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PCS Guide to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Moving to Hawaii is exciting, but a PCS to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam can also bring a lot of questions. Where should we live? Should we choose on-base or off-base housing? What are schools like? How much should we budget? What about childcare? And how do we actually make Hawaii feel like home? If you’re asking yourself any of those questions, you’re not alone. This guide was created to give military families a realistic starting point — the kind of information you want when you’re trying to make decisions from thousands of miles away. And if you eventually want some extra help with the housing side of your move, The PCS Planner is there as another resource. Think of it as a tool you can use when you’re ready, not something you need to figure out on day one. Welcome to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Aloha and welcome to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, or JBPHH! Located on the southern side of Oahu, JBPHH combines Pearl Harbor and Hickam Field and supports a large military community representing multiple branches of service. One of the biggest advantages of this duty station is its location. You’re close to Honolulu, the airport, Pearl Harbor, shopping, restaurants, beaches, and many of Oahu’s most popular attractions. At the same time, living on Oahu is different from living on the mainland. Traffic, higher prices, housing decisions, and being far from family can take some getting used to. Give yourself time. You don’t have to figure everything out during your first week. Quick Overview of the Area JBPHH is located in a central part of Oahu, between Honolulu and the communities of Central and West Oahu. You’ll hear military families talk about places such as Hickam, Aiea, Pearl City, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, and Mililani. Each area has a different feel. Hickam and the surrounding military housing communities are convenient for families who want to live close to the installation. Aiea and Pearl City offer relatively convenient access to JBPHH while providing an off-base neighborhood experience. Ewa Beach and Kapolei are popular with families who like newer communities and a more suburban feel, although the commute can be an important consideration. Mililani is farther from JBPHH but appeals to some families who prefer its planned-community feel and Central Oahu location. One of the most important things to remember is that Oahu traffic can make a short-looking commute feel very different during peak hours. When you’re choosing where to live, think about your actual weekday routine — not just the distance on a map. What Military Families Should Know Before Moving The first thing to know is that Hawaii can be expensive. Groceries, housing, utilities, gas, childcare, and eating out can all add up quickly. Your military benefits can help, but it’s smart to build a Hawaii-specific budget before you arrive. It’s also worth thinking carefully about where you live. A beautiful house on the other side of the island may not feel quite as beautiful when you’re sitting in traffic every morning. Before signing a lease or buying a home, consider: • Your actual duty location • Your expected commute • Which gate you’ll use • School boundaries • Childcare availability • Parking • Air conditioning • Utility costs • Pet restrictions • Yard and storage space • How long you expect to remain on Oahu If you’re not sure where to begin with the housing search, The PCS Planner can be a useful starting point for organizing the questions you should be asking and connecting with local housing resources when you’re ready. The goal isn’t to rush you into a housing decision. It’s to help you make an informed one. Best Neighborhoods & Where Families Typically Live There isn’t one perfect neighborhood for every JBPHH family. Your best choice depends on your duty location, rank, budget, school preferences, commute tolerance, and lifestyle. Hickam / On Base Living on base is especially convenient if your service member works on the Hickam side of JBPHH. Military families appreciate the proximity to work, schools, childcare, recreation, shopping, and other military services. Aiea Aiea is close to JBPHH and offers access to shopping and everyday conveniences. It’s worth considering if you want to live off base without moving too far from the installation. Pearl City Pearl City is another established community that many military families consider because of its location and access to shopping, schools, and major roads. Ewa Beach Ewa Beach is popular with families who like newer homes and suburban communities. The important caveat is the commute. Before choosing Ewa, try to understand what your drive will look like during the hours your spouse will actually be commuting. Kapolei Kapolei has a suburban feel, newer developments, shopping, restaurants, and family-friendly amenities. It’s farther west, so commute time should be part of the decision. Mililani Mililani is farther from JBPHH but may appeal to families looking for an established planned community and Central Oahu location. If you’re trying to compare several of these areas from the mainland, this is one place where a local real estate professional can be especially helpful. The PCS Planner can help military families find a local housing professional who understands the unique considerations that come with a PCS, so you’re not starting the search completely from scratch. On-Base Housing vs. Off-Base Housing On-Base Housing Hickam Communities manages more than 2,400 homes at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, with two- to five-bedroom options. Homes may include features such as air conditioning, fenced yards, garages, and carports. (hickamcommunities.com) Hickam Communities Leasing Office: 210 Kokomalei Street Honolulu, HI 96818 Phone: 888-329-4758 Office hours are currently Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (hickamcommunities.com) The Hickam Military Housing Office can help with the housing referral process. Housing Office: 808-312-0199 808-590-1402 A housing referral may be initiated within 30 days of arrival. (hickamcommunities.com) Because housing availability and eligibility can change, contact the housing office early rather than assuming a particular neighborhood or floor plan will be available. Off-Base Housing Off-base housing gives you more control over the neighborhood and type of home you choose. You may find options in places such as Aiea, Pearl City, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, or Mililani. Just remember to calculate the total cost. Rent is only one piece of the puzzle. Add utilities, commuting expenses, parking, childcare, and other household costs before deciding what you can comfortably afford. If you’re considering buying rather than renting, take your time. A PCS is already a major transition. You don’t have to make a major real estate decision simply because you feel like you need to have everything figured out immediately. If you do decide you’d like professional help, The PCS Planner can be a convenient place to start looking for a local agent familiar with military moves. Cost of Living This is one of the biggest adjustments for many mainland families. Hawaii’s cost of living can be noticeably higher than what you’re accustomed to, especially for groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation. A few practical tips: Shop at the commissary when it makes sense. Compare prices rather than assuming every item is cheaper on base. Learn which local stores have good prices for produce and household items. Budget for higher gas and electricity costs. Don’t assume eating out will be inexpensive just because it’s a casual restaurant. And give yourself a few months to figure out your family’s normal spending patterns. Your first grocery trip may produce a little sticker shock. That’s normal. Weather & Seasonal Tips Oahu has warm weather year-round, but the island has different microclimates, so weather can vary considerably from one part of the island to another. West Oahu tends to be drier, while other areas can receive considerably more rain. You’ll want: • Sunscreen • Hats • Lightweight clothing • Comfortable shoes • Sandals • Swimsuits • Reusable water bottles • Light rain gear • A light jacket or sweatshirt for cooler evenings and air-conditioned buildings The sun can be intense, especially if you’re spending more time outdoors than you did on the mainland. Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Schools & Childcare One important thing to know before moving to Hawaii: there are no Department of Defense schools in Hawaii. Public education is administered statewide through the Hawaii Department of Education, and students generally attend the school serving the geographic area where they live. (installations.militaryonesource.mil) That means your housing decision can affect your child’s school assignment. The JBPHH School Liaison Office is an excellent resource for military families. School Liaison Office: 530 Peltier Avenue, Building 1925 Honolulu, HI 96818 Phone: 808-306-9247 Email: JBPHHSLO@us.navy.mil (installations.militaryonesource.mil) The School Liaison Office can help with school transitions, registration, boundaries, extracurricular activities, special education questions, and other education concerns. For childcare, JBPHH offers Child Development Centers, School Age Care, and Family Child Care options. Family Child Care providers can offer full-time, part-time, drop-in, evening, overnight, and weekend care, depending on availability. FCC Director: 808-421-0898 (installations.militaryonesource.mil) Childcare demand can vary, so start the process as early as possible. Jobs for Military Spouses If you’re a military spouse planning to work after the move, start looking before you arrive if possible. JBPHH’s Military and Family Support Center offers employment assistance, including career counseling, resume assistance, and information about federal and local employment opportunities. Remote work can also be an attractive option for military spouses because it can make future PCS moves easier. It’s also worth researching professional licensing requirements before you move if your career requires a Hawaii license. And don’t overlook the people you meet through your spouse’s unit. Military spouse networks can be surprisingly helpful when it comes to finding out who’s hiring, which employers understand military life, and where other spouses are working. Commissary, PX, and Base Amenities Military families have access to a wide variety of services on JBPHH. The Hickam AFB Commissary is located at: 20 Hickam Court Building 2093 Hickam AFB, JBPHH, HI 96853 The current listed commissary hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, although holiday and operational hours can change. (shop.commissaries.com) There are also Navy Exchange and Air Force Exchange facilities, fitness centers, recreation programs, youth programs, restaurants, pools, beaches, bowling, libraries, and other MWR resources. The JBPHH MWR directory is worth bookmarking after you arrive because there are far more programs available than most newcomers realize. Medical Care & Hospitals JBPHH families have access to military medical facilities on Oahu, including the Makalapa Branch Medical Clinic and Hickam medical services. For specialty care, patients may be referred to Tripler Army Medical Center. (installations.militaryonesource.mil) Tripler Army Medical Center: 1 Jarrett White Road Honolulu, HI 96859 Appointment line: 888-683-2778 Tripler’s Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911. (tripler.tricare.mil) Before you move, make sure your family’s DEERS information and TRICARE enrollment information are current. Things to Do for Families & Kids You absolutely do not need to spend every weekend doing expensive tourist activities. Some of the best family memories in Hawaii can be very simple: • Beach days • Swimming • Snorkeling • Hiking • Picnics • Farmers markets • Local parks • Library programs • Youth sports • MWR events • Exploring different beaches • Watching the sunset • Taking a day trip to another part of the island One of the best things you can do is explore Oahu slowly. You don’t have to see everything during your first month. Local Hidden Gems Once you’ve checked the obvious tourist attractions off your list, start asking other military families where they actually spend their weekends. You’ll find favorite beaches, little food spots, local markets, hiking trails, parks, coffee stands, and family activities that may never show up on a typical Hawaii vacation itinerary. That’s when Oahu starts feeling less like a vacation destination and more like home. And don’t overlook the beaches and recreation opportunities available through JBPHH MWR. Those military resources can be some of the best-value family activities on the island. Best Coffee Shops, Restaurants, and Shopping If you’re looking for coffee close to home, there are several convenient options. On base, Five Freedoms Coffee is a veteran-owned mobile coffee shop on JBPHH, while Drive Thru Joe offers another convenient coffee stop for people working or running errands on base. For local food, start exploring Pearl City, Aiea, and Honolulu rather than sticking exclusively to familiar mainland chains. Button Up Cafe in Pearl City is one option for a casual breakfast or brunch. Liliha Bakery Nimitz is another well-known Honolulu bakery and restaurant worth knowing about. For a meal close to Pearl Harbor, Restaurant 604 offers a casual setting near the harbor. For everyday military shopping, Hickam Main Exchange and Navy Exchange Mall are convenient options. Tips for Making Friends & Finding Community This might be the most important part of your PCS. Moving somewhere beautiful doesn’t automatically make the move easy. You can still feel lonely in Hawaii. Especially at first. Say yes to invitations when you can. Go to spouse events. Take your kids to the playground. Join neighborhood and unit groups. Try a fitness class. Volunteer. Go to MWR events. Introduce yourself to the person standing next to you at the playground. You don’t need to find your best friend immediately. Your first goal is simply to find a few familiar faces. And remember that military friendships can happen quickly because everyone understands what it means to arrive somewhere new and start over. PCS Tips Specific to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Start housing research early. Housing availability changes, and you don’t want to arrive without understanding your options. Know your actual duty location. JBPHH is large. Find out where your service member will physically work, not just the installation listed on the orders. Plan around traffic. Before choosing off-base housing, look at the commute during the hours your spouse will actually be driving. Start childcare paperwork early. Don’t wait until you’re on the island. Keep important school and medical records with you. Military OneSource recommends hand-carrying important school and immunization records rather than packing them in household goods. (installations.militaryonesource.mil) Build a realistic Hawaii budget. Expect your grocery and utility spending to look different. And if you’re buying or renting off base, don’t feel like you have to navigate the housing market alone. That’s one of the places The PCS Planner can be useful. It gives military families a simple way to find local professionals who understand PCS moves, so you can get information from someone who knows the area rather than trying to figure everything out through random internet searches. Most importantly, don’t try to make the entire island your backyard immediately. Start close to home. Find your grocery store. Find your coffee shop. Find your favorite beach. Find your child’s playground. Find your people. Those little routines are what make a new duty station start feeling like home. Frequently Asked Questions Is Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam a good duty station for families? Many families love the weather, outdoor activities, military resources, and access to beaches and Honolulu. The biggest challenges are often the cost of living, traffic, and being far from mainland family. Should we live on base or off base? There’s no universal answer. On-base housing is convenient and can provide an immediate military community. Off-base housing gives you more neighborhood choices. Compare both before making your decision. Where do military families typically live? Families may choose on-base housing or communities such as Aiea, Pearl City, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, and Mililani. The best choice depends heavily on where your service member works. Are there DoD schools in Hawaii? No. Hawaii’s public schools are operated through the Hawaii Department of Education, and students generally attend schools based on their home address. (installations.militaryonesource.mil) Is childcare available on base? Yes. JBPHH offers CDCs, School Age Care, and Family Child Care programs. Availability varies, so early planning is important. (installations.militaryonesource.mil) Is Hawaii really that expensive? It can be. Housing, groceries, utilities, gas, childcare, and dining out can all require a bigger budget than families may be accustomed to on the mainland. Do we need a car? For many families, yes. Your exact needs depend on where you live and work, but Oahu’s geography and traffic make reliable transportation very helpful. What is the hardest part of moving to Hawaii? For many families, it’s the adjustment rather than the island itself. You’re learning a new place, rebuilding your support system, managing a different cost of living, and being far from family. Give yourself time. Encouraging Closing: You’re Going to Be Okay If you’re looking at your orders and thinking, “How are we actually going to move our entire family to Hawaii?” — take a breath. You don’t have to know everything yet. You don’t have to have your perfect house picked out. You don’t have to know where every grocery store is. You don’t even have to love Hawaii immediately. Give yourself time to settle in. There will probably be stressful days. There may be moments when you miss home terribly. And then you’ll have a Saturday morning when your kids are playing in the ocean. You’ll find a coffee shop you love. You’ll make a friend. You’ll discover a favorite beach. You’ll know which grocery store has the best prices. And little by little, this strange new place will start feeling familiar. That’s how a PCS becomes home. You don’t have to figure out Oahu all at once. Take it one neighborhood, one beach, one friendship, and one adventure at a time. And when you need a little help along the way, remember that you don’t have to navigate every part of your PCS by yourself. The PCS Planner is here to be one more helpful resource in your corner — whenever you’re ready to use it. Welcome to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. You’re about to start a pretty incredible chapter. 🌺

HOUSING

On-Base Housing

Learn about available housing, eligibility, and how to apply.

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Off-Base Housing

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