I have designed this page to inform you of this place as a "must see" site during your vacation or stay on Oahu. Bellows is often said to have one of the best beaches on the island, and a trip here will convince you why. Read on ahead to view some pictures I took over the years and learn what types of recreation facilities, lodging, camping and amenities are present to serve and assist your stay.

Belows AFS is easy to get to once you arrive into Hickham AFB or Honolulu Intl. Just take either the Pali or LikeLike Highways thru the mountains or stay east along Kalanianaole Hwy. around Diamond Head and be ready for a 25-35 minute drive, depending on traffic. The mountain route is a must before you leave the island, as the cliff view from the lookout rest stops is breathtaking and unforgettable. The ocean route around Diamond Head and Koko Head volcanoes also has many sights and stops to see. At any rate, make sure you have your DOD civilian or military ID ready for Bellows; you'll need it to get to the cabins. The AirForce mans two different gates on the AFS depending on the time of the week. Weekends are moved inward to allow base access for non-DOD and local residents to use the beach.

Approaching Bellows via either direction on Kalaniana'ole Hwy, you'll see an easily recognizable sign on the oceanside of the highway. Turn in and proceed along Tinker road and follow the signs. Its about 2 miles to the reservation office along some winding, uninhabited road. Once through the main gate, its about 1/2 mile more until you see the office on your right and golf range on your left. Take a look at my post map for a quick reference guide until you arrive. They will give you a nice post map at the front desk with more details on it.

Bellows has numerous cabins and camping areas to satisfy the demanding military traveler with a wide variety of choices. Oceanside, inland, shaded, corner lot, etc. will all figure into your decision. Cabins come equipped with refrigerators, microwave ovens, utensils, coffeepot, stove, charcoal grille, picnic table to mention just a few. Housekeeping service will empty rubish, make beds,clean sinks and showers, restock sundry items and change towels and linen. Dial 0 for the front desk for maintenance problems and you can use a small locker at the law enforcement desk for storing valuables. Maximum stay is normally 14 days, but may be extended if vacancies exist. Naturally, don't expect to get a cabin on holidays, weekends or peak travel periods on just 10 days notice or planning. Bellows charges you .20 cents per call and 50 cents for long distance access. Maximum occupancy is ten (10) people per cabin and you can put up one tent per site/cabin.

Checkout is daily NLT 11:00 hours, and they ask you to clean the range and counters, wash and replace used dishes, clean the barbecue grill if you used it. All in all its a great deal for the stay, especially including all you can do here. Think carefully when considering which cabin to select. The oceanside ones are literally right on the beach but can be breezy in the winter months on the young ones and faint of heart. All are so close it really doesn't matter. Be extra cautious when camping here. Sites are mostly shaded in beautiful, tall pines but beware! Hawaii has some of the most god-awful centipedes you will ever encounter. You WILL Lose this fight, as they easily approach 8-10 inches in length, 1/2" wide and have a set of cadivers my Pirhanna was jealous of. The mosquitos and flies can be annoying too so bring a zippered tent or wear lots of bug spray or skin so soft. Bellows has a laundry with washers and dryers, a small exchange and gas station for food, beer, sundries, mementos, etc.

Many soldiers, airmen, marines and DOD civilians use Bellows as an island get-away for weekend barbecues, hail-and-farewells, family vacations and parties. This generates a lot of demand for a small place but there is lots to do and see here. There are large pavilons you can reserve for large parties, there is a great driving range and putt-putt for the kids. You have to appreciate the view and relaxing atmosphere to whack a bucket of balls here. Twin Peaks and the Pali cliffs are awesome to view and ponder... The Recreation Equipment Checkout shop is located here at the golf range. Pick up a wide variety of clubs, snorkeling gear, boogy boards, etc. for a reasonable price. Just remember to rinse them off and be prompt at turn-in or the 300 pound nice local lady will sit on you until you do. Just kidding of course, and don't forget to look at their impressive cameo shots of the CINC. Yep, I gotta say our commander-in-chief knows exactly where to come and stay for some quiet, secure R&R.

Head accross the street to the main building(reservation office) and have a nice cold beer or drink after driving a few or a hard days play at the beach. The bartenders prepare some really nice drinks which will set you sailing into the trade winds, and help you forget about that hot staff action you blew off before you left for Hawaii. The restaurant has an ample choice of foods on the menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner and happy hour (excuse me, social hour to be politically correct) on Fridays is a fun time for all with pupus, music and lots of nice people. Remember to look at all the old pictures from WWII to appreciate the heritage and history of this great place. They are placed around the halls in the reservation office with lots of mementos and historical facts.

Bellow's beach is one of the greatest reasons for coming here, besides the tranquil atmoshere and relaxation. The beach here has some of the flattest, finest sand on the island which is great for learning to bodysurf or boogy boarding, long walks with the wife and kids, or just plain R&R. The color and cleanliness of the water is outstanding, and the views of chinaman's hat and the mountains is awesome. Your blood pressure will drop at least 30 points after an afternoon here, so enjoy it. Just watch out for the Portugese Man-o-war and jellyfish during the summer and eastern swells. They are littered all over the beach, in the water, and will burn like wildfire when you're hit. Not something to take lightly, seriously. Signs and warnings will be posted to advise you to spend the day at the range or in the bar....

I hope this is enough to get you started on thinking about a Bellows AFS vacation piece as part of your overall Hawaiian vacation. Don't forget to email me with any questions or comments about the material I've included in here. To make a reservation using DSN, call the Hawaii military operator and have her put you through to 259-8841. Best of wishes and watch out for those big roaches, they can ruin an evening if they overwhelm you. Other than that, ENJOY!!!!!