Hawaii Military Guide - Summer-Fall 2024

Recreation & Activities 182 The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail rewards with awesome views of the Windward Coast, offshore islets and historic Makapuu Lighthouse. On a clear day, you may spot Molokai and Lanai islands. It’s also excellent for ogling migrating humpback whales from November-April. MILITARY BEACH FACILITIES Your military privileges provide access to cabins and recreation at some of Oahu’s finest beach facilities. For details, please refer to “Camping” information in this section. Since phones are often busy, book online when possible. • Military Beach Cottages–Barbers Point, Bellows Air Force Station, MCBHKaneohe Bay, PMRF Barking Sands, Kilauea Military Camp and Pililaau Army Rec Center • Marinas–MCBH-Kaneohe Bay, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam • Scuba Diving–MCBH-Kaneohe Bay, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Pililaau Army Rec Center GOLF Oahu–and Hawaii in general–is a golfer’s paradise that’s celebrated for scenic and challenging courses. Since resorts have pricier green fees and municipal courses are often crowded, nothing beats the convenience of teeing off at base courses reserved exclusively for the military. Most military golf courses have driving ranges, putting greens and locker rooms, with hours varying throughout the year. Both hand and electric carts are available for a nominal charge. • Barbers Point Golf Course (808-6821911)– Challenging 18-hole layout with views of the Waianae Mountains. • Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam– Features the 9-hole Hickam Kealohi Par Three (808-448-2318), Joint Base Malama Bay (808-449-2300) and Navy Marine (808-471-0142) courses. Malama is considered Oahu’s top military course, while the With 30 miles of beaches, Oahu is home to stellar water sport opportunities. Credit: www.ColorsOfHawaii.com Navy Marine Course is ranked as being by many seasoned golfers among the top 10 military courses globally. • Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course (808254-2107)–Dubbed “A Poor Man’s Pebble Beach” for its back nine running along popular MCBH-Kaneohe Bay’s North Beach surfing site. • Leilehua Golf Course (808-655-4653)– Ranked tops among Oahu’s Army courses for its long, demanding layout that plays amid towering eucalyptus trees. • Walter Nagorski Golf Course at Fort Shafter (808-438-9587)–Hilly 9-hole layout named for the local golf pro who helped beautify Hawaii’s military courses for 25plus years. HIKING The best way to experience the hidden heart of Oahu is by hiking an off-the-beaten-path trail. The island boasts a myriad of options meandering from lush valleys with waterfalls to scenic ridgelines. Recommended for physically fit only, Mauumae Trail climbs 2,500 feet through ohia and koa tree groves. Along the six-hour adventure, you’ll enjoy a rare look at Kaau Crater while traveling along Koolau Range’s southeastern edge. Diamond Head has a relatively easy climb to its highest spot, Point Leahi. You’ll work through gun emplacements, and then climb up steel stairways and ladders. The park entrance is off Diamond Head Road just beyond Kapiolani Community College. For additional hiking information, check out these resources: • State Forestry Na Ala Hele (dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/nah)

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