Hawaii Military

Everything You Need to Know About PCSing to Oahu, Hawaii

PCSing to Oahu is more than just a move — it’s a life-changing adventure. This island paradise offers breathtaking beaches, world-famous sunsets, a rich Hawaiian culture, and a welcoming community that makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re relocating to Schofield Barracks, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, or Fort Shafter, Oahu offers diverse neighborhoods and housing options to fit every lifestyle and budget.

From family-friendly suburbs like Kapolei and Ewa Beach, to vibrant city living in Honolulu or the laid-back charm of Kailua and the North Shore, you’ll find the perfect place to call home. As a military family, you can take advantage of BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), explore VA loan benefits, and work with a military relocation specialist who understands the PCS process from start to finish.

This guide will walk you through everything — from choosing the right neighborhood near your duty station, navigating Hawaii’s competitive housing market, and understanding VA loan requirements, to making the most of island life once you arrive. Whether you plan to buy a home in Oahu or find off-base military housing, you’ll have all the tools you need for a smooth transition.

Why Work With a Military Relocation Specialist

Moving to Hawaii as part of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) comes with unique challenges — tight timelines, budget considerations, and adapting to island life. A military-friendly real estate agent can help you:

 •    Navigate BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) budgets for each Oahu military base

    •    Maximize VA loan benefits for zero-down financing

    •    Understand Hawaii’s competitive housing market

    •    Find off-base military housing that fits your lifestyle and commute needs

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Oahu Military Bases & Nearby Neighborhoods

Schofield Barracks & Wheeler Army Airfield

•    Nearby areas: Mililani, Wahiawa, Waipio, Ewa Beach, Kapolei

    •    Why you’ll love it: Great schools, suburban lifestyle, easy commute to base

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

•    Nearby areas: Aiea, Pearl City, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Honolulu

    •    Why you’ll love it: Central location, access to shopping, short drive to Honolulu

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay)

    •    Nearby areas: Kailua, Kaneohe, Waimanalo

    •    Why you’ll love it: Gorgeous beaches, outdoor activities, relaxed community vibe

Fort Shafter

•    Nearby areas: Salt Lake, Moanalua, Honolulu, Aiea

    •    Why you’ll love it: Close to downtown Honolulu, cultural attractions, and dining

BAH in Oahu: Budgeting for Your Move

Your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) depends on your rank, years of service, and whether you have dependents. Understanding your BAH is key to deciding between buying and renting.

•    Tip: Many military families use their VA loan to purchase a home and keep their BAH to cover the mortgage, creating long-term equity while stationed in Hawaii.

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Using Your VA Loan in Hawaii

Hawaii is a VA loan–friendly market, but the higher home prices mean you’ll need to know your eligibility and purchase power.

 •    $0 down payment with VA loan

    •    No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

    •    Competitive interest rates

    •    Flexible guidelines for PCS timelines

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Buying vs. Renting During Your PCS

When PCSing to Oahu, you’ll need to decide whether buying or renting makes sense:

•    Buying: Builds equity, potential rental income if you get stationed elsewhere, locks in your housing cost.

•    Renting: Flexible for short tours, fewer maintenance responsibilities.

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PCS Moving Tips for Hawaii

    •    Book movers early: Military PCS season in Hawaii can be busy.

    •    Ship your vehicle: Most families ship one car and buy/sell another locally.

    •    Plan for pets: Check Hawaii’s pet quarantine requirements before you fly.

    •    Temporary lodging: Secure on-base TLF (Temporary Lodging Facility) or nearby hotels while house hunting.

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Living the Island Life

Once you’re settled, Oahu offers endless opportunities:

    •    Surf at Waikiki or the North Shore

    •    Hike Diamond Head or Koko Crater

    •    Explore farmers markets and local food trucks

    •    Experience authentic Hawaiian culture and festivals

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Start Your PCS to Oahu Today

Relocating to Hawaii doesn’t have to be stressful. As military relocation specialists, we help service members and their families find the perfect home — whether buying or renting.

Contact us any time