9 Things to Know About Flying Space-A Via JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
Hawaii is a top destination for Space-A travelers seeking year-round warm weather, beautiful beaches, epic surfing, and world-class golf. But it’s also a frequent stop for travelers en route to and from bases in Japan, Korea, Guam and other U.S territories. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (“JBPHH” or “Hickam”) has the most Space-A flights of any military base in Hawaii and is an extremely busy hub.
Whether Hickam is your destination, or you’re just passing through, here’s what you need to know about flying Space-A via Hawaii, a.k.a. the “gateway to the Pacific.”
If you are new to Space-A flying, read this Quickstart Guide to Space-A Flights first to get a basic understanding of how the process works.
1. Most Space-A flights via Hickam originate in bases in the Pacific or on the West Coast of the United States.
The locations with the most flights to and from JBPHH are Travis AFB (California), Andersen AFB (Guam), Kadena AB (Japan), and NAS North Island (California).
Historically, JBPHH has had regular – but not as frequent – flights to and from Yokota AB (Japan), Fairchild AFB (Washington), JB Lewis-McChord (Washington), NAS Whidbey (Washington), JB Elmendorf (Alaska), and Wright-Patterson AFB (Ohio).
JBPHH has many flights to Kwajalein Atoll, but you must be sponsored by a resident of the island to travel there. Hickam also has regular flights to Eielson AFB (Alaska) and Osan AB (Korea), but return flights from those locations are not as common.
Keep in mind that these are only the most frequent flights based on historical data. All Space-A flights are determined by mission needs, which change constantly. JBPHH generally has several flights per month to and from locations not mentioned above, including bases along the East Coast and in Texas. However, the locations aren’t very consistent month-to-month.
Navy Lodge Hawaii has one location on Ford Island, which is part of JBPHH. Ford Island is very quiet and provides easy access to the USS Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum. It is also the farthest lodging from the passenger terminal. Rooms range from $102 to $130 per night.
3. The island of Oahu has many other military lodging options. They vary in price and distance from JBPHH.
Approximate drive times from the Hickam passenger terminal are in parentheses. Drive times may vary widely depending on traffic conditions.
Barber’s Point Beach Cottages: These beach cottages are located on White Plains and Nimitz beaches on the southwestern side of Oahu. Prices range from $100 for a standard one-bedroom to $170 for a 3-bedroom deluxe. (30+ minutes)
Bellows Air Force Station Recreational Lodging: This beachside recreation area is located on Waimānalo beach on the southeastern side of Oahu. Bellows offers a range of options, including cabins, condos, and campsites. Prices range from under $40 for the more rustic accommodations to $130+ for air-conditioned condo units. (35 – 45 minutes)
The Inn at Schofield Barracks: Although Schofield Barracks is an Army installation, Navy Lodge runs The Inn. It’s located in Central Oahu by Wahiawa. All rooms are $151/night. (30 – 45 minutes)
Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC)/ Fort Shafter. This facility, which has one building close to TAMC and one on Fort Shafter, is run by IHG Army Hotels. Rates start at $129 + tax. (15 – 20 minutes)
Inns of the Corps: This lodge on Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) has 102 rooms, each with kitchenette. Effective February 2019, rates start at $177/night. (30 – 45 minutes)
The Cottages at Kaneohe Bay and the Cabanas at Kaneohe Bay. Also located on MCBH, these facilities offer great views and direct access to the beach. The 2 BR, 1 bath beach cottages are basic but fully furnished with kitchens and private decks. The cabanas are fully-furnished studios with community bathrooms. Rates as of February 2019 start at $155/night for the cottages and $78/night for the cabanas. (30 – 45 minutes)
Pililaau Army Recreation Center offers beachside cabins in a non-touristy area on the west side of Oahu. Prices vary by rank and cabin size but range from $77 to $159. (45 – 60 min)
The Hale Koa Hotel is a full-scale resort located in Waikiki. Prices vary by rank and room type but range from $119 for a standard room to $286 for deluxe oceanfront rooms. (25 – 35 minutes)
The recreational lodging options are usually booked months in advance, so your best bet is to reserve very early or try for last-minute reservations (the latter worked for us at the Hale Koa).
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