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Waterfront Submarine Memorial - Deep Research Report

Deep Research Report

Last updated: April 23, 2026

What it is

The Waterfront Submarine Memorial is a commemorative outdoor exhibit located within the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (formerly the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park) at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu, Oʻahu. It is dedicated to honoring the 52 U.S. submarines and the more than 3,600 American submariners who were lost during World War II. The memorial features 52 plaques arranged along the waterfront, each detailing the story of a lost submarine, its known cause of loss (if applicable), and a list of its crew members.

The memorial is part of a larger complex that includes the USS Bowfin (SS-287), a Balao-class submarine launched on December 7, 1942, and nicknamed the "Pearl Harbor Avenger," which visitors can tour. The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum also houses a 10,000-square-foot indoor museum with over 4,000 submarine-related artifacts, exhibits on the evolution of submarines, and displays like a Poseidon C-3 ballistic missile and the conning tower of the USS Parche.

Visitor experience

Visitors to the Waterfront Submarine Memorial can reflect on the significant sacrifices made by the U.S. submarine force during World War II. The outdoor memorial provides a somber and educational experience, allowing individuals to learn about each of the 52 submarines lost and the brave sailors who served on them. It complements the experience of touring the USS Bowfin submarine, which offers a firsthand look at the cramped living and working conditions aboard a World War II-era submarine, and the indoor museum's extensive collection of artifacts. An audio tour is included with admission and covers both the USS Bowfin and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, available in multiple languages.

Logistics

The Waterfront Submarine Memorial is located adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, making it easily accessible for those visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

  • Area and Access: It is situated on the shoreline within the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, which is one of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. All visitors to Pearl Harbor National Memorial (including the USS Bowfin and its memorial) enter through the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
  • Reservations and Timing: General admission to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, which includes access to the Waterfront Submarine Memorial, the USS Bowfin, and the indoor museum, does not require reservations. The facility is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm, with the last admission for tours at 4:30 pm. It is closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
  • Likely Duration: Visitors should plan approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to tour the USS Bowfin submarine, the indoor museum, and the memorial grounds. This makes it suitable as a significant half-day activity or a crucial stop within a full day at Pearl Harbor.
  • Parking: Public parking is available directly outside the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for a fee of $7 per day, payable at an on-site kiosk or via a mobile app. Spaces can fill quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
  • Bags and Valuables: A strict no-bag policy is enforced at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Backpacks, purses, camera bags, and other concealing items are prohibited. Allowable items include wallets, cameras, cell phones, bottled water, and medicine in a clear bag. Bag storage is available near the entrance for a fee ($5 per piece, $7 per bag, or $10 per piece of luggage).
  • Getting There: Pearl Harbor is about a 10-15 minute drive from the Honolulu International Airport and about 15-20 minutes from Downtown Honolulu or Waikiki. TheBus routes 20 or 42 also stop near the Visitor Center.

Safety and cautions

  • Submarine Accessibility: The interior of the USS Bowfin submarine is not handicap-accessible due to steep stairwells and cramped quarters that require stooping and crouching. Children under four years old are not permitted aboard the submarine for safety reasons. Service animals are also not suitable for the submarine interior. However, a virtual tour of the submarine is available in the museum's WWII gallery for those unable to board.
  • Personal Property: While the public parking lots are patrolled by federal police and under surveillance, visitors are advised to take precautions, such as not leaving valuables in plain sight in their vehicles. Bag storage is available at the Visitor Center, which is a more secure option for prohibited items.
  • Weather: The sun in Hawaii can be intense, and car interiors can become very hot.

Editorial take

The Waterfront Submarine Memorial, as part of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, is a compelling and essential stop for any visitor to Pearl Harbor, particularly those with an interest in military history, naval warfare, or the sacrifices made during World War II. It provides a significant opportunity for quiet contemplation and appreciation for the "Silent Service."

Prioritize if: You are a history enthusiast, want a comprehensive Pearl Harbor experience, or wish to pay respects to fallen submariners. It's an excellent complement to the USS Arizona Memorial, offering a deeper dive into another crucial aspect of the Pacific War.

Skip if: You have severe mobility issues that prevent navigating confined spaces, as the USS Bowfin submarine itself has limited accessibility (though the outdoor memorial and museum are more accessible, and a virtual tour is available). If your time is extremely limited and you can only visit the USS Arizona Memorial, this might be a secondary consideration, though it truly adds to the overall understanding of Pearl Harbor.

Do not confuse with: While located at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, it is distinct from the USS Arizona Memorial (which commemorates the battleship sunk during the attack), the Battleship Missouri Memorial (where the surrender was signed), or the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (located on Ford Island). These are separate paid attractions, though all are managed through the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

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