Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) Relocation Information
Welcome to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Aloha and welcome to paradise!
With an assignment to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii, you’ll be the envy of everyone you know. Located adjacent to Honolulu, JBPHH is a joint Navy/Air Force base. Pearl Harbor and Hickam AFB are physically connected, which means you’ll hear jets taking off from the runway at Hickam while watching Navy ships, carriers, subs, and other vessels cruising into the harbor nearby.
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam serves as a major home port and "pit stop of the Pacific" for the submarines and surface ships of U.S. and Allied Pacific fleets, providing services comparable to a large city. U.S. Navy controlled and operating the Navy's busiest harbor, JBPHH is also home to the 15th Airlift Wing of the Hawaii ANG and 67 partner units including the U.S. Pacific Air Forces Headquarters(MAJCOM) at Hickam AFB.
An aerial view of ships moored at JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise. Public domain photo.
An assignment to Oahu is unique not only due to its tropical location, but also because all branches are present on the island. The military’s presence in Hawaii is almost wholly concentrated on the island of Oahu.
Though considered an overseas move, moving to Hawaii probably won’t be like any other move you’ve made. Get ready to experience the melting pot of Hawaii cultures, along with all sorts of food from across the globe. And if you’re an outdoor person, you’ll thrive with the easy access to water sports and gorgeous hiking trails.
Oahu’s location among the main islands of Hawaii. On a clear day, you can see the island of Molokai from the southern and windward sides of the island.
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Base Location & Information
This unique duty station is located on the southern end of the island of Oahu, one of the 8 main islands that make up the state of Hawaii, in the southern portion of the Ewa Plain, approximately 5.8 miles northwest of downtown Honolulu.
Nearby military installations:
Oahu Military Installations
90% of Hawaii’s military presence is located on Oahu. On this island alone, there are eight military installations spread across both the leeward and windward sides.
Worth noting:
- The Ko’olau mountain range divides the island into leeward and windward sides.
- The leeward (west) side is known to be warmer and drier.
- The windward (east) side is typically comfortably breezy.
There are 3 major highways on Oahu: H-1 traversing the southern end of the island, including Honolulu; H-2 which breaks off H-1 into the central section; and H-3 leading east to Kaneohe (H-3 is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, where you can view the Ko’oalu mountains and numerous waterfalls).
Oahu highway map via Travel Guide at Wikivoyage.
While Hawaii is a U.S. state, it has some unique cultural differences. Hawaiians are very proud of their heritage, and you’ll see many statues and monuments honoring their early leaders, kings, and queens. Aloha means both hello and goodbye, but also a way of life. To live aloha means to live with compassion, love, and respect. Another word you’ll want to learn and use often is mahalo, for thank you. If you're a history buff, you'll find sites to explore such as the WWII Pearl Harbor or the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. You can still view shrapnel and bullet holes visible from the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941 on the PACAF HQ building on the Hickam side of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
You may have heard of “island fever,” but it’s easy enough to fix if you catch a quick flight to a neighboring island or the West Coast of the U.S. And you'll likely never lack for visiting family and friends from the mainland!
Image from Gohawaii.com
Moving to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam? Download this free e-book about the area to make your move even easier!
Frequently Asked Questions about Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
1) Can I bring my pet to Hawaii?
Those bringing cats, dogs, or other animals to Hawaii need to comply with the state quarantine requirements. You will need to prepare well before your move, especially if you’re hoping to participate in the immediate release program when you arrive. Stay updated with the most current info:
2) Is there traffic on Oahu?
Navigating traffic on Oahu can be challenging, especially in the tourist-heavy areas of Waikiki and around Honolulu. Even if you only have a few miles to drive, it could easily take an hour or more to drive west on H-1 out of Honolulu at the end of the day. The planned rail project running from Kualaka’i to the Ala Moana Center could help reduce some of the stressful commute.
3) How expensive is it to live in Hawaii?
Hawaii is considered the most expensive state to live in, according to Career Trends. However, your COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) should help offset some of the expense. Find out what you’re eligible for at the Defense Travel Management Office Overseas COLA Calculator.
4) What is it like to live on an island?
While you’ll definitely experience the beautiful beaches and balmy breezes that you envision with island life, you may also take some adjusting to life on a small island. You may have heard of “island fever,” but it’s easy enough to fix with a quick flight to a neighboring island or the West Coast of the U.S. Oahu has most of the same amenities as you’ll find on the mainland, so embrace the experience!
5) What is the zip code for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam?
The zip code for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is 96818. Other nearby zip codes include 96701, 96858, and 96817.
6) What is the BAH for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam?
BAH for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam ranges from $3,008 for E-1 to $4,194 for E-9 with dependents, and from $3,369 for O-1 to $4,638 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
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Arrival Lodging
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Hickam Side, Royal Alaka’i)
15 G Street, Building 1153
JBPHH, Hawaii, 96860
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Pearl Harbor Side)
Arizona Hall Front Desk 1623 Battleship Drive
JBPHH, Hawaii, 96860
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Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Housing
Hickam Housing image via Hickam Communities
Military family housing in Hawaii is privatized and referred to as Public-Private Venture (PPV) housing. There are two separate PPV projects that provide family housing to incoming Navy and Air Force personnel at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Navy Housing
Ohana Military Communities- Navy
Click here for your neighborhood's contact information.
Air Force Housing
Lend Lease Hickam Communities
Hickam Communities
200 Kokomalei Street
Honolulu, HI 96818
p: (888) 329-4758
JBPHH Off-Base Housing
With the higher cost of living on Oahu, many military families choose to live in military housing, while others embrace off base living. Renting allows military families the opportunity to experience the island like a local without the challenge of buying or selling an expensive home. Whether you choose a high rise in Honolulu or a single home farther out from the touristy areas and nearer to base, be sure to confirm your BAH before you start your house hunt. You’ll want to set realistic expectations before you look at rental properties. Consider downsizing your household goods before you head to Hawaii. Many homes will be smaller than the average on the mainland with less storage space.
If you’re coming from the mainland, you might assume that anywhere on the island offers a short commute to JBPHH, and while the island is relatively small in size, you’ll find 953,207 residents here. So if you’re hoping for a quick commute to the base, check out homes in Aiea, Pearl City, and Honolulu. Other popular areas with a little longer commute include Ewa Beach and Mililani.
View homes for sale and houses for rent near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Homes
Base Search
City Search
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Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is near Honolulu on the island of Oahu with many options to buy or rent. Some sample JBPHH BAH rates for zip code 96818:
- E-1 with dependents: $3,009
- E-1 without dependents: $2,256
- E-9 with dependents: $4,194
- E-9 without dependents: $3,492
- O-1 with dependents: $3,369
- O-1 without dependents: $2,694
- O-7 with dependents: $4,638
- O-7 without dependents: $4,176
Area Weather
With year-round sunshine, balmy breezes, and gorgeous beaches, get ready to enjoy the duty station of a lifetime. Leave your heavy jackets, sweaters, and snow boots behind, because you won’t be needing them in Hawaii unless you travel to a colder climate.
Beach at Bellows AF Station
Aside from the “winter” rainy season, if it’s possible for weather to be perfect year-round, it’s in Hawaii. With the average lows in the 70’s and average highs in the 80’s, you’ll live in casual summer clothes and sandals, with the occasional light sweater.
The largest concern is hurricane season which runs from June 1 through November 30. However, tropical cyclones can occur year-round. Though a hurricane hasn’t made direct contact with Oahu since 1992, there are frequent threats. Though it usually doesn’t amount to more than a little wind and rain, the island takes it seriously, and supplies become a little scarce.
Learn more about it from the State of Hawaii Office of Public Health Preparedness.
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Schools
Military families stationed at Pearl Harbor-Hickam have numerous schooling options for their children. The public schools are administered by the Hawaii State Department of Education. Use their School Site Locator to find the nearest public school. Private school tuition is in line with national averages, with 71% of private schools in Hawaii having a religious affiliation. Find private school ratings at Hawaii’s Private School Review. Homeschoolers in Hawaii must submit a letter of intent to the DOE and comply with testing requirements.
Oahu has four districts--Honolulu, Windward, Central and Leeward--and nine “Complex” Areas. Each district contains two or three Complexes. A Complex is a high school plus the regional elementary and middle schools that feed into it. View more Oahu school district maps here.
From Military OneSource:
"Hawaii is the only state in the nation where public education is administered on a statewide basis. Hawaii's statewide school program is about the tenth largest in the United States, and the only single-unified system in the nation.
There are 6 main schools that service JBPHH dependents/family members. The elementary schools that serve the base-housing population are Mokulele Elementary, Hickam Elementary, Aliamanu Elementary, Pearl Harbor Kai, Pearl Harbor Elementary and Nimitz Elementary. Aliamanu Middle is located about 5 minutes off base and is the feeder school for Radford High School (also located about 5 minutes from JBPHH). All schools fall under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii DOE. "
Get more information about JBPHH schools, the school calendar, and charter school options.
Image by Hawaii DOE— Oahu Map
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Support for Military and Families
Photo by Wade Lambert on Unsplash
The military spouse community in Oahu may be one of the closest you’ll find, with numerous spouse groups and events to attend, such as the island-wide Joint Spouses’ Conference. And even better news, the unemployment rate in Honolulu is much lower than the nation’s average! There are unique military spouse employment opportunities. In addition to the huge tourism industry on the island, you'll find careers available in accommodations, healthcare, airlines, and teaching.
When it comes to the JBPHH, if there’s ever a place to take advantage of base amenities, this is it. You’ll find much of what you need right here on base— including multiple fitness centers, pools, golf courses, bowling, beach areas, restaurants on the water, and a huge NEX on the Pearl Harbor side. For water sports, activities like sailing lessons and outrigger canoeing, and boat rentals, check out the Hickam Harbor Marina and Rainbow Bay Marina. If you’ve ever wanted to try scuba diving, there is a dive shop located in the NEX, Dive Oahu.
Some helpful links:
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Things to Do Near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Photo by Drew Farwell on Unsplash
Beyond the gates, you’ll have access to endless hikes offering incredible views of this incredible island in addition to huge tourist spots and historical landmarks like the USS Missouri, USS Arizona, Pearl Harbor, and more.
You’ll never be bored during your time in Hawaii! The island is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike, surf, and golf, and also has great shopping, historical monuments, and festivals. Major local events include the Honolulu Marathon, King Kamehameha Floral Parade, North Shore surfing championships, and numerous UH sporting events. The area has also hosted the NFL Pro Bowl.
Some Oahu hikes to try:
- Diamond Head
- Chinaman’s Hat
- Kuliouou Ridge Trail
- Lanikai Pillbox
- Maunawili Falls Trail
- Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
Makapu'u Lighthouse- Image via hawaii.gov
Oahu historical sites to explore:
- Iolani Palace
- Diamond Head State Monument
- National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
- Polynesian Cultural Arts Center
- Pearl Harbor
- USS Arizona
- USS Missouri
- USS Bowfin
Attractions where you can shop and eat:
- Ala Moana Center
- Waikiki Beach
- Dole Plantation
- Duke’s
- Paradise Cove Luau
- Kualoa Ranch
Lanikai Pillbox Hike: This 1.8-mile, moderate hike offers an incredible view of the twin islands in Kailua.
Makapu’u Lighthouse: This paved 2-mile trail to the lighthouse is steep, but worth it. With views of Koko Head, Koko Crater, and miles of ocean (on a clear day you can see the islands of Molokai and Lanai), the view might become your favorite on the island. You may even see humpback whales during the migration season.
Pearl Harbor: See the effects of the attack on Pearl Harbor yourself with a trip to the USS Arizona, USS Missouri, USS Bowfin, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor. The experience is incredibly sobering, emotional, and educational.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
667 SAFEGUARD ST STE 100 Code
Pearl Harbor
,
96860