FORT SHAFTER: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER (2021 EDITION)

Introduction

Aloha and welcome to Fort Shafter, the headquarters of the U.S. Army Pacific Command. This military installation located in Honolulu, Hawaii, commands most Army forces in the Asia-Pacific region with the exception of Korea. It’s a beautiful place to live and work, with a long history that dates back over 100 years, making it the oldest military base on Oahu. Construction began in 1905 on the former Hawaiian crown lands that were ceded to the United States government after annexation. When the post opened in 1907, it was named for Maj. Gen. William Rufus Shafter, who led the United States expedition to Cuba in 1898. Today, the post sits 8 miles west of Honolulu, just a few miles from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. There are nearly 8,000 active duty personnel, approximately 12,000 family members and over 8,000 civilian personnel at Fort Shafter. Please note that many services will be found at nearby Schofield Barracks or Tripler Army Medical Center. Continue reading for an in-depth guide to help aid you in your transition to living and working on Fort Shafter. 1. Where Is Fort Shafter? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to the Post 4. Entering Fort Shafter and Post Amenities

• Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
• Fort Shafter Visitor Center
• Fort Shafter DEERS Office
• Fort Shafter Gate Hours
• Fort Shafter Commissary
• Fort Shafter PX
• Fort Shafter Barber Shops
• Fort Shafter Post Office
• Fort Shafter Finance Office
• Fort Shafter Legal Office
• Fort Shafter Library
• Fort Shafter Hotels

5. Where Should I Live Near Fort Shafter? 6. What Schools are Near Fort Shafter? 7. What’s the Weather Like in Fort Shafter? 8. Things to Do Near Fort Shafter  

Where Is Fort Shafter, Hawaii?

Fort Shafter Visitor Control Center - North

Bldg. 6508 199 Leilehua Road Fort Shafter, HI 96858

Phone:

1 (808) 655-1620

Fort Shafter Visitor Control Center - South

Tripler Visitor Control Center Fort Shafter, HI 96858

Phone:

1 (808) 433-2878

Fort Shafter Map

Fort Shafter Directions

Public Transportation

There are currently no trains in Oahu, though the Honolulu Rail Transit Project is still underway. Alternatively, you could take one of Oahu's public buses to connect anywhere on the island of Oahu.

Flights to Fort Shafter, HI

The closest airport to Fort Shafter is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. It’s about 5 miles from the front gates of Fort Shafter. The airport is served by nearly all major airlines via daily direct or connecting flights.

Driving Directions to Fort Shafter, Hawaii

1. If you drive from the airport, you will get on Interstate Hawaii 1 East toward Honolulu/Waikiki.
2. Take exit 18B toward Middle Street/Dillingham Boulevard and turn left on Middle Street.
3. Go left onto Kaua Street.
4. Take right onto Funston Road.
5. Follow signs to enter Fort Shafter.

Fort Shafter Transportation Office

Fort Shafter Joint Personal Property Shipping Office

Bldg. 2652 4825 Bougainville Drive Fort Shafter, HI 96818

Phone:

1 (808) 473-7750

Fort Shafter Transportation Office Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday -

  0800 to 1600

• Wednesday -

  0900 to 1600

Entering Fort Shafter and Post Amenities

All visitors, including contractors and vendors, must present their full name, date of birth and Social Security number in order to get a background check at the Visitor Center. All visitors will provide a valid form of ID. Click here to learn more about where you can go.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

All incoming soldiers will report to the US Army-Hawaii Replacement Company. You can make an initial check in at the Airport Liaison desk near baggage claim 19 at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Soldiers should have a copy of their orders, leave form, POV shipment form, and flight itinerary which lists all dependents. From there, you will be directed where to go for further check-in. The airport liaison desk is open 24 hours.

Fort Shafter Visitor Center

There are two visitor centers to gain access to the installation.

Fort Shafter Visitor Control Center - North

Bldg. 6508 199 Leilehua Road Fort Shafter, HI 96858

Phone:

1 (808) 655-1620

Fort Shafter Visitor Control Center - North Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0730 to 1500

• Fort Shafter Visitor Control Center -

  South

Tripler Visitor Control Center

Fort Shafter, HI 96858

Phone:

1 (808) 433-2878

Fort Shafter Visitor Control Center - South Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0500 to 2100

DEERS Fort Shafter

In order to schedule an appointment with the ID Card or DEERS office, use this link. The office is located at Schofield Barracks. Due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, policy changes are in effect. View all the most up to date directions on how to get a new ID or DEERS update here.

Schofield Barracks ID Card Section/DEERS

Soldier Support Center Bldg 750, Room 119 673 Ayres Ave Schofield Barracks, HI 96857

Phone:

1 (808) 655-1272

DEERS Office Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday:

  0800 to 1530

• Thursday:

  0800 to 1200

Fort Shafter Gate Hours

There are four gates servicing Fort Shafter. One (Patton Gate) is currently closed. All will require either a valid military/dependent ID or a visitor’s pass.

• Buckner Gate -

  Front Gate - Open 24/7.

• Johnson Gate -

  Open by appointment only for oversized trucks.

• Patch Gate -

  Back Gate - 0500 to 2100 Monday through Friday.

• Patton Gate -

  Closed until further notice.

Fort Shafter Commissary

The closest commissary to Fort Shafter is in Schofield Barracks, about 19 miles away. There are multiple local grocery stores and national chains within 10 miles of the installation.

Schofield Barracks Commissary

698 Trimble Road Bldg. 698 Wahiawa, HI 96786

Phone:

1 (808) 655-5066

Schofield Barracks Commissary Hours

• Sunday through Saturday - 0900 to 2000

Fort Shafter PX

The Fort Shafter Post Exchange offers an assortment of health and beauty care, small appliances, electronics, toys and more. Services like Bissell rental, alterations, cleaners and ATM are also available.

Fort Shafter Exchange

Bldg. 550 Fort Shafter, HI 96818

Phone:

1 (808) 843-1969

Fort Shafter Exchange Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0700 to 1900

• Saturday -

  1000 to 1700

• Sunday -

  1000 to 1600

Fort Shafter Barber Shop

There are two barber shops on post. One is at the Post Exchange and another is in Bldg. 537. Call for more information.

Main Exchange Barber Shop - Bldg. 550

Phone:

1 (808) 847-3141

Barber Shop - Bldg. 537

Phone:

1 (808) 847-3141

Fort Shafter Post Office

There is a post office located on post. There are also a number of official post offices close to Fort Shafter. Visit here to find the location nearest you.

Fort Shafter Post Office

Bldg. 434 Fort Shafter, HI 96858

Phone:

1 (808) 832-0025

Fort Shafter Finance

The Finance Office at Schofield Barracks offers financial help to all service members and their families at Fort Shafter. Due to COVID restrictions, you should call ahead to get the most up to date hours and make an appointment.

Schofield Barracks Personal Financial Management

Bldg 689 Schofield Barracks, HI 96857

Phone:

1 (808) 655-1244

Schofield Barracks Finance Hours

Please call 1 (808) 655-1244 for hours of operation.

Fort Shafter Legal Office

Active duty, dependents, and retirees are eligible for legal assistance in most areas. For a full list of what services the Schofield Barracks Legal office can perform for those stationed at Fort Shafter, check their website here.

Schofield Barracks Legal Assistance Office

Humphreys Rd, Bldg 2037 Schofield Barracks, HI 96857

Phone:

1 (808) 655-8607

Schofield Barracks Legal Assistance Office Walk In Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday -

  0930 to 1630

• Thursday -

  1300 to 1630

Fort Shafter Library

Installation libraries feature a wide variety of services and resources for the Garrison Hawaii Community. The Fort Shafter Library provides access to a plethora of books, audiobooks, movies, music, video games, downloadable content, online databases and more.

Fort Shafter Library

Bldg. 650 181 Chapplear Road Fort Shafter, HI 96858

Phone:

1 (808) 438-9521

Hours:

• Sunday and Monday -

  Closed

• Tuesday through Thursday -

  1000 to 1700

• Friday and Saturday -

  1000 to 1500

Fort Shafter Hotels

Fort Shafter offers several on-post lodging facilities. The Fort Shafter Billeting Office provides all on-post housing for service personnel and those traveling on orders. The lodging areas are scattered throughout the garrison area and most are within walking distance to the post amenities. Cottages, suites and transient quarters are available for rental. Reservations may be made 24 hours in advance.

IHG Army Hotels

Bldg. 719 Fort Shafter, HI 96858

Phone:

1 (808) 839-2336

IHG Army Hotels Hours

• Available 24/7

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Fort Shafter Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.

Where Should I Live Near Fort Shafter?

If you’re considering living on post, check out the available on-post housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off post.

Cities Near Fort Shafter

There is one main city near Fort Shafter, Honolulu, and its well-known neighborhood of Waikiki. Most people connected to Fort Shafter choose to live in Honolulu as it offers more options and isn’t as crowded as the tourist-heavy Waikiki.

Best Places to Live Near Fort Shafter

Honolulu, HI

A name synonymous with Hawaii, Honolulu boasts a population of nearly 350,000 people. It’s the largest city in Oahu and the capital of Hawaii. Its economy is largely supported by the military installations throughout the area as well as tourism, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Honolulu is just outside the gates of Fort Shafter making it the ideal place to live if you’re connected to the installation. Family-friendly activities like snorkeling in the warm Pacific Ocean, hiking Diamond Head or renting a bike to explore the area on two wheels and anything associated with the beach are popular among those who live here. Housing is expensive but you pay to live in a tropical paradise. The median monthly owner costs for a mortgage are $2,607 and median gross rents are $1,745. The area has a lot to offer, and you’ll never run out of things to do or great weather to do it in.

Hot Tip: Look for Fort Shafter homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Fort Shafter Schools

There is an elementary school on Fort Shafter, so students living on base will attend that school. Otherwise, students will enroll in local schools in the area. The schools associated with the Fort Shafter area fall under the Hawaii Public Schools System Central District. You can use the handy school finder app to locate the schools closest to where you decide to live on the island. Contact the Schofield Barracks School Liaison Office for details on schools, youth services, enrollment, and more.

Schofield Barracks School Liaison Office

241 Hewitt St, Bldg 1283 Schofield Barracks, HI 96857

Phone:

1 (808) 655-8326

Hours:

• Monday through Friday -

  0730 to 1700

Fort Shafter Weather

Fort Shafter is located in a tropical paradise. The weather can vary dramatically depending on what part of the island you are on and what the prevailing winds are blowing against the mountains. The island is at a similar latitude to the Caribbean so you can expect warm and pleasant tropical weather all year round. The winter months average a little more rain yet the days are a little less humid than during the later summer months. Summers are warm with lows in the 70s and highs up to the mid 90s. Enjoy the sunny days but remember that it can rain in an instant so always keep a light jacket handy!

Things to Do Near Fort Shafter

There are tons of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with fishing, hiking, surfing, swimming and snorkeling at the many beaches and nature preserves. There are also fun events held year-round from the sandy beaches to the tops of mountains, celebrating a variety of cultures. Fantastic restaurants, live music, and special events can also be found in Waikiki or venture to other parts of the island to visit the famous Dole Plantation, enjoy garlic shrimp and shave ice in the North Shore or take a luxurious staycation with the kids at Disney Aulani Resort. Not to mention the recreation and entertainment options available on post thanks to Fort Shafter MWR.

Suggested Reads:

17 Of the Best Things to Do Near Fort Shafter and 19 of the Best Fort Shafter Restaurants

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Fort Shafter at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

Fort Shafter has more to offer than meets the eye. The area is bustling with plenty of fun and different things to do and there’s more to offer all around the island. While connected to Fort Shafter, you’ll have the opportunity to train at one of the premier Army installations and the chance to experience everything the island of Oahu has to offer. Moving to a new place has its challenges but you’ll be glad to be here.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

 

Last Updated:

10/1/2021