The United States’ involvement in World War II was profound, but perhaps nowhere was the war more impactful than in Hawaii. And while we’ve talked all about the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor before, today we’re sharing with you another unique slice of WWII history found right here in Hawaii. It’s called Battery Cooper Bunker, a bunker carved into the mountainside on Oahu’s windward coast that has not only protected those in distress but has served as both a movie set and now museum.

Kualoa Ranch, a sprawling 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch, is one of Oahu’s top tourist attractions as well as a popular filming location. In addition to housing countless adventures just waiting to be discovered, Kualoa is also home to some fascinating historic spots, including this military bunker turned movie set.
Prayitno/Flickr
Remnants of WWII and bunkers in Hawaii can still be found spread throughout the islands
After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Military decided that they needed land on windward Oahu to keep watch for future attacks. They rented land from the ranch and built an auxiliary airstrip and several bunkers and batteries to prevent Japanese planes from flying through the valley.
anthony_goto/Flickr
Kualoa Ranch is now an eighth-generation cattle ranch. In addition to housing one of the most iconic abandoned bunkers in Oahu, it also serves as a nature reserve and recreation center.
The largest of the remaining bunkers, Battery Cooper, was built into the face of the cliff in 1943 and featured 150-foot-long concrete-lined tunnels leading to the gun positions.
Sam Carlquist/Flickr
Battery Cooper served for five years as part of the World War II-era’s coastal defense program and is perhaps the only remaining indication of this site’s military history.
Sam Carlquist/Flickr

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Today, however, the bunker serves a different purpose. It is used as a mini-museum full of props, sets, and photographs from the films and television shows that have been shot at this breathtaking ranch.
Heiko L./Flickr
Said productions include the film, "Pearl Harbor," and the television show, "Lost," as the DHARMA Initiative station called The Tempest.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
Though the bunker has received international recognition for its use as a filming location, perhaps most important was its use during a real-life crisis just last year. When the infamous false missile alarm set off smartphones in January 2018, Kualoa Ranch employees, as well as hundreds of guests and local residents, took shelter within the walls of Battery Cooper, fearing a nuclear attack.
Pamela S/Flickr
Whether on the big screen or in person, bunkers in Hawaii are still a unique and historical site to see!
History enthusiasts and movie buffs alike will enjoy a visit to this unique slice of military history turned filming location, and no visit to Kualoa Ranch is complete without a stop by this one-of-a-kind museum.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
Visitors to the ranch can find Kualoa Beach Park at the bottom of the cliff today.

To visit this unique slice of military history, plan a visit to the ranch for their movie sites tour, which, of course, begins at Battery Cooper. Kualoa Adventures offers many tour options and adventures to see this amazing bunker and more! Come see a slice of history in whole lot of paradise.

Are you a history buff who loves to travel, too? What are some of your favorite places to see in Hawaii? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

While you’re sightseeing, take a look at some of these other fascinating historical locations in the beautiful islands of Hawaii!

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Battery Cooper bunker

Christina Arrascaeta | August 11, 2022

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