Barbers Pt Museum – What To Do In Hawaii

By Greg Estvander

Major, USMCR

Special To Pacific Flyer

Looking for something new and different to do with your family in Hawaii?

Maybe you want to attempt to spark an interest in aviation or the military in your kids, and you thought taking them to a museum might do the trick. But the bar is set high as far as entertainment and holding children's interest is concerned.

You're worried that looking at displays that they are not allowed to touch may not cut it, maybe even have the opposite effect. Hold on.

There a unique museum in Hawaii that is sure to capture your youngsters' imagination and attention, and where they may even learn something as well.

It's called Naval Air Museum Barbers Point (originally The Hawaii Museum of Flying) and was established on Jan. 19th, 1999 at the former Naval Air Station (NAS) Barbers Point.

The airfield is still active and is now called Kalaeloa Airport.

What is it about this museum that will grab your imagination no matter what your age is? Participation!

You don't just stand and view displays that you are not allowed to touch, you experience them. What is it like to sit in the cockpit of an A-4E Skyhawk?

How heavy is a Vietnam era combat load?

Go ahead and sit in that A-4E Skyhawk. You'll never forget it and will cherish the pictures forever that you're sure to take. You can read about a CH-53D Sea Stallion, or you can climb aboard and see for yourself.

Ever wonder how cramped it is in the back of a M-113 Armored Personnel Carrier, or inside a M-60 Tank?

Test it for yourself.

NAMBP has a number of ground displays and equipment from World War II to modern times to satisfy people who are ground pounders at heart. But the focus of the museum is preserving the 70 year history of service of both NAS Barbers Point and Ewa Field.

The numerous aircraft on display are a testament to that, especially as all the aircraft are displayed with meticulous attention to detail to ensure they are historically accurate and are exactly as they appeared during their service at the two airfields.

NAMBP takes an active role in the local civilian and military community on Oahu and has a solid history of supporting local air shows with static displays and living history reenactors. In coordination with local military units, NAMBP will move entire airplanes via military lift to the supported event.

The museum also supports local Marine recruiters by providing PME (Professional Military Education) to Poolies (recruits) and potential recruits, on military history and equipment briefings.

NAMBP is also available to local schools as a place to bring students to get a first hand look at the unique military history of NAS Barbers Point and Ewa Field, the role they played during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and of course, it provides an exciting break from text books and classroom exercises for the students.

In fulfillment of it's additional mission of providing support to the airport upon which it resides, NAMBP, has even provided emergency Air Traffic Control (ATC) support when Kalaeloa Airport's tower was down for repairs. This was accomplished through the fully functional AN TSW-7 portable ATC tower that was donated to the museum by the 297th ATC Squadron in 2001.

This support was indispensible as it allowed the airport to remain operational and to continue to serve the tenets of the airport, which among others, includes the Coast Guard. So if you're in Hawaii and want to experience a bit of history first hand, visit the Naval Air Museum Barbers Point.

NAMBP is a 501(3) c Non-Profit organization. Donations may be made via credit card or PayPal at www.nambarberspoint.org>, or by check via USPS.