Station/Boat Location~
Air Station Barbers Point
Date there~
08/2007 to 07/2010
Weather~
It's pretty consistently warm most of the time, like low to mid 80's. But it definitely can get hotter in the summer and cooler in the winter. It also depends what part of the island you live in. It tends to be hotter and drier on the west side of Oahu, like in the Ewa/Kapolei area. There is a rainy season, but it doesn't usually pour, just kinda rainy days.
Military facilities~
They have pretty much everything here. There's an exchange and commissary on Pearl Harbor, Hickam, and Schofield, those are the big ones. Then there are other smaller commissaries and/or exchanges/shopettes at Barbers Point, Sand Island, Pokai Bay, Ft. Derussy, and I'm sure there are others.
The Pearl Harbor and Hickam commissaries do not allow guests. I'm not sure if Schofield and Barbers still allow them. Pearl Harbor is usually the most crowded of the commissaries as well.
Medical~
Most dependents out here are on Tricare Prime, so you'll either be assigned to Tripler, Schofield, or Makalapa. I go to Tripler and I haven't had a problem so far. It can be a little difficult to get an appt on short notice and you'll have trouble with parking if your appt is earlier in the morning...but other than that, I've liked it. Also the pharmacy is right there as well.
There are a bunch of great dentists out here, but I go to Dr. Hur at The Smiling Place in Kunia. I love them, but if you have a lot of cavities, just so you know, they only use the white fillings. So you'll have to pay more out of pocket for that.
Housing~
I don't know much about CG housing since we live on the economy here. We rent a place in Aiea in a high rise. I know there are a lot of great places in Ewa and Makakilo, especially if your DH will be at the Air Station.
Shopping~
There is PLENTY of shopping here. We have several Walmarts, Kmarts, Costcos, Sam's Clubs. Also there is Pearlridge Mall, Ala Moana Center, and Kahala Mall. Ala Moana has most stores that you can think of. Then there are tons of shops in Waikiki.
Adult Schools~
University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, Leeward Community College, Kapiolani Community College, Windward Community College, UH West Oahu...I'm sure there are more but I can't think of any more.
Fun Activities~
Oh gosh, where to start! This has got to be one of the most fun places to be. There are so many things to do. There are a lot of great hikes and beaches and sights to see. You obviously can't come to Hawaii without visiting the historical sights at Pearl Harbor. That's probably my favorite thing to see out here. I've been 4 times and I will never get tired of seeing it. There's just so much history there. The North Shore is a really fun experience, lots of great beaches. Kailua/Kaneohe has probably the most beautiful water I've ever seen. Waikiki is great for a night out on the town, there's tons of stuff to do down there. Ko'Olina has some great lagoons that are public access, so definitely take advantage of those. Honestly though, the best thing you could do is to get a book like Oahu Revealed or another guidebook because there's really just too much fun stuff to list.
Homeport HI
Air Station Barbers Point
Date there~
08/2007 to 07/2010
Weather~
It's pretty consistently warm most of the time, like low to mid 80's. But it definitely can get hotter in the summer and cooler in the winter. It also depends what part of the island you live in. It tends to be hotter and drier on the west side of Oahu, like in the Ewa/Kapolei area. There is a rainy season, but it doesn't usually pour, just kinda rainy days.
Military facilities~
They have pretty much everything here. There's an exchange and commissary on Pearl Harbor, Hickam, and Schofield, those are the big ones. Then there are other smaller commissaries and/or exchanges/shopettes at Barbers Point, Sand Island, Pokai Bay, Ft. Derussy, and I'm sure there are others.
The Pearl Harbor and Hickam commissaries do not allow guests. I'm not sure if Schofield and Barbers still allow them. Pearl Harbor is usually the most crowded of the commissaries as well.
Medical~
Most dependents out here are on Tricare Prime, so you'll either be assigned to Tripler, Schofield, or Makalapa. I go to Tripler and I haven't had a problem so far. It can be a little difficult to get an appt on short notice and you'll have trouble with parking if your appt is earlier in the morning...but other than that, I've liked it. Also the pharmacy is right there as well.
There are a bunch of great dentists out here, but I go to Dr. Hur at The Smiling Place in Kunia. I love them, but if you have a lot of cavities, just so you know, they only use the white fillings. So you'll have to pay more out of pocket for that.
Housing~
I don't know much about CG housing since we live on the economy here. We rent a place in Aiea in a high rise. I know there are a lot of great places in Ewa and Makakilo, especially if your DH will be at the Air Station.
Shopping~
There is PLENTY of shopping here. We have several Walmarts, Kmarts, Costcos, Sam's Clubs. Also there is Pearlridge Mall, Ala Moana Center, and Kahala Mall. Ala Moana has most stores that you can think of. Then there are tons of shops in Waikiki.
Adult Schools~
University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, Leeward Community College, Kapiolani Community College, Windward Community College, UH West Oahu...I'm sure there are more but I can't think of any more.
Fun Activities~
Oh gosh, where to start! This has got to be one of the most fun places to be. There are so many things to do. There are a lot of great hikes and beaches and sights to see. You obviously can't come to Hawaii without visiting the historical sights at Pearl Harbor. That's probably my favorite thing to see out here. I've been 4 times and I will never get tired of seeing it. There's just so much history there. The North Shore is a really fun experience, lots of great beaches. Kailua/Kaneohe has probably the most beautiful water I've ever seen. Waikiki is great for a night out on the town, there's tons of stuff to do down there. Ko'Olina has some great lagoons that are public access, so definitely take advantage of those. Honestly though, the best thing you could do is to get a book like Oahu Revealed or another guidebook because there's really just too much fun stuff to list.
Homeport HI
