From Waikīkī’s shoreline, Fort De Russy offers a green space with a military past: this U.S. Army reservation includes parkland and beachfront open to military and civilian use. Its historic Battery Randolph houses the free United States Army Museum of Hawaiʻi, where visitors can explore the Army’s history in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
- Location: Fort De Russy, Waikīkī; the museum is at 2131 Kalia Road.
- Hotel: Halekulani.
- Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.
- Admission: free and open to the public.
Fort De Russy in the Waikīkī landscape
Fort De Russy combines open recreation space with a reminder of Oʻahu’s coastal defenses. Established in 1909 as part of the Headquarters Coast Defenses of Oʻahu, it was intended to protect Honolulu and Pearl Harbor.
The reservation is named for Brigadier General René E. DeRussy, a 19th-century U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officer. Its grounds include park areas, tennis courts, a volleyball court, a picnic area, and beachfront, so a walk here can include both open green space and shoreline.
The museum stands inside Battery Randolph, a former coast-artillery fortification. The battery mounted two 14-inch disappearing rifled guns; the museum says they were never challenged or fired in anger.
What can you see at the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaiʻi?
The United States Army Museum of Hawaiʻi covers the Army in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, the islands’ military history, and the contributions of Hawaiʻi and its citizens to national defense. The museum was established in 1976 in Battery Randolph.
Its subjects range from military organizations of the Hawaiian monarchy and Coast Artillery in Hawaiʻi to World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Other displays address the Go for Broke Nisei Soldiers and include a Gallery of Heroes. The museum also says its photo archive holds more than 20,000 images, and staff can assist with historical inquiries and research.
Admission is free. The museum’s regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with Sunday and Monday closures. Group tours for military and civilian visitors are by appointment. The museum’s holiday notice says that when a federal holiday falls on a Monday, it will close the following Tuesday.
Park access and getting around
Fort De Russy’s grounds and the museum have different access details, so check the relevant official guidance before planning your visit. From Halekulani, the museum is about a 3-minute walk; pair the visit with time to explore the fort’s park areas and beachfront.
U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi gives the main gate hours as 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Waikīkī Outdoor Circle describes the military reserve as open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; those are the stated hours for the park area.
The Army’s visitor guidance allows infrequent visitors, including museum visitors, to use a one-day pass. It is valid until midnight on the day it is issued and requires valid identification compliant with the REAL ID Act. Non-U.S. citizens must be sponsored by a DoD ID card holder aged 18 or older and escorted by that sponsor at all times.
The Pacific Regional Visitor Center is on the second floor above the museum at 2131 Kalia Road, on the grounds of the Hale Koa Hotel and Fort DeRussy Recreation Center.
It is open from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday, Monday, and federal holidays. The center says parking is available at the corner of Saratoga and Kalia roads.
Check the official site before you go for current museum, visitor-pass, and access details, including holiday schedules.
Combining the fort with a Waikīkī walk
Fort De Russy’s beachfront makes it easy to continue from the grounds toward the shoreline. If you want to plan time by the water, the Waikiki Beach guide covers access and swimming.
At Fort De Russy, set aside time for both the museum and the grounds if you want to see the historic Battery Randolph and explore the recreation areas.
FAQs
Is the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaiʻi free?
Yes. The museum is free and open to the public during its regular Tuesday-through-Saturday hours.
What is Battery Randolph?
Battery Randolph is a former coast-artillery fortification that now houses the museum. It once mounted two 14-inch disappearing rifled guns.
Does Fort De Russy have public recreation areas?
Yes. The reservation includes park areas, tennis courts, a volleyball court, a picnic area, and beachfront.
Is parking available at Fort De Russy?
The Pacific Regional Visitor Center says parking is available at the corner of Saratoga and Kalia roads.