 Fort DeRussy has evolved immensely from 1906, when it was sold as a 72-acre parcel of “undesirable” land, to the building of Battery Randolph at the east
end of Fort DeRussy (now an Army Museum) in 1911, to the significant roles that Fort DeRussy played during WWII. However, even with all of these military
accomplishments Fort DeRussy was still not “desirable” enough for grand social events.
All of this changed on October 25, 1975 when the Hale Koa Hotel celebrated its grand opening. A traditional Hawaiian blessing complete with a royal
procession officially opened the hotel. From this celebrated opening ‘til today, the Hale Koa Hotel remains, an all-ranks, all-service hotel bent on
providing first-class service without regard to an individual’s status. This is echoed in the mission of the hotel that has remained unchanged from
its inception, "To operate a first class hotel and recreation facility at affordable prices for military members and their families."
Today, Fort DeRussy Armed Forces Recreation Center is the home of the Hale Koa Hotel, or House of the Warrior, an 817 room, world–class resort hotel and
continued favorite R&R destination for our country’s military personnel.
In 1991, a major expansion project began at the Hale Koa, including the development of 66 acres of Fort DeRussy, a new swimming pool complex, two snack
bars, a beverage bar and luau garden. In addition, Kalia Road, fronting the Hale Koa Hotel, was also realigned and improved. By 1995, the new Maile
Tower took its place beside the existing Ilima Tower increasing the number of guestrooms from 419 to 817. Also, debuting was what is now a 1100 stall parking garage, fitness center, adults only pool, and a new restaurant, Bibas.
The Hale Koa takes great pride in operating self-sufficiently from day one, with not one taxpayer dollar supporting upkeep or operation. The Hale
Koa is truly a benefit for all military personnel to enjoy and it’s estimated that over one million military personnel and dependents take advantage
of the Hale Koa’s many facilities each year.
Mahalo, for your interest in the Hale Koa Hotel. We send our warmest aloha and wish you wonderful experiences during your stay in the islands.
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