What are the Military Bases in Hawaii?

Relocating to Hawaii for military duty, understanding the major military bases in Hawaii are key to a smooth transition for service members and their families. According to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), more than 42,000 active-duty military personnel are stationed across the islands, making up over 10% of Hawaii’s total population.

This highlights the strategic and economic importance of the U.S. military’s presence in the Pacific. Each branch of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard maintains vital installations in Hawaii, contributing to both national defense and local communities.

Key Takeaways

• Hawaii has one of the largest military communities in the U.S., with active-duty personnel stationed across the islands.
  
• The islands host military installations from every U.S. branch: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, due to their strategic Pacific location.
  
• Bases like Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Schofield Barracks play vital roles in national defense, logistics, and regional coordination.
  
• Military families enjoy strong community support and access to quality amenities, schools, and healthcare.

In This Guide:

• What are the 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 Military Bases in Hawaii?

Hawaii military bases are diverse, each playing a vital role in national defense and security. The strategic location in the Pacific, Hawaii’s military installations provide a unique advantage for the United States military. Hawaii’s military bases are strategically important. They serve as key hubs for national defense and contribute 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.

#1 NS Pearl Harbor

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

Key Missions

• Serves as headquarters for the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
• Supports submarines, ships, and aircraft operations across the Pacific.
• 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. It is located on the Mokapu Peninsula on the windward side of Oahu. 

Key Missions

• Supports Marine expeditionary forces across the Indo-Pacific
• Provides family housing and training facilities
• Conducts air operations from K-Bay, which 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 was established in 1907 and is one of the oldest military bases.Also, it is designated as a National Historic Landmark, underscoring its long history and importance in the United States.

Key Missions

• Oversees Army operations throughout the Indo-Pacific.
• Provides administrative and strategic command functions.
• Supports operational planning for joint missions.

#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.

Key Missions

• Manages secure communication systems and satellite networks.
• Supports global data and information exchange.
• Provides cyber defense and command communication services.

#5 Schofield Barracks

Schofield Barracks is an Army installation located in central Oahu. It is the largest army base in Hawaii and the most populated military base in Oahu, situated at the base of the Waianae mountain range. 

Key Missions

• Trains and supports the 25th Infantry Division.
• Conducts readiness and field exercises.
• 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 military operations.

Key Missions

• Facilitates live-fire and field training.
• Supports joint and combined military exercises.
• Maintains environmental conservation alongside 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. Also, USCG Base Honolulu is conveniently located near Nimitz Highway, providing easy access to local neighborhoods and downtown Honolulu.

Key Missions

• Conducts search and rescue operations.
• Supports maritime law enforcement and security.
• Coordinates logistics for Coast Guard missions in the Pacific.

#8 Station Maui

Station Maui, also known as Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, is located on the island of Maui. It provides law enforcement operations to the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific region.

Key Missions

• Conducts air and sea rescue operations.
• Enforces maritime law and safety regulations.
• Supports disaster response missions.

#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.

Key Missions

• Offers full medical and surgical care to military personnel.
• Conducts research and medical training.
• Supports regional disaster response and humanitarian efforts.

#10 Wheeler Army Airfield

Wheeler Army Airfield is an Army airfield located in central Oahu, near Schofield Barracks. 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. 

Key Missions

• Supports Army aviation units and maintenance.
• Provides helicopter and aircraft training operations.
• Preserves historic WWII-era structures and memorials, post World War II.

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. Hawaii is a desirable place to live with its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and warm climate. 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