Schofield Barracks
Schofield Barracks Relocation Information
Photo by U.S. Army. U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter, assigned to 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, flies in formation during a Division Run during Tropic Lightning Week on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, December 17, 2018.
Welcome to Schofield Barracks
Aloha and welcome to paradise! Located on the northeastern side of Oahu adjacent to Wahiawa near the North Shore, Schofield Barracks sits on approximately 27 square miles of tropical Hawaiian land. This Army post serves as home to the 25th Infantry Division. Its purpose is to take action to prevent conflict across the Pacific operational environment.
An AH-64 Apache helicopter sits on the flight line at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii Island, as a shooting star falls in the distance, April 13, 2019. (Photo by Capt. Keith Kraker via U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Official Facebook Page)
But the Army’s presence on Oahu stretches far beyond the scope of Schofield Barracks. Next door is Wheeler Army Airfield which headquarters U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii which encompasses the 24 units and commands located on the island.
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.
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.
Though considered an overseas move, moving to Hawaii probably won’t be like any other move you’ve made. There will be some cultural differences and rules that you'll have to adjust to. 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.
Image from Gohawaii.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Schofield Barracks
1. Why is it called Schofield Barracks?
Schofield Barracks is named after Lieutenant General John McAllister Schofield, Commanding General, United States Army from August 1888 to September 1895. Stationed in Hawaii in 1872, he’s known for his recommendation to install a naval base at Pearl Harbor.
2. Is it better to live on or off base in Hawaii?
Many people would agree that it’s better to live on base in Hawaii. While it’s not for everyone, it offers a tight-knit community (especially for families) and gives you more space and amenities for your money, like central A/C.
View from H-3 Highway. Photo Grace Rebekah Photography.
3. Do you get extra pay living in Hawaii?
Yes, military service members and their families are entitled to an Overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). Find out how much you rate with the COLA Calculator.
4. Do you have to quarantine your dog when moving to Hawaii?
Hawaii is a rabies-free state and requires that animals quarantine upon arrival. However, you can avoid it with time-consuming steps and some hurdles. Learn more about bringing your pets to Hawaii with you at the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture: Hawaii Animal Quarantine Information.
Base Location and Information
Oahu Military Installations
Nearby 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.
However, Schofield Barracks is more isolated from the rest. It’s approximately 23 miles northwest of Honolulu. And when compared to the rest of the island, you’ll find this area feels more remote as it’s surrounded by farmland versus hotels and beaches. The famous Dole Plantation is just a few short minutes away. And don’t worry, if the beach is important (of course it is!), it’s just a short drive up the road to North Shore to include Haleiwa, the tourist hotspot known for its incredible food, Matsumoto Shave Ice, poke bowls, and winter surfing competitions.
Installation Map via army. mil
View from Kualoa Ranch, Oahu- image via Canva
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.
Getting Around Oahu
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).
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 certain times. The planned rail project running from Kualaka’i to the Ala Moana Center could help reduce some of the traffic.
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!
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Arrival Lodging
Photo by Inn at Schofield Official Facebook Page
The Inn at Schofield Barracks handles lodging for incoming military families to Schofield. Offering tropical themed rooms and pet-friendly options, it’s on post and close to Schofield amenities (it’s two blocks from the commissary). The Inn offers a welcome greeting to families new to the island.
Location: 563 Kolekole Ave, Wahiawa, HI 96786
Contact: (808) 624-9650
Schofield Barracks On-Post Housing
Photo by Island Palm Communities
Island Palm Communities handles on-post housing for Schofield Barracks as well as nearby Wheeler AAF, Helemano, Fort Shafter, and Tripler AMC. Along with convenience to base amenities, living in any of these military housing communities grants you access to perks like a skatepark, splash pad, pool, dog park, 24-hour maintenance.
However, when it comes to your commute time, a house located on Schofield Barracks, Wheeler, or even Helemano are your best bets as Fort Shafter and Tripler AMC are located 20 miles southeast of post and can encounter a hefty amount of traffic.
Island Palm Communities Housing Office
Location:
North Regional Office
215 Duck Road
Schofield Barracks, HI 96857
Office: (877) 487-4323
Maintenance Office: 808-457-4075
For more information, contact the Schofield Barracks Housing Services Office.
Location:
Bldg 950
215 Duck Road
Schofield Barracks
Contact: (808) 655-3073
Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
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Schofield Barracks Off-Post Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Schofield Barracks - Schofield Barracks Homes
Image via Canva
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 post, 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.
If you’re coming from the mainland, you might assume that anywhere on the island offers a short commute to Schofield Barracks, 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 Schofield, then Mililani might be your best option.
Oahu aerial view, image by Canva
What you can expect when househunting in Oahu:
You can expect to find an apartment, condo, and some single-family homes with a small yard within your BAH. See the BAH Calculator. 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.
View homes for sale and houses for rent near Schofield Barracks: Schofield Barracks Homes
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Area Weather & Climate
Photo by Simon English on Unsplash
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 on Oahu unless you travel.
Aside from the “winter” rainy season, you’ll experience year-round perfect weather. Though you’ll likely find the 78 degree winter days a bit chilly, believe it or not!
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.
Schofield Barracks Area Schools
Oahu School Districts via Google Maps
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.
Photo by Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School Official Facebook Page
Closest to Schofield Barracks, you’ll find Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School.
Location:
Waianae and Ayres Avenue
Wahiawa, HI 96786
Contact: (808) 305-3400
For more schools nearby, including those where temporary lodging is available, check out the Hawaii School Information provided by the Schofield Barracks School Support Services.
Image by Hawaii DOE— Oahu Map
The public schools on Oahu are administered by the Hawaii State Dept. of Education. Use their School Site Locator to find the nearest public school, from elementary through high 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. See the Hawaii State Department of Education homeschool regulations. Find local homeschool support groups through the Hawaii Homeschool Association, Christian Homeschoolers of Hawaii, and Military Homeschoolers of Oahu.
For any questions or concerns, contact the Schofield Barracks School Support Services.
Location: Building 1283, 241 Hewitt Street
Schofield Barracks, HI 96857
Contact: (808) 655-8326
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Support for Military and Families
Photo by Drew Farwell 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.
Photo by Dan Visan 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.
Some helpful links:
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Things to Do Near Schofield Barracks
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.
On Schofield, you’ll find a handful of incredible hikes right in your backyard!
- Kolekole Trail
- Schofield-Waikane Trail
- Kalena
- Kanehoa-Hapapa
- Pu'u Hapapa
Find more information on accessibility here.
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:
350 Eastman Road
Schofield Barracks
,
96857-5019