Schofield Barracks PCS Guide: BAH, Housing, Schools & Oahu Intel

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Schofield Barracks is Hawaii's premier Army installation with 14,000+ active duty personnel (25th Infantry Division). Located in central Oahu, it offers the dream Hawaii assignment balanced by high cost of living and deployment reality.

Key Numbers:

BAH vs. Rent: Tight fit (Hawaii BAH higher than CONUS but rent is expensive—on-base often better value)
Median 3BR Rent: $3,200-$4,500/month off-base (expensive, limited inventory)
School Quality: DoDEA schools excellent (8-9/10), local public schools variable (5-8/10)
Deployment Tempo: HIGH (INDOPACOM region, frequent rotations to Asia-Pacific)

What This Guide Covers: Oahu housing neighborhoods with real prices, DoDEA vs local schools, Hawaii cost of living reality, and 25th ID deployment tempo.

Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

Official Name: Schofield Barracks (Wheeler Army Airfield adjacent)
Location: Central Oahu, HI (15 miles north of Honolulu)
Size: 17,725 acres (largest Army installation in Hawaii)
Population: 14,000 active duty + 29,000 family members
Branch: Army (25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning")
Major Units: 25th ID HQ, 3 Brigade Combat Teams, 25th CAB, 25th DIVARTY
Climate: Tropical year-round (70-85°F), rainy winters (Nov-Mar), dry summers
Nearest Major City: Honolulu (25 miles south)

Want real-time data? This guide provides current rates and static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

BAH Rates

BAH Rates for Schofield Barracks

Official rates from DFAS (updated annually in our database)

Select Your Rank

BAH rates are updated annually by DFAS. Actual amount depends on your rank, dependency status, and duty station. These rates are tax-free and designed to cover average housing costs in your area.

Key Insight: Hawaii BAH is among the highest in CONUS, but Oahu rent is expensive. On-base housing often provides better value (no utility bills, proximity to work, wait times 3-6 months). Off-base housing requires careful budgeting—BAH covers rent but utilities ($300-500/month) eat into buffer.

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

🏡 On-Base Housing (Best Value for Most)

Overview: Schofield on-base housing is managed by Actus Lend Lease. 3,100+ units ranging from 2BR townhomes to 4BR single-family homes. No utility bills (electric/water/trash included). Wait times: 3-6 months depending on rank/unit size.

Pros:

✅ No utilities (saves $300-500/month)
✅ Proximity to work (10-min commute max)
✅ Community amenities (parks, pools, playgrounds)
✅ DoDEA schools on-base (walking distance)

Cons:

❌ Wait times (3-6 months for most units)
❌ Older construction (some units 1960s-80s renovated)
❌ Base restrictions (no short-term guests, visitor parking limited)

Reality Check: For most soldiers, on-base is the best financial decision in Hawaii. Off-base sounds appealing (live in paradise!) but reality is expensive rent + utilities + traffic + harder to access base amenities.

Top Tier Off-Base (Commute 20-30 min, Higher Cost)

1. Mililani (Zip: 96789)

Distance: 5 miles west (20 min via H-2)
Median 3BR Rent: $3,200-$3,800/month
School District: Mililani High School (8/10), Mililani Middle (8/10)
Why Here: Master-planned community, newer construction, family-friendly
Commute: H-2 south to Schofield Gate—light traffic off-peak, heavy AM rush
Grocery/Shopping: Mililani Town Center (Foodland, Target, restaurants)
Reality: Most popular off-base choice—suburban feel, good schools, HOA fees ($100-300/month)

2. Wahiawa (Zip: 96786)

Distance: 2 miles south (10 min via Kamehameha Hwy)
Median 3BR Rent: $2,800-$3,400/month
School District: Wahiawa Elementary (6/10), Wahiawa Middle (6/10)
Why Here: Closest town to Schofield, affordable by Hawaii standards
Commute: Shortest off-base commute (10 min)
Grocery/Shopping: Wahiawa Town (smaller selection, older infrastructure)
Reality: Working-class town—affordable but schools below Mililani, older housing stock

3. Kapolei (Zip: 96707)

Distance: 15 miles southwest (30 min via H-1)
Median 3BR Rent: $3,500-$4,200/month
School District: Kapolei High (7/10), Kapolei Middle (7/10)
Why Here: Newer development, shopping (Ka Makana Ali'i mall), beaches nearby
Commute: H-1 to H-2 north—traffic heavy both directions AM/PM
Grocery/Shopping: Ka Makana Ali'i (Target, Costco, dining)
Reality: Fast-growing area—modern amenities but brutal commute (45+ min rush hour)

Mid-Tier Off-Base (Commute 30-40 min, Moderate Cost)

4. Ewa Beach (Zip: 96706)

Distance: 17 miles southwest (35 min via H-1)
Median 3BR Rent: $3,200-$3,800/month
School District: Ewa Makai Middle (7/10), Campbell High (6/10)
Why Here: Beachside living, newer construction, growing community
Commute: H-1 east to H-2 north—traffic heavy AM rush
Reality: Beach access appealing but commute is long (40-50 min rush hour)

5. Pearl City (Zip: 96782)

Distance: 12 miles southeast (25 min via H-1/H-2)
Median 3BR Rent: $3,000-$3,600/month
School District: Pearl City High (7/10), Highlands Intermediate (7/10)
Why Here: Central Oahu, shopping (Pearlridge Mall), restaurants
Commute: H-1 west to H-2 north—moderate traffic
Reality: Convenient location, good schools, but still $3K+ rent

Premium Off-Base (Long Commute, Beach Lifestyle)

6. North Shore (Haleiwa, Waialua - Zips: 96712, 96791)

Distance: 10-15 miles north (25-35 min via Kamehameha Hwy)
Median 3BR Rent: $3,500-$5,000/month
School District: Waialua High (6/10), Haleiwa Elementary (7/10)
Why Here: World-famous surf beaches, rural Hawaii lifestyle, laid-back vibe
Commute: Kamehameha Hwy south—two-lane road, no rush hour gridlock but slower
Reality: Beach lifestyle premium—rent is high for rural area, schools below Mililani, but unbeatable lifestyle

Areas to Avoid

Downtown Honolulu: 25+ miles (45-60 min commute), expensive ($4,000+ rent), urban density
Kailua/Kaneohe (Windward Side): Beautiful but 30+ miles (50-70 min over Pali/Likelike), rent $4,000-$5,500
Waikiki: Tourist area, expensive, long commute, no family appeal

Schools

DoDEA Schools (On-Base - Recommended)

Schofield has excellent DoDEA schools on-base. Priority enrollment for on-base residents, open enrollment for off-base if space available.

Elementary:

Solomon Elementary School (K-5) - 8/10 rating - On-base, walking distance from most housing
Shafter Elementary School (K-5) - 8/10 rating - On-base, adjacent to Schofield

Middle:

Kalani High School (6-8) - DoDEA middle grades - 8/10 rating - On Aliamanu Military Reservation (30 min south)

High:

Radford High School (9-12) - 9/10 rating - On Pearl Harbor (25 min south)

Reality: DoDEA schools in Hawaii are top-notch—small class sizes, experienced teachers, military-connected students. Most families prioritize on-base housing to guarantee DoDEA enrollment.

Local Public Schools (Off-Base)

Mililani (Best Local Option):

Mililani High School - 8/10 rating - Competitive academics, strong AP programs
Mililani Middle School - 8/10 rating - Above-average test scores
Mililani Mauka Elementary - 8/10 rating - Newer school, good reputation

Wahiawa (Mixed Quality):

Wahiawa Elementary - 6/10 rating - Older facilities, mixed demographics
Wahiawa Middle - 6/10 rating - Below-average test scores

Kapolei (Growing Area):

Kapolei High School - 7/10 rating - Newer school, improving programs
Kapolei Middle School - 7/10 rating - Modern facilities

North Shore (Rural Schools):

Waialua High & Intermediate - 6/10 rating - Small school, limited AP options
Haleiwa Elementary - 7/10 rating - Small, community-focused

Pro Tip: If you live off-base, Mililani schools are the best non-DoDEA option on Oahu for military families. Worth the higher rent if DoDEA isn't accessible.

Compare school ratings across bases: Base Navigator → shows real-time school data for Schofield neighborhoods

Local Intel

Cost of Living

Overall: 85% higher vs. national average — Hawaii is the most expensive state in the US
Housing: 100% higher vs. national average — Limited inventory, island isolation
Groceries: 50% higher vs. national average — Everything shipped in, local produce expensive
Gas: 40% higher vs. national average — $4.50-5.50/gallon typical

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

Rent (3BR off-base Mililani): $3,400
Utilities (electric, water, internet - off-base only): $400 (AC drives electric bills high)
Groceries: $1,200 (shop commissary to save 30%)
Gas: $250 (20-mile daily commute)
Childcare (if needed): $1,500-2,000/month (daycare) or $0 (on-base CDC wait list 6-12 months)
Misc (dining, entertainment): $500

Total: $7,250/month off-base

BAH Coverage: E5 BAH with dependents = ~$3,500/month (2025). Rent alone exceeds BAH. You'll need base pay to cover the gap.

Savings Potential: Minimal off-base—Hawaii is expensive. On-base housing eliminates rent/utilities gap, saving $500-1,000/month.

State Taxes: Hawaii has state income tax (1.4-11% progressive). Military pay is taxable. Expect $200-400/month withheld.

Pro Tip: Live on-base if possible. Off-base sounds appealing but financial reality is brutal—rent + utilities + traffic = stress. On-base = financial stability + DoDEA schools + short commute.

Traffic & Commute Reality

AM Rush (0600-0800):

H-2 Southbound to Schofield: Moderate (20-30 min from Mililani)
H-1 to H-2 North: Heavy (40-60 min from Kapolei/Ewa Beach)

PM Rush (1600-1800):

H-2 Northbound from Schofield: Moderate (25-35 min to Mililani)
H-1 Westbound: Heavy gridlock (50-70 min to Kapolei/Ewa Beach)

Weekend Traffic:

North Shore (Haleiwa/Waialua): Light, scenic two-lane highway
Honolulu/Waikiki: Heavy tourist traffic, avoid weekends

Pro Tip: Oahu traffic is bad. H-1 is notorious for gridlock. Living close to Schofield (Wahiawa, Mililani) saves hours per week.

Commissary & Exchange

Schofield Commissary:

Large, well-stocked (fresh produce, meat, bakery)
Open 7 days/week (0900-1900 weekdays, 0800-1800 weekends)
Save 30-40% vs local grocery stores (Hawaii groceries are expensive)

Schofield Exchange (PX):

Full-service (electronics, clothing, food court, barber)
Gas station (10-15 cents/gallon cheaper than off-base)

Off-Base Shopping:

Costco (Kapolei, Iwilei) - Bulk savings critical in Hawaii
Target (Mililani, Kapolei) - Convenient but pricier than commissary
Foodland/Safeway - Local chains, expect $7/gallon milk, $8/lb chicken

Reality: Shop commissary religiously. Off-base groceries are 30-50% more expensive. Costco membership pays for itself in 2 months.

Weather & Climate

Year-Round: 70-85°F (tropical paradise, minimal seasonal variation)

Rainy Season (Nov-Mar):

Windward side (Kaneohe) gets most rain (trade winds)
Central Oahu (Schofield/Mililani) moderate rain
North Shore (winter surf season) dramatic waves, heavy rain

Dry Season (Apr-Oct):

Less rain, hotter (85-90°F typical)
Hurricane season (Jun-Nov) but direct hits rare

Military Considerations:

No snow days, no extreme heat, perfect year-round training weather
High humidity year-round (mold/mildew in housing common—dehumidifiers essential)
Outdoor gear rusts fast (salt air)

Pro Tip: Invest in dehumidifiers for every closet/bedroom—mold is a constant battle in Hawaii housing.

What's It Like to Live at Schofield Barracks?

Deployment Tempo & Quality of Life

Deployment Reality:
Schofield is high-tempo. As the primary Army combat force in INDOPACOM, the 25th Infantry Division has frequent rotations to Asia-Pacific (South Korea, Japan, Philippines, Australia, Thailand). Expect 9-12 month deployments or 3-6 month rotations every 18-24 months.

Typical Deployment Cycle:

Korea (RSOI): 3-6 months (rotation)
JRTC at Fort Polk: 4-6 weeks (pre-deployment training)
Pacific Pathways: 3-6 months (multi-country rotations)
Afghanistan/Middle East: Less frequent now but still possible

Quality of Life (Pros):

✅ Hawaii lifestyle: Beaches, surfing, hiking, outdoor recreation unmatched
✅ No extreme weather: Year-round 70-85°F, no snow/ice/tornadoes
✅ DoDEA schools: Top-notch education for military kids
✅ Community: Strong 25th ID culture, tight-knit military families
✅ Travel opportunities: Cheap flights to Asia (Tokyo $400, Seoul $500)

Quality of Life (Cons):

❌ High cost of living: Everything is expensive (rent, groceries, gas, childcare)
❌ Island isolation: 2,500 miles from mainland (flights $500-800 to West Coast)
❌ Deployment tempo: Frequent rotations disrupt family life
❌ Traffic: H-1 gridlock if you live far from base
❌ Limited job market: Spouse employment difficult (small island economy)

Honest Assessment:
Schofield is the dream assignment on paper—Hawaii, beaches, paradise. Reality is expensive cost of living + high deployment tempo + island isolation. Best for: Soldiers who prioritize outdoor lifestyle, don't mind frequent deployments, and can live on-base to control costs. Worst for: Families with tight budgets, dual-income needs, or aversion to deployments.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Real Numbers (E5 with Dependents):

On-Base Housing (Recommended):

Rent: $0 (covered by BAH, no out-of-pocket)
Utilities: $0 (included in on-base housing)
Commute: 5-10 min (gas $100/month)
Groceries: $1,000/month (commissary savings)
Childcare: $0 (on-base CDC, 6-12 month wait) or $1,500 (off-base)
Misc: $500

Total Monthly (On-Base): $1,600-3,100 (depending on childcare)

Off-Base Housing (Mililani Example):

Rent: $3,400/month (3BR house)
Utilities: $400/month (electric, water, internet, trash)
Commute: 20 min (gas $250/month)
Groceries: $1,200/month (mix commissary + off-base)
Childcare: $1,500/month (daycare)
Misc: $500

Total Monthly (Off-Base): $7,250

BAH Reality:
E5 BAH with dependents (Honolulu County) = ~$3,500/month (2025). Off-base rent alone exceeds BAH ($3,400 rent + $400 utilities = $3,800 total housing cost). You'll pay $300/month out-of-pocket just for housing, then add groceries, gas, childcare on top.

Savings Potential:

On-Base: Modest—can save $500-1,000/month if no childcare costs
Off-Base: Minimal—expect to break even or pay out-of-pocket for housing gap

State Income Tax:
Hawaii taxes military pay (1.4-11% progressive). E5 with dependents expect $200-400/month withheld. No sales tax (4% excise tax instead, built into prices).

Pro Tip: On-base housing is the financial winner in Hawaii. Off-base sounds appealing but math doesn't work—you'll pay $500-1,500/month more for the "privilege" of living off-base, then sit in traffic 10+ hours/week.

Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality

Overview:
Oahu job market is tight. Tourism, military, and government dominate. Most private-sector jobs pay below mainland rates while cost of living is 85% higher. Remote work (mainland employer) is best option if possible.

Top Employers (Spouse-Friendly):

Schofield Barracks (NAF/APF jobs): Retail, childcare, admin ($15-20/hr)
Tripler Army Medical Center: Nursing, admin, medical support ($20-30/hr)
Hawaii Pacific Health: Hospitals/clinics statewide ($18-28/hr)
Honolulu Airport/Tourism: Hospitality, customer service ($12-18/hr + tips)
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard: Skilled trades, engineering ($25-40/hr)
Remote Work: Mainland employer (keep CONUS salary = best option)

Typical Salaries (Oahu):

Retail/Hospitality: $12-18/hr (below living wage in Hawaii)
Office Admin: $16-22/hr
Registered Nurse: $38-48/hr (high demand, best local job)
Teacher (DOE): $52K-68K/year (decent pay, summers off)

Reality Check:
Most local jobs pay 30-40% below mainland rates while cost of living is 85% higher. $18/hr in Hawaii = poverty wages. Best strategy: Remote work for mainland company (keep CONUS salary while living in Hawaii) or on-base NAF jobs (flexible hours, military-family-friendly).

Childcare Availability

On-Base CDC (Best Option):

Schofield Child Development Center - $600-1,200/month (rank/income based)
Wait List: 6-12 months typical (get on list immediately after PCS orders)
Hours: 0600-1800 weekdays (accommodates military schedules)

Off-Base Daycare:

Cost: $1,500-2,000/month (full-time, infant/toddler)
Availability: Limited, high demand, long wait lists
Quality: Variable (research carefully, visit in person)

Pro Tip: Apply for on-base CDC the day you get PCS orders. Wait list is long but cost savings ($1,000/month) and convenience (on-base, military-schedule-friendly) are worth it.

Family Life & Recreation

What Makes Schofield Great for Families:

✅ World-class beaches (North Shore, Waikiki, Lanikai)
✅ Outdoor recreation (hiking, surfing, snorkeling, diving)
✅ DoDEA schools (excellent education)
✅ Strong military community (25th ID families tight-knit)
✅ Year-round perfect weather (no snow days, no extreme heat)

Challenges for Families:

❌ High cost of living (everything expensive)
❌ Deployment tempo (frequent separations)
❌ Island isolation (mainland family visits expensive, $1,500+ round-trip)
❌ Limited spouse employment (tough job market)

Family Activities (Free/Low-Cost):

Beaches: North Shore (Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach), Waikiki, Lanikai
Hiking: Diamond Head, Manoa Falls, Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
Schofield MWR: Free pools, gyms, bowling, movie theater, outdoor recreation rentals

Family Activities (Paid):

Pearl Harbor Museums: USS Arizona, USS Missouri, Aviation Museum ($15-30)
Sea Life Park: Aquarium, dolphin shows ($50/adult, $35/child)
Polynesian Cultural Center: Full-day cultural experience ($70-150)

Common Questions About Schofield Barracks

Q: Is Schofield Barracks a good duty station?
A: Yes, if you prioritize outdoor lifestyle and can manage high cost of living. Hawaii is paradise but expensive—on-base housing strongly recommended. Deployment tempo is high (25th ID rotates to Asia-Pacific frequently). Best for soldiers who love beaches, hiking, and don't mind frequent deployments.

Q: Should I live on-base or off-base at Schofield?
A: On-base for 90% of soldiers. Off-base sounds appealing (live in Hawaii!) but rent is $3,200-4,500/month, utilities $300-500, and commute from desirable areas (Mililani, Kapolei) adds 40-120 min/day. On-base = no rent/utilities out-of-pocket, 10-min commute, DoDEA schools guaranteed. Off-base only makes sense if you have substantial extra income or prioritize beach lifestyle over finances.

Q: How bad is the cost of living in Hawaii?
A: Very high—85% above national average. Milk $7/gallon, gas $4.50-5.50/gallon, rent $3,200-4,500 for 3BR. BAH covers rent but you'll pay utilities ($400) + groceries ($1,200) + gas ($250) = $1,850/month before childcare. Shop commissary religiously (saves 30%), live on-base if possible, avoid dining out ($15-25/entree typical).

Q: What are the schools like at Schofield?
A: DoDEA schools are excellent (8-9/10 ratings)—Solomon Elementary, Shafter Elementary, Radford High. Small class sizes, experienced teachers, military-connected students. Local public schools variable (Mililani 8/10, Wahiawa 6/10, North Shore 6/10). On-base housing guarantees DoDEA enrollment—off-base is space-available.

Q: What's the deployment tempo like at Schofield?
A: High—25th Infantry Division is INDOPACOM's primary Army combat force. Expect 9-12 month deployments or 3-6 month rotations (Korea, Japan, Philippines, Australia) every 18-24 months. JRTC rotations at Fort Polk pre-deployment. Less Middle East now but still possible.

Q: Can my spouse find a job in Hawaii?
A: Difficult but possible. Local economy is tight (tourism, military, government). Most jobs pay 30-40% below mainland rates ($12-18/hr retail, $16-22/hr admin). Best options: Remote work for mainland employer (keep CONUS salary), on-base NAF jobs (flexible, military-friendly), or nursing (high demand, $38-48/hr). Avoid local retail/hospitality unless supplementary income.

Q: How do I get furniture to Hawaii?
A: Full DITY/PPM authorized (Army pays to ship up to weight allowance). Most soldiers ship household goods via military PCS move (free, 6-8 weeks transit). Buying furniture on Oahu is expensive ($2,000+ for couch, $1,500+ for mattress). Ship everything you own—replacing on-island costs more than shipping.

Q: What's the best neighborhood for Schofield families?
A: On-base housing is best value (no rent/utilities, DoDEA schools, short commute). If off-base, Mililani is top choice ($3,200-3,800 rent, 8/10 schools, 20-min commute). Wahiawa is cheapest ($2,800-3,400) but schools weaker (6/10). Avoid Kapolei/Ewa Beach (brutal commute 40-60 min) unless you prioritize beach access over finances.

Next Steps

Planning Your Schofield PCS

1. Apply for On-Base Housing ASAP
Contact Actus Lend Lease (808-624-3337) the day you get PCS orders. Wait list is 3-6 months—start early.

2. Get on CDC Wait List
On-base Child Development Center saves $1,000/month vs off-base daycare. Apply immediately.

3. Calculate Your Budget
Use our PCS Copilot → to generate your custom 180-day timeline with JTR-compliant entitlements and Hawaii-specific cost projections.

Based on Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Official regulations →

4. Understand DITY/PPM
Full household goods shipment authorized to Hawaii (8-10 weeks transit). DITY/PPM can save money but complex for Hawaii moves. LES Auditor → calculates your exact entitlements.

5. Research DoDEA Schools
Visit DoDEA Pacific → for school calendars, registration, enrollment priority.

6. Ask Questions
Use Ask Military Expert → for specific Schofield questions—our AI has 6,539 military knowledge embeddings including Hawaii PCS intel.

Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem
Schofield Barracks Official Site - Base information, contacts, welcome packets
DoDEA Pacific Schools - School enrollment, calendars, policies

Last verified: January 24, 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

Schofield Barracks PCS Guide - Housing & Local Intel