When most people think of Pearl Harbor, they think of the USS Arizona Memorial and that fateful day in December 1941. That is a big part of this locale, but Pearl is also the command center for the United State’s Pacific Fleet. Hickam Air Force Base and Fort Shafter Army Base are also nearby. Add the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base on the eastern end of Oahu and you have all the services represented. A number of hotels in and around Honolulu cater to military personnel and their families, whether on active duty or vacationing.
The name Hale Koa means “house of the warrior.” This oceanfront hotel sits next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach’s western end. It borders Fort DeRussey Beach Park and is within blocks of the Ala Moana Center, the largest shopping mall on the island. Active and retired duty personnel and their families are welcome at this military-only property. Room rates are based on rank and reason for travel. Room categories run from basic Standard Garden to Deluxe Ocean Front. The latter view is found at the ends of the two towers, directly facing the sunset.
Fort Shafter is located roughly 3 miles from the Honolulu International Airport, north of Interstate 201. It has two military hotels affiliated with the base: the Tripler Army Hotel and the Distinguished Visitors Quarters. Tripler Army Hotel is next to the Tripler Army Medical Center, a pinkish building that’s hard to miss. The Distinguished Visitors Quarters is on base and within walking distance of the Nagorski Golf Course, the Fort Gym and the on-base bowling alley. Guests for both hotels check in at Building 228 B.
Some hotels near the Honolulu International Airport are also convenient to the military bases and offer special rates. One is the Pacific Marina Inn, a Castle Resort Property. Located off of Interstate 1, this hotel is adjacent to Keehi Lagoon Beach Park and about a 15-minute drive from Waikiki. Outrigger’s Airport Honolulu Hotel also has military rates. Bookings at this hotel go through a Military Liaison Officer. This property is also adjacent to the airport, right off of the interstate. Service personnel, active and retired, and their families are welcome.
This apartment-style hotel is approved by the Defense Travel Management Office as a Temporary Lodging Allowance property. It’s on the northern end of Pearl Harbor in the town of Aeia, near the USS Arizona Memorial and Ford Island. Hickam AFB is only 6 miles away. All units have two bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens, suitable for families and long-term stays. Harbor Shores has its own saltwater swimming pool and an outdoor barbecue area perfect for entertaining. Pearl Ridge Shopping Center is nearby, as is the outdoor space at Neal S. Blaisedell Park. A walking path winds around the shore of Pearl Bay, a scenic excuse for some morning exercise.
Military personnel visiting Kaneohe have the option of staying at the Lodge at Kaneohe Bay. Located some 17 miles east of Oahu, this property is on the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base so guests must have military ID. Active and retired military personnel and their families are welcome. Units have kitchenettes, high-speed Internet and connecting doors, making it easy for families to stay together. Breakfast is included in the room rate. The hotel is just inside the main gate and close to the Marine Corps Exchange and other base amenities. Family-friendly Kailua Beach is only 2 miles away.
