Tripler Army Medical Center
Tripler Army Medical Center Relocation Information
Photo by Tripler Army Medical Center Official Facebook Page
Welcome to Tripler Army Medical Center!
Aloha and welcome to paradise! Tripler Army Medical Center, situated on the slopes of Moanalua Ridge overlooking the Honolulu neighborhoods of Moanalua and Salt Lake, is a beacon on the hill.
This eye-catching facility has an interesting history on the island. Beginning at the start of the 20th century, Tripler Army Medical Center was a small, insignificant medical center located on Fort Shafter. In 1920, it was renamed Tripler Army Medical Center in memory of Charles Stuart Tripler (a medical pioneer and fearless servant during World War I). It wasn’t until World War II, when the hospital was run by Robert C. Richardson, Jr., that Tripler got its makeover. The drive behind it? To create an impressive, competent facility to care for World War II veterans returning home.
Photo by Tripler Army Medical Center Official Facebook Page
But the Army’s presence on Oahu stretches far beyond the scope of Tripler AMC. Up the road in Wahiawa is Wheeler Army Airfield which headquarters U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii and encompasses 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 service 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
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tripler Army Medical Center
1) Why is Tripler Army Medical Center pink?
Tripler glows that bright, coral-pink color because local governor, Robert C. Richardson, Jr. wanted to create an impressive complex far greater than the smaller one it once was located on Fort Shafter. The pink was inspired by the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in nearby Honolulu.
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 like central A/C for your money.
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, but it will take some time. Learn more about bringing your pets to Hawaii with you at the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture: Hawaii Animal Quarantine Information.
5) What is the zip code for Tripler Army Medical Center?
The zip code for Tripler Army Medical Center is 96859. Other nearby zip codes include 96819, 96818, 96917, and 96701.
6) What is the BAH for Tripler Army Medical Center?
BAH for Tripler Army Medical Center ranges from $3,009 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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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. Tripler’s closest military neighbor is Fort Shafter.
Tripler’s location makes everything feel easily accessible. Hopping on the H-3 takes just a couple of minutes, which means that everything on the Windward side (Kaneohe, Kailua, the Macadamia Nut Farm, and more) are accessible. Plus, the Navy Exchange is just across the highway along with all the Pearl Harbor attractions. And Waikiki? It’s just a short drive to the east!
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.
Oahu highway map via Travel Guide at Wikivoyage.
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.
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!
Arrival Lodging
Photo by IHG Army Hotels
Servicemembers and families PCSing to Tripler Army Medical Center will find the Inn at Schofield Barracks, IHG Army Hotels-228 located next to Tripler as well as IHG Army Hotels-719 at Fort Shafter just minutes from the Daniel E. Inouye International Airport. Here you’ll find a variety of rooms and suites available(including pet-friendly) to make your relocation to the island as smooth as possible.
IHG Army Hotels Building—228
Location:
1 Jarrett White Rd. Bldg 228 B
Tripler AMC, Hawaii 96859
Contact: (808) 839-2336
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Tripler Army Medical Center Housing
Photo by Island Palm Communities
Island Palm Communities handles on-post housing for Tripler AMC as well as nearby Fort Shafter, Schofield Barracks, Wheeler AAF, and Helemano. In addition to 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, and 24-hour maintenance.
However, when it comes to your commute time, a house in Aliamanu, AMR/Red Hill, or the Fort Shafter communities will provide the shortest route to Tripler.
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
Both Naval and Air Force housing are also options for families moving on island who want to look for something different, hope to avoid longer waits, or find amenities in the other housing that they would prefer. For more information on either Naval or Air Force housing please contact the Troop Command Sponsorship Coordinator at (808) 433-9160. For more information, contact the Tripler Army Medical Center Housing Services Office.
Location:
Bldg. 950
215 Duck Rd.
Schofield Barracks
Contact: (808) 655-3073
Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
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Tripler Army Medical Center Off Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Tripler Army Medical Center - Tripler Army Medical Center Homes
Image by 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 Tripler AMC, 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, then Honolulu or Aiea might be your best options.
Oahu aerial view, image by Canva
What you can expect when house hunting 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 Tripler Army Medical Center: Tripler Army Medical Center Homes
Base Search:
Tripler Army Medical Center 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.
Tripler Army Medical Center is near Honolulu on the island of Oahu with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Tripler AMC BAH rates for zip code 96859:
- 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 & 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.
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Tripler Army Medical Center 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.
For schools nearby, including ones where temporary lodging is available, check out the Hawaii School Information provided by the Schofield Barracks School Support Services.
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.
Image by Hawaii DOE— Oahu Map
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 Tripler Army Medical Center School Support Services.
Location: Building 1283, 241 Hewitt Street
Schofield Barracks, HI 96857
Contact: (808) 655-8326
Support for Military & 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
You’ll find the Tripler Ridge Trail located on base. This steep climb, while not incredibly difficult to find your footing, is considered moderate and worth it! From the top you gain unforgettable views of the island. Plus, this is one of the less-trafficked trails as it requires base access.
Beyond the gates, you’ll have access to endless hikes offering incredible views of this 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 Tripler Army Medical Center
Photo by Curtis Reese on Unsplash
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.
And when you’re at Tripler, you’ll notice that everything feels well within reach.
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:
1 Jarrett White Road
Honolulu
,
96859-5000