The Tropic Lightning Museum

I've been here a few times and while I haven't written a review yet, I've always enjoyed time spent here.Schofield is such a historic military installation that there are several slices of history contained here. From pre WWI, WWII, post war, and through the modern era, you will certainly find it here.Everything is catalogued expertly and the flow from exhibit to exhibit and from room to room is near effortless. I can go on and on but it's best you check this museum out for yourselves. There is much here that will appeal to the historian in all of us, regardless of age or interest. It's located on Schofield so military, dependent or retiree ID cards required for access.Mahalo for reading my review.

This is the ultimate of hidden gems for war history buffs and free attractions. I've lived in Hawaii a long time and never new this place existed until just recently. It truly is hidden.This museum takes you through over a 100 years of military history in Hawaii and has stories that aren't in the history books or shows. It isn't big, but it is packed with amazing information and background of the US military presence in Hawaii.It is a bit out of the way and a challenge to get to. Located in the middle of Oahu inside of Scholfield Barracks, you will need to be prepared to enter the military base. If you don't have military ID, you will need to enter the Lyman Gate and be on the right lane for a security check. Make sure everyone in the car has their IDs and the vehicle has all the paperwork to show for a base pass. The process could take 20 minutes or longer depending on how many people are trying to get base passes. Also, print directions before you go because you GPS won't work properly once on base.This is a great place for adults and kids. Do call ahead to ensure that they will be open as it is a small operation. They are closed on weekends, but do work on Saturdays so there might be a chance that they will open up for you if you ask nicely.

I never knew this museum existed...All this time I only heard of "Fort Derussy"now know as "U.S. Army museum of Hawaii"..The Tropic lightning museum is located in Schofield barracks.You will have to get a day pass to get in at the Lymen gate. Once you get that you will proceed out of the checkpoint and take your first right turn..follow that road until you come to a roundabout (you will see a Sherman tank) veer left and take a sharp left into the driveway right after the roundabout...that little single storybuilding is the museum ( There should be like 5 stalls reserved for the museum parking) The entry is up the stairs...upon entering you are instructed to use the hand sanitizer...and there is a donation box donations go to maintain and improve museum (I strongly recommend you donate its for a good cause ) The curator (Mr Fields forgot his first name) was super cool..appreciative and was very engaging ....The way the museum is layed out is seperated into the history of Schofield .. the 25th Tropical lightning division and the History of Wheeler Airfield...super cool History with artifacts and actual equipment..weapons and descriptions...If you wanna give homage to the brave and heroic "Tropical lightning 25th division" and all their sacrifices to keep America strong then u must check this out!

Visiting with my Dad at this amazing museum for The 35th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Division. My Great Grandfather was part of this unit.....

We had been to The Tropic Lightning Museum ten years ago, on our first trip to Oahu, just after my husband's father died. We had both been to Hawaii before, and as military brats, were familiar with the history. My father-in-law and his wife were stationed on Oahu in December, 1941, when he was in the Army and his wife was an Army nurse. On our first trip, we retraced the steps of where they had lived in Wahiawa, and visited Scholfield Barracks, where you can still see the furrows made by guns in the landing strip.We stumbled upon the Tropic Lightning Museum on a rainy afternoon and really enjoyed the glimpse into the past that it afforded. Admission is free, but to enter the base, you must show ID, Vehicle Registration, and Insurance, and have your vehicle inspected to get a Day Pass at the Main Gate (Lyman) before going in.The first time we were there, we were entranced with the personal accounts of people who had been on Oahu and their experiences while in the service, or as military dependents. The artifacts were mostly on the right side of the building, and it was a bit like visiting an old library.Now the museum has benefitted by the addition of professional quality displays to the left with the use of computerized and animated information to fill the viewer in on the history and meaning of the displayed artifacts. I was also appreciative of the dioramas that showed the history of military combat. The museum has upped its game to a fascinating professional level. There is also a brochure available for a self-guided walking tour of the area, which features some of the residences on base of historic interest.

I grew up as a military brat and my father was part of the 25th Infantry Division. He served in Viet Nam with them after the Tet offensive. I enjoy military history and being as my father served with this unit, I decided to make the trip out here to the museum and the Kolekole pass where the first Japanese planes were spotted during the attack on Pearl Harbor.The 25th was was activated at Schofield Barracks, Territory of Hawaii, October 1, 1941, along with the now deactivated 24th Infantry Division. Both divisions were comprised of elements from the famous Hawaiian Division. The museum has displays from the various campaigns that the 25th served in including WWII, Guadal Canal, Phillipines, the occupation of Japan, Korea, Viet Nam and the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.The museum has weapons, uniforms and gear from the various campaigns and are clearly displayed. They also have tanks, canons and anti-aircraft guns in front of the museum. The museum will never be popular with most tourists, but will be mainly of interest to people who are interested in the military history and the Army's formation in Oahu. The Divisions motto is Ready to Strike! Anytime. Anywhere.

This is a small but impressive museum that displays the lineage of the 25th Infantry Division, as well as the history of the U.S. Army in Hawaii. If you're in the 25th ID, or stationed in Hawaii, this is a must see. Though I've been in the Army for a long time, I was still able to gain an immense new understanding of the "Tropic Lightning" Division.

Be advised that this museum is closed on Tuesdays after any public holiday that falls on a Monday. There is a sign posted outside the main museum entrance, but it is not mentioned on their website. I have attached a photo of it here.Also, Google Maps may direct you through another base gate entrance, but ALL civilian visitors must go through Lyman Gate to get a temporary base pass first. Expect to wait at least 20 minutes for the traffic delay, vehicle inspection, and a computer security check of your ID. Have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance ready, to speed the process up. Active duty and retired military are exempt from this.I recommend you phone the museum BEFORE you visit, to ensure it is open that day. If no one answers the phone, they are not open then.

Honestly, I wasn't interested in going to an Army museum since I'm in the Army, but... it was amazing!!!The museum is packed with interesting and neat artifacts and pictures! I didn't realize there was this much history on this post! They also have a rat tunnel exhibition that is pretty cool too!