Moving to Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay)
MCB Hawaii occupies the Mokapu Peninsula on windward Oahu between Kailua and Kaneohe, about 12 miles from Honolulu. It hosts the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, Marine Aircraft Group 24 and others. Housing is tight and costs are high, but families enjoy beaches and mountains.
| Branch | Marine Corps |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Kailua / Kaneohe, HI |
| Population served | 9,483 residents in the 2020 census (Kaneohe Base CDP) |
| Airports | Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL), about 12 miles |
| Climate | Tropical with trade winds; mild year-round |
| Cost of living | Much higher than the US average |
| On-base housing | Hunt Military Communities (privatized); confirm with the Housing Office |
| Medical care | Branch Health Clinic Kaneohe Bay |
| Family support center | Marine & Family Support (MCCS Hawaii) |
Where families live
Kailua
Beach town on one side of the base.
Kaneohe
Residential, a bit more affordable.
Kaneohe Bay on-base housing
Homes inside the base.
Honolulu
Urban options but long commute via H-3.
Schools
Hawaii has one statewide public school system. School Liaison is under Marine & Family Support.
- Hawaii Department of Education — Statewide K-12 system.
School Liaison under MCCS Hawaii Child and Youth programs
Things to do near Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay)
- Kailua BeachoutdoorsBeach for swimming and kayaking.
- Lanikai Pillbox hikeoutdoorsShort hike with coast views.
- Honolulu day tripsday-tripCity attractions about 12 miles away.
- Base Walk of HonormuseumMemorial on base.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- MCCS Hawaii Marine & Family SupportRelocation, EFMP, child care, spouse employment and more.
PCS tips for Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay)
- Hawaii has strict pet quarantine rules; start paperwork months ahead.
- Book temporary lodging early.
- Household goods ship by sea, so plan for weeks of delay.
- Rentals are scarce and expensive; apply for housing right away.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Alaska & Hawaii
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.