Wheeler Army Airfield

Wheeler Army Airfield, located in the very heart of Oahu island, is not merely a point on an aviation map, but a place with a rich and dramatic history. Closely tied to key events of the 20th century, this airfield continues to play a vital role in the military aviation of the USA today. For a traveller interested in history, Wheeler represents something more than just a runway; it is a monument reminding us of the past and demonstrating the modern power of army aviation.

The main feature of Wheeler Airfield lies in its dual status: it is simultaneously an active military facility and a National Historic Landmark. The base gained fame as one of the first locations to come under attack on 7 December 1941, which marked the beginning of US involvement in World War II. Today, historic hangars and buildings remain on the grounds, serving as silent witnesses to those events. It is important to understand that Wheeler is a restricted facility, and access to its territory for civilians is strictly limited. It does not receive or dispatch commercial flights, fully serving the needs of the US Army, primarily helicopter units.

Despite the absence of passenger terminals and services for tourists, the airfield's location in the central part of Oahu makes it an important logistical hub. It is situated next to the major military base Schofield Barracks and the town of Wahiawa, surrounded by pineapple plantations that were once the symbol of this region. For travellers, the base is interesting primarily as a historical site that can be viewed from the outside while travelling through the central part of the island.

It is important to understand that Wheeler Army Airfield is an active military facility of the USA Army, and not a civilian commercial airport. Therefore, most standard passenger services are unavailable here, and access to the premises is strictly restricted. Contact information mainly refers to the US Army Garrison in Hawaii, which manages the airfield.

• Official Airport Website: The most accurate and up-to-date information can be found on the official portal of the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii: home.army.mil/hawaii.
• Helpline Number: For general enquiries unrelated to commercial flights, one should contact the information service or the Public Affairs Office of the garrison. Telephone numbers may change, so it is recommended to check them on the official website.
• Airport Address: Wheeler Army Airfield, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA. Please remember that this is a restricted military territory.
• Email: For official enquiries, contact forms or email addresses listed on the garrison website are typically used.
• Social Media: Official news and announcements are published on the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii social media pages (e.g., Facebook).
• Lost Luggage Information: This service is not provided as the airfield does not serve commercial flights. Issues related to luggage are resolved through the relevant military departments.
• Passenger Support Contacts: A specialised support service for civilian passengers is absent due to the military status of the facility.

When planning a trip to Wheeler Army Airfield, located near the town of Wahiawa, it is important to remember that this is an active military facility. Access to the territory is strictly controlled and permitted only for personnel and authorised visitors. Most tourists arrive on the island of Oahu via Honolulu International Airport (HNL), which is located approximately 20 km away, and travel to the base from there. Below are the main ways to do this.

Public Transport. There are generally no direct public transport routes to the base itself. You can use the island's bus system, TheBus, to reach settlements nearest to the base, such as Wahiawa. From there, you will need to take a taxi. This option is the most budget-friendly but also the most time-consuming. We recommend checking the schedule and routes on the official TheBus website in advance.

Taxi and Transfer. The most convenient and direct way to reach the base gates is to order a taxi or use ride-sharing applications (such as Uber or Lyft), which are widely used in the USA. The journey from Honolulu airport will take approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost will be higher than public transport, but you will save time and effort. You can also book a private transfer in advance.

Car Rental. Renting a car is an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the island. You can hire a car directly at Honolulu airport, where all major international and local companies are represented. The road to Wheeler base follows high-speed motorways (H-1 and H-2) and usually presents no difficulties. This method provides maximum flexibility in movement.

Parking on the Premises. Parking within the military base is permitted only with a valid pass. If you are an authorised guest, be sure to clarify the rules and parking location with your host (sponsor) or at the Visitor Control Centre upon entry. Unauthorised parking on the base territory is prohibited.

It is crucial to understand that Wheeler Army Airfield (HHI) is primarily an active military facility of the US Army, not a civilian airport serving commercial passenger flights. Its infrastructure and purpose differ fundamentally from the airports tourists are accustomed to.

Consequently, Wheeler Airfield lacks passenger terminals in the standard sense. There are no check-in zones, public security screening areas, lounges for civilians, or commercial departures and arrivals. The entire territory and facilities, including runways, hangars, and administrative buildings, are used exclusively for military needs. Access to the base is strictly regulated and permitted only for military personnel and authorised staff.

Travellers planning a trip to Oahu island should focus on the region's main civilian airport — Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. It is this airport that receives all international and domestic passenger flights and possesses all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable journey.

Wheeler Army Airfield, located near the town of Wahiawa on Oahu island, is not just an airport, but a living monument to USA military aviation. Its history began in 1922, when an airfield was founded on former sugar cane plantations. Originally named Luke Field, it was soon renamed in honour of Major Sheldon Wheeler, an aviation pioneer, and became the central hub for fighter aviation in Hawaii.

The most dramatic page in the base's history was the morning of 7 December 1941. Wheeler Airfield became one of the first and primary targets of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The sudden raid caught the base by surprise, and most of the aircraft were destroyed right on the ground, leading to significant losses. This tragic event forever inscribed the airfield's name in world history.

Despite the devastating blow, the base was promptly restored and played a key role in World War II. It transformed into a vital centre for training fighter pilots and a transit point for deploying aviation to the Pacific theatre of operations. Thousands of aircraft and pilots passed through Wheeler Field, contributing to the war effort.

After the war and during the Cold War era, the airfield continued to serve as an important US Air Force facility. Over time, its focus shifted from fighter aviation to supporting army operations. Today, Wheeler Army Airfield is part of the Schofield Barracks complex and is used mainly for basing helicopters and supporting the army's transport needs in the Pacific region.

In 1987, for its outstanding historical role, the airfield was recognised as a National Historic Landmark. An interesting fact: thanks to well-preserved hangars and buildings from the 1930s, the base has repeatedly become a filming location for Hollywood films about the attack on Pearl Harbor, such as "Tora! Tora! Tora!" and "Pearl Harbor", allowing millions of viewers to see the site of actual historical events.

It is important to emphasise that Wheeler Army Airfield (HHI) is an active military facility, not a commercial airport serving civilian flights. Access to its territory is strictly limited, and it is not intended for tourists or civilian passengers. In this regard, standard airport services for the general public are completely absent here.

On the base territory, you will not find public restaurants, cafes, shops, waiting lounges, or VIP halls. Services such as currency exchange, public Wi-Fi, civilian ATMs, mother and child rooms, or business centres are also not provided. All amenities on the base are intended exclusively for military personnel and authorised staff.

All travellers heading to Oahu island should plan their trip through the main civilian airport — Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. That is where a full range of services is concentrated: numerous dining establishments, shops, car rentals, hotels, lounges, and all necessary infrastructure for a comfortable start and end to your journey in Hawaii.

When planning a journey, it is important to understand the features of the airport you intend to use. It should be noted that Wheeler Army Airfield is an active military facility, not a commercial civilian airport. Consequently, the infrastructure familiar to passenger terminals, including public restaurants and cafes, is absent here.

Access to the base territory is strictly limited and intended for military personnel and authorised staff. Dining facilities that may be located on the base are intended exclusively for internal use and are not accessible to the general public. Travellers heading to Oahu island should look to the main international airport in Honolulu — Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), where a wide selection of establishments for every taste and budget is presented.

It is important to remember that Wheeler Army Airfield is an active US military facility, access to which is strictly limited. Ordinary commercial flights do not arrive here. If you are planning a holiday in Hawaii, your plane will most likely land at the civilian Honolulu International Airport (HNL). The tips below are intended exclusively for military personnel and their family members who are eligible for military aviation flights (for example, under the Space-A programme).

To enter the base territory and check in for a flight, it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before departure. Time is required not only for processing at the terminal but also for passing through security checkpoints at the garrison entrance. Ensure that all passengers over 10 years of age have valid military identification (Military ID) or appropriate documents confirming their status.

The screening and security procedure here may differ from civilian airports. In addition to standard regulations, strict military protocols apply. Be prepared for a thorough document check. Photography on the runway and in security zones is often strictly prohibited — violating this rule may lead to confiscation of equipment or cancellation of your participation in the flight.

When travelling on military transport aircraft, the concept of "seat selection" is often nominal. Passengers may be seated on fold-down seats along the sides of the cargo hold. It is recommended to have earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones with you, as the noise level in military aircraft is significantly higher than in civilian liners. It is also worth dressing warmly or taking a blanket: it can be quite cool in the cargo holds during the flight.

Regarding hand luggage and baggage, pay special attention to agricultural control. Hawaii strictly protects its ecosystem. Any luggage travelling to the US mainland undergoes inspection for fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and soil. To avoid delays, do not pack such items.

The terminal infrastructure at the base is limited: there are no familiar Duty Free zones, restaurants, or numerous shops here. To save money and avoid going hungry, bring a supply of food (halal options should be prepared in advance if required), an empty water bottle (you can fill it after screening), and necessary medications. Do not count on purchasing everything you need on-site before departure.

The main advice for saving your nerves when using military flights is flexibility. Space-A flights always depend on the mission: the schedule can change at any moment, and a flight may be cancelled without warning. Always have a backup plan and sufficient funds to purchase a commercial ticket from Honolulu airport if the military flight is delayed indefinitely.