experience that brings history to life. With its fascinating exhibits, knowledgeable guides, and stunning setting, this living museum is a must-see for anyone interested in World War II history and naval technology.
What to See and Do at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
When it comes to exploring the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. From guided audio tours to interactive exhibits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout attractions:
Guided Audio Tours
One of the most popular activities at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is taking a guided audio tour of the USS Bowfin submarine. This self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the sub at their own pace while learning about its history and inner workings from the perspective of a former crew member.
As you make your way through the submarine, you’ll hear fascinating stories about life on board, including what it was like to sleep in the cramped crew quarters and how the crew prepared and fired torpedoes during combat. The tour also covers the sub’s armaments and propulsion system, giving you a deeper understanding of how this fascinating piece of military technology worked.
Interactive Exhibits and Displays
In addition to the guided audio tour, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park also offers a variety of interactive exhibits and displays for visitors to explore. These exhibits bring the sub’s history to life through hands-on experiences that allow you to step into the shoes of a sailor on board.
Some of the highlights of the interactive exhibits and displays include the torpedo room, where visitors can see how torpedoes were loaded and prepared for launch, and the galley, where you can learn about the challenges of cooking and eating on board a submarine. You can also explore the crew quarters and see the cramped bunks where sailors slept during their tours of duty.
And of course, no visit to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park would be complete without a visit to the bridge. From here, you can get a sense of what it was like to navigate the sub through the waters of the Pacific during World War II.
Explore the Grounds
Beyond the submarine itself, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park also offers beautiful grounds to explore. Take a stroll around the park and enjoy the scenic views of Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri Memorial.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, you’ll also find a variety of military artifacts on display throughout the park. These artifacts include planes, tanks, and artillery pieces, each with its own unique story to tell.
And don’t forget to visit the Submarine Memorial, a touching tribute to all the submariners who lost their lives during World War II. This memorial serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave men and women to protect our country.
In conclusion, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in military history or naval technology. From the guided audio tour to the interactive exhibits and stunning views of Pearl Harbor, there’s something here for visitors of all ages to enjoy. So if you’re in the area, be sure to add this fascinating attraction to your itinerary!
Visiting the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
Located in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is a perfect destination to learn about the history of submarines and its role in the World War II. This museum is a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by naval warfare.
Getting There and Hours of Operation
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is situated within the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and is easily accessible by car and public transportation. For those coming by car, there is ample parking available. Alternatively, visitors can take the city bus that operates from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor.
The museum is open every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The operating hours are from 8 am to 4 pm, with the last admission at 3 pm. We recommend arriving early in the day to avoid crowds and have ample time to explore the exhibits.
Ticket Prices and Packages
The admission fee for the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is $15 per adult and $7 per child (ages 4-12). However, there are several packages available that offer discounts and added attractions for visitors, such as the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Battleship Missouri Memorial, and USS Arizona Memorial.
For instance, the Passport to Pearl Harbor package includes a visit to the Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. The cost for this package is $72 per adult and $32 per child (ages 4-12).
It is essential to note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, some attractions may be unavailable or limited in capacity. Therefore, we recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid any discomfort.
Visitor Tips and Recommendations
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is an excellent destination for individuals of all ages. Here are some tips and recommendations to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a significant amount of walking involved.
- Bring a camera to capture the unique and exciting exhibits.
- Apply sunscreen and bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Keep hydrated and purchase snacks or drinks at the gift shop or cafe, as food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum.
- Respect the rules and guidelines of the museum, including no flash photography and no touching of exhibits.
- Finally, take your time and absorb everything the museum has to offer. The exhibits are informative, and you don’t want to miss any of them.
In conclusion, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is an educational and exciting destination that offers visitors in-depth knowledge of submarines and their role in the World War II. From the location and operating hours to ticket prices and visitor tips, we hope this article has provided you with an extensive guide to visiting the museum.