PCS to Oahu: A Guide for Military Families Moving to Hawaii

Aloha! If you have orders in hand to Hawaii, the first, and possibly most important thing you need to learn before your OCONUS move is that aloha means both hello and goodbye, mahalo means thank you, and throwing the shaka is the easiest way to show aloha spirit.

Although this overseas location is part of the U.S., the islands have a strong culture of their own, and it will easily be the most influential part of your time here. If you’re one of the lucky ones, here’s what you need to know before your military PCS to Oahu.

An Overview of Oahu Military Installations

While there are duty stations and training centers across the Hawaiian islands, Oahu is the most populated and houses the largest number of military members. Using the Ko’olau Mountains as a dividing line, the island is broken down into the leeward and windward sides. The windward side (east) is more breezy, lush, and rainy, while the leeward side (west) is drier and warmer.

The bases on Oahu are scattered across the island. While most sit up and down the leeward side, Marine Corps Base Hawaii is located on the windward side at Kaneohe Bay.

Oahu Military Bases

Oahu Housing and Commuting Options

Oahu has a variety of off-base housing choices. Condos, apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes are all available. However, expect to pay more in rent or sale price when compared to the mainland, as money doesn’t go as far here. Instead, smaller homes with smaller yards have high price tags. Unless you’re willing to commute farther or live beyond your Hawaii BAH, it’s a good idea to evaluate your belongings and potentially downsize before your PCS to the island.

That said, it’s all about perspective. What you lose in square footage, you gain in amazing beaches, breathtaking hikes, and the vibrant Hawaiian culture.

Hawaii BAH and Off-Base Housing

The median home price in Honolulu is $695,00, while the average cost of monthly rent is $3,000. To get an idea of how much house you can afford, look at the Hawaii Basic Housing Allowance Rates.

Sample Hawaii BAH Rates:

E-5 with dependents: $3,663
E-8 with dependents: $4,302
O-3 with dependents: $4,428
O-6 with dependents: $5,001

As you’re consulting your budget and looking at different areas of the island to live, it’s important to remember that miles to base don’t indicate a quick commute. Only three major highways run across the island, and the traffic on the H-1 running east from Hawaii Kai west to Kapolei is legendary during rush hour.

Search for homes for sale and houses for rent on Oahu by military installation:

Oahu Military Housing

The high cost of living and Hawaii BAH rates lead many military families to live in military housing. There are around 50 neighborhoods of privatized housing across the island, providing ample options. However, it’s a good idea to get on the waiting list as soon as you decide that you want to make a home on base, as the process can be competitive, and a waiting list is almost always inevitable.

Hunt Military Housing

Lendlease

Moving to Oahu? Download MilitaryByOwner's free relocation guide below.

Hawaii Military Spouse Employment

There's good news for military spouse employment opportunities. The unemployment rate on Oahu remains consistently lower than the national average. As of November 2025, the unemployment rate for the island sat at 2.2 percent, while the national unemployment rate was 4.6 percent.

Oahu is undoubtedly a tourist destination. The island sees millions of visitors annually, creating billions of dollars in revenue. The tourism sector creates many jobs, one of the biggest employers alongside healthcare and transportation, particularly at Honolulu International Airport.

For military spouses looking to use their OCONUS time to further their education, the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu Community College, Leeward Community College, and more are readily available.

Volunteer opportunities are almost endless. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Hawaii Literacy Inc., Lanakila Meals on Wheels, the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Fisher House at Tripler Army Medical Center, and more are always looking for extra hands.

Things to Do on Oahu

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. Plus, if you need to reset, a quick flight to a neighboring island or the West Coast on the mainland usually does the trick.

Outdoor Adventures

There are too many hikes to count, but some of the best are:

Diamond Head
Chinaman’s Hat
Kuliouou Ridge Trail
Lanikai Pillbox
Maunawili Falls Trail
Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Find more Oahu hiking trails here.

Oahu Historical Sites

While Hawaii is one of the 50 states, many of its celebrations are centered around its early leaders, kings, and queens. Pay a visit to these historical local and World War II spots:

Iolani Palace
Diamond Head State Monument
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Polynesian Cultural Arts Center
Pearl Harbor
USS Arizona
USS Missouri
USS Bowfin

Oahu Attractions

If you’re wanting to enjoy the attractions, shop, and eat, you'll find plenty of opportunities.

Ala Moana Center
Waikiki Beach
Dole Plantation
Duke’s
Paradise Cove Luau
Kualoa Ranch
Hale Koa

A Hawaiian island duty station is one of a kind. It’s a place of its own, and while it is one of the 50 U.S. states, it doesn’t feel like it most days. The culture is infectious, the beaches are to die for, and the food is outstanding (have you tried the pōke?).

But like any overseas military PCS, it takes a little adjustment. Make time to soak in those unforgettable views and build community with your fellow OCONUS military families!

PCS to Oahu: A Guide for Military Families Moving to Hawaii

Danielle Keech