Aloha and E Como Mai (Welcome) to Marine Corps Base Hawaii!
MCBH, or K-Bay, sits on the Mokapu Peninsula on the island of Oahu. Incredible beaches, turquoise water, and lush mountains surround the base. MCBH, though one of the smaller military bases in Hawaii, is home to many Marines and their families.
Units you'll find at MCBH:
- 3D MLR
- 1st Battalion, 12th Marines
- 3rd Radio Battalion
- 4th Force Recon-Hawaii Detachment
- MAG 24
- Fleet Logistics Support Squadron-51
- Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron-37
- Tactical Operations Center Kaneohe Bay
MCBH isn’t the noisiest Marine Corps base, but the frequent aircraft flying overhead and live fire on the range create the familiar background noise military families know all too well.
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Living Near Marine Corps Base Hawaii
MCBH sits on Oahu in Hawaii. While part of the U.S., this duty station qualifies as an overseas (OCONUS) assignment since it's outside the continental United States (CONUS). Hawaii is a paradise with wide-open adventures and cultural experiences. While the differences from the mainland might take a little adjusting, most military families love the effortlessness of living in Hawaii.
While the cost of living is high in this state, the memories are free. Beaches and hikes come at no charge, and each corner of the island presents something to explore. Not to mention, hopping to another island opens the door to an entirely different Hawaiian culture.
You’ll find the essentials here, such as Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods. And chances are, you’ll likely learn to embrace more local options the longer you’re on the island; farmer's markets are in no short supply.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii Housing
MCBH On-Base Housing
Base housing is privatized and managed by ‘Ohana Military Communities by Hunt. They have several neighborhoods at Kaneohe Bay and a handful in Pearl City, about 20 minutes from MCBH.
Marines and service members of other branches who report for duty on MCBH get priority for the K-Bay location. That said, 'Ohana may offer applicants housing options from any of their locations, including those on the leeward side. While you're permitted to deny housing offers twice, a third pass recycles you to the back of the waiting list.
MCBH Off-Base Housing
Though living off base in Hawaii lets military families experience a local lifestyle, high housing and utility costs and limited AC-equipped homes lead many MCBH families to choose on-base living.
Living in Kailua offers a quick commute to Kaneohe Bay and convenience to charming Kailua Town, Target, Sunrise Shack, Windward Mall, and Lanikai Beach. Kaneohe is another popular off-base option among military families. While Honolulu, Waikiki, and Hawaii Kai are beautiful areas, the 30- to 40-minute commute to K-Bay deters most from settling there.
To get an idea of how much house you can afford near MCBH and the Basic Housing Allowance for Marine Corps, view Marine Corps Base Hawaii BAH rates here.
Here’s a sample of MCBH 2024 BAH categories for zip code 96734:
- E-1 with dependents: $3,009
- E-1 without dependents: $2,256
- E-9 with dependents: $4,194
- E-9 without dependents: $3,492
- O-1 with dependents: $3,369
- O-1 without dependents: $2,694
- O-7 with dependents: $4,638
- O-7 without dependents: $4,176
Marine Corps Base Hawaii Area Schools
Mokapu Elementary School is the DoDOEA school on base. You’ll notice the sidewalks packed with bikes and scooters every morning and afternoon as most families live within walking distance of the school.
Oahu's public schools are organized into four districts: Honolulu, Windward, Central, and Leeward, and nine "Complex" Areas. Each district contains two or three Complexes. A Complex is a high school plus the regional elementary and middle schools that feed into it. Use School Site Locator to find the nearest public school, from elementary through high school.
For alternative schooling options, visit Hawaii’s Private School Review.
For those with kids of preschool age, the Armed Services YMCA located on MCBH offers half-day classes for kids ages two through five.
Some preschool options located off base:
Homeschoolers in Hawaii must submit a letter of intent to the DOE and comply with testing requirements. See the Hawaii State Department of Education homeschool regulations.
For any questions or concerns, contact the MCBH School Liaison Program.
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Things to Do Near Marine Corps Base Hawaii
The Kaneohe Sandbar
The sandbar in Kaneohe Bay offers a fun oasis for those willing to venture there. A morning or afternoon at the sandbar nearly guarantees an encounter with a beautiful honu (sea turtle) and stunning views of the Ko'olau Mountains. Military families can earn their Hawaii boater's license at the MCBH Marina/Outdoor Recreation & Equipment Center, where you can also rent boats for four-hour increments.
Bellows Beach
Bellows Air Force Station houses one of the most beautiful, glowing beaches you’ll find on the island. Pack the car for the day in the sun, or reserve one campsite or cabins for a fun weekend away!
Haleiwa Joe's
The private garden setting is matched only by the incredible food they serve. Doors open at 4:00 p.m., but be aware they don’t take reservations. Get there early or be prepared to stand in line for an hour or more. However, an hour to tour the lush gardens is hardly a negative feature of this Kaneohe beauty.
Pearl Harbor
Dive into the World War II era as you explore Pearl Harbor. Here you’ll find the USS Arizona, USS Missouri, USS Utah, WW2 Aviation Museum, and more. And don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at Restaurant 604 next door to the visitor's center.
Waikiki Beach
You can’t come to Hawaii and not spend some time as a tourist in Waikiki! In addition to yummy food and great shopping, you’ll also find the zoo and ideal water conditions for first-time surfers.
This island is full of things to do. The beaches and adventurous hikes alone are enough to keep you busy! While you should allow yourself room to adjust to the culture, distance from the mainland, and the cost of living, this duty station can be a magical place for military families.
Moving to Hawaii? Get our free guide for your overseas military move below.
