US Army Museum of Hawaii

First off, it’s tough to complain when the entrance is free! On our first evening of vacation, my boyfriend and I decided to walk around the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Hale Koa Resort just to get a feel of what we would be working with for the next week. While perusing the grounds we came across the Army Museum of Hawaii and knew I had to tell my dad about it as he was in the Army for over 20 years and I hadn’t heard him mention the museum so I was sure he didn’t know about it. Sure enough, he hadn’t a clue that it was right next door so we made plans to go a few mornings later.
I really liked the ambiance of the museum. It almost feels like you are walking around inside of an oversize tank and the barred windows really puts you into the feeling of the WW2 era. The museum focuses on Pearl Harbor and WW2 and there are numerous rooms depicting different events that led up to the attacks and the war.
One of the last rooms is an exhibit dedicated entirely to General Eric K. Shinseki. I do understand that every place needs their heroes and regardless of General Shinseki’s current scandals (or lack there of), there was SO MUCH more to Hawaii’s role in Pearl Harbor and WW2 that I simply didn’t see the point of cases depicting Shinseki’s high school photograph and a jacket he once wore. Seems like wasted space.
Outside the front of the museum are American and Japanese artillery, while the roof contains a very strange looking helicopter and even larger cannon from the time period, all of which are quite neat.
I absolutely suggest taking an hour out of your day to visit this museum as it contains artifacts and information regarding our history and it’s always nice to support our service members, past and present!

This museum is housed in Battery Randolph, a «Coast Artillery battery» that was constructed in 1911 at Fort DeRussy. Designed to blend in with the surroundings, the battery featured two rifles that could «disappear» into the hillside (you will have to visit to learn how). It was one of sixteen such structures built by the Army Corps from 1906 – 1917 to defend Honolulu and Pearl Harbor. An attempt was made in the 1970s (?) to demolish the battery by wrecking ball, but the structure was indomitable and the contractor gave up. Instead, the structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
The koa display cases were all constructed by retired cabinetmaker and WWII veteran cartographer Toshi Nakano, who grew up in Kapahulu (not far from this museum) and essentially volunteered his services.
Stepping into the battery takes you back to pre-​contact Hawaii and the weaponry and major conflicts that developed from then to Vietnam. The exhibits are engaging, well-​executed, and beautifully designed. You will also get to see how the battery was used and learn about decorated General and Kaua’i native Eric Shinseki and Governor George Ariyoshi, among many others.
Near the entrance to the museum is a not-​to-​be-​missed gift shop and temporary exhibit area that currently houses an exhibit on the tremendous contribution Japanese Americans made to U.S. WWII efforts. This exhibit is a must-​see for everyone, especially for locals. It pains me to think of the difficult position Japanese Americans endured as they were forced to reconcile their belief in democracy and love for Hawaii with the clarity of knowing the humanity of the «enemy». It is devastating to see how patriotic and committed Japanese American veterans were to the American cause while their families faced internment, outright discrimination, property confiscation, and years of difficulty and suffering that extended far beyond the war’s end.
Overall the exhibit is very well done, but it was disappointing how the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were glossed over. This is the only time in world history that atomic bombs were used. Neither this fact nor the resulting horrific aftermath and widespread long-​term suffering of innocent civilians are acknowledged at all. Perhaps it is too painful, or too controversial, to address. Here is an interesting WashPo article on how this history of events is taught around the world:
On the second level of Battery Randolph, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers exhibits several of their major projects in Hawaii at their Pacific Regional Visitor Center. Among them are Kaneohe-​Kailua Dam near Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden on the windward side of Oahu, Kawainui Marsh, and Kaumalapau Harbor on Lana’i. Highly recommend a visit here to anyone interested in learning about these projects, the USACE’s work in Hawaii, or any young people with an interest in engineering, particularly coastal engineering.
Venturing to the second level will also take you to additional heavy weaponry, including a helicopter, and through the «Hot Air Flue», a ventilation corridor designed to release hot air build-​up from interior power generators.
Comparing Battery Randolph to the Pearl Harbor attractions is an apples-​to-​oranges comparison. There is little overlap between what you will see at each, but they complement each other well. Pearl Harbor focuses largely on WWII. You tour memorials for the many that lost their lives during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack and learn about «this day that will live in infamy», walk through a WWII submarine and hangars filled with vintage aircraft, learn about the significant role of the Battleship Missouri in WWII and other 20^th century wars, and visit a museum filled with WWII-​related artifacts. Battery Randolph has more in common with the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl crater in that its coverage spans all Pacific-​Rim wars.
You may leave here wanting to bring flowers to someone buried at Punchbowl. If you are so inclined but don’t know anyone there, consider that there are many graves marked «Unknown» that on-​site staff can help you locate during office hours.
This museum is located on the Diamond Head side of Hale Koa Hotel, not far from the ‘ewa end of Waikiki. Three parking stalls right in front of the museum are reserved for the handicapped. Open 9 am — 4:15 pm, Tues.-Sat. (closed Sunday and Monday), and staffed by volunteers. Admission is FREE, open to the public, donations optional but appreciated.
You could be in and out in 30 minutes to an hour if you breeze through everything, but to really see it all will require several hours. Next time I visit, I will pay the $ 5 for the audio tour, as I expect it will be well worth it and a small way to contribute to their generous efforts.

Nice Army Museum! This place is an old Army Fort that was used to defend the Waikiki shores. Great displays of Army stuff. My only minus is the ungraded/​bumpy ground that is a safety hazard for kids and the elderly. Will visit again in the future.

Overall, a nice little museum that my kid really enjoyed. It’s small so don’t plan on spending too much time here, but it’s free, and next both a nice park and a decent beach. Good overview of the military history of Hawaii, but a poor substitute for a visit to Pearl.

What museum is built on the site of a twin disappearing 14″ gun carriage coastal battery?
Yes, it’s the US Army Museum of Hawaii. This was originally a coastal battery of two 14″ guns mounted on disappearing carriages, built in 1911. The guns fired 1500 lb projectiles up to 16 miles against enemy ships. After firing, the gun carriage would retract into a lower position, behind concrete walls, for protection against near misses from enemy battleships.
Pearl Harbor and the use of attacking dive bombers carrying 1000 lb armor piercing bombs from enemy aircraft carriers 270 miles away, rendered these stationary positioned guns vulnerable and obsolete. These guns were demolished and scrapped at the end of World War 2 in 1946.
Decades later, the coastal battery fortress was turned into the US Army Museum of Hawaii, on the edge of Fort DeRussy, Park a few hundred yards from Waikiki beach.
Outside the museum are a number of weapons used in WW2: a Japanese light tank used in jungle fighting, an American M24 Chaffee light tank from 1945 Europe mounting a 75 mm gun, a Japanese 20 mm anti tank gun, a US 75 mm pack howitzer, all from World War 2.
The American M24 Chafee light tank was the tank seen most often in the 1969 movie ‘the Bridge at Remagen’, and saw combat in Germany in 1945, and in Korea in 1950. It’s armor and armament was designed for infantry support, as it’s 75 mm gun shells could not penetrate the frontal armor of Russian T-​34/​85s in Korea.
There is also a 19^th century cannon taken from a ship and used against the Hawaiian Royalty during the US annexation in the late 19^th century.
A US army veteran of Japanese ethnicity mans the information booth at the entrance to this free and air conditioned museum.
The inside of this museum is made of the corridors leading to the coastal gun emplacements, with concrete walls up to a foot thick.
There are panoramas of war scenes, from WW2, to Vietnam, to the Iraq war, with full size army mannequins in combat clothing.
Individual glass booths with American, Japanese, and Russian infantry weaponry from WWII, including the Browning 50 caliber heavy machine gun, the Thompson 45 caliber submachine gun, The WW2 45 caliber ‘grease’ submachine gun, the Russian PPSh submachine gun, the German Luger pistol, the German M42 light machine gun –which could cycle at 1200 rounds per minute, and the American bazooka used to kill German panzer tanks.
There is also weaponry from the Vietnam War, including a tripod mounted heavy 12.7mm Chinese built North Vietnamese anti aircraft heavy machine gun, used against American fighter-​bomber jets.
In separate rooms are a time series of Hawaiian native General Eric Shinseki’s military career, a room for Hawaiian who received the DSC, Distinguished Service Cross, and a room for the Medal of Honor recepients from Hawaii.
Finally outside on the second floor is a US Cobra attack helicopter from the Vietnam War, mounting multi rocket pods, a machine gun frontal turret, and a six barrel Gatling gun chin turret.
The place is free, with air conditioning –it was 82 degrees in January, open Tuesday-​Saturday 9am-​415pm, with parking across the street. Closed Sunday and Monday. A must see for military weapon enthusiasts.
Unfortunately my wife couldn’t make it, as she was tending a sore foot, doing all this walking in unused sandals –something she couldn’t do at home in el Nino hit California!

While on vacation in Hawaii last year we stopped at the Hawaii Army Museum in Honolulu. We walked here from our hotel on the way to the beach. The museum itself is awesome — free admission gets you access to several rooms and outdoor areas with pictures and pieces of history. They even have a helicopter outside! Donations are welcome, and they also have a great gift store.
We stopped in the gift store before leaving and I bought a few beautiful postcards ($ 0.30 each) and a couple pencil sharpeners in the shape of helicopters as gifts for some of my husband’s flight students. ($ 5.95)
Really friendly and helpful employees. There was even a book signing while we were there! Lots of people to talk to if you have questions and a fun museum to walk around.

Everyone here was so nice & helpful
On the morning I was to fly out I finally made it here (only took 2 ½ wks) My family wasn’t as interested in going here as I was. I arrived before 9am & quietly enjoyed the sunshine and plumeria. The gentlemen opened a few minutes early upon noticing I was waiting. Even though I had to make it a quick trip (about 45 min) I learned a lot! I wish I had made it sooner. Don’t wait like I did!

Did not know this was so close to the Waikiki strip until we passed by on the bus while getting to the Ala Monoa Center. We came here the next day excited to gain a little knowledge before our visit to Pearl Harbor. The Museum is in a very interesting building that almost seems historic and full of mystery. There are different paths and dark alleys that kind of gives you chills. There are several sections of the museum that goes over the history of the US in Peal Harbor, Vietnam and other wars. Each display is very well done and so informative. You really get a glimpse into what life was like during that era for soldier and civilians. It was really amazing and it is all FREE! A must visit if you don’t plan to visit Pearl Harbor or even if you do. Thank you for this great place!

It’s a free museum! It holds a lot of information about Pearl Harbor. Check it out! You’ll learn a few things!

Admission is free, this Museum has a lot of informative and interesting history of WorldWar II and lot more.
The people at the desk are friendly.
Well worth a visit!!!

Great place to learn about Hawaii and how it was affected by the war. The place is FREE and all you have to do is sign in at the front desk. The Museum is actually an old war bunker so it is cool to see how the place was used to defend Honolulu during the war years. It takes the snapshot from the very historic to the current timeline. I love to browse through here anytime I am in Waikiki even though I have been here too many times to remember.

I learned a lot from the short time I was in there. I want in the army but every now and then u have to pay respects to the other branches of the military. We may not always like each other but in the end we are all and always will be the U.S. Military.

Awesome and free museum right next to Waikiki Beach.
They have a helicopter, tanks, artillery, rifles, and other cool US Army memorabilia. Not a bad way to spend 30 minutes.

I’ve been here several times, not within the past 5 years. There wasn’t much new things for me– a rotating exhibit (currently featuring the Military Intelligence Service), an Eric Shinseki exhibit detailing the life and career of a home town Hawaii native who became the first four-​star General in the US military, and the Hall of Heroes exhibit being moved upstairs.
That being said it is a great museum examining the history of the milltary in Hawaii. From its roots in the Hawaiian monarchy; why the US miltary was given access (Reciprocity Treat of 1876), the first military camp (Camp McKinley, nestled in what is now called Kapiolani Park); the role of Coastal Artillery (and the posts built along the shores of Oahu); the function of Fort Armstrong (where the musuem sits) and other Army posts in Hawaii (Fort Ruger in and around Diamond Head; Fort Shafter, and Schofield Barracks); World War II and homefront Hawaii; the 100^th/​442^nd Infantry Regiment; Korean War, and Vietnam War. Admission is free, metered parking is available onlong Saratoga Road, the public can use the military parking lot along Kalia Road. Worthwhile visit if you have a interest in the military or its impact in Hawaii, recommend!

If I were a history buff I would give it more stars. It is just not something that appeals to me. It is clean. Air conditioned. Has decent restrooms. It’s free. And it chronicles the military history of Hawaii. It is perfect for what it is suppose to be.

This is a really neat place to visit… The volunteers are really great and informative. So much history to include the bombing at Pearl Harbor! I even got to see a relative being honored, which made the visit even better…

The US Army Museum is located in the Fort De Russy Park. The museum pays tribute and host to Army memorabilia. Admissions is free, but always nice to leave a donation.
We took the bus, since the city bus stops there. Went inside and I was greeted by a nice volunteer-​who asked me to sign the guest book. The memorabilia dates from the early 1900 to present day. Take time and read, all the educational information provided. I was really impressed on how well it is organized and came away with a plethora of island information.
My favorite section was how they detailed General Eric Shinseki career. Very impressive, and major props to his lovely wife.

Admission is free.
There are restrooms here.
This location has a gift shop.
This location is near the beach.
There is a bus stop nearby.
This location does sell bottled water.
Donations are accepted.

The museum is right next door the the Outrigger Reef. Nice park surrounding the building, beachfront.
We were pleased to see that it was free, and and it was air-​conditioned which was a real bonus! There are a couple of vehicles outside and on the roof, and inside there are a number of displays about the Pacific theatre of the second world war.
Well set out and very informative especially if you take the time to read as much of the information they have set out describing all about what you are looking at.
LOVED the history, so educational, beautiful displays and so clean. LOVED it, learned alot and so glad we went.

Hawaii is rich in its military history due to its strategic location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and the US would move heaven and high water to defend it. Situated in Fort DeRussy Park is a low-​rise very out-​of-​place museum among the high-​rise real estate and hotels of Waikiki. Even earlier in the 20^th Century, the site of the museum was a coastal defense fort with huge cannons and super-​thick reinforced concrete walls. Some of those bunker walls survive today to form the museum building because it was too tough and expensive to tear down.
In here is a great collection of local military artifacts ranging from the days of the warring Hawaiian Kings up to modern day. As you travel through the halls, each alcove that had once held monstrous amounts of ammunition covers a different war era. The biggest collection as you would expect would be an extensive WWII collection due to the pivotal role Hawaii played in the Pacific theater. From the Japanese Arisaki to the M1 Garand rifle, everything is preserved in mint condition. The outside exhibits of tanks, cannon and a Cobra attack helicopter are a little worn being out in the hot Hawaiian sun.
Of note is the Senator Daniel K. Inouye exhibit honoring his service with the 442^nd RCT during WWII and his Medal of Honor. In fact, a hall upstairs is dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients in the Gallery of Heroes. Another notable Hawaiian, General Eric Shinseki is showcased in another exhibit.
Though museum entry is free for all, make a donation to keep this valuable piece of history alive and thriving.

First of all it’s free.
I’m a bit of a military history nerd so I may be biased on this review.
It was interesting to me. Not super exciting and I probably won’t be talking about it much after this review.
It’s free so if you need to get into some a/​c or out of the rain. Pop in and you may learn something. I did

Checking in was with a friendly staff member. The place is nice inside and it’s free! I enjoyed walking through each room with all the history and artifacts displayed. Don’t forget to find the door down the hall to go up to the 2^nd floor and check out the Cobra helicopter up close!

This place is an often overlooked surprise for people. You don’t expect it to be where it is. Located on the West edge of Waikiki, a few yards off the beach, along Kalia Road, on the grounds of the Ft. DeRussy Recreation Center, right next to the Hale Koa Hotel, it’s easy to miss. The museum is housed in what used to be an army battery that was here to defend the island. There’s an interesting story about why the structure is still here on what is now prime real estate. In 1969 they hired a demolition company to clear the area out, remove the structure and free up the land but the company struggled in its attempt and went bankrupt in the process. They don’t build um like this anymore.
From outside it doesn’t look like much but walk in (admission is FREE, but they always appreciate a donation), and you’ll find a wealth of information on the Army’s island story and the hostilities they faced. And it’s air conditioned which is a nice break if you’ve been on the beach or window shopping in the area.
If you’re driving, and you know parking is at a premium around here, you can park at the Fort DeRussy Parking Facilities and get your parking validated at the museum.

The USS Arizona Memorial is a somber part of American World War II History. The U.S. Army Museum, on the other hand, presents an uplifting story of military service in World War II.
While it is well-​known that Japan attacked Hawaii and Pearl Harbor in 1941, less well known is the story of the 422^nd Regimental Combat Team. The Army 422^nd, established after the Pearl Harbor bombing, was comprised of Americans of Japanese ancestry that desired to fulfill patriotic duty for the United States. Recruitment drives among the Hawaiian-​born and mainland-​born Japanese vastly exceeded quotas.
During the 422^nd Regimental Combat Team’s training in Georgia, the Hawaiian-​born Japanese (referred to as «Buddaheads» by the mainland-​born Japanese) and the mainland-​born Japanese (referred to as «Kotonks» by the Hawaiian-​born Japanese) managed to overcome their cultural differences. This team went on to become the most decorated United States military unit in World War II. The town of Bruyères, France built a memorial to express gratitude for the Japanese soldiers in the 422^nd who freed Bruyères from Nazi occupation.
Other exhibits depict civilian World War II life in Hawaii, as well as the Vietnam War. Lots and lots of photos in this museum, which warms the cockles of my heart — you can never have too many photos on display.
I like the exhibit depicting Rest & Recuperation (R&R) for American soldiers who served in Vietnaman and came to Hawaii to enjoy their R&R. In this particular exhibit was a bar, complete with liquor bottles that are actually from the 1960s. Above the bar, a T.V. continuously plays a loop from («Book ‘em, Danno») Hawaii Five-​O. As I was standing at the bar and watching the Hawaii Five-​O loop, JP walked by and remarked that it was not a real bar, and I shouldn’t expect service any time soon. I knew that!
Admission is free. Leave yourself about 2 hours for a relatively leisurely stroll through the museum.

Free admission to this museum right off of Waikiki Beach. A nice place to stop by if you’re in the area or need an AC/​restroom break. There’s some outdoor exhibits on the first and second floors; tank, cannon, etc.
The exhibit of Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki, was very nice. I didn’t know he was from Hawaii so it was cool to learn that.
Just stop by for a quick walk around if you are in the area. This is not a place I would travel out of the way for.

The museum is free of charge and surely worth a visit. It show the different wars Hawaiian troops were involved in and surely recreates things pretty well in terms of items displayed and aligned. The approach is to move trough time and experience the cicrumstances that led to the wars. It is free of charge and worth a visit. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.