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Welcome to the Tropic Lightning Museum
The mission of the Tropic Lightning Museum is to interpret and exhibit the artifacts and related memorabilia that reflect the history of the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, and Wheeler Army Airfield. The museum also serves as an educational institution that supports the training and professional education of military personnel while providing historical education to civilian members of the surrounding community.
In August 1956, the Schofield Barracks Chapter of the 25th Infantry Division Association began collecting the Division's history, memorabilia, and artifacts. On 28 October 1957, the museum committee held its first meeting in a small room behind the Headquarters Commandant's Office. The museum relocated to a larger facility in November 1958, featuring displays of equipment and uniforms, with artillery pieces and military vehicles exhibited outside the building.
When the 25th Infantry Division deployed to Vietnam, responsibility for the museum was transferred to the installation, becoming the Post Museum. While serving in Vietnam, the Division maintained its own collection and displays of captured enemy equipment and historical artifacts. Upon the Division's return to Hawaii, the two unofficial museums were merged into a single historical holding under the guidance of the U.S. Army Center of Military History.
In May 1984, the historical holding was recognized as a provisional U.S. Army Museum by the Chief of Military History. As part of a major renovation and modernization effort, the museum relocated to the renovated Carter Hall, the original Schofield Barracks Post Library. The Tropic Lightning Historical Center officially opened to the public on 1 October 1984.
The next major renovation was completed in conjunction with the 25th Infantry Division's 50th Anniversary. On 1 October 1991, the museum opened two new permanent galleries. The North Gallery tells the history of Schofield Barracks from 1908 through 1942. The South Gallery follows the history of the 25th Infantry Division from its activation through its combat service in the Pacific during World War II and later in Vietnam.
In October 2001, in celebration of the Division's 60th Anniversary, the Tropic Lightning Museum expanded into the north wing of Carter Hall. The expansion included a new Changing Gallery and an adjoining multipurpose room, providing additional space for rotating exhibits and educational programs.
In 2017, the Changing Gallery was converted into the Wheeler Army Airfield Gallery. During the same renovation, the South Gallery was updated to include the Division's peacekeeping operations during the 1990s and its deployments to the Middle East in support of the Global War on Terror.
Plans are underway to develop a Current Operations Gallery that will expand the Tropic Lightning Museum's educational mission while connecting today's Tropic Lightning Soldiers to the Division's 85 years of history, service, and sacrifice. Through its collections, exhibits, and educational programs, the museum will continue to preserve and interpret the enduring legacy of the Tropic Lightning Division for future generations.
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Visit Us
The Tropic Lightning Museum is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The museum is closed Saturday, Sunday, and all federal holidays. Admission is free.
Directions
From Waikiki, take H1 West to H2 North. Follow the interstate Mililani/Wahiawa signs. Pass the exit for Mililani and you will see signs for Schofield Barracks. It will be located on your left as the interstate ends. Turn left at the second light. Pass Foote Gate, located on your right. The second gate on your right will be Lyman Gate.
Enter the post through Lyman Gate. Take Lyman Road straight, then turn right onto Flagler Road. Follow Flagler Road until you come to the traffic circle at Waianae Avenue. Once you have entered the traffic circle, exit at the last turn-off, take an immediate left into the museum's parking lot.
For up-to-date road closures and detours, visit the garrison community calendar.
Post Visitors
All visitors must have a valid visitor pass. Find more information about visitor passes and up-to-date information about accessing the installation on the Visitor Information page.
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History
As part of our mission to tell the story of Schofield Barracks and the 25th Infantry Division, the Tropic Lightning Museum has been collecting personal accounts from those who lived on Schofield Barracks or served with the 25th Infantry Division through our "The Way It Was" program.
If you would be interested in providing your own personal account, then please contact a museum staff member at (808) 787-3945 for more information.
*Please note that the personal accounts collected through this program have not been edited or checked for historical accuracy. They are the sole representations of their authors.
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Opportunities
If you would like to inquire about one of our internship or volunteer opportunities, then please contact a museum staff member at (808) 787-3945 for more information.
Internships
The museum can accommodate one intern per semester. The intern must be enrolled in a college credit, degree or certificate program in history, museum studies or a related field.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be 18 years of age. Preference will be given to applicants who have background experience working in an archive or museum setting, or college education in history, museum studies, or a related field. All volunteer applicants, however, will be given serious consideration regardless of their background, as long as they have a strong interest in the museum and its mission.
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TROPIC LIGHTNING MUSEUM
Primary: (808) 787-3945
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
BLDG 361
1414 Waianae Ave.
Schofield Barracks HI 96857
NOTICE: The museum is closed on all federal holidays