University of Hawaiʻi Donates Pisces V to Bishop Museum

The iconic research submersible, known for its deep-sea discoveries in the Pacific, finds a permanent home in Honolulu.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Aquariums

University of Hawaiʻi Donates Pisces V to Bishop Museum

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Should decommissioned research vessels be displayed in museums to educate the local community?

The University of Hawaiʻi has officially donated the Pisces V submersible to the Bishop Museum. The vessel, which operated for decades in the Pacific, will now be preserved as a historical artifact.

Why it matters

The donation secures the legacy of the submersible, which the university could no longer afford to maintain following the end of federal funding for operations in 2012.

The Pisces V can reach depths of 6,500 feet and holds a three-person crew. It has been used to collect over 1,000 scientifically important specimens during its 40 years of service.

The players

University of Hawaiʻi

This is a public research university that managed the Hawaiʻi Undersea Research Laboratory and operated the Pisces V for decades.

Bishop Museum

Based in Honolulu, this institution is the largest museum in Hawaiʻi and is dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural history of the Pacific.

The details

The submersible is renowned for its role in maritime history, having successfully located Japanese World War II submarines including the I-400, I-401, and I-14 off the coast of Oʻahu. It also famously identified a Japanese midget submarine that was sunk prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

1941-12-07
A Japanese midget submarine was sunk near Pearl Harbor.
1985: The University of Hawaiʻi first acquired the Pisces V submersible.
2005: The vessel completed a five-month expedition across the Pacific.
2012: Federal funding for HURL operations officially ended.
2026-10-21
The donation of the submersible to the Bishop Museum was reported.

Culture Shift

This transfer represents a broader societal shift toward preserving the legacy of scientific exploration as specialized research funding moves away from legacy hardware. It highlights the transition of retired, high-cost scientific assets from active research tools into museum-held historical treasures.

Residents in Honolulu gain a new historical landmark that honors the region's deep connection to Pacific marine science. The move ensures that local students and visitors will have continued access to the history of the submersible's major deep-sea discoveries.

The takeaway

The preservation of Pisces V ensures that its 40-year contribution to Pacific maritime discovery will remain accessible to the public. Visitors can look forward to learning how this specific vessel unlocked secrets of the deep ocean and World War II history.