On Base Recreation

by Lexi Brown

Unwinding and relaxing is a must, and there's plenty of opportunity for that on Oahu.

Here are some of our favorite spots around the island where you can enjoy a quick vacation or a couple days off with family or by yourself to unwind and get a break from the routine.

Bellows Air Force Station

If you are looking to boogie board throughout your day and take on some fun waves then Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo is a great area to check out. This beach has plenty of parking, beautiful scenery of the mountains and Mokulua Islands. The beach is close by to the AAFES Express and gas station.

Bellows Air Force Station also offers campgrounds and cabins for rent. Their fully furnished cabins include a kitchen and dinning area. You can book using the link below

https://www.bellowsafs.com/cabins

There are also plenty of campsites to choose from and they offer availability for group and family size sites. The amenities include grills, picnic tables and restrooms. You can also rent equipment from their recreation office 2 weeks in advance if your check in.

https://www.bellowsafs.com/campsites

If you want something in between camp sites and cabins Bellows offers their Cedar Camper cabins which are a bit more rustic and allow 4 people. These have a grill and picnic table right outside the cabin. Keep in mind that linens are not provided so you will have to bring your own.

https://www.bellowsafs.com/camper-cabins

If none of these work for you and you rather enjoy a hotel-like room then their Condos might be what you are looking for. These Condos have more amenities such as sleeper sofa, tv, dinnerware, hair dryer, patio furniture…

https://www.bellowsafs.com/condos

While you are there enjoy their mini golf, driving range, marketplace events, horseback riding, paintball and more…

Keep in mind that availability is limited due to current restrictions.

Hickam Beaches

Hickam Beach on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is a great option for all the family. You can learn how to paddleboard, use their pavilions through the MWR and they have restrooms and showers available. The beach also has the restaurant The Lanai at Mamala bay which is currently open for dine in and take out. Their beach shack offers gear rentals.

Honeymoon Beach is also on Hickam. This private lagoon is secluded and comes with your own lifeguard and picnic area upon rental. This lovely spot can be rented up to 5 hours. $175 (Available from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) - Plus cleaning deposit of $100 (refundable). Additional Lifeguard: $20/hour

For rental you can call 808-449-5215

White Plains Beach

Located at the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station, White Plains Beach is a serene beach great for surfing. It has indoors and outdoors showers, volleyball courts and offers surf lessons and rentals. Barber’s point beach also has cottages located at White plains beach and offers 20 cottages for rent to spend your staycation by the ocean. They have 3, 2- and 1-bedroom cottages.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Marine Corps Base Hawaii offers beaches for military service members and their families. North Beach, Pyramid Rock Beach, Hale Koa Beach, Secret Beach, and Ft. Hase Beach are currently all open. No pets allowed.

They also offer beach cottages available for up to a 7-night stay. They have 13, 2- bedroom beach cottages with 1 bathroom, kitchen, dinning area and other amenities.

https://mccshawaii.com/lodging/

Pililaau Army Recreation Center

The Pililaau Army Recreation Center located on the Pokai Bay on the Waianae coast offers multiple beach facilities for rental. They have everything from studios to 3-bedroom size rooms. These beach front rentals have a grill and picnic table right outside each cottage. The Beach House by 604 is also on location to offer a full menu for dine in or take out.

https://hawaii.armymwr.com/programs/pillar-army-recreation-center-parc

Kilauea Military Camp

If you are able to travel and island hop, another military only recreational area is Kilauea Military Camp on the Big Island. They offer cottages and apartments to rent for your visit and have plenty of must-see experiences around the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You can take a hike around the park, go on a helicopter tour or visit Hilo town. KMC is located within the park so keep in mind there will be entrance fees however your Active Military ID card will get you free admission into the park.

https://www.kilaueamilitarycamp.com/accommodations