The first thing to know about recreation activities on the Windward side of Oahu (where Marine Corps Base Hawaii is located) is that there is so much to do that it’s impossible to cover them all. Therefore, we’ll give you a launching point for beginning your island experience after you PCS to Hawaii. Get ready! Let’s go!

Kaneohe Recreation Activities

  • Kaneohe Sandbar via Marina & Outdoor Recreation & Equipment Center

Kaneohe Bay, Building #1698

Phone: (808) 254-7666

See more at: http://mccshawaii.com/marina/

At the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Marina, sailboats, powerboats, or pontoon boats are available for rent with license (after completing the qualifications course) to enjoy a day on the turquoise waters of Kaneohe Bay. Anchor your boat at the sandbar for standup paddling, kayaking, swimming, or just taking in the million dollar views.

  • Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

45680 Luluku Road

Kane‘ohe, Hawai‘i 96744

Phone: (808) 233-7323

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily

Opened in 1982, Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood protection for Kaneohe. The facilities include a day use area, Visitor Center, and campgrounds. Bike, walk, or drive through the 400 acre garden, nestled at the base of the majestic Ko`olau Mountains. Plants from around the world are presented with an emphasis on conservation of Polynesian plants and palms.

  • Likeke Falls Hike

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 4 miles roundtrip

Where: 45-550 Kionaole Road, Kaneohe

Park in the Koolau Golf Club parking lot, close to First Presbyterian Church. (To be considerate of services on Sundays, hikers should only park after 11:30 a.m.) Once you get to the water tank covered with graffiti, keep left. The flowing waterfall at the end is beautiful and peaceful – a great place to dip your toes and splash around. And, of course, photo ops abound.

  • The ByodoIn Temple

47200 Kahekili Highway

Kaneohe, HI 96744

Phone: (808) 239-8811

Open 9am-5pm daily

See more at: http://www.byodoin.com

From the website: A Hawaii State Landmark, the ByodoIn Temple is a nonpracticing Buddhist temple which welcomes people of all faiths to worship, meditate or simply appreciate its beauty. The Temple grounds are a lushly landscaped paradise nestled in a cleft of the pali and are home to wild peacocks and hundreds of Japanese koi carp. The beautiful grounds include a large reflecting pond, meditation niches, and small waterfalls. When you visit the ByodoIn Temple, you are truly experiencing one of Hawaii’s best kept secrets.

Kaneohe Shopping

One of the most convenient aspects of living in Kaneohe is the location of the Windward Mall on Kamehameha Highway. Every Wednesday and Sunday, the mall hosts Farmers Market that offers a wonderful array of local Hawaii produce and products. Windward City Shopping Center is also a popular stop for shopper with stores like Ross and 24 Hour Fitness.

Kailua Recreation Activities

  • BEACHING, SURFING, BODY BOARDING, KAYAKING, KITE SURFING, SWIMMING, PADDLING, ETC.

The opportunities for water sports are limitless in Kailua and on Marine Corp Base Hawaii. North Beach on MCBH and Kailua Beach in Kailua can get your started. Even more, the areas of Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, and the beaches all along Highway 83 up to the North Shore are heaven for ocean lovers. If you are fortunate to live on this part of Oahu island, you will soon discover that your perfect beach changes each month.

  • Bellows Air Force Station

220 Tinker Road

Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795

See more at: www.bellowsafs.com

Camping on the beach just got easier at Bellows Air Force Station. Book a campsite, one of their furnished cabins, condo units, or cedar camper cabins and you will be falling asleep to the lulling sound of the waves and waking up to a beautiful Pacific sunrise.

  • Lanikai Pillbox Hike

Kailua, HI 96734

Trek on up to the historic WWII pillboxes and get the absolute best view of all of Kailua, Lanikai, Waimanalo, and of course the Mokulua islands and the glorious Pacific ocean. Arrive prepared with proper clothing, water, and good shoes as parts of the hike can be slippery and steep.

Kailua Shopping

Kailua Town shopping offers everything from clothing to island decor and furnishings at an array of prices. Downtown Kailua also includes a Target and a Whole Foods Market. Outlying this central area are smaller, independently-owned businesses that offer various goods and services from local art and apparel to beauty salons. Leave your car, Kailua Town’s businesses are close enough together that they can be accessed and enjoyed by foot and bike.

You’ll create lasting memories…

…by your experiences taking in the recreation activities surrounding Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Take a look at other nearby recreation activities via Oahu’s main military bases here. Why? Because you’re not just PCSing to MCBH, you’re PCSing to Hawaii!