Dillingham Airfield

Dillingham Airfield

Dillingham Airfield is a scenic airstrip on Oahu's North Shore known for recreational skydiving, glider tours, and military aviation training. Nestled between the Waianae Mountains and the ocean, the airfield offers thrilling aerial experiences and has also served as a filming location for popular TV shows. Operated by the state under a lease from the U.S. Army, Dillingham is both a functional airport and a destination for aviation enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Dillingham Airfield, Oahu

Dillingham Airfield (view panorama)× , 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.


Key Features of Dillingham Airfield

  • Skydiving and gliding hub: A premier location for tandem skydiving and scenic glider rides along Oahu's North Shore.
  • Military training site: Used by the U.S. Army for night vision device training and other operations.
  • Historic use: First used by the military in the 1920s and expanded during World War II.
  • Filming location: Featured in the TV series Lost and Hawaii Five-0 due to its remote setting and sweeping landscapes.
  • Panoramic trail views: Popular hiking trails nearby like Kealia Trail provide stunning views of the airfield and coastline.


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Reviews and Comments:
 
"but having so much access could be a problem"
for whom ?
Peter Brit, Tue Apr 07, 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 , Sun Mar 08, 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.
North shore community , Fri Jan 30, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

🪂What activities are offered at Dillingham Airfield?

The airfield is primarily used for tandem skydiving and scenic glider flights, offering unforgettable aerial views of Oahu's North Shore.

🎬Has Dillingham Airfield been featured in any TV shows?

Yes, the airfield was used as a filming location for scenes in Lost and Hawaii Five-0.

📍Where is Dillingham Airfield located?

It's located on the North Shore of Oahu, west of Waialua on Farrington Highway (State Hwy 930).

🥾Can I hike near the airfield?

Yes, the Kealia Trail begins near the entrance to Dillingham Airfield and leads to panoramic views overlooking the airstrip and ocean.