Hawaii Army Museum Society
About This Museum
Tucked right next to the sands of Fort DeRussy Beach in Waikīkī, this place has one of the most unique backstories on the island. It's housed in a former coastal artillery battery, a real concrete fortress that once guarded these shores from naval attack. Inside, you'll find a fascinating journey from the feathered capes and shark-tooth weapons of ancient Hawaiian warfare all the way to the gear used by soldiers in Vietnam and Iraq. It’s a powerful, sobering look at the history of conflict in paradise that you won't find anywhere else.
Collection Highlights
The collection spans centuries, but don't miss the authentic Hawaiian warrior's lei niho palaoa (whale-tooth pendant) or the starkly contrasting display of a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter. Seeing a massive coastal defense gun perched just feet from sunbathers is an experience in itself.
Visitor Information
It's surprisingly easy to visit—just look for the big bunker-like building at the end of Kalia Road in Fort DeRussy Military Reservation. Admission is free, though donations are very welcome to help keep this important history alive.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is the historic Battery Randolph, a hulking, reinforced concrete structure built in 1911 that was designed to withstand direct naval cannon fire.
Contact & Location
Address: United States Army Museum of Hawaii, 2131, Kalia Road, Waikīkī, Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, 96815, United States
Phone: +1 808-955-9552
Website: Visit Website
