Are you relocating to Hawaii for military duty or considering a move to the Aloha State? Understanding the military bases in Hawaii is crucial for military personnel and their families. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the military bases in Hawaii, along with our fast and easy car shipping services tailored to meeting the needs of military families.
Hawaii is home to several U.S. military installations, each playing a vital role in national defense and security. Every branch of the U.S. military has a presence in Hawaii. Bellows Air Force Station, established in 1917, has transitioned from a significant military base to a recreational facility with various amenities.
Here are some of the prominent military bases in Hawaii. Honolulu International Airport is conveniently located near significant military installations, particularly Pearl Harbor, making it accessible for visitors traveling to historical sites related to World War II.
In This Guide:
- Overview of Military Bases in Hawaii
- Military Branches in Hawaii
- Living in Hawaii as a Military Member
- Hawaii Military Bases FAQs
Overview of Military Bases in Hawaii
Hawaii is home to a diverse range of military bases, each playing a vital role in national defense and security. With a strategic location in the Pacific, Hawaii’s military installations provide a unique advantage for the United States military.
From the historic Pearl Harbor to the modern Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii’s military bases are an integral part of the state’s economy and identity. With over 42,000 active military service members calling Hawaii home, the state’s military presence is significant, making up over 10% of Hawaii’s population.
Military Branches in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the few states with a military presence from every branch of the military. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard all have bases in Hawaii, each contributing to the state’s rich military history and heritage.
The Army Pacific Command is headquartered in Hawaii, with Schofield Barracks being the largest Army post in the state. The Navy’s Pearl Harbor Naval Station is a historic and iconic installation, while the Air Force’s Hickam Air Force Base is a major hub for military operations.
The Marines have a significant presence in Hawaii, with the Marine Corps Base Hawaii located in Kaneohe Bay. The Coast Guard also has a large presence in Hawaii, providing unique services to the islands.
NS Pearl Harbor
Located on the island of Oahu, Naval Station Pearl Harbor is one of the most historically significant military bases in Hawaii. It serves as the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and is home to various ships, submarines, and aircraft. Also known as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, this is a shared Navy and Air Force military installation.
MCB Hawaii
Marine Corps Base Hawaii, also known as Kaneohe Bay, is situated on the windward side of Oahu. It serves as a strategic hub for Marine Corps operations in the Pacific region and provides support to deployed units and their families. K-Bay is the largest Marine corps base on Oahu.
Fort Shafter
Fort Shafter is an Army installation located near Honolulu on the island of Oahu. It serves as the headquarters of the U.S. Army Pacific and plays a critical role in coordinating Army activities across the Indo-Pacific region.
Fort Shafter, established in 1907, is one of the oldest military bases and is designated as a National Historic Landmark, underscoring its long history and importance in the United States.
NCTAMS PAC
The Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific (NCTAMS PAC) is located in Wahiawa, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. It provides communication and information systems support to U.S. Navy and joint forces worldwide.
Schofield Barracks
Schofield Barracks is an Army installation located in central Oahu. It serves as the headquarters of the 25th Infantry Division and supports various Army units and personnel stationed in Hawaii.
Schofield Barracks is known to be the most populated military base in Oahu. Additionally, Barking Sands Missile Range is a varied military base with unique capabilities for testing various missiles and supporting extensive operations.
Pohakuloa Training Area
Situated on the island of Hawaii (the Big Island), Pohakuloa Training Area is a vast military training facility used by the U.S. Army for live-fire exercises, maneuver training, and other military operations.
Barking Sands Missile Range is another significant military installation operated by the U.S. Navy, known for its unique capabilities to test various missiles and support extensive operations.
USCG Base Honolulu
The United States Coast Guard Base Honolulu is located at Sand Island in Honolulu Harbor on the island of Oahu. It serves as a strategic operational and logistical hub for Coast Guard activities in the Pacific.
Station Maui
Station Maui, also known as Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, is located on the island of Maui. It provides search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime security operations support to the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific region.
Tripler Army Medical Center
Tripler Army Medical Center is the largest military hospital in the Pacific region, located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. It provides comprehensive medical care and services to military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Wheeler Army Airfield
Wheeler Army Airfield is an Army airfield located in central Oahu, near Schofield Barracks. It serves as a key aviation hub for Army aviation units and supports various military operations and training exercises.
The airfield also holds historical significance due to its role during World War II, particularly during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which led to the U.S. entering the war. The ongoing legacy of World War II is evident in the preserved structures and memorials in Hawaii.
Living in Hawaii as a Military Member
Living in Hawaii as a military member can be a unique and rewarding experience. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and warm climate, Hawaii is a desirable place to live. Military members stationed in Hawaii can enjoy a range of amenities and services, from on-base housing to recreational facilities.
The state’s military installations also provide access to top-ranked schools, medical facilities, and shopping centers. However, living in Hawaii can also come with its challenges, including a high cost of living and limited housing options.
Military members and their families can find resources and support through the state’s military community, including the Hawaii Military Affairs Council and the USO Hawaii.
Hawaii Military Bases FAQs
How many military bases are in Hawaii?
Hawaii is home to 11 recognized U.S. military bases, including installations for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
How do I move my car to Hawaii?
Sherpa Auto Transport offers fast and easy car shipping services to Hawaii for military personnel and their families. Simply request a quote and book your shipment online, and our team will handle the rest, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and securely.
Which Hawaiian island has the most military bases?
Oahu, the third-largest Hawaiian island, is home to the majority of military bases in Hawaii due to its strategic location in the central Pacific Ocean.