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Hickam Air Force Base (Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam)

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Hickam Air Force Base

Off-Base Neighborhoods

One of the great things about Hawaii is being able to live just about anywhere and still have a [semi] reasonable commute to a military installation. Popular areas to live off base include Leeward (West) Side, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Central, Mililani, Wahiawa, Salt Lake, Windward (East) Side, Kailua, Kaneohe, and Hawaii Kai.

On Base Housing

Hickam has 5 housing neighborhoods managed by Winn Companies. There are 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5- bedroom options, ranging from apartments to duplexes to townhomes and single family homes. Units include air conditioning.

Schools

There is one school, Hickam Elementary, located on base. Public schools are part of the Hawaii Department of Education. If you have school-age children, a great place to start in finding a school is to contact the School Liaison Officer for your respective branch. The SLO can assist in getting your child registered.

Hawaii does not have any DoD schools, but there are many public, private, and charter schools to choose from, as well as a large homeschooling community on the island. Just a heads up: most schools and childcare centers require a negative Tuberculosis test to enroll

Cost of Living and BAH

The BAH for Hawaii tends to be on the high side, similar to the Washington D.C. area. Island living, in general, tends to be pricey because everything has to be shipped in.

Hickam Air Force Base BAH varies depending on rank and whether or not you have dependents. To determine your BAH at Hickam AFB, use our BAH calculator.

BAH Calculator

Housing Costs

Hawaii has one of the highest tax rates in the country, at 5.3%. However, the property tax rate is at 0.27%, one of the lowest rates in the country. The median sales price of a single-family home on O'ahu is $835,000, which is a new record high. Whether you rent or buy, remember that energy bills will be higher in Hawaii than in most places, even with only moderate use of air conditioning.

Weather

Trade winds keep the average temperature in Hawaii at around 85 degrees throughout the year. The landscape across the island, however, varies significantly depending on location. On the Leeward (West) side of O’ahu, you will find a drier, more desert-like environment, while the Windward (East) side is home to the lush Ko’olau Mountains. Much of central O’ahu is farmland, and the North Shore consists of a rocky shoreline with higher surf. Many popular surfing competitions are held there.

Base Amenities

All of the military bases in Hawaii have the usual amenities: Commissary, Exchange, gym, community pool, etc. Check with the individual installation for details.

Area Attractions

HIKING: Hawaii boasts AMAZING hiking. Trails range from the paved and stroller-friendly (but steep!) Makapu’u trail on the eastern end of the island, to lush and tropical trails in Manoa Valley, to the dormant Koko Head and Diamond Head volcano crater trails.

WATERSPORTS: Kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, spearfishing, and diving are just a few ways to enjoy the warm water and 271 days of sunshine per year.

BEACHES: Kailua’s beaches are far less crowded than the more touristy Waikiki. Be aware, the deep ocean currents can be extremely strong even near shore. Many beaches also experience shore break. Search “Sandy’s Beach” on youtube to get a glimpse of the power of the ocean here. Parents with little children may want to check out the lagoons at Ko’olina for gentler waters.

SURFING: Surfing is the signature sport of Hawaii. Duke Kahanamoku and Eddie Aikau are local legends and surf icons. Surf lessons are available around the island. If you want to get into surfing, there is no shame in purchasing a $100 eight-foot foam board from Costco. Pros on the North Shore, water patrol, and surf school students all surf them with joy. Surf competitions are community events for surfers of all ages and skill levels.

MACADAMIA NUT FARM TOUR: This tour near Kualoa Ranch is more befitting a crash course for “Survivor” contestants than farm tour. It is both educational and entertaining. Your host will highlight various film locations on the property as you ride on crew buses used in the original “Jurassic Park.”

LUAUS: Grand luaus are available on the leeward side of the island, the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore, and also Sea Life Park on the east end. The Hale Koa luau in Waikiki is a less costly, shorter luau option open to service members, retirees, and their guests.

TAKE A RIDE: The North Shore is the most rural part of the island. However, Ted’s Bakery and Sandy’s Sandwiches near Pipeline are worth the stop on your drive along the Seven Mile Miracle. Waves can reach 40 feet during the winter months. Helemano Farms in Wahaiwa grows sustainable Norfolk pines for cutting at Christmas.

INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL: Island hopping is not as cheap as one might think but the other islands are all unique. Volcanoes Park on the Big Island is a place to behold, and military members can rent cabins at the park. Also, don’t forget to register for your free National Park military pass so your $25 vehicle admission will be waived.

Food and Drink

Food is also essential to Hawaiian culture. School cafeterias serve local favorites like kalua pork, haupia (coconut) pudding, and poi (pureed taro root). Poke (raw, marinated tuna), shave ice (don’t call it “shaved” ice), and Spam musubi (Spam and rice wrapped in seaweed) can be found in every corner store.

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