Bradshaw Army Airfield

The Only Airport Like It In Hawaii: Bradshaw Army Airfield

Introduction

The Pōhakuloa Training Area, on Hawaii's Big Island and featuring 129,000 acres of volcanic landscapes, is home to Bradshaw Army Airfield. Although not open for civilian traffic, this airfield offers a glimpse of the island's extensive military history and how its isolated position makes it part of significant strategic importance.

Airlines and Destinations

Bradshaw Army Airfield (IATA: BSF, ICAO: PHSF) is a military airfield located on the island of Hawai'i and in control of the United States Army. The airfield is used for moving soldiers, equipment, and supplies to support training activities at the nearby Pōhakuloa Training Area.

Passengers and Flights

Owing to limited access to the airfield, exact numbers of passengers and flights are not publicly known. But those operations remain a limited and constant air traffic flow of generally light to possibly medium-sized aircraft, the latter perhaps connected with military training exercises.

How to Get Here

Bradshaw Army Airfield is situated inside the Pōhakuloa Training Area located on the high saddle between ancient Mauna Loa and island-indented Mauna Kea-Hualalai. The airfield is secured and not open to the public, although tours can be arranged with prior approval.

Parking

There is an abundance of parking space on either side of the runway at this airfield, which was basically for military staff and other authorized visitors.

Transportation Price

As a military base, Bradshaw Army Airfield does not provide commercial transportation services or availability/pricing information to consumers.

Terminal Layout

Its Terminal facilities are designed to meet the specific requirements of military airfield operation and not for civil passenger use - processing speed is a priority over matters such as ambiance or good shopping. The boxes are not available for public access.

Navigate the Airport

Bradshaw Army Airfield is typically restricted to military personnel and visitors with the proper credentials. Operations at the airfield are closely coordinated with approach and departure services from Honolulu Control through multiple designated frequencies.

Getting Between Terminals

This airport no longer has multiple terminals, and the one runway (9/27) is made to support military needs instead of becoming an established commercial air travel service.

Services and Amenities

Bradshaw Army Airfield serves as a military airfield with the appropriate facilities and infrastructure to support Pōhakuloa Training Area operations. But the specific services and amenities on offer aren't being revealed just yet.

Restaurants and Shops

As Bradshaw Army Airfield is a military airfield, there are no commercially available restaurants or shops.

Security and Customs

There are many security measures in place to restrict who may enter and depart Bradshaw Army Airfield, as it is an active military installation. If customs procedures are required and military personnel/authorized visitors' visit purpose is known, necessary steps are easily taken.

Accessibility

Access is restricted to authorized military personnel and those who have received permission from the Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA)—Bradshaw Army Airfield.

Travel Tips

Although civilians are not ordinarily allowed access to Bradshaw Army Air Field, visitors may view the remote landscape and learn how it was used as a strategic location during military training at Pōhakuloa Training Area for almost 74 years since World War II. People wanting to explore the area should contact local authorities for assistance and permission.