29 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO NEAR SCHOFIELD BARRACKS

Introduction

Aloha and welcome to Schofield Barracks, located in the central area of the beautiful island of Oahu. The installation is just a short drive from the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, which boasts a population of nearly 975,000. There is a reason Hawaii is called “paradise” and you’ll understand it the first time you lay eyes on it. With Oahu being such a tourist destination and always having good weather (despite the odd and quick rain), there is an abundance of things to do near Schofield Barracks. Here you can take advantage of all the amenities the various military installations around the island have to offer or get out to explore and take up new hobbies such as hiking, fishing, surfing, or scuba. 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 (12-13) Gyms (14-15) Pools (16-17) Bowling (18-20) Recreation Centers (21-28) Attractions (29) Movies

Suggested Read:

Schofield Barracks: 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.

Things to Do Near Schofield Barracks

Beaches Near Schofield Barracks

While Schofield Barracks is located in the center of the island and thus has no beaches of its own, one of the huge benefits of being a military member in Hawaii is that you will have access to beaches on the various military installations that the public does not. You can experience quiet and secluded beaches away from the throngs of tourists which is a huge plus.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

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 If you’d prefer to avoid all the tourists on Waikiki Beach, head to the beach on base! Hickam Beach offers surfing, beach volleyball, party pavilions, or just a nice quiet beach day in the beautiful Hawaiian 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. You can have alcohol on the beach but you’ll need to get an alcohol permit and you can’t have glass bottles. Beach rentals are up to five hours between 0900 and 1700 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.

Kapolei

3. Nimitz Beach

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.

Ewa Beach

4. White Plains Beach

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 the iconic spot everyone thinks of when they visit Hawaii. Here, in the shadow of Diamond Head Crater and by the statue of the Duke, longboard surfing became popular and spread out to the rest of the world. The waves are almost always perfect and consistent for surfing but watch out; it will be full of newbies and experienced surfers. It’s best to take a lesson if you’re not sure of the etiquette when surfing. Along the beach are tons of shops, restaurants, and all sorts of entertainment.

Schofield Barracks Marinas

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

6. Hickam Harbor Marina

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

Phone:

1 (808) 449-5215 Hickam Harbor is a great spot to learn how to sail, stand up paddleboard, and spearfish or bottom fish. There are slots available for both wet and dry docking as well as storage lockers for your gear. Also available are rentals for sailing, watercraft rentals, outdoor rental locations, picnicking, recreation activities and tours.

Aiea

7. Rainbow Bay Marina

57 Arizona Memorial Drive Bldg. 103 Aiea, HI 96701

Phone:

1 (808) 784-0167 Who wouldn’t want to tell the story about how they learned to sail in Pearl Harbor? Rainbow Bay Marina is a complete sailing facility located just off the base near the USS Arizona Memorial that offers sailing lessons and rentals, canoe paddling and more. Here you can rent a Club 420, Rhodes 19 Sloop, El Toro, Laser or Columbia 22 (certification required). Mooring and dry dock storage facilities are also available as well as personal storage lockers. Check out all the programs the marina has to offer.

Schofield Barracks Golf Courses

Wahiawa

8. Leilehua Golf Course

199 Leilehua Rd Bldg 6505 Wahiawa, HI 96786

Phone:

1 (808) 655-4653 This lovely 18-hole course is nestled between Wheeler Army Airfield and Mililani Tech Park. Featuring a grand, sweeping view of the mountains, the course offers a driving range, practice facility, pro shop, and a full restaurant and snack bar. Call ahead to schedule a tee time and enjoy the day out.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

9. Mamala Bay Golf Course

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

Phone:

1 (808) 449-2304 If you’re all played out at Leilehua, head down to Hickam to Mamala Bay. This 18-hole golf championship course features spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. The course offers 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. Lessons and pro-shop services are available as well as a full restaurant and 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 Schofield Barracks 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 Schofield Barracks MWR patrons only.

Schofield Barracks Gym

12. Martinez Physical Fitness Center

1445 Kolekole Ave. Bldg 488 Schofield Barracks, HI 96857

Phone:

1 (808) 655-4804 The Martinez Physical Fitness Center features full cardio rooms with treadmills, stair climbers, and ellipticals as well as weight training areas with free weights, weight machines, and CrossFit/Functional Fitness room. The gym also features basketball, racquetball, and tennis courts.

Wheeler Army Airfield

13. Wheeler Fitness Center

1107 Santos Dumont Ave. Bldg 113 Wheeler Army Airfield, HI 96860

Phone:

1 (808) 656-1690 Located just next door to Schofield Barracks is Wheeler Army Airfield. Featuring full cardio and weight training areas as well as personal training, and therapeutic services, Army gyms are fully stocked to keep you healthy and fit to fight.

Schofield Barracks Pools

14. Richardson Pool

1757 Kolekole Ave Bldg 578 Schofield Barracks, HI 96857

Phone:

1 (808) 655-9698 Open year-round, the pool offers Active duty physical training hours, lap swim, and open swim session hours. Physical training hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 0600 through 0900.

Wahiawa

15. 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.

Schofield Barracks Bowling Alley

16. Schofield Bowling Center

557 Burr Pl. Bldg. 557 Schofield Barracks, HI 96853

Phone:

1 (808) 655-0573 The Schofield Bowling Center is a modern center with 46 lanes of fun! With a snack bar, pro shop, and barber shop all inside, this is a great place to spend an afternoon with friends and family.

Wahiawa

17. 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.

Recreation Centers

18. Tropics Recreation Center

1470 Foote Ave. Bldg 589 Schofield Barracks, HI 96857

Phone:

1 (808) 655-5698 The Tropics Rec Center features huge 90-inch TVs, video game consoles, table tennis, Foosball, Air hockey, pool tables, poker challenges, full bar, full dining menu, professional music room, NFL Sunday Ticket, and Paint and Sip classes. This rec center is a great place to hang out with friends and blow off some steam within walking distance of the barracks.

Wheeler Army Airfield

19. Hangar Entertainment Center

1735 Wright Ave. Bldg 835 Wheeler Army Airfield, HI 96857

Phone:

1 (808) 656-1745 A one stop location for fun featuring four lanes of bowling, a full menu restaurant, pool tables, big screen TVs, and arcade games, this is a great spot to unwind on a Friday night.

Waianae

20. Pililaau Army Recreation Center (PARC)

85-010 Army St Waianae, HI 96792

Phone:

1 (808) 696-4518 The PARC is one of the best beach facilities on the island and only accessible by military members. It features beach cottage rentals great for family vacations to get away from the base and really enjoy the island. The houses and facilities capture the essence of “old Hawaii” with beachfront property, dining, and pavilions surrounded by rustic farms and native homes.

Schofield Barracks Attractions

21. Schofield Barracks Tickets and Tours

Leisure Travel Services, Flagview Mall Bldg 3320 Schofield Barracks, HI 96857

Phone:

1 (808) 655-9971 With so many tourist attractions around the island, getting out to experience everything could get quite expensive. The ticket offices on base will help you book tours, tickets, and events at steeply discounted prices. Whether you’re interested in just heading to a water park or booking a trip to the other islands this office can help you do it at the best prices.

Honolulu

22. Honolulu Zoo

151 Kapahulu Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815

Phone:

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.

23. Pearl Harbor National Memorial

1 Arizona Memorial Place Honolulu, HI 96818

Phone:

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.

24. Iolani Palace

364 S. King St. Honolulu, HI 96813

Phone:

1 (808) 522-0822 The only royal palace found on U.S. soil, the Iolani 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

25. Sea Life Park Hawaii

41-202 Kalaniana’ole Highway Waimanalo, HI 96795

Phone:

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

26. Kualoa Ranch

49-560 Kamehameha Highway Kaneohe, HI 96744

Phone:

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

27. Dole Plantation

64-1550 Kamehameha Highway Wahiawa, HI 96786

Phone:

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

28. Polynesian Cultural Center

55-370 Kamehameha Highway Laie, HI 96762

Phone:

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.

Schofield Barracks Movie Theater

29. Reeltime Theaters

694 McCornack Rd. Schofield Barracks, HI 96857 You won’t even need to leave the base to catch a movie with your friends or family. Reeltime Theaters is located in the base's main exchange and plays all the latest blockbuster films.

Conclusion

Island life is slow and easy. You can relax on the beach, explore, learn about native culture, take up new adventurous hobbies, get in shape, and so much more. Many who are stationed here complain that they run out of things to do. While the island is small and you can see most of it in a few weeks, enjoying your time here depends on what you make of it. If you sit in your house playing video games or just go to bars, of course, you’ll be bored! So get out there and take advantage of the truly unique experience of island life and all its opportunities!  

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