The complete guide to Tripler Army Medical Center

Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) is the only federal care hospital in the entire Pacific Basin. Collectively, it supports over a quarter of a million local active-duty and retired service members, families, and veterans in the Oahu, Hawaii region. In fact, TAMC is one of the most modern medical facilities globally.

You can spot the TAMC from any point in the Honolulu district because of its distinctive coral-pink color. Apparently, the color choice is either the result of a Soldier ordering 30 million gallons of the wrong color … or that the design elements were modeled after the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. It's no surprise that Hawaii is the headquarters of the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM). So, after you get over the excitement about PCSing to Schofield Barracks or TAMC, you probably have many questions. This guide will help you make sense of what will be one of the best duty stations of your life!

TAMC is located in Oahu, Hawaii. Here are 11 fun facts about PCSing (or TDYing!) to the island paradise.

If you're driving, when you leave the airport, follow the H1 west and take an exit after H-2 called Kunia Rd. Once you turn onto Kunia Rd, it's a 2-mile drive from there.

To get to the Inn at Schofield, make a right at Kolekole Ave and go through the first traffic light. Continue until you reach the third traffic light and turn right.

As you might expect, you'll be flying to your new post at Tripler! So that means the nearest airport is the Honolulu International Airport. Commute times to Tripler should take about 15 minutes.

There's only one gate at Tripler. It's open 24/7.

Service members and families can take advantage of both TAMC resources and the resources available at nearby Hickam Air Force Base as well as Schofield Barracks/Fort Shafter.

Army Community Service (808) 787-4227

Auto Skills (808) 655-9368

Chaplain and Religious Services (808) 655-6647

Citizenship and Immigration Services (800) 375-5283

Civilian Personnel Office (808) 656-1459

Commissary (808) 655-5066 

Customer Relations (808) 433-6336

Dental Clinic - Schofield Barracks (808) 433-6825

Education Center - Schofield Barracks (808) 655-0800

EFMP - Family Support (808) 433-4441

Emergency Room (808) 433-3710

Family Advocacy Program (808) 655-4227

Finance Office - Schofield (808) 655-1244

Financial Readiness Program (808) 655-4227

Fort Shafter Youth Center (808) 438-1487

Household Goods/Transportation Office (Outbound) (808) 655-1868

Housing Services Office (808) 655-3076

Information and Referral Services (808) 449-7110

Inn at Schofield Barracks (808) 624-9650

Legal Services/JAG (808) 433-5311

Loan Closet (808) 655-4227

MWR Outdoor Recreation (808) 655-0143

Non-appropriated Funds (NAF) Human Resources(808) 656-1459 

Personnel Support Office (808) 655-6752

Pharmacy (808) 433-7880

Schofield Barracks/Fort Shafter Child & Youth Services Office (808) 655-5314

Schofield Barracks/Fort Shafter ID/CAC Card Processing (808) 655-1272

School Age Center (808) 655-6476

Soldier and Family Assistance Center (808) 655-7171

Spouse Education, Training and Careers (808) 655-4227

Travel Office - Schofield Barracks (800) 349-8231

Tripler Army Medical Center is part of Schofield Barracks, home of the 25th Infantry Division. The 25th has played a part in defending Hawaii for nearly 100 years.

Schofield Barracks serves as the base for service members maintaining Pearl Harbor and the primary defense for the island of Oahu.

The Army also uses Schofield Barracks for chemical and biological defense training. The main unit at Schofield Barracks is the 25th Infantry Division, also known as "Tropic Lightning," which began at Schofield in 1941 and has been deployed multiple times since.

TAMC's history dates to 1907, when it was part of Ft. Shafter. The present-day campus opened in 1948. The barracks were built around the same time as new work was completed on Pearl Harbor itself. When constructed, it became the largest U.S. Army post of its kind and was designed to house cavalry, light infantry, and artillery forces. Read more about Pearl Harbor's fascinating history here.

Schofield Barracks was named for Lieutenant General John M. Schofield, who was the first person to recognize the urgency to establish a base in Oahu. During his time in service, Schofield served as the Secretary of War and the U.S. Army Commanding General, earning a Medal of Honor.

Schofield Barracks and nearby Wheeler Airfield in Hawaii were damaged during the attack on Pearl Harbor and saw a lot of casualties as a result. Today, Soldiers reside there, but it is also home to Airmen, family members, and around 7,000 civilians.

Once you're on the island, it can be overwhelming to know where to go, but don't worry! Paradise is awaiting, and there are plenty of great places to live, lots to see and do, and plenty to learn.

Airport Honolulu Hotel, (808) 836-0661

Best Western, The Plaza Hotel (808) 826-3636

IHG Army Hotel (877) 711-TEAM

Pacific Marina Inn, (855) 280-3165

The Inn at Schofield Barracks (808) 435-1518

Hawaii's food culture has a lot of similarities to Asian food. There are foods such as rice, seaweed, macaroni salad, kimchee, and long-grain rice. Taro, coconut, seafood, and pork are common foods found throughout the island. While in Honolulu, be sure to try the local specialties for unique and flavorful culinary delights!

Beyond the many beaches and marinas, the island of Oahu has numerous excellent tourist attractions and museums.

The Honolulu Zoo features over 1,200 animals in specially designed habitats and is located on 42 acres in Queen Kapi'olani Park. Nearby, don't miss out on visiting Iolani Palace. It's the only royal palace on U.S. soil. In fact, this is where Hawaiian kings and queens called home! These days, it's a museum, so you don't want to miss out! You'll also want to visit Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre nature retreat where you can ride ATVs, mountain bikes, or horses. Don't miss out on touring the filming locations for over 50 movies and T.V. shows, including 50 First Dates, Hawaii Five-O, and Jurassic Park.

If you're PCSing in high season, expect long waits.

As you might expect, housing is in high demand on the island. That means the most critical thing you can do is call the Military Housing Office as soon as you receive orders. Otherwise, your housing experience might be less than great. Wait times can vary depending on the season but average from a few weeks to several months. No one wants to live in temp lodging for that long, so call ahead of time!

Island Palm Communities owns and manages on-post housing. Two-bedroom duplet and apartment-style residences are available for unaccompanied personnel. Family homes are two- to five-bedroom residents in all styles. If you plan to live in privatized housing, speak with the MHO for more information. 

It's probably no surprise that there are no schools on post for mil-kids who call Tripler home. However, kids who live on post will attend schools in the surrounding communities. School districts are divided into complexes. Schofield Barracks is located in one of the central areas called the Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex. Speak with the Schofield Barracks School Liaison Office for current enrollment requirements. Read more about PCSing to Schofield here.

TAMC is part of Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.

Active duty service members, covered dependents, retirees, and veterans can be seen at TAMC.

Yes, the medical center has an emergency room.

Call the central appointment line for an appointment.