THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Explore the USS Bowfin Submarine with a retired captain on this exclusive private tour in Honolulu, Hawaii. Discover WWII history and unique memorials up close.
Explore the USS Bowfin Submarine with a retired captain on this exclusive private tour in Honolulu, Hawaii. Discover WWII history and unique memorials up close.
Book with Fly Shuttle Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Fly Shuttle Tours · Honolulu, Hawaii
Join Fly Shuttle Tours for an exclusive private experience aboard the USS Bowfin Submarine in Honolulu, Hawaii. This unique boat tour is led by a retired US Submarine Captain who offers unparalleled insights into the vessel’s vital role during World War II. Visitors will explore the submarine firsthand, stepping into the narrow compartments where history was made. Along the waterfront, discover the Memorial honoring submariners who served and sacrificed, a moving tribute that adds depth to your visit. A highlight of the tour is viewing the only authentic Kaiten, a WWII Japanese manned torpedo, on display in the U.S. This private experience lets you ask questions, hear stories from the retired Captain, and gain a deeper appreciation of submarine warfare’s strategic impact. Ideal for history buffs and adventure seekers alike, this guided journey combines education with a hands-on encounter, making it an unforgettable day in Honolulu. The personal attention and expert narratives set this apart from typical tours, ensuring a memorable and meaningful adventure.
easy.
1–2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires the ability to walk and stand during the tour and navigate narrow submarine hallways.
Yes, children are welcome; however, the confined spaces inside the submarine may be challenging for very young kids.
Due to the submarine’s narrow and steep passageways, accessibility is limited, and those with mobility restrictions should consult Fly Shuttle Tours before booking.
No food or drinks are allowed inside the submarine to help preserve the historic environment.
Group sizes are kept small for a personalized experience; check with Fly Shuttle Tours for exact maximum capacities.
Yes, photography is encouraged, but please be respectful of other guests and not use flash inside the museum.
Let your guide know immediately — there are options to pause or exit the submarine safely if needed.
The USS Bowfin earned the nickname 'Pearl Harbor Avenger' after launching numerous patrols during WWII, playing a key role in Pacific naval operations.
Efforts are in place at Pearl Harbor to balance historic preservation with environmental protection of marine habitats surrounding the memorial.
Fly Shuttle Tours is a family-owned tour and transfer company based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Since 2008, the company has provided dependable shuttle transfers and private guided tours across Oahu. Fly Shuttle Tours operates one-way shuttle transfers from Honolulu Pier to Waikiki and from Pier to Honolulu (HNL) Airport, offering scenic 40-minute rides with complimentary water bottles and an optional traditional lei greeting. The company’s tour offerings include private and shared experiences: private USS Arizona, Honolulu City, and North Shore tours; private USS Bowfin Captain’s Tour led by a retired US Submarine Captain; private Diamond Head hike paired with a USS Arizona tour; and the popular Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City tours. The Ultimate Circle Island: Beauty and the Feast (Waikiki) blends coastal lookouts, local fruit tastings, and stops like Haleiwa and the Dole Plantation. Many tours include guided visits to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the USS Arizona Memorial, documentary viewings, and knowledgeable narration from local guides. Select private tours run approximately eight hours or five to five-and-a-half hours, depending on the itinerary. Fly Shuttle Tours emphasizes reliable, family-operated service, local knowledge, and respectful presentation of historical sites. Practical inclusions such as continental or light breakfasts on certain tours, commemorative certificates for specific hikes, and transportation logistics make the company a practical choice for visitors seeking organized, history-focused, and scenic experiences on Oahu. Bookings and schedules accommodate guests arriving by cruise ship or air, with staff experienced in coordinating pier meet-and-greets and smooth transfers for varied itineraries and accessible service.
Book with Fly Shuttle Tours