Military Bases in Hawaii – 2025 Guide

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 army bases in Hawaii, along with our fast and easy car shipping services tailored to meeting the needs of military families.

Hawaii’s military bases are home to thousands of active duty service members and their families, highlighting the ongoing presence and importance of active duty personnel on the islands.

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.

Introduction to Military Installations in Hawaii

Hawaii, often referred to as the Aloha State, stands as a cornerstone of America’s national defense thanks to its strategic location in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. This unique position has made Hawaii an essential hub for military operations, with every branch of the U.S. military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—maintaining a strong presence across the islands. The military installations in Hawaii are not only vital for safeguarding U.S. interests in the Pacific region, but they also serve as key sites for training exercises, surveillance, and rapid response to global events.

These military bases support a wide array of missions, from air force operations and naval deployments to marine corps training and coast guard search and rescue. The installations are home to thousands of military personnel and their families, many of whom spend several years stationed in Hawaii. The robust military presence ensures that Hawaii remains at the forefront of national defense, while also fostering a close-knit community of military members who contribute to the state’s diverse culture and economy.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the major military installations in Hawaii, their roles in military operations, and the significant impact they have on both the islands and the nation as a whole.

In This Guide:

• What Are The 10 Military Bases in Hawaii?
• Military Branches in Hawaii 
• Economic Impact of Military Bases
• Living in Hawaii as a Military Member
• Hawaii Military Bases FAQs

What Are The 10 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.

Hawaii’s military bases are not only numerous but also strategically important, serving as key hubs for national defense and contributing significantly to the local economy. 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. According to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, 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.

#1 NS Pearl Harbor

Located on the island of Oahu, Naval Station Pearl Harbor is one of the most historically significant army bases in Hawaii. NS Pearl Harbor is located near both Honolulu International Airport and Inouye International Airport, making it easily accessible for military personnel and visitors. 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.

#2 MCB Hawaii

Marine Corps Base Hawaii, also known as Kaneohe Bay, is located on the Mokapu Peninsula 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.

#3 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.

#4 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.

#5 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 the largest army base in Hawaii and the most populated military base in Oahu, situated at the base of the Waianae mountain range in central Oahu. Additionally, Barking Sands Missile Range is a varied military base with unique capabilities for testing various missiles and supporting extensive operations.

#6 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.

#7 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.

USCG Base Honolulu is conveniently located near Nimitz Highway, providing easy access to local neighborhoods and downtown Honolulu.

#8 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.

#9 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.

#10 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.

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.

Economic Impact of Military Bases

The economic influence of military bases in Hawaii cannot be overstated. As one of the largest contributors to the state’s economy, the military presence generates nearly $15 billion annually, supporting approximately 102,000 jobs for local residents. This robust economic activity stems from the daily operations of military installations in Hawaii, which require a wide range of goods and services—from construction and maintenance to retail and hospitality.

Military personnel and their families living on or near these bases contribute significantly to Hawaii’s tax revenue through their income and everyday purchases. Additionally, the federal funding allocated to support military operations, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives further bolsters the state’s financial health. The ripple effect of this spending is felt throughout local communities, where many businesses rely on the steady demand created by military members and their families.

Beyond direct spending, the critical role of military installations in Hawaii extends to supporting local employment, fostering business growth, and ensuring economic stability for the islands. The military’s ongoing investment in the state not only strengthens national defense but also underpins the well-being of Hawaii’s residents, making the military bases an indispensable part of the Aloha State’s economic landscape.

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. Many of these amenities and support services are specifically designed for active duty personnel and their family members, helping them adjust to life in Hawaii.

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