Frequently Asked Questions

AFTER HOURS CHECK-IN

WHERE DO I CHECK-IN FOR MY RESERVATION AFTER THE FRONT DESK CLOSES?

Visit the Base Defense Operations Center (BDOC) window inside the Reservations/Turtle Cove (Bldg. 220) lobby for after-hours check-in.

WHAT ARE CONSIDERED “AFTER-HOURS”?
The Front Desk closes Sun – Thu at 7:00 pm, Fri at 10:00 pm, and Sat at 8:00 pm.

ALCOHOL

  • ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY NOT BE CONSUMED PAST THE SAND DUNES ON ANY PORTION OF BELLOWS BEACH.
    Pavilion/campsite/cabin guests may bring their own alcohol to be consumed in their rented space.
  • Deck rentals are not permitted to bring their own alcohol but may hire the Turtle Cove bartender for their event (house alcohol prices apply.)
  • Lanai patrons are not permitted to bring their own alcohol but may purchase alcohol from Turtle Cove or the Bartender.

CABINS

WHAT ARE THE CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT TIMES?
Cabins and Condo Unit Rentals: Check-in: 3 pm/Check-out: 10 am
Sorry, there are no late check-outs. Fees apply.

MAY I CHECK IN EARLY OR CHECK OUT LATE WHEN MOVING CABINS?
We cannot guarantee a new cabin will be ready when a guest checks out and is moving to a new cabin. Whenever possible we attempt to allow early check-in. On high customer traffic days (Fridays & Sundays) it is extremely difficult. Late checkouts are assessed on a case-by-case basis. There is no guarantee. Fees apply.

MAY I RESERVE MORE THAN ONE CABIN?
Yes, each SPONSOR FAMILY may reserve a maximum of two (2) cabins (upon availability). We cannot guarantee side-by-side units, but we will do our best to accommodate your request.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SLEEP IN A CABIN?
One-bedroom units will sleep four people (one queen-size bed and one sleeper sofa). Two-bedroom units will sleep six people (one queen-size bed, two twin beds, and one sleeper sofa). Sleeper sofas are available in most units.

DO YOUR CABINS HAVE AIR CONDITIONING?
The majority of the cabins do not have air conditioning; however, ceiling fans are in all bedrooms and living areas. All Nā Mokulua condo units have central air conditioning and ceiling fans.

WHY CAN’T WE CHANGE TO A DIFFERENT CABIN?
Due to high occupancy and high turnover rates, we discourage changing cabins in order to reduce operating costs and manage individual housekeeper workload.

MAY I CHOOSE MY CABIN NUMBER?
No. The property management system automatically selects rooms. Manual entry of rooms may create gaps in availability. Cabins are assigned when a guest checks in. Due to limited inventory and high turnover, our day’s departures also become our day’s arrivals. This is the reason we book by Cabin Type, not by room number.

MAY I GUARANTEE A SIDE-BY-SIDE CABIN?
Due to high occupancy, guaranteed side-by-side cabins are difficult. We try to accommodate on a case-by-case basis.

IS THERE A CABIN WE CAN VIEW?
We do not give tours or allow access to vacant cabins. Please check the website for interior photos: Cabins • Condos • Camper Cabins

CAMPER CABINS

WHAT ARE THE CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT TIMES?
Camper Cabins: Check-in: 3 pm/Check-out: 10 am
Sorry, there are no late check-outs. Fees apply.

CAN I RESERVE A CAMPER CABIN FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS?
Camper Cabins may be reserved from a minimum of two (2) nights to a maximum of twenty-one (21) nights. Reservations may be extended in seven-day increments (upon availability).

ARE LINENS PROVIDED?
No linens are provided for Camper Cabin rentals. Guests may rent sleeping bags at Turtle Cove.

DO YOUR CAMPER CABINS HAVE ELECTRICITY?
Cedar Camper Cabins DO NOT have electricity. Personal generators are NOT allowed in Cedar Camper Cabins.

 

CAMPFIRES

MAY GUESTS USE PERSONAL PORTABLE/COVERED FIRE PITS, BBQ PITS, GRILLS, OR GAS STOVES?
Personal portable/covered fire pits, BBQ pits, grills, or gas stoves are not permitted near buildings. Current rules prohibit open or unattended campfires except in designated fire rings in the Group Campsites. Campsite policy states, “Cooking units must be located at least 6 feet from any building, tent, or combustible material and at least 3 feet off the ground.” Wood-burning is ONLY allowed in Group Campsite fire rings. No wood will be provided. Clearing of trees is grounds for immediate removal from the base without a refund.

CAMPING

WHAT ARE THE CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT TIMES?
Family & Group Campsites: Check-in: 3 pm/Check-out: 10 am
Sorry, there are no late check-outs. Fees apply.

CAN I RESERVE MORE THAN ONE CAMPSITE?
Yes, each SPONSOR FAMILY may occupy two (2) campsites simultaneously.

CAN I RESERVE A FAMILY CAMPSITE FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS?
Yes, stays of 14 nights or more require a 25% deposit.

HOW MANY PEOPLE/TENTS ARE ALLOWED AT THE CAMPSITES?
Family Campsites allow 10 registered overnight guests per site and 2 tents.

Group Campsites allow 75 registered overnight guests and 15 tents.

DO YOUR CAMPSITES HAVE ELECTRICITY?
Family Campsites and Group Campsites DO NOT have electricity.

Personal generators ARE NOT allowed in Family Campsites.

Personal generators ARE allowed in Group Campsites (restrictions apply, inquire for details).

COMPUTER ACCESS

WHERE MAY I ACCESS A COMPUTER/PRINTER?
Free wireless high-speed internet access is available across the base. Printer access is available at the Front Desk; see Front Desk staff for assistance. There are no computers available for guest usage.

ARE THERE CAC READERS IN THE LOBBY?
There are no computers available for guest usage.

 

DRONES

Recreational drones and personal aircraft are NOT permitted on Bellows Air Force Station.

WHY DO I SEE DRONES BEING FLOWN ON BELLOWS AFS?
Official government, scientific, and educational drone research is permitted with prior approval from the Installation Commander.

 

ELIGIBILITY

WHO CAN USE THE FACILITIES, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES AT BELLOWS AFS?
Eligible patrons are active duty military personnel, military retirees, reservists, National Guard, current and retired DoD civilian employees, their family members with an authorized ID card, and disabled veterans with VA Health Identification Card.

BELLOWS AFS ID CARD POLICY UPDATE
Personnel with expired IDs WILL NOT BE PERMITTED on Bellows Air Force Station. There are NO exceptions to this policy.

  • DoD CAC holders MUST have a current, unexpired ID card
  • Any authorized ID cardholder with an expired ID card MUST be accompanied by a sponsor with a valid, unexpired ID card

Learn More

MAY I SPONSOR FOREIGN GUESTS AT BELLOWS AFS?
DoD ID Cardholders with Foreign National Guests are required to make contact with Security Forces 30 days prior to visit. This is to ensure they are properly vetted and approved for the visit/stay. Please contact our Base Defense Operations Center (BDOC) at (808) 448-4916 or (808) 259-4200 to inquire about your Foreign National Guest.

Learn More

 

MAY FOREIGN MILITARY STAY AT BELLOWS AFS OR USE THE FACILITIES?
Military personnel of foreign nations and their family members are permitted when on orders from the United States Armed Forces, or in overseas area when the Major Command commander grants privileges in the best interest of the United States. Please contact our Base Defense Operations Center (BDOC) at (808) 448-4916 or (808) 259-4200 for questions.

MAY NON-RETIREE VETERANS STAY AT BELLOWS AFS OR USE THE FACILITIES?
Disabled veterans with VA Health Identification Card may stay at Bellows AFS and use the facilities.

MAY MILITARY CONTRACTORS WITH A CAC CARD STAY AT BELLOWS AFS OR USE THE FACILITIES?
Military contractors may access the beach but may NOT make lodging or party rental reservations.

ESCORTING GUESTS

HOW DO I SPONSOR GUESTS ONTO BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION?
Eligible patrons may sponsor family members and friends as their guests. Sponsors must obtain the required security authorization for their guests – military identification and/or DoD civilian identification required for sponsors. Sponsors are responsible for check-in and check-out and must remain with their guests during quiet hours. Special Functions require additional security authorization and approval. For more information, please see Special Functions Agreement & Forms.

• All non-military ID guests must be sponsored onto the installation by an authorized cardholder.

• DoD Card Holders may sponsor guests in their vehicle without a day pass. Additional vehicles require passes. Visit our Base Access page for more info.

• All foreign nationals must be vetted 30 days in advance of being allowed access to Bellows Air Force Station.

• All guests over the age of 16 must have a photo ID on their person at all times.

• Approval of Guest List should be done no less than 5 duty days prior to the function. For more details see the Special Functions Agreement & Forms.

• Persons being sponsored, and thereby requesting access to Bellows Air Force Station, who do not have an approved government-issued credential or state driver’s license compliant with the Real ID Act of 2005 will be required to provide a second form of identification before being granted access.

 

Learn More

FERAL ANIMALS

You may see feral pigs, mongoose, peacocks, and cats. They pose a serious risk to endangered waterbirds in the wetland area and nesting sea turtles on the beach, and can be a nuisance to people as well! DO NOT FEED cats, birds, or any feral animals. Keep all food items secured and covered.

BELLOWS AFS HAS A HUMANE TRAPPING PROGRAM TO HELP REDUCE FERAL ANIMAL POPULATIONS.

TAMPERING WITH THE TRAPS, INCLUDING THE RELEASE OF FERAL ANIMALS, IS GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM BASE.

RECREATIONAL BOW HUNTING
Marine Corps Base (MCB) Hawaii has a recreational bow hunting program for feral pigs at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows (MCTAB), providing quality recreational opportunities to sustain the morale and welfare of troops, and supports personnel as part of the US Marine Corps mission. Department of Defense personnel and members of the general public are eligible to participate. Contact Marine Corps Base Hawaii for more information. https://www.mcbhawaii.marines.mil/Offices-Staff/S-4-Installations-Logistics/Facilities/Environmental/Hunting-Regulations/

FISHING

Authorized fishing areas are limited to the jetty (adjacent to Waimanalo Stream), between cabins 449B and 455B, and from cabin 455A up to the Distinguished Visitor fence. The Distinguished Visitor area beyond the fence is OFF LIMITS. Occupants of beachside cabins between 310B to 449B are permitted to fish outside their cabins, provided they are on the rental agreement. All other areas, including the beach, are prohibited.

GENERATORS

Generators are ONLY allowed in Group Campsites or near pavilions. Guests may inquire at Turtle Cove for rentals and more details. Generators are NOT PERMITTED in Family Campsites or Cedar Camper Cabins.

GRILLS/BBQS

All BBQ/grilling charcoal MUST be disposed of in designated coal pits. DO NOT place coals or ash into dumpsters, leach/septic mounds outside cabins, or in dunes. BBQs/grills are NOT permitted on the beach.

GUEST SERVICES

WHAT HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?
Our daily services include: trash collection, making beds, cleaning restrooms, replenishing amenities, replacing towels, mopping, and sweeping floors. For lengthy stays, linens are changed every fifth day. Each cabin is stocked with six sets of towels (bath towel, hand towel, washcloth), one bath mat, one dish towel, and one dishcloth.

DOES BELLOWS AFS HAVE A LAUNDROMAT?
A coin-operated, self-serve launderette is located at AAFES EXPRESS (Bldg. 313). The facility is open 24-hours and change machines are available.

Learn More

DO YOU PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO BELLOWS AFS?
No, we do not provide transportation. Bellows AFS is approximately 30 minutes away from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and the Honolulu International Airport.

TheBus is the City and County of Honolulu’s public transportation. This cost-saving option offers extensive routes and destinations with special visitor passes for multi-day use. However, the nearest bus stop is on Kalanianaʻole Highway, approximately 3.5 miles from the main gate. There are a variety of car rental companies near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

HOURS OF OPERATION

All hours given are Hawaii Standard Time (HST).

Reservations:
Mon – Fri • 8:30 am – 6:30 pm excluding federal holidays

Front Desk:
Sun – Thu • 8 am – 7 pm
Friday • 8 am – 10 pm
Saturday • 8am – 8 pm

Turtle Cove:
Daily • 8 am – 6 pm

Braddah’s BrewHouse Coffee:
Fri – Mon • 7 am – 2 pm
*Check the Special Events calendar for special hours

Pau Hana Pub:
Thu – Sat • 3 – 9 pm
Sun • 12 – 6 pm
*Check the Special Events calendar for special hours

Housekeeping:
Daily by request • 8:30 – 11 am & 3 – 4:30 pm

AAFES Shoppette:
Daily • 8 am – 8 pm

Teapresso Bar:
Thu – Sun • 10 am – 4 pm
CLOSED Mon – Wed

 

HOUSEKEEPING

WHAT HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?
Our services include: trash collection, making beds, cleaning restrooms, replenishing amenities, sweeping and mopping floors, and towel replacement. For lengthy stays, linens are changed every fifth day. Each cabin is stocked with six (6) sets of towels (bath towel, hand towel, washcloth), one bath mat, one dish towel, and one dishcloth.

WHY ARE THE CABIN FLOORS SO EASILY DIRTIED?
It may be difficult to keep the floors clean during a stay due to the sand from the ocean and debris from the surrounding trees that are brought into the cabin from the foot traffic.

WHEN ARE LINENS CHANGED?
Linen is changed every 5 days after check-in or upon request. Linen fees
may apply.

WHEN IS HOUSEKEEPING COMING BY?
Cabin servicing generally occurs between 8:30 – 11 am and 3 – 4:30 pm
daily. Housekeeping is concentrated on all cabin clean-outs between
11 am – 3 pm.

 

INFLATABLES

Inflatable bounce houses are ONLY allowed in Group Campsites or near pavilions. Guests may inquire at Turtle Cove for rentals and more details. Inflatable bounce houses are NOT PERMITTED in Family Campsites.

 

INSECTS

Hawaiian Tropical Climate, wooded areas, and pines are natural insect habitats. We have an intermittent preventative maintenance program in place with Civil Engineering and we also utilize localized control measures based on customer feedback. Guests may help reduce instances of interactions with insects, especially sugar ants, by ensuring all food items are covered and stored properly, dishes are kept clean, and trash is taken out regularly.

INTERNET/WI-FI

All cabins have dedicated, commercial WIFI access for streaming and VPN/business purposes. This WIFI system has no military classification.

 

LANAI RENTAL

The indoor lanai in Turtle Cove is a common area for all Bellows AFS guests and is not available for rental. The Outdoor Deck may be rented for private functions through Turtle Cove.

 

LOBBY

MAY I LEAVE MY PHONE/LAPTOP IN THE LOBBY TO CHARGE?
Do not leave personal items unattended in the Turtle Cove lobby. For liability reasons, we are not able to hold personal items for guests.

LOST & FOUND

The Front Desk is the Point of Contact for guests searching for lost personal items. CAC cards and wallets will be turned in to Security Forces.

LUGGAGE SERVICE

For liability reasons, we are not able to hold personal items for guests. Guests may rent a cooler from Turtle Cove for food items and may wait with their items under their supervision.

 

 

PHONE SERVICE

WHY IS THERE NO PHONE SERVICE IN THE CABINS?
The Bellows AFS phone system was first installed in 1953 and has outlived its usefulness. We are midway through a replacement project to have VOIP phones installed in all cabins. Expected completion by 2024.

 

RENOVATED CABINS

IS THIS A RENOVATED CABIN? HOW CAN IT BE CALLED RENOVATED WHEN IT’S SO OLD?
Currently, Bellows has only 6 non-renovated cabins. All other cabins are considered renovated if they have been renovated or built within the last 20 years.

 

RESERVATIONS

WHEN IS SUMMER AVAILABLE TO BOOK RESERVATIONS?
Summer reservations open for:
• ACTIVE DUTY ONLY (all branches) the second week of November
• Military Retirees the first week of February
• All other categories, to include DoD Civilians, NEX, AAFES, Commissary employees the third week of March

Exact dates are TBA and are announced on our Reservations & Policies page.

HOW SOON CAN WE MAKE RESERVATIONS?
Outside of summer:
• 13 Months (online)/12 Months (phone): Active Duty, and military Retirees
• 12 Months (online)/11 Months (phone): All DOD civilian categories

WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG FOR SOMEONE TO ANSWER THE PHONE?
During peak reservation season (December – April) and Summer season, the call center receives over 500 calls per day. Each call takes 20 to 30 minutes on average.

I AM TRYING TO MAKE A CABIN RESERVATION ONLINE AND “AVAILABLE ROOMS” LISTING ONLY SHOWS A CAMPSITE, PAVILION, OR CONFERENCE ROOM. NOTHING APPEARS REGARDING CABIN AVAILABILITY FOR THE DATES I AM REQUESTING – AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG?
If the “Room Type” you are searching for does not appear on the “Available Rooms” listing, then, unfortunately, we are sold out. You must enter different dates to proceed with your reservation. Our current online reservation system does not allow guests to view vacancies on a monthly calendar. Please call the Reservations Department for assistance in looking up open dates.

IS THERE A WAITING LIST FOR THE CABINS?
We do not retain a waiting list. Cancellations occur frequently, so please call periodically to check availability.

Reservations Office: (808) 259-8080 • Mon – Fri • 8:30 am – 6:30 pm HST excluding federal holidays.

CAN I RESERVE MORE THAN ONE CABIN?
Yes, each SPONSOR FAMILY may reserve a maximum of 2 cabins (upon availability). We cannot guarantee side-by-side units, but we will do our best to accommodate your request.

CAN I RESERVE MORE THAN ONE CAMPSITE?
Yes, each SPONSOR FAMILY may occupy 2 campsites simultaneously.

CAN I RESERVE A CABIN AND A CAMPSITE?
Yes, each SPONSOR FAMILY may occupy 2 lodging rentals simultaneously. Campsites are considered lodging rentals.

CAN I CHANGE MY RESERVATION ARRIVAL DATE?
If your reservation does not include a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, changes can be made 14 days prior to arrival date with no charge. If your reservation includes a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Federal Holiday, the arrival date may not be changed without canceling the entire reservation.

CAN I RESERVE A CABIN/CONDO UNIT FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS?
Cabin/Condo units may be reserved for a minimum of 2 nights. Stays of 14 nights or more require a 25% deposit.

CAN I RESERVE A FAMILY CAMPSITE FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS?
Family Campsites may be reserved for a minimum of 1 night. Stays of 14 nights or more require a 25% deposit.

CAN I CANCEL, CHANGE, OR CONFIRM MY RESERVATION ONLINE?
Cancellations can be made online, by phone, or in person. For inquiries regarding your reservation, please call the Reservations Office at (808) 259-8080; Mon – Fri • 8:30 am – 6:30 pm HST excluding federal holidays.

I HAVE A RESERVATION – CAN YOU TELL ME WHICH CABIN I WILL BE STAYING IN?
We do not assign cabins until check-in, so unfortunately we are unable to confirm the unit number you will be staying in prior to your arrival.

IF I CANCEL MY RESERVATION, WILL I RECEIVE A REFUND FOR MY DEPOSIT?
Cabins, Condo Units, Campsites, and Camper Cabins: Cancellations made 14 days prior to the arrival date will receive a refund on your deposit (excluding extended stays).

Facility Rentals: Cancellations made 14 days prior to the event date will receive a refund on your deposit.

HOW LONG MAY I STAY?
The maximum length of stay for all property types is 21 days. Exceptions may be approved by the ODR Director or Lodging Manager on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, please see Reservations and Policies.

 

ROCK WALL

There is NO water access from the rock wall. Bellows AFS units are all within walking distance of the beach. ADA units are available for those with physical restrictions. Parking by the beach is also available.

 

SERVICE ANIMALS AND PETS

SERVICE ANIMALS MUST BE HARNESSED, LEASHED, OR TETHERED AT ALL TIMES UNLESS IT INTERFERES WITH THE ANIMAL’S WORK.
Dogs are permitted on the installation from sunrise to sunset in outdoor spaces unless staying in designated dog-friendly lodging and HAVE SIGNED THE GUEST PET POLICY AGREEMENT. Dogs are NOT permitted in any in any building, including: condos, pavilions, deck, Turtle Cove, and AAFES. Service Animals allowed overnight with lawful inquiry. NOTE: Per the ADA, therapy/comfort animals are NOT CONSIDERED “service animals”. For more info, please visit https://adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet. UNAUTHORIZED PETS/ANIMALS ARE SUBJECT TO EVICTION WITHOUT REFUND AND A $250 FEE. VIEW PET POLICY HERE.

 

SMOKING POLICY

Smoking and vaping in and around cabins and condos are STRICTLY PROHIBITED and subject to fines of $250. Smoking or vaping on condo lanais and balconies is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Smoking in the cabin and condo areas is restricted to Designated Smoking Areas only (50 ft away from any building.) Cooking coal dumpsites in each cabin area are designated spaces for guests to smoke.

TENTS

BEACH: Umbrellas, personal shades, and pop-up canopies are permitted. NOTE: Due to unpredictable winds, Bellows AFS is NOT responsible for damage to these items. Camping tents are NOT allowed on Bellows AFS beaches.

CABINS: For safety purposes, tents around cabins are PROHIBITED. No sleeping tents are permitted. Small canopies (approx. 10’x10’) may be erected for sun protection, however, guests are prohibited from sleeping under them during hours of darkness.

VENDORS

Must be coordinated in advance for approval of each vendor and location each vendor will operate. Outside vendors for private parties may NOT sell to day customers.

Bellows Marketplace vendors are coordinated through Turtle Cove.

Contact Turtle Cove for more info, daily from 8 am – 6 pm at (808) 259-4135.

WEDDINGS

For more information, visit our Weddings page. Arches may be set up next to a rented pavilion. There is no guarantee of privacy or beachgoer-free pictures.

Bellows Marketplace vendors are coordinated through Turtle Cove.

Contact Turtle Cove for more info, daily from 8 am – 6 pm at (808) 259-4135.