The Story of Haleiwa Fighter Strip

Haleiwa Fighter Strip, located on Oahu’s North Shore, was an unassuming airfield prior to World War II. Serving primarily as an emergency landing field for military aircraft, it was unpaved and lacked the infrastructure to support regular operations. As an auxiliary field to Wheeler Army Airfield, Haleiwa was mostly used for training exercises, including simulated battles for gunner trainees. However, its moment of historical significance arrived unexpectedly on the fateful morning of December 7, 1941.

In its early years, Haleiwa Fighter Strip’s role in military operations was minimal, but that changed dramatically with the attack on Pearl Harbor. On that infamous day, a fleet of Japanese aircraft launched a surprise assault on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, targeting key airfields like Wheeler and Hickam to disable American aerial defenses.
Though Haleiwa Fighter Strip was situated far from Pearl Harbor, it lay near the flight path of the attacking Japanese aircraft. Housing a small contingent of aircraft from Wheeler—eight Curtiss P-40 Warhawks and two Curtiss P-36 Mohawks—the airfield found itself at the center of one of the most heroic stories of the day.

Among those stationed at Wheeler Field were two young pilots, Lt. George S. Welch and 2nd Lt. Kenneth M. Taylor, who had flown their P-40B fighters to Haleiwa Fighter Strip prior to the attack. When the first bombs began to fall, Welch and Taylor quickly assessed the situation and made a bold decision to act.

With no time to spare, the two pilots raced in their cars to Haleiwa Fighter Strip, navigating through chaos as Japanese aircraft roared overhead. Upon arriving at the isolated field, they wasted no time. Dispensing with standard preflight procedures, Welch and Taylor launched their fighters from the unpaved runway, determined to fight back against the overwhelming assault.

The bravery of Welch and Taylor inspired three other pilots stationed at Haleiwa, who also took to the skies. Together, the five pilots engaged the enemy, with Welch credited for downing four Japanese aircraft and Taylor for two. Their actions disrupted the Japanese assault and proved that even a small, unassuming airfield could play a vital role in defending the island.

For their extraordinary bravery and quick thinking, all five pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the military’s highest honors.

The events of December 7th forever changed the fate of Haleiwa Fighter Strip. In the months following the attack, the airfield was paved to better handle increased military activity. It became a more active participant in the Pacific War effort, accommodating the needs of a nation gearing up for a long and challenging conflict.

After the war ended in 1945, Haleiwa Fighter Strip transitioned into a civilian airport. However, its new role was short-lived, and the airfield was eventually abandoned. Today, much of Haleiwa Fighter Strip has been reclaimed by nature, with only fragments of the paved runway and the foundations of the control tower remaining as silent witnesses to its storied past.

Though Haleiwa Fighter Strip may have seemed like a forgotten auxiliary field before the attack on Pearl Harbor, its importance was cemented in history on that fateful day. It served as the launching point for some of the earliest counterattacks against the Japanese, earning its place in the annals of World War II history.

The actions of Welch, Taylor, and their fellow pilots demonstrated the courage and resilience of American servicemen in the face of overwhelming odds. Their ability to think and act decisively under pressure turned Haleiwa into a symbol of hope during a dark moment in American history.

The story of Haleiwa Fighter Strip reminds us that even the most unassuming places can become the backdrop for extraordinary acts of bravery. The actions of Welch and Taylor, along with their fellow pilots, were instrumental in minimizing the damage caused by the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Their story continues to inspire and serves as a testament to the valor displayed by those who fought on December 7, 1941.

Though the airfield itself is now a relic of the past, its historical significance remains alive through the stories of the heroes who took to the skies. Visiting the remnants of Haleiwa Fighter Strip today provides a somber yet powerful reminder of the courage displayed on that day of infamy.