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    Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

    4.3 (124 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Richard D.

    Visited the Bowfin Museum after lunch on a Thursday afternoon. Although we are Kama'aina, it's been many years since we last visited the PH National Memorial. Gotta say it's much improved, very well organized, facilities are modern and clean. Cost for military or Kama'aina to visit Bowfin is $19 per person. In addition to the submarine, they also have a beautiful museum dedicated to WWII era subs and another for modern day boats. There is a very nice covered lanai food court with drinks and sandwiches and burgers. As a Navy vet, I served on Aircraft Carriers and Destroyers, and I knew that a WWII submarine would be very cramped inside. Wow, it WAS very cramped... the main passageway could barely fit two ppl, and the hatches leading forward and aft were incredibly small. I give credit to WWII submariners for their service in those small boats. Wow. Anywho, a wonderful experience visiting Bowfin. Parking can be a challenge. They no longer have a kiosk in the main lobby to pay for parking. You must scan the QR code on the signs to pay. It's a government website so of course there is a long form to fill out to pay.

    Chunjai K.

    Yes, it is a small submarine, but I still like it plus I already spend whole day all another museum so short walk will save me lots of energy. Most rooms are smaller than a battleship of course. I buy a passport ticket so for me is so much worth! I get to see every place without waiting on a line or thinking about buying a ticket place by place.

    Placard in the submarine
    Lisa B.

    We spent about an hour here and found that to be sufficient time to see everything. Late afternoon things weren't too crowded. Staff was friendly and the submarine tour was really interesting.

    Nick W.

    This review is for both the museum and actual USS Bowfin submarine tour. Although the actual USS Arizona Memorial wasn't really my thing, this was. Touring this submarine was so interesting. You see how cramped the quarters really are. It's unbelievable that 80 people lived on this sub for months at a time. Some of the bunks are literally in the torpedo storage. You could be sleeping inches above a torpedo. If you are large or mobility challenged be aware that this may be difficult. You have to climb up and down stairs and there are very small airlock doors you have to pass through. My 75 year old father who has mobility issues made it but it was challenging for him (but completely worth it). There is no air conditioning so it can be very stuffy below deck but there are lots of fans to keep the air moving. In addition to going through the sub, the price of admission gets you into a very interesting museum full of WW2 and Cold War naval history. This isn't cheap but I found it worth it. I found this to fit my tastes and interests more than the actual USS Arizona Memorial.

    Robin S.

    Excellent museum showcasing the US Navy submarine service, including WWII and Cold War exhibits. I didn't do the Bowfin tour as I've been on many other museum boats and am a sub vet myself, but I understand it's a good example of the breed. The museum proper was enough for me to award 5 stars.

    The rude man who shouldn't work at a tourist place.
    Lily B.

    Two stars goes to the man working at the entrance of the submarine who was extremely rude. The entire set up before going into the submarine, there is a small building where they are just trying to scam you into taking pictures of you and your party so then you have to pay for the picture you can just do it on your phone for free. Why do tourist places still do this to people, we all have phones with cameras. Instead of trying to scam people into paying for a picture, use the resources to create more stories or shows at the location. So the guy at this booth is forcing everyone to go to the right so he can make you take a picture with him, we didn't fall for this and took our own pictures on our phone. Then on the way out, he forced us again to go around the booth when there aren't any signs or blocking of trail, so you can exit anyway you want. This entire set up needs to be changed, if you want people to go through specific patches, create them. For the rude man, if you can't be polite to tourists, don't work at a touristic place. Ruined our experience just because of this man and outdated processes. The women on the submarine were very kind, so thank you to them for being nice.

    Shani H.

    Nice experience to get on a submarine and see how the living quarters are. However, I do feel that the museum is a bit overpriced. Its $20 to enter. However, they do not have nearly as much memorabilia and plaques as the pearl harbor museum.

    Phil A.

    The self guided tour on the submarine was great!! Being ex military (U.S. Army), it brought me back to my military days and also gave my daughter a good taste of what the military was like!! The self guided tour is $15, and after you start and put the headphones on, it changes depending on what part of the submarine you're in. The submarine is real tight quarters, so if you got some size on you or are claustrophobic, this probably isn't for you, but they do have fans in there to help a little. It really gave you a good feel of what it was like being on a sub, very educational, very interesting and fascinating!! After the tour, you are offered a picture that was took of you before you started in a newspaper style form, it costs $20, well worth it. This is located in the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center, and it's highly recommended!!

    Nadine A.

    Can't visit Oahu without going to Pearl Harbor. We visited the Arizona Memorial. It is free. The boat ride to the memorial was a bit emotional. The memorial is simple and well done. You are literally standing over the actual ship where bodies are not retrieved. Upon returning, we walked the remembrance which was informational. After, we watched the Pearl Harbor movie. Due to Covid, they showed the movie outside. We completed our tour by visiting the USS Bowfin Submarine and the Museum. This required a fee and included the audio tour which was helpful while visiting each cabin in the submarine ship. Give yourself a few hours at Pearl Harbor. Worth visiting.

    On top of the Bowfin
    Graciela P.

    After the boat dropped us off at the visitors center we went straight for the Submarine USS Bowfin. This was included in our package so it was already pre-paid and we were given our tickets ahead of time. I believe the entrance for this is $15 for adults and $7 for kids. The museum part was closed when we came, they are doing construction so we were unable to check that out. I would say if you're claustrophobic probably stay away from doing this tour of the Sub. It can feel a little cramped in there and hot, they do have little fans going though. Walking through the Bowfin was pretty cool and yet I can't believe how these men could live here in this cramped space for so long. I mean even I had problems going through some of the hatch doors, I'm short people I have short legs lol. This is definitely worth a stop, very interesting it would have been even better if we had a chance to go to the museum but this was a good experience.

    Jerry E.

    Interesting place to learn a little about old submarines. There are abundant displays of torpedoes and other gadgets. Too bad that there are no modern, especially nuclear, submarines for viewing. Perhaps, that had something to do with classifications.

    Michael C.

    a piece of HISTORY. Although the USS Bowfin was not our first choice (unfortunately, the tickets for the Arizona Memorial were sold out by the time we arrived), we were pleasantly surprised by the careful preservation of the submarine as well as the historic museum exhibits. NOTES: 1. Adult admission is $12; $4 discount with local ID. 2. Price of admission includes access to both submarine AND museum. 3. Submarine is NOT air conditioned. There are many, many fans present to help cool off visitors. 4. Please be aware that there is a hatch open where visitors will descend into the submarine to begin the tour. Please do not walk to the rear of the deck (as we were soon told when we tried to do this ourselves). You'll have a chance to walk the full length of the deck when your tour of the interior is finished. 5. Parking available in the PH Visitor Center lot/adjoining parking lots. SUBMARINE: 1. There are staff taking pictures of visitors before they cross the bridge to the submarine. Please don't be tempted to buy the newspaper replica of the Dec 7. newspaper with your picture positioned on the front page. Total marketing and tourist gimmick. Pass on that. 2. As I've already mentioned, the submarine is NOT air conditioned. And of course, why should it be since its from a bygone era. I just want to mention this tidbit of into so people/future visitors are aware of the muggy and hot conditions. 3. The space and living quarters in the submarine are cramped! Please be aware and cautious when moving around and about during your tour. Especially when having to go thru the small doors. Please watch your step, please don't bump your head, and just please be careful. 4. The submarine is well preserved and cared for! I was impressed. And what impressed me even more was that the crew were able to live in such cramped quarters. The "space" in the rooms and in the bunk areas were so tiny! I couldn't believe at first. But, then again, its not a luxury cruise liner, so of course, the conditions were just basic. Plus, I am sure the space was needed for other areas. 5. The engine room was very impressive! All the levers and gages, and mechanical components needed to power and run the sub were just eye opening to me. MUSEUM: 1. It wasn't as large as I thought it was going to be. Still, there were many interesting and historical artifacts on display, and it was a nice respite from the heat that day. 2. I really enjoyed looking over the black and white photos from that era. I liked the historical significance and aspect of what the museum curator/staff are wanting to share with visitors. 3. One of my favorite displays was the replica of the USS Bowfin and how one side of the submarine was removed to show the different sections of the ship. BOTTOM LINE: A pleasant visit to USS Bowfin and museum. A nice alternative in case tickets to the Arizona Memorial are sold out, or plans don't work out in visiting the other tourist sites at Pearl Harbor.

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    Nadine, WOW! Thank you for this amazing review!

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    Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Reviews in Other Languages

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    Review Highlights - Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

    Awestruck, humbled and impressed by what so many Submariners had to go through and still do to serve on a sub.

    Mentioned in 36 reviews

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    Capitol Modern The Hawaii State Art Museum

    Capitol Modern The Hawaii State Art Museum

    4.5
    (117 reviews)
    6.6 mi

    The Capitol Modern Art Museum on Richards Street in Honolulu is an amazing experience! Best of all,…read moreit's free to attend and offers a wonderful mix of art, music, dancing, and community. I enjoyed exploring the art exhibits and seeing the creativity of local artists. There were also vendors selling local products, jewelry, hats, clothing, and other unique items. If you'd like, you can also grab a drink or food while enjoying the event. The museum hosts special First Friday events every month, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere where people can gather, socialize, and appreciate art and culture. For convenient parking, I recommend the Aliʻi Place parking garage, where parking is very affordable. It's a great way to spend an evening in downtown Honolulu, whether you're a local or a visitor.

    Capital Modern, Hawaii State Art Museum is a beautiful museum located downtown Honolulu surrounded…read moreby historical and modern buildings. Old and new Honolulu come together in this location. The grounds are scenic and lovely, really nice area to stroll and enjoy some of Hawaiian history and art. Lots of street parking and free parking after 6pm. I usually go on First Friday which is always a blast, they always have different local entertainment throughout the evening and sometimes the place really gets rocking from the music. The nice thing, kids are welcome as well so the whole family can attend. On the second floor there is two galleries that house the different art and artists. The wood floors are beautiful. Every month there is a different theme and the art work is rotated so it never gets old. Also on the second floor are different vendors that are selling food products or locally made products for sale. They also have beer and wine available for sale. The staff are great and very helpful. If you have a bag, the security outside the gallery will check it for you as well as any waterbottles. Admission is free but donations are accepted and really appreciated. Come check this place out, you won't be disappointed.

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    Stage view from the upstairs!
    Solomon Enos! Beautiful Piece
    Solomon Enos! Beautiful Piece
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    Art display
    Foster Botanical Garden

    Foster Botanical Garden

    4.5
    (282 reviews)
    6.3 mi

    What do I want to do on my birthday? Let's go take a walk in the park!…read more With the hustle and bustle of the holiday weekend and events here and there, I wanted somewhere less crowded and quiet. Foster Botanical Garden came to mind. I haven't been here for a very long time! The entrance is located along Vineyard Blvd. - westbound, right after the Kuan Yin Temple. There's plenty of free parking. Out of all the City and County botanical gardens, this is the only one with admission, but it's well worth the price - $5 for adults, $3 for Hawai'i Residents, $1 Children 6-12 (so, 13+ are adults?), and free for kids 5 and under. There is a free docent-led 90-minute tour at 10:30am - every Monday and Wednesday to Saturday - anyone can join. Walk-ins okay if there's space, or make reservations via email or phone. Before heading in, you can grab a map and a bird checklist. The garden itself is very well kept and quite spacious. There are two restrooms - one on the left and another on the right. They were quite clean! All areas, trees, and plants are clearly marked. Be on the lookout for the "exceptional trees" such as the Baobab, which looks like elephant legs; Cannonball Tree, Kapok, and etc. The Orchid Collection in the greenhouse has a nice variety with the infamous Corpse Flower. Overall, a very nice, well-maintained place to visit and worth the admission fee. Even though you're in town, next to the freeway and busy streets around, you still feel a sense of relaxation and calm while connecting with nature and admiring the vast collection of trees and plants. I wouldn't mind getting the annual pass for $25 just to take my lunch here!

    Was still open at the end of the year and New Year's Eve which was lovely for a holiday stroll :)…read moreWas kinda busy which was nice because usually when we got it's kinda empty. People want to come during the holidays :D

    Photos
    A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.
    A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.
    The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.
    The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.
    The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.

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    The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.
    The Rhelm

    The Rhelm

    4.7
    (3 reviews)
    6.4 mi

    Called 4/3/2026 3:50pm. Closed. Spoke to owner. This business is closed. He said this business has…read morebeen closed for a while now. No plans to reopen.

    ONE HOUR LIVE THEATER WORKSHOP FOR KIDS 4-12 with ACTIVE AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION $14.95…read more I'll be honest, I don't really know how to write this review because I don't know how to describe what exactly is going on here. BUT "The Rhelm" opened two months ago and is only here for a limited time and if your kids have seen everything on Oahu already, this is something DIFFERENT. It's not like a discovery center. It's not a museum. It's not a playground. You basically walk into a day in the life of the town of Wentrus. (See www.therhelm.com for more details) *cue the imagination music* The town of Wentrus got burned down by a dragon. The town needs help rebuilding. As soon as you ("the traveller") arrive, the villagers will take you to their various workshops where you can earn stamps on your passport when you do good deeds. Weaving and tinkering are just a few of the good deeds that my kids got to experience. HOURS: Fri 6-9pm, Sat 9a-9pm, Sun 9a-6pm. You can come whenever you want during these hours, they put a colored dot on your card so they will announce when your one-hour time limit is up. It goes by pretty quickly. LOCATION: Aloha Tower Marketplace, ground floor, across Gordon Birsch. I think they're only here til the end of September but I'm not even sure about that. PRICE: $14.95 for one hour. Other party packages are available too (ie $250 for 15 kids for a 2hr private party). PARKING: not validated. $5 flat rate (weekdays after 4pm, weekend days) *cue the reality music* So all the pictures I posted are in the square footage of one store, so this place is not really that big. Do NOT bring babies, toddlers, strollers (see age recommendation 4-12yrs), because there isn't room for all of that and it won't make sense to them anyway. Just bring your imagination and creative spirit and your kids will have a great time.

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    Children help decode messages with the Scribe at The Rhelm.
    Children help decode messages with the Scribe at The Rhelm.
    Children levitate objects in the Wizards Tower at The Rhelm.
    Children levitate objects in the Wizards Tower at The Rhelm.
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    A young traveler is helping Rachael with the building of the Weavers Hut
    Contemporary Museum

    Contemporary Museum

    4.3
    (7 reviews)
    6.5 mi

    "Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot see physically with his eyes…read more.. Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an exploration into unknown areas." - Arshile Gorky After recent visits to the Hawai'i State Art Museum and Honolulu Museum of Art, we were inspired to visit this art museum. This Contemporary Museum at the First Hawaiian Center is an extension of the Honolulu Museum of Art. It features the work by artists of Hawai'i who use a variety of media and displays can be found in the bank's lobby and second floor mezzanine. Exhibits and artistic works are routinely rotated. The museum isn't very large and usually has enough space to feature 3 artists at a time. I can't express how the different artwork affected my senses and emotions as everyone will have their own impression(s). You may or may not feel or see what I have seen or what the artist was trying to express. However, when you come to the First Hawaiian Center, you'll also be impressed with the architecture. The former CEO and Chairman of First Hawaiian Bank, Walter A. Dods, Jr, is responsible for completing and opening Hawai'i's tallest building. Distinctive architectural features bring in as much natural sunlight as possible, views from its mountain-side use vertically-proportioned windows and ocean-facing views can be seen through horizontally framed windows that capture the sea and horizon. The building's shape resembles a knife as it "slashes through" its banking competition, Bank of Hawai'i. If you happen to be in Downtown Honolulu's Financial District, check out this museum. Explore and discover the unknown.

    The Contemporary Museum is located inside the main branch of First Hawaiian Bank. It occupies…read moresections of the first and second floors. A person would need to take the stairs to get to the second floor. I'm unsure if the art gallery wing on the second floor can be accessed by the elevators...if they do then a person would have to pass the FHB workers in order to get to the gallery First Hawaiian Bank and Honolulu Museum of Art just had their 20th anniversary of partnership in 2016. Paintings and art sculptures on the two levels are part of the First Hawaiian Bank's art collections. Individuals are able to browse both levels for free. All art in the museum were done by individuals growing up in Hawaii or from transplanted former residents of the island. I recommend everyone to stop by the Contemporary Museum in the Downtown Honolulu location of First Hawaiian Bank. 10/100

    Photos
    I've never seen kamani wood before but its wood grain is truly spectacular!
    I've never seen kamani wood before but its wood grain is truly spectacular!
    Looking up on the building's "blade edge"
    Looking up on the building's "blade edge"
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    "Birds of a Feather", mixed media on paper
    The Liljestrand House

    The Liljestrand House

    4.8
    (26 reviews)
    7.6 mi

    Loved the tour, history and the house. It was amazing. But…read moreas someone who is regular weight and height, but struggling with infertility, to be asked by the docent whether I was pregnant, is hugely hurtful and shows lack of interpersonal interactions. Specially as she was a woman, or even it it were a man, that is unacceptable. I am not expecting. We are going through IVF. I thought everyone from a young age was asked not to ask that kind of question. I loved our visit, but now it's on a sour feeling. Would not recommend bc of conduct of the docent. Otherwise, it's spectacular

    Perched high in the mountains of Makiki Heights and nestled in an oasis of eucalyptus trees and…read morelush tropical foliage sits the magnificent Liljestrand House. Getting there is quite the experience of hairpin turns and winding roads, but once you see the low sprawling home, your blood pressure will return to normal. With its Japanese aesthetic and simple clean lines, the home captures the ambience of country cabin meets mid-century modern innovation and convenience. Once occupied by the Lilijestrand family, today the House is a showpiece of architectural excellence best experienced on a small guided tour. We were lucky to have Lisa and Kim as our guides, regaling us with one fascinating story after another along with intimate peeks into the lives of the architect and the homeowners. The breathtaking views from every room in the house is as gasp-inducing as the artwork and amazing nooks and crannies. Betty Lilijestrand oversaw the construction and it's her foresight along with Ossipoff's brilliant design that makes one marvel at their genius. Remember to wear shoes that can be removed easily, and plan to do some walking and taking lots of photos. And ... I imagined if I lived here I wouldn't want to leave! A wonderful experience that I highly recommend! Enjoy!

    Photos
    Beautiful furniture designed specifically for the home
    Beautiful furniture designed specifically for the home
    Living room view
    Living room view
    Hall with a view

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    Hall with a view
    US Army Museum of Hawaii

    US Army Museum of Hawaii

    4.6
    (138 reviews)
    9.2 mi

    If you're a history buff or like architecture, the US Army Museum of Hawaii is a hidden gem. And…read moreit's FREE! I don't know any state that is more proud of its military role than Hawaii. The museum captures the military contributions of Hawaii through history. The building was formally Battery Randolph, built 1911 to house two large guns to protect Honolulu from water attack. The structure is "military structural" in style, and is said to be typical of Taft era construction. The facility was, unfortunately, ineffective at protecting the Island for the air attack on Pearl Harbor and was later deemed unsuitable for modern warfare and decommissioned. Today, the building is a perfect backdrop to tell the story of the US Army and Hawaii. I signed in when I entered and then was free to move about the museum. The museum starts with a description of Battery Randolph and then moves chronologically with artifacts and stories from early Hawaiian warriors up to modern day US war participation. It was interesting to walk through the rooms and tunnels. Be sure to visit the second floor where Hawaiian service people are recognized and see the helicopter and gun up close. Then follow the tunnel back to the front of the museum. A gift shop offers reasonably priced military themed hats, shirts, Legos, books and much more. Plan about two hours to visit. The facility does provide restroom access for guest. The Museum is walkable from any hotel in Waikiki. The facility is accessible though some floors are uneven.

    The US Army Museum of Hawaii is a charming and small museum free of charge. The museum takes about…read more2 hours to fully complete. The museum contains historical artefacts and information from the 1700s to there latest addition being a 2008 US Army military uniform. The museum displays the progression in military equipment and tactics. Overall is a must have for experiencing the progression of warfare. There is a gift shop in the front of the museum, which contains COBI tank models (a Polish toy company, all bricks made in Poland, bricks are better quality than official LEGO all bricks printed no stickers) , hoodies, tee shirts, hats, mugs, bottles, military themed pencil sharpeners, posters, etc. All items are somewhat reasonably priced, only small markup. Overall a great collection of artefacts and a well set up gift shop. A must have for anyone visiting Hawaii, especially those on a budget.

    Photos
    The bars reinforcing the building
    The bars reinforcing the building
    1/2 Recreation of the Original Cannon.
    1/2 Recreation of the Original Cannon.
    U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii Sign.

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    U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii Sign.

    Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum - museums - Updated June 2026

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