--- title: What Military Bases are in Hawaii? slug: what-military-bases-are-in-hawaii description: All 11 active military bases in Hawaii—from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to Schofield Barracks—plus PCS housing tips and VA-loan guidance from VeteranPCS. publishedAt: 2024-06-25T14:58:26.000Z updatedAt: 2026-05-02T00:00:00.000Z author: VeteranPCS categories: [US Military Bases] canonical: https://www.veteranpcs.com/blog/what-military-bases-are-in-hawaii --- # What Military Bases are in Hawaii? 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 ### **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** ### **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. **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** If you’re preparing for a move to Hawaii, **contact us today** to connect with an **agent or lender** who understands your needs. ## **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**. [**Connect with our Agents & Lenders in Hawaii Today**](https://veteranpcs.com/hawaii) and make your move stress-free.