MCB HAWAII
MARINES
Kaneohe Bay, HI
United States
MCB HAWAII
MARINES
Kaneohe Bay, HI
United States
MCB Hawaii
Base Essentials
Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay on Oahu's windward coast — one of the most scenic military installations in the world, with OCONUS allowances, Hawaii's extraordinary lifestyle, and unique PCS logistics.
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
MCICOM
Status
Active
Est.
1918
Acres
—
Active Duty
—
Civilian
—
Population
1,000,000
Economic Impact
—
MCB Hawaii History
Marine Corps Base Hawaii on the Mokapu Peninsula of Oahu houses Marine units assigned to the Pacific theater. The installation supports elements of Marine Forces Pacific and provides training and garrison services for Marine units focused on Indo-Pacific operations. Its location enables rapid response across the vast Pacific region.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Marine Forces Pacific
—
—
Historic Timeline
1918
Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay Established
1941
Japanese Attack Kaneohe Bay on December 7
1952
Redesignated Marine Corps Air Station Hawaii
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1918
Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay Established
A Naval Air Station was established at Kaneohe Bay on the windward side of Oahu in 1918, taking advantage of the protected bay for seaplane operations. The site became one of the most strategically important installations in Hawaii.
1941
Japanese Attack Kaneohe Bay on December 7
NAS Kaneohe Bay was among the first installations attacked during the Japanese strike on December 7, 1941 — hit before the assault on Pearl Harbor began. Most of the station's aircraft were destroyed on the ground.
1952
Redesignated Marine Corps Air Station Hawaii
The installation was transferred to the Marine Corps and redesignated Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay in 1952. It was further redesignated Marine Corps Base Hawaii in 1994, consolidating all Marine Corps activities on Oahu under a single command.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for MCB Hawaii.
MCB Hawaii Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for MCB Hawaii.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from MCB Hawaii.
Information
21 of the Best Things To Do on Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH)
Read
Information
22 of the Best Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Restaurants
Read
Information
Marine Corps Base Hawaii: In-Depth Welcome Center
Read
Information
Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Housing: 13 On-Base Options
Read
Information
Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Schools: Daycare - High School
Read
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to MCB Hawaii.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Marine Corps Family Services (MCFS) — Relocation Assistance / Marine and Family Programs
Phone
(808) 257-7782Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Marines arriving at MCB Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay) should contact their gaining unit's administrative section before arrival to confirm reporting instructions. All Marines arriving in Hawaii check in through their unit S1 and are required to attend a mandatory Transportation Allowance (TLA) briefing. Families with school-age children should contact the School Liaison Officer (808-257-7782 ext. 4) before the move.
In-processing at MCB Hawaii covers Military Personnel, Finance, medical enrollment at Branch Health Clinic Hawaii, housing through Lincoln Military Housing, and the mandatory Newcomers Orientation. MCFS coordinates the welcome brief covering installation resources, Marine and family programs, and the unique aspects of a Hawaii assignment — including vehicle shipping timelines and TLA hotel procedures.
MCB Hawaii is home to Marine Aircraft Group 24, the 3rd Marine Regiment, and various MARFORPAC tenant commands. The Kaneohe Bay location on the windward side of Oahu offers spectacular natural beauty and access to beaches, hiking, and water sports. Housing in Hawaii is among the most expensive in the military system — begin housing research immediately upon receiving orders.
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for MCB Hawaii.
On-post family housing at MCB Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay) is managed by Ohana Military Communities. The Kaneohe Bay residential communities offer 2–5 bedroom homes on the windward side of Oahu. Due to the high demand and limited inventory, waitlists are common — apply early and contact Ohana Military Communities well before your report date. MCB Hawaii is located at Kaneoh…
Local Market
$3,400/mo
rent
/
$1,000,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
Loading calculator...
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around MCB Hawaii
185
85% Above National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
Open Calculator
Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near MCB Hawaii.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
3
High Schools
View schools
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay) is located on the windward side of Oahu — the lush, rainy, dramatically beautiful side of the island facing the Ko'olau Mountains. Families at MCB Hawaii experience a distinctly different Oahu from the Honolulu/Leeward side: cooler, greener, less crowded, and anchored by the charming communities of Kailua and Kaneohe.
Kailua
Suburban
One of Oahu's most beloved communities, Kailua sits directly east of MCB Hawaii on a bay with world-class windsurfing and paddleboarding beaches. The Kailua Town core has excellent restaurants, boutiques, and a farmers market. HIDOE schools in the Kailua and Castle HS zones serve the area. Home prices are among Oahu's highest — even by Hawaii standards — but the lifestyle is exceptional. Many MCB Hawaii families name this one of the best military assignments of their careers.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Hawaii Department of Education (Kailua HS zone)
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Pet owners
Single service members
World-class beaches, Ko'olau Mountain backdrop, Kailua Town character, windsurfing and paddleboarding mecca, exceptional lifestyle
Kaneohe
Suburban
The town of Kaneohe wraps around the bay north of Kailua and is the more affordable windward option. It has a more local character with less tourist traffic, solid HIDOE schools in the King Intermediate and Castle HS zone, and easy access to the He'eia Fishpond, the Ko'olau Golf Club, and Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven) hike access. Families who love nature and want more space than Kailua at a lower price often choose Kaneohe.
Commute: 5 min
Schools: Hawaii Department of Education (Castle HS zone)
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Pet owners
Budget-friendly
Right at MCB Hawaii gate, Ko'olau Mountain hiking, He'eia Fishpond, more affordable than Kailua, authentic local character
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at MCB Hawaii.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Hawaii taxes active duty military pay for Hawaii legal residents. Hawaii provides a compensation exclusion for active du…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Hawaii for Hawaii income tax purposes. A qualify…
Vehicle Registration
Hawaii charges annual vehicle registration fees and a county weight tax. Military members who maintain an out-of-state d…
Property Tax
Hawaii has low property tax RATES, but extremely high property values — making the actual tax dollar amount significant…
Pet Policies at MCB Hawaii
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at MCB Hawaii.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at MCB Hawaii.
Commissary
Coming soon
Exchange
MCX
Medical
Coming soon
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MCB Hawaii.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (H-3 Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
Read answer
02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
Read answer
03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for MCB Hawaii.
Read answer
04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
Read answer
05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near MCB Hawaii.
Read answer
Question
More MARINES Installations
Explore other MARINES bases and installations.
Camp Allen
Norfolk, VA
Camp H. M. Smith
Aiea, HI
Camp Lejeune
Jacksonville, NC
MCAS Beaufort
Beaufort, SC
MCAS Cherry Point
Havelock, NC
MCAS Miramar
San Diego, CA
MCAS New-River
Jacksonville, NC
MCAS Yuma
Yuma, AZ
MCB Camp Pendleton
Oceanside, CA
MCB Hawaii/ MCAS Kaneohe Bay
Kaneohe, HI
MCB Quantico
Quantico, VA
MCLB Albany
Albany, GA
MCLB Barstow
Barstow, CA
MCRD San Diego
San Diego, CA
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Port Royal, SC
Tri-Command
Colorado Springs, CO
Twentynine Palms
Twentynine Palms, CA
US Marine Corps Reserve Training Station in West Palm Beach, FL
Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.