Introduction

Aloha and welcome to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, located in America’s only island state. The installation is just a short drive from the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, which boasts a population of nearly 975,000. This beautiful and tropical area has so much to offer visitors and those who call it home. There’s a reason the phrase “lucky we live Hawaii” is so popular. You will definitely feel lucky to call the island home. The weather is almost always warm and rain is frequent, though it usually doesn’t last long. You can always count on having something to do outdoors. From the beaches to the mountains, Oahu has it all. And most of the time you won’t even have to leave the gates of the installation to find it! Here is a list of 35 of the best things to do while living on or near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Suggested Read:

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Hawaii: In-Depth Welcome Center

COVID-19 Notice

Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, many businesses, venues, and parks may be temporarily closed or operating under restricted hours. Many, if not all, of the ones listed here, are likely subject to such restrictions for the time being though new re-openings and closings occur all the time. Therefore, a place we mention here may not currently be open or available for the time being. Check individual websites provided in each section or call to find out each place’s current hours and situation.

35 Things to Do on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to what you go: (1-5) Beaches (6-7) Marinas (8-11) Golfing (12-17) Gyms (18-21) Pools (22-25) Bowling (26-27) Theaters (28-35) Attractions

Hickam Beach

1. Hickam Beach at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

3455 Mamala Bay Drive Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96853

Phone

: 1 (808) 449-5215 Having access to a great beach without leaving the base? Another great reason to love it here! Escape the crowds at nearby Waikiki and relax on a beach right on base! Hickam Beach is the place to learn how to surf, play a round of beach volleyball or simply sunbathe under the tropical sun. Party pavilions are available for rent, and additional amenities include restrooms and showers. Lifeguards are stationed on the beach during the weekends and a surf shack offers rentals of beach equipment at affordable prices.

2. Honeymoon Beach at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Mamala Bay Drive Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96853

Phone

: 1 (808) 449-5215 Just off Hickam Beach is a private lagoon called Honeymoon Beach. This secluded area can be rented for gatherings and comes with a lifeguard and picnic area. An alcohol permit is available through the Hickam Harbor office, but glass containers are not allowed. The beach can be rented for up to five hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for parties of up to 150 people. Gate access is given 15 minutes prior to your scheduled event and the gate is locked 15 minutes after your scheduled event ends.

3. Nimitz Beach at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Nimitz Street Kapolei, HI 96707

Phone

: 1 (808) 682-4925

Phone

: 1 (808) 473-1198 for patio pavilion rentals Just down the road from White Plains and right across the street from the Coast Guard Station is Nimitz Beach. There are seven open-air pavilions available for rent on Nimitz Beach. The pavilions all have grills, tables and electricity The area is rockier than nearby Nimitz Cove. There is no parking lot; cars park along the side of the road.

4. White Plains Beach at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

White Plains Road Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Phone

: 1 (808) 682-4925 When you need to get away from the frenzy of Waikiki, come experience the serene beaches on the Leeward side of Oahu. Located at Kalaeloa (former Barbers Point Naval Air Station), White Plains has something for everyone: seven cabanas with everything you need for your next gathering, a great spot to surf (rentals available) or just frolic in the sand and relax under the warm Hawaiian sun.

Honolulu

5. Waikiki Beach

Honolulu, HI 96815 Waikiki Beach is where everyone goes when they’re visiting Oahu. Almost every hotel in Waikiki is just steps from this two-mile stretch of white sandy beach. The water is calm and warm at this world-famous spot. Take the opportunity to learn how to surf as the long, rolling break provides the ideal conditions. Whether you are looking forward to becoming the next surfing pro, taking up paddle boarding or snorkeling, swimming, boogie boarding, sand combing, people watching or marveling at the beautiful Waikiki sunsets, it’s very easy to have a good time on the different areas of Waikiki Beach.

Marinas

6. Hickam Harbor Marina

3455 Mamala Bay Drive Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96853

Phone

: 1 (808) 449-5215 Visitors to Hickam Harbor can learn how to sail with private or group lessons, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), spear fish or bottom fish, and surf. Some mooring and dry-dock storage facilities are available, as well as personal storage lockers. Hickam Harbor is the place to be for sailing, watercraft rentals, outdoor rental locations, swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, recreation activities and tours.

Aiea

7. Rainbow Bay Marina

57 Arizona Memorial Drive, Bldg. 103 Aiea, HI 96701

Phone

: 1 (808) 784-0167 Nestled in Pearl Harbor, just off base near the USS Arizona Memorial, is Rainbow Bay Marina, a complete sailing facility that offers sailing lessons and rentals, canoe paddling and more. Rent a sleek Club 420, Rhodes 19 Sloop, El Toro, Laser or Columbia 22 (certification required). Mooring and dry dock storage facilities are available as well as personal storage lockers. Check out all the programs the marina has to offer.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Golf Course

8. Ke’Alohi Golf Course

185 McClelland St. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96853

Phone

: 1 (808) 448-2318 Interested in experiencing night golf? You can at Ke’Alohi’s beautifully lit 9-hole golf course. It’s the only military course in Hawaii that lets you play at night. Take advantage of the practice facilities and fully stocked pro shop, rent equipment if needed, host a command function for up to 72 players, enjoy the restaurant and lounge, and play a round of foot golf if you’re into that sort of thing.

9. Mamala Bay Golf Course

625 Mamala Drive, Bldg. 3571 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96853

Phone

: 1 (808) 449-2304 Mamala Bay is an 18-hole golf championship course with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. The course features a driving range, chipping and putting greens and the option to play a round of nine holes if you don’t have time for 18. The pro shop is loaded with a wide variety of golf accessories and cart or club rentals. Professional teaching staff are on hand to give lessons to golfers of all levels. Golfers and non-golfers alike can enjoy breakfast, lunch and the stunning views found at the open-air snack bar.

Kapolei

10. Barbers Point Golf Course

92-2219 Franklin D. Roosevelt Ave., Bldg. 2249 Kapolei, HI 96707

Phone

: 1 (808) 682-2098 Located at Kalaeloa in Leeward Oahu, this 18-hole course is in a serene setting making it relaxing and enjoyable for the seasoned and first-time golfer alike. Barbers Point Golf Course is tree-lined with a number of dogleg holes, great views, and no water hazards. There’s a driving range, practice facilities, a fully stocked pro shop, free clinics and demo days, lessons by PGA professionals and rental equipment available. The course is only open to eligible MWR patrons.

Honolulu

11. Navy Marine Golf Course

943 Valkenburgh St. Honolulu, HI 96818

Phone

: 1 (808) 471-0142 Located about a mile down the road from Pearl Harbor, this 18-hole course is rated among the military’s top 10 in the world! The centrally located Navy Marine Golf Course has a well-maintained layout with renovated greens, tees and bunkers. It also has water features on several holes as well as many mature trees, making the course a challenge for even the most experienced golfer. This facility is open to eligible MWR patrons only.

JBPHH Gym

12. Towers Pool

27-45 Makalapa Drive Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96860

Phone

: 1 (808) 471-9723 Towers Pool has high and low diving boards for swimmers to use. It’s designated for lap swimming Monday through Friday and open swim is available on the weekends. The pool is staffed by a certified lifeguard during pool hours. The pool is available for use by all active duty military, reservists, retirees, DOD civilian employees, their guests and all other authorized patrons.

13. Intramural Sports

Bloch Arena, Bldg. 161 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96860

Phone

: 1 (808) 473-2437 or 1 (808) 473-1921 The Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Athletics Department offers a variety of intramural and open league sports seasons. During the year there are eight intramural-level events, including: basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, flag football, racquetball, golf and bowling. Open leagues are offered for basketball, softball and soccer for those interested in playing in a more competitive atmosphere.

14. Hickam Memorial Fitness Center

1120 Vickers Ave. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96860

Phone

: 1 (808) 448-2214 The Hickam Memorial Fitness Center serves approximately 1,500 personnel daily and has a lot to offer. Fitness center patrons can take advantage of the variety of cardio and selectorized weight equipment, free weights, basketball courts, group exercise classes, personal training and more! The center is open every day and 24/7 access is available. All of your fitness needs can be met here.

15. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Fitness Center

1071 North Road, Bldg. 1338 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96860

Phone

: 1 (808) 471-2019 This 62,413-square-feet facility features cutting-edge technology that makes it one of the best fitness centers in Hawaii. The Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Fitness Center also has a cardio room, Olympic lifting areas, Nautilus equipment room, saunas, racquetball courts, an indoor volleyball court, basketball court and a martial arts room. See website for hours.

16. Wahiawa Annex Fitness Center

1120 Vickers Ave. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96860

Phone

: 1 (808) 448-2214 The Wahiawa Annex Fitness Center features free weights, indoor and outdoor basketball/volleyball courts, cardio equipment, resistance machines, baseball/football field and two racquetball courts. The center is open every day, including holidays. Visit the website for hours.

Honolulu

17. Pier Side Fitness Center

Water Front Road, Bldg. 667 Honolulu, HI 96818

Phone

: 1 (808) 473-2436 The Pier Side Fitness Center features selectorized weight equipment, full dumbbells, cardio equipment, two indoor basketball courts, indoor volleyball court, saunas and locker rooms. The center is open Monday through Friday. Visit the website for hours.

Pools

Honolulu

18. Arizona Pool

Lexington Boulevard (near Nob Hill Housing area) Honolulu, HI 96818

Phone

: 1 (808) 472-7582 The 25-yard Arizona Pool on Ford Island is open seasonally (Memorial Day to Labor Day) for recreational swimming for kids and their families. Pool usage is free for all active duty military, reservists, retirees, DOD civilian employees, their guests and all other authorized patrons.

19. Hickam Family Pool

150 12th St. Mills Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96818

Phone

: 1 (808) 448-2384 The Hickam Family Pool complex includes a shallow wading pool great for toddlers and for party pavilions, along with a 20-foot by 40-foot pool. It also features a 12-foot-high slide. Enjoy a variety of activities including Aqua Zumba and swim lessons. Bring the family out to enjoy a relaxing day at the pool!

20. Hickam Training Pool

1201 Cornet Ave. Honolulu, HI 96818

Phone

: 1 (808) 449-8274 The 25-meter-long Hickam Training Pool is open on Monday through Friday for lap swimming only. The pool is available for use by all active duty military, reservists, retirees, DOD civilian employees, their guests and all other authorized patrons. A lifeguard is on duty during pool hours.

21. Scott Pool

Club Road, Bldg. 1511 Honolulu, HI 96818

Phone

: 1 (808) 473-0394 Scott Pool offers a three-meter diving board and boasts a 120-foot water slide! It’s a great place to host birthday parties, social gatherings or just spending a relaxing day at the pool. The Scott Pool complex includes a shallow wading pool great for toddlers, an adjoining playground area and a spacious party pavilion to host your next shindig. Special hours are designated for adult lap swimming only but children 12 and up on a swim team are allowed with a swim team card.

Wahiawa

22. Wahiawa Annex Pool

500 Center Drive Wahiawa, HI 96786

Phone

: 1 (808) 653-5306 Wahiawa Annex Pool is a 25-yard pool with five lanes. This pool also has a low diving board and a kiddie pool. Regular lap swim is generally available Monday through Friday and open swim on weekends for families. Hours change by season so call ahead to verify.

Pearl Harbor Bowling Alley

23. Hickam Bowling Center

Kuntz Street, Bldg. 1891 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96853

Phone

: 1 (808) 448-9959 Strike it up at the Hickam Bowling Center! The renovated bowling center features comfortable seating, bumper bowling for the kids and newly installed bowling ball return areas. This bowling center features 30 lanes and a full snack bar, Kau Kau Korner, that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

24. Pier Side Bowling Center

Pierce Street, Bldg. 1736 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96860

Phone

: 1 (808) 473-2574 Knock down some pins at the Pier Side Bowling Center! From cosmic bowling, junior and adult bowling leagues, and delicious plate lunches at Harbor Grill, the bowling center is the perfect place to hang out with family, friends and co-workers for a game of fun. This bowling center features 20 lanes and the Harbor Grill Snack Bar.

Wahiawa

25. Escape Bowling Center

410 Center St. Wahiawa, HI 96786

Phone

: 1 (808) 473-2651 Take your gathering to the next level by renting out this six-lane bowling center. The Escape Bowling Center party rental includes access to two giant flat screen TVs, bumper and cosmic bowling, a karaoke system to show off your singing skills (or lack thereof), shoe rental, an outdoor lanai and living room-style seating.

Hickam Theater

26. Sharkey Theater

Moore Street, Bldg. 628 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96860

Phone

: 1 (808) 473-0726 Open from Thursday to Sunday, Sharkey Theater shows the latest movies at a sweet discount for all active duty personnel, their dependents, retirees, DOD civilian personnel and their sponsored guests. Visit the website for movie listings and showtimes.

Honolulu

27. Hickam Memorial Theater

7393 Ohana Nui Circle, Bldg. 7371 Honolulu, HI 96818

Phone

: 1 (808) 448-2297 The Hickam Memorial Theater is the go-to spot on post to hang out and watch a good film. Enjoy popcorn and discounted admission. Visit the website for showtimes.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Attractions

28. Tickets and Tours

Fleet Store (Pearl Harbor) 810 Willamette St., Bldg. 1786 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96860 1 (808) 473-0792 There are four Tickets and Tours offices where you can find discounted and special offer tickets to local, regional and national theme parks, tours, attractions and events. Special military discounted tickets and passes to Dolphin Quest, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, sporting events and movie tickets are just a few of the offers. This office is a great resource for those seeking out new adventures and local area information.

Honolulu

29. Honolulu Zoo

151 Kapahulu Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815 1 (808) 926-3191 The Honolulu Zoo is the perfect spot to spend a day with the family. Enjoy walking around the 42-acre zoo in Queen Kapiʻolani Park. The Honolulu Zoo features over 1,230 animals in specially designed habitats. Be sure to ask about the military discount when purchasing your tickets.

30. Pearl Harbor National Memorial

1 Arizona Memorial Place Honolulu, HI 96818 1 (808) 422-3399 The USS Arizona Memorial marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed on USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and commemorates the events of that day. The memorial, built in 1962, is visited by more than two million people every year. Accessible only by boat, it straddles the sunken hull of the battleship without touching it. Historical information about the attack, shuttle boats to and from the memorial, and general visitor services are available at the associated USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center.

31. Iolani Palace

364 S. King St. Honolulu, HI 96813 1 (808) 522-0822 The only royal palace found on U.S. soil, the ʻIolani Palace was the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii beginning with Kamehameha III and ending with Queen Liliʻuokalani under the Kalākaua Dynasty. After the monarchy was overthrown in 1893, the building was used as the capitol building for the Provisional Government, Republic, Territory and State of Hawaii until 1969. The palace was later restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1978.

Waimanalo

32. Sea Life Park Hawaii

41-202 Kalaniana’ole Highway Waimanalo, HI 96795 1 (808) 259-2500 Sea Life Park is a marine mammal park, bird sanctuary and aquarium. Visitors to the park enjoy interactive programs with once-in-a-lifetime encounters like swimming with dolphins and sharks, meeting sea lions up close, trying out all the great dining options, and attending special events like the nightly Ka Moana Luau.

Kaneohe

33. Kualoa Ranch

49-560 Kamehameha Highway Kaneohe, HI 96744 1 (808) 237-7321 This picturesque 4,000-acre nature retreat offers the chance to ride ATVs, mountain bikes or horses, face your fear of heights on a zipline tour, enjoy beautiful beaches and tour the spot where more than 50 movies and TV shows were filmed, including Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates and Hawaii Five-O.

Wahiawa

34. Dole Plantation

64-1550 Kamehameha Highway Wahiawa, HI 96786 1 (808) 621-8408 The historic Dole Plantation is the perfect spot to spend the day with the family. Take a trip on the Pineapple Express train ride, wander through the plantation’s eight gardens or get lost in the world’s largest maze. And when you’re done, indulge in one of the many pineapple-centered treats available at the Plantation Grille.

Laie

35. Polynesian Cultural Center

55-370 Kamehameha Highway Laie, HI 96762 1 (800) 367-7060 The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is a Polynesian park and living museum. The PCC encompasses eight simulated tropical villages spread out over 42 acres, in which performers demonstrate various arts and crafts found in Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands, Easter Island and the area now known as New Zealand. Top off your visit with the nightly luau.

Conclusion

You will feel lucky to live in Hawaii and lucky to be stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam because of everything it has to offer. Living the island life is perfect for those who enjoy spending time outdoors fishing, hiking, swimming, surfing or just sunbathing. It’s also great for shopping, trying out different cuisines, and learning about the history and culture found in the 50th state. Whatever your mood or hobby, there’s something for you to enjoy near your new home. Get out there and see why everyone wants to live in Hawaii!

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