CoBases – US Military Bases

Category: Hawaii

There are 11 military bases in Hawaii (HI). Fort Shafter and Schofield Barracks are the oldest army bases in Hawaii. Each military branch has base in Hawaii.

Hawaii holds a unique and pivotal position in the United States military structure due to its location in the Pacific. The state’s military installations are essential for defense, power projection, and as a strategic link between the U.S. and Asia-Pacific regions.

Hawaii’s military significance is deeply rooted in history, with Pearl Harbor being the most iconic example. The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 propelled the U.S. into World War II and underscored the strategic importance of the island chain. Today, Pearl Harbor remains a central hub for the U.S. Navy, with its deep-water naval base hosting the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

The islands serve as a forward staging area for military operations in the Asia-Pacific region, offering an unmatched strategic advantage for rapid response and deployment capabilities. The presence of the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), headquartered at Camp H.M. Smith, coordinates military efforts across the vast Asia-Pacific theater, reflecting Hawaii’s role as a nerve center for regional security.

Hawaii also provides comprehensive training environments for various branches of the military. The state’s diverse terrain and large ocean areas suit various training exercises, from jungle warfare to large-scale naval exercises, such as the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise.

In addition to its strategic and operational roles, Hawaii’s military installations contribute significantly to the local economy, creating jobs and fostering economic development. The military’s presence has become integral to the state’s social and economic fabric.

Overall, Hawaii’s importance to the U.S. military cannot be overstated. Its strategic location, robust training facilities, and historical significance continue to make it a key player in America’s defense and foreign policy.

  • NCTAMS PAC

    NCTAMS PAC is stationed in Wahiawa, Hawaii, is known as the largest communication station in the world consisting of 131 amenities occupying 2,421 acres of land. It has also a Headquarter based in Oahu, Hawaii. NCTAMS PAC main function is to management and provides support to the users of Pacific Telecommunication System.

    NCTAMS PACFacts

    • Location: Wahiawa, Hawaii
    • Website:
      Visit Website ›
    • Phone: (808) 653-5385
    • Longitude:
      -157.953611
    • Latitude:
      21.361944
    • DSN:
      315-453-8750

    NCTAMS PAC main duty is the management, operational and maintenance of the Defense Communication System and various services like repair and maintenance, information resource services, Defense Management System coordination and electronics and communication services to the Navy of United States and the US Department of Defense actions in the Pacific.

    Soldier military practice at NCTAMS PAC

    NCTAMS PAC Areal View

    After the war, United States Navy chooses to give back the vital point Naval Station Pearl Harbor and Wahiawa be made as the receiver point. Because of the inconvenience of Pearl Harbor as a site for expansion, they made a decision to give back the vital point to Wahiawa. Because of the necessity of telecommunication it was decided in 1959 to have a new communication net as it was also the need of that time to get more advance information.

    NAVCOMMACTS Pearl Harbor commanded the communications centers at Camp Smith (CINCPAC), Secure Voice Pearl Harbor, Moanalua (FLEWAECEN), Makalapa (CINCPACFLT), Consolidated Maintenance and the Pearl Harbor (NAVSHIPYD). This department functions in the operational and administrative control of the whole communication centers. In 1976, the Naval Communication Area Master Station, Eastern Pacific (NAVCAMS EASTPAC) was renamed from the original Naval Communications Station in Honolulu.

    Boat approaching NCTAMS PAC

    opening party at NCTAMS PAC

    NAVSCAMS EASTPAC bequeathed the largest satellite facility with high frequency on February 18, 1977 at Wahiawa. The merger of NARDAC Pearl Harbor and NAVCAMS EASTPAC on December 1, 1990 forms today’s telecommunication station in the Eastern Pacific to guarantee that they can face the all the advancements the new technology will give to the naval telecommunication station.

  • Tripler Army Medical Center

    Tripler Medical Center Facts

    Hawaii Tripler Medical Center is the largest military hospital in Asia. It also operates as headquarter of Pacific Regional Medical Center. And it comes under the administration of US Army. It is located in the city of Honolulu in the state of Hawaii. It also has the honor to have the title of being the only United Nations Peace Operations Institute in US. The hospital was built in 1907 as Tripler Army Medical Hospital but the name of the hospital was later changed in honor of Brigadier General Charles Stuart Tripler. The building is divided into smaller buildings specified different duties and departments.

    Honolulu Tripler Army Medical Center From Sky

    Front View to Tripler Army Medical Center

    The hospital has massive size and can accommodate large number of patients. During World War II the hospital had 450-bed but it was expanded to accommodate 1000-beds. Interestingly the color of the building is pink. There are different stories about having pink color of the building, some says that it was the choice of General Richardson who commissioned the hospital; infact pink color is very popular in Hawaii and it is favorite color of many people.

    There is also a story that when the design of the building was complete, it was time to decide the color of the project and General Anderson looked outside the window at pink color sand and suggested that it should be similar to pink.

    Tripler Army Medical Center aerial view from sky

    Tripler Army Medical Center doctors received diplomas

    The hospital also works with United Nations and offers its services for research, training and education. It also supports universities and researchers in United States working in medical field. It also owns the honor of working as Center of Excellence in Disaster Management Humanitarian Assistance; the hospital works along United Nations and supports it in international operations and projects. Military personnel are also trained at Hawaii Tripler Medical Center as part of peacekeeping operations assigned to work around the world.

  • Schofield Barracks

    Schofield Barracks Facts

    Hawaii is a very beautiful group of islands and it is home to some of the best battle training sites in US. It has good number of hills and mountains, which makes it ideal place to train soldiers with mountain climbing and hiking skills. Hawaii Schofield Barracks is basically an US Army post rather than a base. It is a census controlled city located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It has a population of 14,428 comprising of civilians, Army personnel, employees and families. The Army post was built in 1908 and has been in use since then. The main purpose of the post is to provide protection to nearby Pearl Harbor and Oahu Island, which has become the largest army installation in Hawaii.

    Schofield Barracks Hospital From Birds Point Of view

    Soldiers prepared for battle near Schofield Barracks

    The Hawaii Schofield Barrack is home to 25th Infantry Division and it is also known by other names; they played vital role during Vietnam War and have vast amount of experience in performing operations in dense forests and rainy areas. The Hawaii Schofield Barracks currently comprise of highly trained airborne soldiers, Stryker vehicles and light infantry. The 25th Infantry Division was composed in 1941 and has been deployed in Hawaii Schofield Barracks for a long time. The infantry has also performed operations in Korean War, World War II, Iraq and Afghan War.

    Soldiers listening commanders speech at Schofield Barracks

    Old school gun at Schofield Barracks

    The Hawaii Army post also comprise of US Army Hawaii Command Headquarters responsible for operations in Hawaii. It also has Schofiled Training School to train new soldiers with weapons and endurance exercises. The area of the post comprise of houses for families of Army and most of them have been privatized but remains under Army’s administration, entertainment facilities such as bowling alleys, library, shops and grocery stores and more. The residential area comprise of modern design apartments and houses, designed with luxurious features and comfort. It also offers East Range Training Area built for testing rifles and practice; it is a very restricted area and only authorized personnel are allowed to enter the place.

  • USCG Station Maui

    Station Maui Facts

    • Location: Maalaea Harbor on the South Shore of Maui, Hawaii
    • Website:
      Visit Station Maui Website ›
    • Phone: (808) 986-0023
    • Longitude:
      -156.544936
    • Latitude:
      20.902967
    • DSN:
      N/A

    It is basically a base for US Coast Guard that operates all operations in the territory of Hawaii Island. It is the most active civilian-military force in United States. Its main purpose is to provide protection along working with defense forces and provide search-and-rescue services. The US Coast Guard was founded a long time ago and has been very active since then. Today the Coast Guard can perform a number of operations including working against sea pirates, illegal immigrants, rescue operations, protection in sea and other major operations.

    USCG Station Maui building by the coast

    The US Coast Guard widely collaborates with US Navy in joint operations and training exercises. The Hawaii Station Maui was stationed with US Coast Guard’s largest division that is 14th district. The division has total of 13 stations installed on different islands. The division also works with the government of Japan having a station in Japan as well, which is also known as US Coast Guard Far Eastern Activities. The division has different units stationed on different islands giving a wider coverage during operation.

    The division focuses on rescue mission and maritime security. It is equipped with latest technologies and arms; they also have their own airplanes and helicopters. They also have their own ships such as USCGS Hamilton designed to protect marine security, support sea operations and assist search-and-rescue operations. They use helicopters in rescue operations such as Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin, which is a twin engine helicopter.

    USCG Station Maui Boat in full speed

    USCG Station Maui Soldiers in line

    The US Coast Guard is also trained to work with ammunition; the standardized arm that they use is SIG P226 pistol widely used in marine operations. It is handy, light weight and works perfect in sea like humid conditions. The best thing about Coast Guard is that they are trained to perform operations in multiple conditions and mission requirements; they perform search-and-rescue operations as well as work along Navy and other military organizations.

  • Bellows Air Force Station

    Bellows Field Facts

    During the Second World War, the Bellows Air Force Station was a facility of grave importance. However after the Pearl Harbor Attack, on December 7, of the year 1941, the station received a massive attack which later degraded the facility’s furnishings. The installation now operates as a recreational facility under supervision which as a population with fewer detailed staffing by the Department of Defense civilians, retired militants and active enlisted operatives.  The location as facilitates limited extensive training for enlisted militants.

    Soldier practice at Bellows Air Force Station

    Powerful military machinery at Bellows Air Force Station

    The installation is nestled on approximately 1, 495 acres of ceded lands and attracts surcharge fees for accommodation. In its provision 586 acres of the landmass is sectioned for training. The gate for the Air Force station is intertwined with State Highway 72 which also stretches through Waimanalo which is located on the southern tip of the establishment.

    The 3L Air Force runway is vacant and accommodates restricted helicopter training for operatives. The runway was constructed in 1917 as a military reservation for Waimanalo which hosted the name Bellows Field in the year 1933 later changed to Bellows Air Force Station in 1941, when the base was permanently assigned as a military station in Hawaii.

    Loading military machine out of boat at Bellows AFS

    View from sky to Bellows Air Force Station

    This Air Force Station is prominently situated glamorous windward isle of Waimanalo Bay. The location is available to various branches of military personnel which may include retired and active civil service and NAF employees, reservists and Guard Members. Users that are authorized can also sponsor friends and family members as guests on the facility grounds.

    The use of this base is a main concern for various operatives in command. Waimanalo residents along with Sovereignty Groups and Hawaiian Natives are desperate to have the facility retuned to Hawai’i and terminate all military activities. The military chain of command expresses otherwise and prefers to extend the recreational facilities and training environment at the Bellows Air Force Station.

  • Pacific Missile Range Facility

    Pacific Missile Range Facility Facts

    • Location: Kauai County, Hawaii
    • Website:
      Visit Website ›
    • Phone: (808) 335-4740
    • Longitude:
      -159.789276
    • Latitude:
      22.033139
    • DSN:
      315-471-6740

    The Pacific Missile Range Facility is situated on an agreeable size on landmass in Hawaii. The establishment is well recognized, as the most prominent missile center for the United States Navy. The installation is situated in close proximity to the Kekaha central district for business in the Kauai County, which is about 9 kilometers in distance on a north western region.

    View From sky to Pacific Missile Range Facility

    Captain speaking at Pacific Missile Range Facility

    During test procedures, the base accommodates 109, 000 square kilometers for airspace control entertainment. The organization is deemed the world’s largest multi-environmental range for instruments with air, support surface, space operations and subsurface operational capabilities consecutively. The airspace instruments accommodate over 42, 000 square miles of land space, while the underwater instruments are fully nourished with 1, 100 square miles of land.

    This base was chosen primarily for its secluded location, as indication by the United States Nave which authorized the selection to therefore entertain continuous testing of these instruments. The navy has installed a variety of instruments by both land and sea enabling the accessibility to track compiled missile ranges, space vehicles and submarines simultaneously. Helicopter simulation and terrain training is also entertained at the installation, upon request. Since the 80’s the facility is known for its effectiveness in operations, for ballistic missile testing to current.

    Automated military machinery test at Pacific Missile Range Facility

    Military combat simulation near Pacific Missile Range Facility

    The base is well known for its confinements and it speculates its effectiveness in operation for entertaining the coastal installation that is 7 miles long. The army and the navy utilize the facility as a surface station on the missile range for the pacific. The enterprise is coexistent of a runway that is 6, 000 feet in length complimented by radar facilities and a variety of telemetry to effectively monitor missiles, submarine activities and ships on range. The Sandia National Laboratory along with other Labs hosted on the property, is efficient in performing detailed researches for the organization.

  • Naval Station Pearl Harbor

    NS Pearl Harbor Facts

    The naval station Pearl Harbor is the base of the United States Navy Pacific Fleet which is located in Oahu, west of Honolulu, Hawaii. It has more than 100 naval bases of the Pacific Fleet and also home to submarines and aircraft carriers plus other support vehicles. Pearl Harbor is said to be the busiest of the United States Navy’s bases.

    Submarine in Naval Station Pearl Harbor

    Pearl Harbor was popularly known because of the notable “Attack of Pearl Harbor” by the midget submarines and aircraft carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941. Actually, the Americans know of the planned attack but due to the difficulty in intercepting messages, the Americans did not know what exactly the target location is before the attack took place.

    The attack was so devastating that 21 American ships were ruthlessly damaged and 9 ships sunk. The three of the 21 ships were beyond repair.  There were 2,350 people who died, 68 of those were civilians and 1,178 people were injured. From the 2,350 who died, 1,178 were from Arizona. From the 350 aircrafts who attacked Pearl Harbor, 29 were lost in the battle.

    It was on May 21, 1944 that LST-353, a tank landing ship, blast off At West Loch while unloading the ammunition and there were six LST tanks that sank, two were ruthlessly damaged while 396 people were wounded and 163 people were killed. Pearl Harbor plays an important part in every US Navy’s military operations in the Pacific Region.  Until now, the Naval Station Pearl Harbor remains an important part in conveying the presence of United States.

    View from the coast to Naval Station Pearl Harbor

    Range of military boats at NS Pearl Harbor

    The Naval Station Pearl Harbor was made a National Historic Landmark on January 29, 1964.  Within the area, there were many historical landmarks reminding them of the ruthless attack on Pearl Harbor. But being an active Navy base, the historical buildings are in danger of rebuilding and demolition.

  • Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH)

    MCBH Facts

    • Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
    • Website:
      Visit MCBH Website ›
    • Phone: (808) 257-7772
    • Longitude:
      -157.75011
    • Latitude:
      21.44508
    • DSN:
      257-8852

    Formerly known as the MCAS, it was now named to MCBH. This is an air station and base facility that is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It operates on a base operation with a 2,400 meters runway.  This is the place for the sailors, marines and their families and other employees. This base has grown to 2,951 acres of land from the former 322 acres and is now occupying the entire area of Mokapu Peninsula.

    Solar panels on Marine base Hawaii

    Flying over MCB Hawaii

    The Marine Base Hawaii is the place for the 3rd marine Regiment, Battalion 3 of Combat Logistics, and the 3rd Radio Battalion and the Marine Aircraft that has the Group number of 24. The Nuupia Pond area at the Mokapu Road and the Ulupau Crater area in the northeast peninsula are the two areas in the base that are classified as conservation land.

    On 1918, the base was created as the Kuwaahe Military Reservation and then US Army gained control of the base. And on 1942 it was known as Fort Hase until it was assigned to the navy. The base was attacked on 7th December 1941, 9 minutes earlier when the Pearl Harbor was attacked.

    MCBH together with ocean Power technologies tested the use of ocean waves in generating electric power by using “PowerBouy” wave energy converter, the first in the US power wave project. Since then, under the command of Col. Robert Rice, MCBH has prevented using plastic bags in the base area.

    Marine Corps Base Hawaii From Coast

    Conference at Marine base Hawaii
    They put in water heaters run by solar energy on all the housing units in the base. It was on December 10, 2010 that the debut on the “Net Zero”, wherein all the homes in the base uses the solar power. It was also on November 2010 that MCBH put to use the first E85 pump in Hawaii, the first in the US military base in the world to apply it.

  • Hickam Air Force Base

    Hickam AFB Facts

    • Location: Honolulu City, Hawaii
    • Website:
      Visit Hickam AFB Website ›
    • Phone: (808) 449-7110
    • Longitude:
      -157.930407
    • Latitude:
      21.332806
    • DSN:
      449-7110

    Hickam Air Force Base is based in Honolulu City and managed by the United States Pacific air Force. This is also the place for 154th Wing of the Hawaii Air National Guard, 515th Air Mobility operations Wing of Air Mobility Command and 15th Airlift Wing. The base got its name after Lieutenant Colonel Horace Meek Hickam, a pioneer in Aviation of the United States Army Corps.

    Hickam Air Force Base Main Sign

    Most expensive plane - b2 Hickam Hawaiii

    Hickam AFB has a land area of 2,850 with a value of more than $444 million in properties. Its boundary on the north is the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Fort Kamehameda on the south, the airport on the east and the Pearl Harbor Entrance on the west side of the base. The base and the adjoining Honolulu International Airport shares the same runaways. They signed an agreement for the shared use of the single airport complex.

    The base provides work for military, contractor personnel and civilians in performing common support in personnel and installation facilities. It was in October 1980 when Secretary of Interior recognized Hickam Air Force Base as a National momentous Landmark because of its major role during the great Second World War in the Pacific Region.

    Dominating the region in Hickam Air Force Base is the large bronze plaque with all names of the heroes who died on December 7, 1941. There are other tourist attractions like the tattered flag that is on exhibition which reminded them of the 1941 attack. The buildings that have the scars of the fired bullets are preserved like a constant reminder of the attack.

    Hickam stealth in sunset

    Hickam AFB Areal View

    According to the 2000 US Census, Hickam has 5371 population comprising of 1632 housing units with 1589 families. Hickam is composed of 0.6% Native American, 1.0% Pacific Islander, 8.2% Asian, 11.7% Black, 66.2% White and 12.4% from other races.

  • Fort Shafter

    Fort Shafter Facts

    Fort Shafter is located in Honolulu and the base of Pacific Command of US Army, the Army Corps of Engineers of the Pacific Ocean Division and Major authority of the US Armed Forces in the Asia. The place was established on June 22, 1907 and the oldest military base in Oahu, Hawaii. Palm Circle or 100 Area is the other name for Fort Shafter and has been chosen as the National Historic sign and identified by the National Register of Historic Landmark.

    Fort Shafter Area

    This is known as the oldest military base in Oahu and has been the base for the senior Army headquarters located in Hawaii for about one hundred years.  Fort Shafter was name in honor of Major General William Rufus Shaffer who manned the United States mission to Cuba. Fort Shafter experienced its first war on 1941 when Lieutenant General Walter Short, a Hawaii Department Commander took up Quarter 5.

    The succeeding next 50 years, the military base has been the headquarters for the senior Army in the Pacific Region. The following years, the army post continued to meet the changing requirement the US Army has. In 1979, the US Army created the US army Western Command and in 1990, it was renamed US Army, Pacific. It was in 1983 when the Army pass on 750 acres of barren land located on end post of mauka to the State of Hawaii.

    Honolulu Fort Shafter From Sky

    Fort Shafter Hawaii Accommodation

    At present, Fort Shafter is the central point for control, support and command of the Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary mission of the United States Army Pacific Command which is based here in Oahu, Hawaii is to provide the full support in the Army Forces operation in order to   discourage assault, respond to all kinds of crisis, safeguards the security of the nation and to win in any battles that may arise.