With Pearl Harbor as the top attraction on Oahu, the island’s next best place to discover Hawaii and American military history is at the
US Army Museum of Hawaii. Plus, admission is free!
Located in the historic Battery Randolph at
Fort DeRussy along
Waikiki Beach, the
US Army Museum of Hawaii features displays and artifacts from World War II and beyond, including real-life tanks, cannons, and an AH-1 Cobra helicopter. From the exterior, you’ll find a tank on display. Step inside and you’ll discover a large interior with fascinating photos and exhibits covering the Pacific’s major military events through the Vietnam War.
Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9am - 5pm (Closed Sunday & Monday)
Museum Store Hours: Tuesday - Saturday from 9am - 4:45pm.
Admission: Free, donations welcome.
Audio tours available for $5 each (English of Japanese)
History
Battery Randolph was built in 1911 (construction began 1909) to protect Honolulu from coastal invasions. Before being retired, two 14-inch guns were located at the battery. During the
Hale Koa Hotel’s construction in the early 1970s, the battery could not be torn down. Thus, Battery Randolph soon housed the
US Army Museum of Hawaii.