Tropic Lightning Museum image

Tropic Lightning Museum

Tourist attraction Museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Kunia Camp


Address

361 Waianae Ave, Schofield Barracks, HI 96857, United States

Website

home.army.mil

Contact

+1 808-655-0438

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (167 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (23) history (15) military (12) base (12) pass (7) vehicle (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Matt L. 1 year ago on Google • 393 reviews
    It is an excellent museum of information, displays, and immersion. The 25th Infantry wing has era by era displays of uniforms, tools, gear, and info. There is even a scale display Vietcong tunnel, complete with rats and GI flashlight. The museum host is very friendly and knowledgeable. Additionally, outside has a handful of tanks and vehicles for the viewing. If you are a regular Joe/Jill civilian, you will need to get a day pass. Be sure to have your real ID, social security card, or passport. Additionally, be sure to have vehicle registration info. Be polite and to the point when conversing with the guards. They don't have time for rudeness or a lot of talk.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 R. Lee D. 1 year ago on Google • 522 reviews
    This is the ultimate of hidden gems for war history buffs and free attractions. I've lived in Hawaii a long time and never new this place existed until just recently. It truly is hidden. This museum takes you through over a 100 years of military history in Hawaii and has stories that aren't in the history books or shows. It isn't big, but it is packed with amazing information and background of the US military presence in Hawaii. It is a bit out of the way and a challenge to get to. Located in the middle of Oahu inside of Scholfield Barracks, you will need to be prepared to enter the military base. If you don't have military ID, you will need to enter the Lyman Gate and be on the right lane for a security check. Make sure everyone in the car has their IDs and the vehicle has all the paperwork to show for a base pass. The process could take 20 minutes or longer depending on how many people are trying to get base passes. Also, print directions before you go because you GPS won't work properly once on base. This is a great place for adults and kids. Do call ahead to ensure that they will be open as it is a small operation. They are closed on weekends, but do work on Saturdays so there might be a chance that they will open up for you if you ask nicely.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jamie H. 1 year ago on Google • 154 reviews
    I was expecting more but they had many interesting exhibits. Only had one person working that day. He answered any and all questions that we had.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Robert H. 1 year ago on Google • 66 reviews
    Be advised that this museum is closed on Tuesdays after any public holiday that falls on a Monday. There is a sign posted outside the main museum entrance, but it is not mentioned on their website. I have attached a photo of it here. Also, Google Maps may direct you through another base gate entrance, but ALL civilian visitors must go through Lyman Gate to get a temporary base pass first. Expect to wait at least 20 minutes for the traffic delay, vehicle inspection, and a computer security check of your ID. Have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance ready, to speed the process up. Active duty and retired military are exempt from this. I recommend you phone the museum BEFORE you visit, to ensure it is open that day. If no one answers the phone, they are not open then.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Charles C. 1 year ago on Google • 309 reviews
    Took 2.5 hr to get pass and arrived with the museum closed. Get to see equipments displayed outside and walked around the barracks.

  • 5/5 Dan G. 6 months ago on Google • 298 reviews
    Very interesting museum dedicated to the history of the 25th Infantry division, on the Schofield base. Clear and well designed exhibits give a detailed and understandable history of the division over time. Are worthwhile place to spend a couple hours expanding your knowledge of their service over time.

  • 4/5 Chris S. 1 year ago on Google • 59 reviews
    Parking can be an issue. After the vehicle inspection and getting a pass, I couldn’t find parking. Finally saw someone leaving and took their spot. Got to the front door and they were closed due to a power outage. I should’ve called to verify they’re open before heading there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 pbandj37 1 year ago on Google
    Cool museum, neat history stuff to see from 25ID. Building feels old...but it makes the history aspect swem more appropriate. Also, there is museum specific parking on the north side of the building, coming off the traffic circle. If you go in front of the building it is the barracks and good luck finding a spot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve L. 2 years ago on Google
    Museum is located inside Army base so make sure to get in through the Lyman gate on Kunia road to get a guest pass if you don't have military ID, your ID and car will be inspected before being allowed in. Great informative museum, make sure to check out the tunnel rat exhibition behind the Vietnam war section, that was very interesting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tracy B. 2 years ago on Google
    Tropic lightning Army museum located on Schofield barracks an excellent visit enter at Lyman gate have lic reg. Insurance all your I’d to get a pass for non military or DOD personnel it’s worth the trip. T-F 10-4.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 꿀벌 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best military museums I've been to. It amazing to learn the history in a historical building and then even, go outside and apply what you've just learned! Clean and cool inside. Just overall great!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pamela C B. 1 year ago on Google • 98 reviews
    Visited the Tropical Lightening Museum today! 5 stars for sure! Please note: You will be entering an active military base. You MUST enter at the Lyman Gate! Do not follow Google maps. It is a very small museum, free, but I would have paid an entry fee, it is well worth an hour, an hour and a half, to read about the Schofield Barracks history. A must do if you like military history.

  • 5/5 Katie C. 11 months ago on Google • 76 reviews
    Wonderful little historical museum. Plenty of things to see and read including first hand accounts of events (located in the binders). Remember to leave a donation on your way in or out

  • 5/5 Jenn C. 10 months ago on Google • 63 reviews
    Loved reading the history of Schofield and life on the island from back in the day. Not a huge museum but plenty of informative details and artifacts. Well worth the visit.

  • 5/5 David S. 1 month ago on Google • 27 reviews New
    Spectacular presentation of Hawaii thru the years, particularly of the 25th Infantry in WWII and beyond. This is a free museum!

  • 5/5 mark 11 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    To step foot on this historic base was an honor in itself. The museum itself is fairly small but the displays were fantastic. Honestly this is more for hard core enthusiasts and not for the kids. Since this still is an active military base you will have bring proper ID, proof of vehicle insurance and your car will be searched at the gate. The guards are very courteous but also armed to the hilt, so you do as your told.

  • 5/5 Jorhay V. 2 years ago on Google
    Great museum on the history of the Army in Hawaii. Visit here first when you get the chance to come to Schofield Barracks. Parking is on the right side or on the back.

  • 5/5 Lex P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great museum, hidden gem with great unique artifacts

  • 5/5 Amu R. 4 years ago on Google
    Kid loved it

  • 5/5 Chris P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to see the history of 25th ID!

  • 5/5 Joseph Principe l. 4 years ago on Google
    What a great tour of this wonderful museum of the US Army 25th infantry division tropic lightning museum. The tour was very good and the tour guides were fully educated about the Tropic lightning division and the history of this division. Outstanding historical exhibits in the museum. If you’re in the area stop by the Tropic lightning Museum you will enjoy it we had a great time

  • 5/5 Gleph A. 2 years ago on Google
    Good experience to learning what the base has to offer

  • 5/5 Tony Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Great little military history museum. Friendly staff and interesting displays; glad they preserved this old post library.

  • 5/5 Clan of D. 5 years ago on Google
    The kids even liked it.


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