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Kaneohe Bay MCAS (Marion E. Carl Field) is a United States Marine Corps airfield situated on the windward coast of Oahu, Hawaii, co-located with Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The facility is named after Brigadier General Marion E. Carl, a decorated Marine aviator and World War II flying ace. It primarily supports military flight operations, including helicopter and tiltrotor squadrons, while occasionally accommodating limited civilian and charter traffic.
💡 Local Tip
If you have access to the base, drive up to the Pu'uloa Range Training Facility overlook or visit the nearby Kaneohe Bay Sandbar by boat—it's one of Hawaii's most iconic natural attractions and just a short distance from the airfield.
🚖 Getting There
Public access to the base requires a valid military ID or prior authorization arranged through a sponsor on the installation. Visitors traveling to the Kaneohe area from Honolulu typically use the H-3 highway through the Ko'olau Mountains, which takes about 30 minutes by car. The nearest major commercial airport is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, roughly 20 miles away.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Kaneohe Bay MCAS open to civilian passengers?
A: No, the airfield is primarily a military installation and does not offer scheduled commercial passenger service. Access is generally restricted to authorized personnel and pre-approved aircraft.
Q: What types of aircraft operate from this airport?
A: The base hosts Marine helicopter and tiltrotor squadrons, including CH-53E Super Stallions, MV-22 Ospreys, and UH-1Y Venoms, supporting training and operational missions across the Pacific.
Q: Where is the airport located relative to Honolulu?
A: The airfield is approximately 12 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu, across the Ko'olau mountain range on the windward side of Oahu.
Q: Does the airport share facilities with a military base?
A: Yes, it is fully integrated with Marine Corps Base Hawaii, one of the largest Marine Corps installations in the Pacific region.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 26, 2026 · MiniMax-M3