Hawaii civilians have greater access to Barbers Point, now Kalaeloa, in the wake of the military base closure. Here's a look at historical and recreational points of interest.
Getting the point
Kalaeloa sites are short on amenities
Historic sites threatened
By Stephanie Kendrick
Assistant Features Editor
Star-BulletinASIDE from the airfield and related structures, most of what the Navy has bequeathed to the state and city at Kalaeloa can be summed up as scrubby, flat land with potential.
From a recreational standpoint, the military has kept most of the good stuff at Barbers Point for itself.
The bowling alley, horseback riding stables and batting cage are still closed to the public.
The golf course is open to unaccompanied civilians on a space-available basis, but the course is booked up by military personnel and their guests most of the time.
The military is keeping the improved athletic fields, but the base had a history of allowing civilian groups to use the fields and that will continue.
In the potential department, the city has plans to develop an athletic complex on a portion of the land turned over to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
And without spending much on redevelopment, the city is already using one weed-infested stretch of tarmac. It is distinguished from all the other weed-infested stretches of tarmac on the peninsula by the tires and hay bales heaped around to create a track.
On a recent afternoon, the Honolulu Police Department was using the area for high-speed driving practice.Civilian speed demons might get to join the fun as the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands plans to develop a motor sports center on a portion of its piece of the Kalaeloa pie.
But back to what's there now ...
Enter the front gate on Franklin D. Roosevelt Avenue, take Coral Sea to Tripoli, a total distance of about 4 miles, to White Plains Beach. It boasts the best swimming and surfing spots within the bounds of the former Navy base and also has the lion's share of amenities, with lifeguard stands and well-kept restrooms and showers. It is being retained by the military. Civilians will be allowed to use the beach from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., but overnight accommodations are for military personnel only.
The rest of the coastline consists of Bellows-like sand dunes and ironwood forests. It is pretty and quiet, but fresh water and restroom facilities are sparse and aging. Much of the coast features near-shore reef and rocks and looks better suited to surfing and fishing than swimming.
Despite the perception of great distance, Kalaeloa is only about a half-hour drive from downtown Honolulu. The area is worth exploring, at least once.
Be prepared for a dry, brown landscape; wear shoes with thick soles to guard against the kiawe thorns and bring lots of water.
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