Dillingham Airfield

Oahu Attraction Guide

Dillingham Airfield

Dillingham Airfield, now Kawaihapai Airfield, is a North Shore aviation landmark known for gliders, skydiving history and mountain views.

Entrance
Entrance

Dillingham Airfield, Oahu

Dillingham Airfield , located on Oahu's north shore, is a public as well as a military use airport. Encompassing an area of 134 acres (0.5 sq. km), it is primarily used for sky diving (parachuting) and gliding tours. Military night operations for night vision device training also take place here. The military started using the airfield in the 1920s, and it was used extensively during World War II.

The airfield is operated by the Hawaii Department of Transportation under a 25-year lease from the U.S. Army. There is one runway measuring 9,007 feet by 75 feet (2,745 m x 23 m).

Dillingham Airfield has also served as a movie filming location in the past. The popular TV series Lost filmed several scenes here because of the airfield's remote location. Also, the TV series Hawaii Five-0 used the airfield in its second episode, Ohana.

The picture shows a bird's eye view of the airfield. It was taken from the crest of the Kealia Trail at an elevation of about 1,000 feet (305 m) above sea level.

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Oahu Activities

Visitor Reviews

Reviews and Ratings

1.0

Rated 1.0 out of 5 based on 3 rated visitor reviews.

Add Your Review
Your rating

Reviews are checked before they appear on the site. If a rating is not selected, the comment will not affect the average rating.

Peter Brit

Tue Apr 07, 2015

"but having so much access could be a problem"
for whom ?

North shore community

Sun Mar 08, 2015

In response to the above comment I would like to add that the state use to allow the business owners and caretakers of the properties being least to remain on the premises for security reason. Such a crime wouldn't have happened had that condition remained in place.The state very generously used to allow two caretakers per property and gave tenants the keys to the gate. It wasn't untill one tenant blantently violated that condition that the state was forced to make changes.

North shore community

Fri Jan 30, 2015

Why is it that some people are favored at dillingham airfield? While most of us have to leave the airfield at 7:00 when they closed the gates but there is 2 or more people that are given access to there facilty at dillingham sure field down on the north shore of Oahu. While from a distance it looks like no one is there because of there blackt out curtains that cover every inch of every window. Although no one is for sure on why they get to stay I think it's very unfair!!! Recently there has been a brake in at one of the companies and a few thousand dollars was stolen and the person or persons that made off with the money was never caught. I'm not implying that the people person that live there have anything to do with it but having so much access could be a problem. Need I remind you that whoever stole the money had a lot of knowledge of the area.

Photo gallery

Browse Dillingham Airfield photos featuring the North Shore airfield, entrance area, mountain views, Farrington Highway scenery and popular filming location setting.

Location, Parking and Directions

Dillingham Airfield, now officially Kawaihapai Airfield, is located near 68 Farrington Highway in Waialua, HI 96791, west of Waialua and Mokuleia on Oahu's North Shore. The map point is kept at the current page coordinates near the airfield area. Visitors usually reach the area by car via Farrington Highway, but access inside the airfield depends on current rules, aviation operations and any booked activity.

Loading map…

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dillingham Airfield located?

Dillingham Airfield, now officially Kawaihapai Airfield, is located near Waialua and Mokuleia on Oahu's North Shore, along Farrington Highway.

Is Dillingham Airfield still open?

The airfield continues as Kawaihapai Airfield, an active aviation facility owned by the U.S. Army and managed by Hawaii DOT under a long-term lease.

What is Dillingham Airfield known for?

It is known for its North Shore aviation setting, gliding history, skydiving activity, military roots, mountain views and remote-looking scenery.

Can visitors walk around Dillingham Airfield?

No casual walk-around visit should be assumed. It is an active airfield, so visitors should follow posted rules, respect restricted areas and confirm access before going.

What is near Dillingham Airfield?

Nearby places include Waialua, Mokuleia, Haleiwa, Farrington Highway North Shore and Kaena Point State Park.