Hawaii has a rich military history and is home to eleven active military installations spread across multiple islands. With its strategic location in the Pacific, Hawaii has played a critical role in U.S. military operations for over a century. From Pearl Harbor to modern cyber warfare training, these bases support every branch of the military and remain essential for national security.
Whether you are PCSing to Hawaii, planning a move, or learning more about its military presence, this guide provides an overview of key bases and their missions.
Overview of Military Installations in Hawaii
Hawaii's military bases support combat operations, logistics, aviation training, missile defense, and medical care. The state is home to Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force personnel, making it one of the most military-dense regions in the country.
Active Military Bases in Hawaii
- Air Station Barbers Point
- Barking Sands Missile Range
- Camp H.M. Smith
- Fort Shafter
- Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
- Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay)
- Pohakuloa Training Area
- Schofield Barracks
- Tripler Army Medical Center
- USCG Sector Honolulu
- Wheeler Army Airfield
Army Bases in Hawaii
Schofield Barracks
Established in 1908, Schofield Barracks is the largest Army installation in Hawaii. Originally built to protect Pearl Harbor, it is now home to the 25th Infantry Division and serves as the headquarters for U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii.
Key Missions:
- Infantry training and deployment
- Pacific-region security operations
- Readiness support for Army forces
Fort Shafter
As the oldest Army post on Oahu, Fort Shafter was established in 1907 and has been a key command center for over a century. It served as the headquarters for Army operations in the Pacific during World War II and remains a critical base today.
Key Missions:
- U.S. Army Pacific Command headquarters
- Intelligence and logistics support
- Regional coordination for joint operations
Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA)
Located on the Big Island, PTA spans over 133,000 acres, making it the largest training area in the Pacific. It is the only location in Hawaii where live-fire artillery training is permitted.
Key Missions:
- Live-fire combat training
- Joint military exercises with allied forces
- Maneuver training for infantry and armored units
Navy and Marine Corps Bases in Hawaii
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
This joint base combines Pearl Harbor Naval Base and Hickam Air Force Base into a single installation. Established in 1899, Pearl Harbor remains one of the most important naval bases in the world.
Key Missions:
- Pacific Fleet headquarters
- Submarine operations
- Ship maintenance and logistics
For a closer look at each Navy site, including the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai and 2026 BAH by island, see our guide to naval bases in Hawaii.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay)
Originally built as an Army base, it transitioned to the Marine Corps in the 1950s. It serves as the primary Marine Corps aviation and ground support facility in the Pacific.
Key Missions:
- Helicopter and fixed-wing aviation support
- Amphibious warfare training
- Deployment readiness for Marine units
Camp H.M. Smith
Originally a World War II-era naval hospital, Camp H.M. Smith became the headquarters for the Fleet Marine Force Pacific in 1955. The base is named after General Holland M. Smith, a Marine Corps leader known for his role in amphibious warfare.
Key Missions:
- U.S. Indo-Pacific Command headquarters
- Joint military planning and coordination
- Strategic command and control for the region
Air Force Bases in Hawaii
For a deeper look at Hickam Field, the Hawaii Air National Guard, Bellows Air Force Station and 2026 Oahu housing allowance by rank, see our guide to Air Force bases in Hawaii.
Hickam Field (Part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam)
Hickam Field was established in the 1930s to support Army Air Corps operations and later became a major Air Force installation. In 2010, it merged with Pearl Harbor to form a joint base.
Key Missions:
- Airlift and refueling operations
- Strategic air command and control
- Pacific-region aerial defense
Wheeler Army Airfield
Established in 1922, Wheeler Army Airfield was an early aviation center that supported both fighter squadrons and military transport operations. It played a key role in defending against the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
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Key Missions:
- Army aviation operations
- Helicopter and drone training
- Air assault support for ground forces
Coast Guard Installations in Hawaii
USCG Sector Honolulu
Sector Honolulu is responsible for search and rescue, maritime safety, and environmental protection across the Hawaiian Islands and central Pacific.
Key Missions:
- Search and rescue operations
- Counter-smuggling and law enforcement
- Port security and environmental response
Air Station Barbers Point
Originally a Naval Air Station, Barbers Point transitioned to a Coast Guard Air Station in 1965. It is responsible for aerial patrols, rescues, and law enforcement across a vast maritime region.
Key Missions:
- Aerial surveillance and search and rescue
- Disaster response coordination
- Anti-smuggling and fisheries enforcement
Specialized Military Installations in Hawaii
Barking Sands Missile Range
Located on Kauai, Barking Sands is a world-class missile testing and tracking facility. Established in 1941, it was originally an airfield used during World War II before transitioning to missile defense and space operations.
Key Missions:
- Ballistic missile defense testing
- Space surveillance and satellite tracking
- Joint military missile exercises
Tripler Army Medical Center
Tripler is the largest military medical facility in the Pacific and serves as the primary hospital for service members and their families in Hawaii.
Key Missions:
- Military and veteran medical care
- Combat casualty treatment and rehabilitation
- Specialized care for the Pacific region
Moving to Hawaii? Let Us Help You Find a Home
Relocating to Hawaii for a PCS move or new assignment presents unique challenges, but VeteranPCS is here to help. Whether you're looking for on-base housing, off-base communities, or VA loan assistance, we specialize in connecting military families with trusted real estate agents who understand the challenges of moving.
Our network of veteran and military-friendly real estate agents can assist with:
- Finding on-base or off-base housing
- Connecting with VA loan specialists
- Understanding the best neighborhoods near each installation
Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide
Make your move less stressful with our step-by-step first-time homebuyer guide.
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Plan Your PCS to Hawaii
Most of Hawaii's installations sit on Oahu, so it helps to read up before you arrive. If you are weighing whether to buy, our guide on whether active duty military should buy a home in Hawaii and our deeper look at what to know about buying a home when you PCS to Hawaii walk through the local market. Moving with animals? Start with our PCS to Hawaii with pets guide. To keep the move on track, work through the ultimate PCS checklist and timeline, and if you plan to finance a home, learn about the benefits of a VA loan.
When you want a local read on a specific base or neighborhood, you can ask a VeteranPCS agent in Hawaii about current listings and prices.
Know another family with orders to Hawaii? Share this guide with your military network so they can plan their move too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many military bases are in Hawaii?
Hawaii is home to eleven active military installations, including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases.
2. What is the largest military base in Hawaii?
Schofield Barracks is the largest Army base, while Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is the largest Navy-Air Force installation.
3. What military branch has the biggest presence in Hawaii?
The Navy and Army have the largest presence, with major commands at Pearl Harbor, Schofield Barracks, and Fort Shafter.
4. Can military families live off base in Hawaii?
Yes, many military families choose to live off base, especially in Oahu communities like Ewa Beach, Kapolei, and Mililani.
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