Marine Corps Sgt. Gregory Woodard and Lance Cpl. Zachary Romero donating blood during 1st Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment's blood drive in 2015

Tripler Army Medical Center

Tripler Army Medical Center Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Honolulu Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction to Tripler Army Medical Center

Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC), perched atop Moanalua Ridge in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the largest military medical facility in the Pacific Rim. Renowned for its iconic coral-pink façade, TAMC not only serves active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families but also stands as a significant historical and architectural landmark. Its origins trace back to 1907, and over the decades, the center has played vital roles in major military conflicts and medical innovation, reflecting the evolving landscape of the United States presence in the Pacific.

Although TAMC is primarily a secure medical facility with restricted access, it does welcome visitors under specific guidelines. Its location offers sweeping views of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor and is conveniently situated near major historical sites such as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Iolani Palace, and the Bishop Museum. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know about visiting Tripler Army Medical Center, from access protocols to nearby attractions, ensuring a respectful and enriching experience.

For the latest information and official guidelines, always consult the Tripler Army Medical Center official website, Military.com Base Guide, and Only in Hawaii.

U.S. Army combat medics treating simulated casualty during 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks Hawaii

U.S. Army combat medics moving simulated casualty during 2012 Best Medic competition in Hawaii

Two U.S. Army combat medics moving a simulated casualty during a combat trauma evaluation at the 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition in Hawaii

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Lollino applying dressing to simulated casualty's leg amputation during 2012 Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks

U.S. Army medic descending from a 35-foot rope during the 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii

U.S. Army medics pulling mannequins with Skeds during 2012 Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Lollino running obstacle course during 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks Hawaii

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Lollino low-crawling under barbed wire during 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition

U.S. Army combat medics getting water after completing confidence course during 2012 Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks Hawaii

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Lollino pulling simulated casualty with Sked during 2012 Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks Hawaii

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tony Gonzalez taking medical knowledge test during 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition

U.S. Army medics using rope and ladder to cross simulated minefield during leadership reaction course at 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition

U.S. Army medics dragging simulated casualty during 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks

U.S. Army medic assessing casualty during 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks Hawaii

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tony Gonzalez and Staff Sgt. Joseph Lollino dragging a simulated casualty out of danger during the 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks Hawaii

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Lollino blindfolded during a mock interrogation in 2012 Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks Hawaii

U.S. Army combat medics from Tripler Army Medical Center acting as opposition forces during 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition at Schofield Barracks Hawaii

U.S. Army combat medics wearing gas masks during simulated NBC scenario at 2012 Best Medic Competition in Hawaii

U.S. Army medics donning gas masks during NBC scenario at 2012 Pacific Regional Medical Command Best Medic Competition

U.S. Army medics wearing gas masks in NBC simulation during 2012 Best Medic Competition

Military personnel verifying medical supplies during a CRF validation exercise at Tripler Army Medical Center

Staff Sgt. Theodis Hale learning to gather Reactive Skin Decontaminate Lotion from Richard Ashak during CRF exercise at Tripler Army Medical Center

Aerial view of Tripler Army Medical Center, a large pink building on a hill surrounded by greenery and cityscape

High school students learning teamwork and patient evacuation at Tripler Army Medical Center obstacle course

Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho addressing soldiers and DoD civilians at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii discussing Army medicine strategic priorities and medical readiness

Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho speaking to soldiers and DoD civilians at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu

Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho speaking to soldiers and Department of Defense civilians at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii

Photojournalist Christine Cabalo donates blood for Armed Services Blood Program at Hawaii Marine base

Registered nurse speaking with cancer patient during Oncology on Canvas program at Tripler Army Medical Center

Cancer patient Mrs. Libby Hoyle shows butterfly tattoo during Oncology for Canvas therapy at Tripler Army Medical Center

Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon tattoo with children's names on a cancer patient's arm

Cancer patient painting during Oncology on Canvas at Tripler Army Medical Center

Portrait of Brigadier General Charles Stuart Tripler in military uniform

Colonel Cirilito Sobejana pointing to his reconstructed right forearm at Tripler Army Medical Center

Staff Sergeant examining patient's eyes with non-contact tonometer

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace talking with a Marine rehabilitating injured hand at Tripler Army Medical Center

Medical team from Tripler Army Medical Center aboard CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with supplies flying to cyclone-hit Bangladesh

Master Sgt. Molly Quentin and Capt. John-Michael Fowler caring for critically ill patient during medical evacuation from Pago Pago to Hawaii

U.S. Army Sergeant with his infant son in hospital showing injuries to Military General

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Marine Gen. Peter Pace meeting soldiers in physical therapy at Tripler Army Medical Center Hawaii June 2007

U.S. Army Capt. Micheal McClure undergoing physical therapy in military medical center

Lynne Pace conversing with Marine Lance Cpl. Theodore Cothran and his wife at Tripler Army Medical Center physical therapy section

Marine exercising injured hand at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii, June 2007

Lynne Pace talking with injured Marine during physical therapy at Tripler Army Medical Center

Adm. Mike Mullen speaking to soldiers at wounded warrior PTSD clinic in Honolulu 2008

Adm. Mike Mullen speaking to soldiers at wounded warrior PTSD clinic

U.S. Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright and Army Brig. Gen. Steve Jones walking into Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii

U.S. Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright and his wife Sandee talking with U.S. Army Pvt. Joseph Miner at Tripler Army Medical Center Hawaii

Overview
Visiting Hours and Access
Directions and Transportation
Historical Background
Tripler Today: Services and Innovation
Visitor Experience and Nearby Attractions
Visuals and Media Resources
FAQ
Historical and Military Significance
Architectural and Cultural Highlights
Medical Excellence and Community Impact
Visitor Guidelines and Tips
Contact Information and Resources
Summary and Recommendations
Sources

Overview

Tripler Army Medical Center is both a functional healthcare hub and a monument to over a century of military and medical history in Honolulu. Its unique pink exterior and position overlooking the city make it instantly recognizable and a point of interest for those fascinated by Hawaii’s military and cultural heritage.

Visiting Hours and Access

Tripler Army Medical Center’s access is generally limited to authorized personnel, patients, and their families. However, visitors may enter the main lobby and designated common areas during standard visiting hours, typically 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Some specialty units, such as intensive care or maternity, may have different schedules—always confirm with the hospital or specific department in advance.

Visitor Guidelines:

Check in at the security gate with a valid government-issued photo ID.
Wear your issued visitor badge at all times within the facility.
Follow all posted signage and staff instructions.
Photography is permitted outdoors but strictly prohibited inside patient care areas.
The facility is fully ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible.

For up-to-date policies, especially regarding health and safety measures or any temporary restrictions, refer to the official website.

Directions and Transportation

Address: 1 Jarrett White Road, Honolulu, HI 96859

By Car: Accessible via Moanalua Freeway (H-201); take the Tripler exit and follow signage to the main entrance. Free visitor parking is available, though it fills quickly during peak times.

By Public Transit: Honolulu’s TheBus system has routes that serve the Moanalua area. Check TheBus website for current schedules.

Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft can drop off and pick up passengers at the main entrance.

Historical Background

Early Development (1907–1941)

Established in 1907 as a modest military hospital on Fort Shafter Flats, the facility was renamed in 1920 after Brevet Brigadier General Charles Stuart Tripler, a Civil War medical pioneer (Wikipedia). Its growth paralleled Hawaii’s increasing military significance.

WWII and Construction (1942–1948)

The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 drove urgent expansion. Construction of the current hospital on Moanalua Ridge began in 1945, culminating in 1948. The coral-pink color, inspired by the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, ensured the building stood as both a beacon and a welcoming refuge (Army.mil).

Expansion and Modernization (1948–1985)

The postwar era saw Tripler’s capacity and capabilities grow, including a major expansion in 1985 that added new wings and modern facilities (Star Bulletin).

Tripler Today: Services and Innovation

Today, TAMC serves more than 430,000 beneficiaries across Hawaii and the Pacific, functioning as a Level II Trauma Center. With advanced simulation, telemedicine, and the Spark Matsunaga VA Clinic on campus, Tripler is a leader in modern military medicine (Wikipedia).

Visitor Experience and Nearby Attractions

While access within the hospital is restricted, visitors can appreciate Tripler’s architecture, grounds, and panoramic city and harbor views from Moanalua Ridge. Combine your visit with these nearby sites:

Pearl Harbor National Memorial: WWII history and museum.
Iolani Palace: The only royal palace in the United States.
Bishop Museum: Hawaiian and Pacific history and culture.
Moanalua Gardens: Scenic walking paths and Hawaiian heritage.

Visuals and Media Resources

Exterior photography is permitted; the unique pink façade is a favorite for visitors.
Maps and virtual tours can be found on the official Tripler website.
Images of Old Hawaiʻi also offers historical photos and context.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are tickets or guided tours available at Tripler Army Medical Center?
A: No tickets are required and interior tours are not offered. Visitors can access approved public spaces during visiting hours.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: General hours are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Confirm with your specific ward.

Q: Is parking free?
A: Yes, but spaces fill up quickly during peak daytime hours.

Q: Is the facility accessible?
A: TAMC is fully ADA-compliant, with wheelchair access throughout.

Q: What nearby attractions should I see?
A: Pearl Harbor, Moanalua Gardens, Bishop Museum, and Iolani Palace are all nearby.

Historical and Military Significance

TAMC is a living testament to U.S. military medicine, having treated thousands of WWII and Korean War casualties. It remains the only Army medical center awarded a battle streamer for WWII service (Army.mil; Star Bulletin).

Strategically, Tripler serves as the largest military hospital in the Pacific, covering a jurisdiction spanning over half the world’s surface (Only in Hawaii), and is a critical hub for both regional defense and humanitarian response.

Architectural and Cultural Highlights

Tripler’s massive coral pink structure, modeled after the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, was deliberately designed to create a sense of warmth and community (Only in Hawaii). Its campus includes a chapel, theater, and support facilities, making it both a landmark and a self-contained community.

Medical Excellence and Community Impact

Tripler is a leader in telemedicine, disaster management, and veteran care, housing the Center of Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (Only in Hawaii). The Fisher House provides free accommodation to families of seriously ill patients, reflecting Tripler’s commitment to comprehensive care (Star Bulletin).

Visitor Guidelines and Tips

Arrive Early: Allow 30 minutes for parking and security.
Bring ID: A government-issued photo ID is required.
Check Visiting Hours: Department schedules may vary.
Prepare for Waits: Bring reading materials if visiting during busy hours.
Dress Appropriately: Hospitals are air-conditioned; a light jacket is useful.
Respect Protocols: Adhere to all security and hospital rules.

Contact Information

Main Line: (808) 433-7880
Patient Information: (808) 433-5311
Visitor Assistance: (808) 433-6336

For more, visit the Military.com Base Guide.

Summary and Recommendations

Tripler Army Medical Center is a cornerstone of military medicine and a symbol of resilience in Honolulu. While operational security limits public access, visitors can enjoy its iconic architecture, learn about its profound history, and explore nearby sites integral to Hawaii’s story. For the best experience, plan ahead, respect all protocols, and use official resources for up-to-date information.