For Newcomers

U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa is part of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Pacific Region. Our mission is to provide a quality joint/combined arm facility that offers logistical and training support as the centerpiece of the U.S. Army Pacific collective training strategy for Hawaii, while maintaining and enduring partnership with the local community.

USAG-Pohakuloa is located on the Island of Hawaii, 250 air miles from Oahu and at 6,200 feet elevation in the saddle between the volcanic mountains of Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and Hualalai. We are the largest Department of Defense installation in Hawaii, consisting of more than 133 thousand acres.

The "Big Island" of Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian island chain and is well known for its active volcanoes, black sand beaches and Kona coffee. It is less well known as home for more than sixty years to a major U.S. military facility that serves as the primary training and largest maneuver area in the Pacific for joint, interagency and multinational forces.

Our cost of living is one of the highest in the nation. PTA is considered a remote assignment, having very limited military resources; we have no on-post family housing, commissary, or medical facilities - uniformed service members and civilian employees alike have to utilize the local economy.

Most of our civilian and military families live in Hilo, on the windward (eastern) coast, located approximately 35 miles from PTA. Hilo is the largest city on the island and the headquarters for the county government. The remaining families live in the north or west part of the island in Waimea or Waikoloa area, approximately 40–50 miles from PTA.

There are two newspapers serving the Island of Hawaii: the Hawaii Tribune Herald and West Hawaii Today. Television news stations operating in Hawaii include KHON, KGMB and KITV.

All newcomers, both uniformed service members and civilians, will be assigned a sponsor to assist you and your family; the deputy commander and command sergeant major assign sponsors.

The Island of Hawaii is an exciting place to live and work. The terrain ranges from rocky seacoast and beaches, to mountain rain forests, to pasture and high desert; all a product of ongoing volcanic activity. In addition to the wide variety of natural beauty, the island has a unique Hawaiian culture. Many say the spirit of Hawaii thirty years ago remains unspoiled by the affect of tourism.

Hawaii residents have a long history and can teach you a great deal about Hawaiian culture and customs. The people of Hawaii are warm and friendly. Prepare yourself to truly get to know Hawaii and the aloha spirit.