Aloha! If your military spouse has been stationed in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, then you may want to consider yourself a little lucky. You’re now living in one of the most beautiful, tropical areas in the entire world: Hawaii. With so many breathtaking sights to see, it’s never hard to find things to do on Pearl Harbor base.
Expect the weather to be consistently warm, to experience frequent but short-lasting rain showers, and to find plenty of outdoor activities when you relocate to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Here are just a few things to enjoy in the area that will make you say, “Life’s a beach!”
1. Endless Beaches
You absolutely can’t live in Hawaii without going to some (or all!) of the jaw-dropping beaches. Hickam Beach is perhaps the most convenient option since you have access to this beach without having to leave the base. You can escape the crowds and enjoy an amazing beach with more solitude.
Whether you like surfing, beach volleyball, or any other beach sports, this is a great place to spend some time. Expect to see lifeguards stationed during weekends and be sure to check out the surf shack for equipment rentals. Honeymoon Beach, Nimitz Beach, and White Plains Beach are all additional convenient options for enjoying time in the surf and sun.
2. Golfing
If you’re interested in improving your golf game, then the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Golf Course is a great place to start. It’s the only military course in the entire state of Hawaii that allows you to play throughout the night, featuring a lovely 9-hole golf course that’s perfectly lit.
Enjoy the practice facilities, fully stocked pro shop, rental equipment, and delightful restaurant and lounge. Mamala, Barbers Point, and Navy Marine are other nearby golf courses with great facilities and amenities.
3. Magnificent Hiking
Just like you can’t live in Hawaii without seeing the beach, you can’t live in Hawaii without fully enjoying some of its stunning hikes and views. If you’re ready for a steep climb up some hold railroad ties (over 1,000 of them, in fact) then you want to check out Koko Crater Tramway to Koko Head Lookout.
Formerly an old military tram, this area has since been converted into an amazing hike that you have to check out since you live in the area. The summit features a stunning panoramic view of Hanauma Bay, parts of the Big Island, and the lovely shore. Manoa Falls Trail, Aiea Loop Trail, and Maunawili Falls Trail are other nearby trails with views that are worth the effort to hike.
4. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
When you relocate to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, you have the opportunity to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. This place represents the resting place of 1,102 sailors and Marines who died on the USS Arizona back in 1941. Built in 1962, the memorial commemorates all the events that occurred, detailing all the historical information about the attack.
The memorial is only accessible by boat and it straddles the sunken hull of the battleship without touching it. Visit the National Park Service website to learn more about the memorial and how to schedule your visit.
5. Honolulu Zoo
When you’re looking for things to do on Pearl Harbor base or in the nearby area, you can’t go wrong with a zoo. The Honolulu Zoo is the absolute ideal spot to spend a day with family.
You can enjoy easy strolls throughout the zoo, located in Queen Kapiʻolani Park. With over 40 acres and more than 1,200 animals, this zoo is great for educational purposes and just a fun time outside. When purchasing your entrance tickets, be sure to ask about their available military discount.
6. Sea Life Park Hawaii
If you’re at all interested in marine animals, then don’t miss Sea Life Park Hawaii. This park features marine mammals, a bird sanctuary, and a full aquarium. You can enjoy the interactive programs hosted within the park and many once-in-a-lifetime encounters, including but not limited to swimming with dolphins and sharks or meeting sea lions.
The park has several good dining options to keep everyone happy and even hosts special events on occasion. If you have kids hoping to find fun Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam events, try attending Sea Life Park Hawaii.
7. Polynesian Cultural Center
This is a Polynesian park and living museum. Spread out over 42 acres, it includes eight villages that simulate authentic Polynesian tropical villages. This Polynesian Cultural Center demonstrates various arts and crafts that are found in Hawaii but also Easter Island, Fiji, the Marquesas Islands, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and the land currently known as New Zealand. It’s highly educational, immersive, and interesting. You can even end your visit with a luau.
8. Look into Tickets and Tours
If you’re looking for things to do on Pearl Harbor base or in the surrounding area and aren’t super picky about what it is, be sure to check out one of the four Tickets and Tours offices. You can find discounted tickets and special offers to local, regional, and national attractions like theme parks, events, tours, and other fun local adventures. This is a great resource for learning what there is to do in the area, finding more local information, and saving money on experiences.
If you find yourself living on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, consider yourself lucky. While there are some cons — mostly cost of living and distance from other states — it’s one of the prettiest places you can be stationed and is overflowing with things to do.
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