Bellows

Fond memories of heading out to Bellows Beach when growing up, listening to Country Comfort's "Waimanalo Blues" or other favorites of J&R's "Hawaiian Soul", Beamer Brother's "Honolulu City Lights", Olomana...Still the home of beautiful white sandy beaches and Military vacation cabins, Bellows now hosts some of the tastiest food truck and popup dishes one can imagine! I have come to expect the random rotisserie chicken stand at the entrance to Bellows (just off Kalanianaole Highway). Today, I was completely blown away by the dozen food trucks and stands set up this past Sunday! It was my first time going to buy Aloha (crispy beef) Island Jerky, not at a trade show, so the reason for my drive into Waimanalo. I left with a happy tummy and enough food for another day or two! Highlights of my purchases:- My favorite seafood ceviche (also seen occasionally at Ward Blaisdell Wednesday farmers market) - delicious pastele plate (pastele, gandule rice, 2 panadilla, and Mac salad) by Keekseatz. Sooo ono! Yes, I would buy this again! Also avail for catering.- recomnended by Jerky guys was pastele lumpia, delicious (3 pieces for $10). Even better the kalo/apple banana lumpia served with a coconut sauce (2 pieces for $6). Man... these were broken da mouth memorable! Good thing they are not in town; would probably be tempted to get every week! From the white last food truck (sorry I didn't get the name).And yes, got my favorite crispy beef jerky by Aloha Island Jerky! Some for me and some for visiting friends. I like it because there is less sugar on paper thin shavings of jerky. Because less sugar and thinner, it may not be as crunchy as some other brands still so delicious without a whole lotta "extra stuff not wanted". Favorite flavors picked up today included: Poké, Spicy Siracha, Taegu, and original. Thank you Cody! Thank you Shantell. Thank you AIJ ohana for always taking good care of dis aunty!Had to skip on the smoked meat, laulaus, koala moa chicken, sweets for another time tho...it was tempting! Another time then. And there will be another time! I believe the food truck paina only set up on Sunday. ...Maybe next Sunday. :-)

For me this is one of the most peaceful places on earth. The installation is also one of the most beautiful ones too. So many wonderful memories here. The staff are exceptional and they personify the meaning of aloha. It's always sad to leave here at the end of your vacation.Will always be grateful to the AF for retaining this much needed MWR jewel for all our families. Under the joint base "takeover", the Navy plan was to bulldoze everything and make the entire installation a private housing area and playground for senior Flag Grade officers. So glad this awesome rest and relaxation spot is preserved for future generations of military families of all ranks. Even the lowest ranks should experience this place. Mahalo AF, Bellows, and staff. Mahalo to all of you for reading my review.

A gem of a place on the Windward side of Oahu. Not many can enjoy they piece of paradise because it it only open to U.S.A. Military and their invited guests. I was fortunate to experience this beautiful place with family. We rented a pavilion for the day and were able to take care of approximately 50 people and have an array of food from Terri Chicken, Kalbi, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs. For me BBQ meats I love the taste and the charred texture it's what makes it a great BBQ. Aside from the main entrees we had the basic compliments Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns with the basic condiments and of course can't go with out rice, friend noodles and array of vegetable and fruits. We had so much food that we had enough for 2nds, 3rds and dinner.Hahaha! A typical family meal and then some. As for the facilities we were able to rent kayaks, paddle boards and boogie boards BUT do to the ocean conditions we were only able to rent boogie boards. OMGoodness the waves were pounding the first one took me and I landed on my hip. Ouch!!! But that didn't stop me I went out for more and just went with the wave and not fight it. That was a much better solution.The Air Force really keeps this magnificent. Kiddos for keeping the recreation area and beach area in tip top shape. If given an opportunity I would go back for sure.

Stayed as a guest in a cabin. The power went out and we called the directed number to call "after hours" (1930). The security gentlemen that answered shortly said "yea, we're aware the power is out" before hanging up abruptly without any insight. I understand it can be a stressful situation trying to figure out what's going on; however, it's also part of your job to give a bit of insight instead of being rude over the phone to a guest whose simply attempting to report an issue as we're supposed to. Beautiful location... poor customer service especially for a recreation location.

Last review of 2016 and what a way to bring in the New Year with a two night stay at Bellows in a Water front cabin with an amazing view of our favorite beach in Hawaii! Excellent accommodations and great value for families. I posted some pictures to show the amenities, but they also have free wifi, shopette/gas nearby, and comes with a full kitchen!! Check in was a breeze and we couldn't be happier with booking and staying here to bring in the new year!

When I think of "cabin on the beach" is another word for "GLAMPING." It's not really camping if you have a bed and all the amenities like running water, plumbing, electricity and a front door. But I get it, sometimes you just want to "camp" without the hassle of pitching that tent, starting a grill/fire etcetera...etcetera. Bellows Air Force Station affords active duty military, military retirees, reservists, National Guard, current and retired DoD employees with an authorized ID card this convenience. If you don't fall into any one of these categories, you might know someone that can sponsor you to get a cabin.There are family and group campsites available here for those who want the security of being on base. If you opt for outdoor camping there are bathroom facilities nearby. However, generators are not allowed and/or campfires but there is are firepits for the group campsites.**Best part of the camping experience here is the BEAUTIFUL and breathtaking BELLOWS BEACH! It's actually a long strip of beach "divided" by the imaginary "line" of the public beach and the military beach. The military side has wonderful amenities such as shower stalls in the bathrooms, outdoor showers, beach and golf pavilions, covered deck and a conference room. Check Turtle Cove or online at http://bellowsafs.com/ for more information. And to make it just a tad bit better, if you don't own your own outdoor equipment - you can rent anything from bikes & coolers, camping gear to water sports/craft items as well as party equipment like generators, canopy tents, snow cone machines and bouncers. Military life does have its perks and this is one of them.The cabin closer to the beach are older and is really just the basic stuff. It's really quite basic and you'll find yourself wanting to be just outdoors the entire time and cringing to sleep inside. The cabins need to be updated and renovated. It really is such a dichotomy from the great outdoors and you'll find yourself wishing you were camping outdoors versus feeling boxed in to this dated and dreary "cabin." But for the price and location (and if you're not too particular) this isn't bad. I've stayed in the "cabin" and would have preferred to be roughing it in my own clean tent.

Great private beach. Secluded and no crowds. Only open Fridays after 12pm and Saturday's and Sundays. Apparently this beach is known for Portuguese Man o' War. We did not see any but apparently we were very lucky. Not sure if a lifeguard was in the stand but there was a lifeguard stand there.

Substandard Condition on Ocean Front Cabin (329A)1. I killed 3 roaches2. Rust on appliances3. Old style window AC noise will keep you up at night4. Don't stay overnight. Stay on the beach all day. 5. Read all the one star reviews. 6. Good reviews from years ago don't count. Read recent ones. 7. Staff are not so welcoming. 8. They let their phones ring so you are to hang up and go to the website. 9. A review of the newer condos are not better. 10. $185 a night was not worth the money unless you like roaches.

Awesome And Beautiful Beach with Cabins and Camping. For Military, Retired and Family.

***Pre/During COVID-19 Visit***This review is for the MILITARY side of the beach and you MUST have a DOD ID card in order to gain access. Otherwise, if you are in a vehicle with someone who has military base privileges, then it should be no issue. Otherwise, you would have to be sponsored. I've been going to this beach for as long as I can remember and it is still my favorite one. I like the fact that it's obviously only open to military members and their dependents, retirees like myself, DOD civilians, contractors. You just feel safer because it's on government property. The beach is huge! Tons of room to lay out on the sand, go swimming and other such water activities. There is a shoppette on base, but make sure you check the hours. They don't stay open long unlike the other PX's on the island. We also stayed here in the cabins on two occasions and LOVED it both times! The breeze feels so good regardless of the time of day. Perfect time to go on a nice brisk walk in the evenings or mornings and see the sunrise/sunset. I also enjoyed that it was only open to residents of Oahu during COVID-19. However, that's changed now since the island is slowly reopening. Also, if you see a turtle, please leave it alone! Mahalo!!!