Camp Smith Hawaii
Camp H. M. Smith Relocation Information
Image from Google Maps
Welcome to Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii!
Camp H.M. Smith is the headquarters of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, as well as the United States Indo-Pacific Command and Special Operations Command Pacific. Camp H.M. Smith today consists of 220 acres at Camp Smith proper, 137 acres at Puuloa Rifle Range in Ewa Beach, and 62 acres in Manana Housing. Camp Smith is part of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and is unique in that it’s the only Marine Corps installation that supports a unified commander, Commander, Indo-Pacific Command. (USINDOPACOM)
Aloha and welcome to paradise! Camp Smith is located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. 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. 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 need 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.
With year-round sunshine, balmy breezes, and gorgeous beaches, you’ll more than enjoy the duty station of a lifetime.
Bellows Beach, Hawaii. Image from Grace Rebekah Photography.
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 is mahalo, for thank you. And, here’s a couple of pieces of trivia for later: Honolulu means “sheltered harbor” or “calm port,” and it is the only city in the U. S. that’s home to a royal palace, Iolani Palace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camp H. M. Smith
1) Where is Camp H.M. Smith located?
Camp H.M. Smith is located in Halawa Heights, on the island of Oahu, near the city of Aiea. Nearby, to the west of Camp Smith are the cities of Waimahu, Pearl City, and Waipahu, and just southeast of the camp is the Army's Tripler Medical Center and the city of Honolulu, HI.
2) Who is Camp Smith named for?
Camp H.M. Smith is named in honor of General Holland McTyeire “Howlin’ Mad” Smith, Marine Corps General during World War II.
3) 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. Others love their time renting or buying a home near Camp Smith.
4) What is the zip code for Camp H.M. Smith?
The zip code for Camp Smith Hawaii is 96861. Other nearby zip codes include 96734, 96706, and 96822.
5) What is the BAH for Camp Smith?
BAH for Camp Smith Hawaii ranges from $3,009 for E1 with dependents to $4,194 for E9 with dependents, and $3,369 for O1 with dependents to $4,638 for O7 with dependents.
Base Location and Information
Oahu military installations:
Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and city-goers alike can all thrive here on the island. Though some worry about the dreaded ‘island fever,’ you might be surprised to learn just how much there is to do here.
The high cost of living can be an adjustment, but access to some of the world’s best beaches and free outdoor activities helps keep costs down. Plus, you won’t need to replenish worn-out hats, gloves, and scarves each winter! There are no bad weather days (well, not the whole day) in Hawaii, making a PCS to Camp H.M. Smith the envy of friends and family.
Photo by Peter Vanosdall on Unsplash
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. There are three major highways, and the traffic on the H-1 running from Hawaii Kai to Kapolei is legendary during rush hour.
Getting Around Oahu
Oahu highway map via Travel Guide at Wikivoyage.
Arrival Lodging
Check with The Inns of the Corps for arrival lodging. Keep in mind that it’s located near Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe. It’s located right inside the main gate and offers a variety of rooms including pet-friendly ones. Across the street is the Marine Mart and Kahunas; however, all base amenities are located nearby.
If the Inns cannot accommodate your arrival, you can look into another temporary lodging option like The Klipper Villas, The Fairway Inn, The Beach Cottages, and the Cabanas. The Cottages are located on the beach and double as a great getaway or an oasis for friends and family flying out to visit.
Location:
MCB Hawaii
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii 96863
Building Number 6534
Contact: (808) 254-2806
Camp H.M. Smith Housing
Image from Ohana Military Community
Housing actually located on Camp H.M. Smith is limited to senior personnel (officer and enlisted). Others looking to live in military housing should check in with Marine Corps Base Hawaii housing office.
‘Ohana Military Communities (by Hunt) handles on-base housing for MCBH as well as Camp Smith and the Manana neighborhood located in the heart of Oahu. Those assigned to Camp Smith can apply for housing either through MCBH’s main housing office or the Navy housing office at nearby Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Ohana Military Housing which has housing options across the island. Note that Camp Smith is located about a 25-30 minute drive to “K-Bay” (Kaneohe) where MCBH is located, and about 15 minutes from Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Camp H.M. Smith Housing contact info:
‘Ohana Military Housing Office:
Location:
1571 Lawrence Road, 2nd Floor
Kailua, HI 96734
Office: (844) 227-4841
Leasing Phone: (877) 410-5708
Maintenance Requests: (808) 839-HELP (4357)
After Hours Maintenance: (808) 839-4357
For more information, contact the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Military Housing Office: 808-257-2676
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
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Housing Office
Camp H.M. Smith Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near Camp H.M. Smith - Camp Smith Homes
Image from 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 the 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.
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Camp H.M. Smith BAH
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 servicemembers compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Camp Smith is near Honolulu, Aiea, Ewa Beach, Kaneohe, and Kailua with many options to buy or rent. Camp Smith’s BAH is close to the cost of living in the area. Some sample Camp Smith BAH rates for zip code 96861:
- 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
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Area Weather & Climate
Photo by Simon English on Unsplash
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’re sure to 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.
Camp H.M. Smith Area Schools
School districts in Oahu
Families who choose public schools go to one of Hawaii’s public schools in one of Oahu’s four districts: Honolulu, Windward, Central, and Leeward. Each district contains two or three Complexes. A Complex is a high school plus the affiliated regional elementary and middle schools.
If you choose a private school, note that 71% of private schools in Hawaii have 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. Find local homeschool support groups through the Hawaii Homeschool Association, Christian Homeschoolers of Hawaii, and Military Homeschoolers of Oahu.
For more educational information, connect with the School Liaison Program.
School Liaison Program Contact Information
Marine & Family Programs: School Liaison Program (SLP)
Bldg 216 Room 28
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
Phone: 808-257-2019
Email: SLP Coordinator
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 0800 - 1600
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.
Oahu is home to a dense military population, which means support for military families is established and ready when you need it. Be sure to check out Marine Corps Community Services Hawaii to help you get started with your job hunt, education, or volunteer opportunities.
With the proximity of Camp H.M. Smith to other nearby bases such as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Fort Shafter, MCB Hawaii, and others, you can take advantage of programs, island-wide! Take a look at some of the area offerings and helping agencies:
Things to Do Near Camp H.M. Smith
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.
Makapu'u Lighthouse- Image via hawaii.gov
Some Oahu hikes to try:
- Diamond Head
- Chinaman’s Hat
- Kuliouou Ridge Trail
- Lanikai Pillbox
- Maunawili Falls Trail
- Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
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
Base Address:
Camp H.M.Smith
Camp H. M. Smith
,
96861-4028