1. Kunia Tunnel

Although it is not possible to actually see the tunnel, one of the largest underground construction projects in the early months of the war was the top secret "Hole". This huge complex in the pineapple fields south of Wheeler Field and Schofield Barracks, is known today as the Kunia Tunnel. Costing $23 million, the three-story structure was designed for aircraft repair (said to be capable of handling B-17 heavy bombers) and assembly (light planes). Access to the structure was by means of a quarter mile-long tunnel, at the end of which were elevators for the different levels. Each elevator was capable of carrying four 2.5-ton trucks. The complex was air-conditioned throughout and illuminated by fluorescent lighting. It even had a cafeteria that could turn out 6,000 meals a day.

After the danger of further enemy attack passed, this facility housed the Engineer’s extremely important map and chart reproduction services. The 64th Topographic Company, working with photographs supplied by Army and Navy fliers, became highly proficient at turning out maps of Japanese-held island for American landing forces.

Looking further, Kolekole Pass, a deep cut in the Waianae mountain range, is clearly visible. It was mistakenly believed that the Japanese approached through this pass. In reality, they flew at an altitude of about 10,000 feet, high above the Waianae Mountains and converged over the center of the Island and around the leeward and windward coasts.

Wheeler Field in 1941, with Hangar Row at extreme left across from the concrete barracks that housed pursuit squadron enlisted personnel. The Waianae mountain range is in the background, and the deep cleft is Kolekole Pass. This natural cleft took its name from a large stone which Hawaiian legend depicted as a beneficial guardian on the pass to whom offerings of flowers and maile were made by travelers.

Last modified on Friday, 07-Apr-2000 00:20:53 HST
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