Halawa Correctional Facility: An Overview

Halawa Correctional Facility, located in Aiea, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu, is the largest correctional institution in the state. It is operated by the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The prison consists of two distinct divisions: a medium-security unit that houses male felons, and a special needs facility for inmates requiring maximum security, mental health care, or protective custody. Originally opened as the Halawa Jail in 1962, it was transferred to the state in 1977 and expanded in 1987 to accommodate more inmates. Halawa has a capacity of 1,124 inmates, with some male prisoners also housed in out-of-state facilities to reduce overcrowding​

Halawa Correctional Facility, Hawaii

Contact Information for Halawa Correctional Facility

Visiting Halawa Correctional Facility

Visiting an inmate at Halawa Correctional Facility requires prior approval. Visitation hours can change, so it is essential to confirm the schedule by contacting the prison directly. To book a visit, prospective visitors must submit a visitation application and gain clearance. Visitors are subject to thorough security checks, and certain items, like mobile phones, are strictly prohibited inside the facility. Visits generally allow for limited physical contact, and the atmosphere is structured to ensure safety

What to Bring to a Visit:

  • Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport).
  • A pre-approved visitation confirmation.
  • Basic personal items like car keys (no phones or electronics are allowed).

How Long are Visits? The length of visits varies depending on the prisoner’s classification and the facility’s current schedule, typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour.

Booking a Visit to Halawa Correctional Facility

To book a visit to Halawa Correctional Facility, you will need to:

  1. Complete a visitation application.
  2. Confirm the approved visiting hours through the visitation hotline or online.
  3. Arrive early for a security check before your scheduled visit time.

Visitors can typically bring up to two other individuals, though exact numbers depend on the current visitation guidelines​

Directions and Parking at Halawa Correctional Facility

Halawa Correctional Facility is located in Aiea, just off Moanalua Road, approximately 10 miles from Honolulu. It is easily accessible by car, and parking is available for visitors directly at the facility. For those using public transportation, local bus services provide routes that stop near the facility​

Life Inside Halawa Correctional Facility

Life for inmates inside Halawa varies depending on their security classification and mental health needs. Medium-security prisoners have access to educational programs, including the 2nd Chance Pell Grant programs offered by Chaminade University, and vocational training through initiatives like Forklift Certification and Food Safety & Certification. The special needs unit focuses on inmates with chronic mental illness and those needing protective custody​. Rehabilitation programs, including substance abuse treatment and cognitive skills training, are also available to help inmates reintegrate into society post-release

Famous Prisoners at Halawa Correctional Facility

Over the years, Halawa Correctional Facility has housed several infamous criminals, including:

  • Byran Uyesugi, a mass murderer responsible for the 1999 Xerox shootings in Honolulu.
  • Kirk Lankford, convicted of murdering a Japanese tourist in 2007.
  • Ronald Ching, a hitman serving a life sentence for multiple murders in the 1980s​

FAQs about Halawa Correctional Facility

  1. What is the address of Halawa Correctional Facility?

    • Halawa Correctional Facility is located at 99-902 Moanalua Road, Aiea, HI 96701.

  2. How do I schedule a visit to Halawa Correctional Facility?

    • You must complete a visitation application and call the visitation hotline at (808) 485-3550 to confirm the visiting hours and schedule

  3. Who can I visit at Halawa Correctional Facility?

    • Only approved visitors listed on an inmate’s visitation list can schedule a visit, subject to approval from prison authorities​

  4. What should I bring when visiting an inmate?

    • Bring a government-issued ID and the confirmation for your scheduled visit. Avoid bringing prohibited items such as electronics or mobile phones

  5. What is life like for an inmate at Halawa Correctional Facility?

    • Inmates have access to educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and cognitive skills programs. Life varies between the medium-security and special needs units​

  6. How many inmates does Halawa Correctional Facility hold?

    • The facility has a capacity of 1,124 inmates​

  7. Can I send money to an inmate at Halawa Correctional Facility?

    • Yes, money can be deposited into an inmate’s trust account through approved methods provided by GTL/ViaPath Connect Network​

  8. Is Halawa Correctional Facility overcrowded?

    • Yes, overcrowding has been an ongoing issue, with some inmates being housed in out-of-state facilities to alleviate congestion​

  9. What kind of rehabilitation programs are offered at Halawa Correctional Facility?

    • The facility offers educational courses, job training, and substance abuse programs to help inmates reintegrate into society​

  10. Who manages Halawa Correctional Facility?

  • The facility is managed by the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation​

Conclusion

Halawa Correctional Facility plays a critical role in Hawaii’s correctional system, offering both medium-security housing and specialized care for inmates with mental health needs. Through various educational and vocational programs, the facility emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration. If you’re visiting Halawa or seeking more information, it’s important to follow the facility’s guidelines closely to ensure a smooth and secure experience.

For more information, visit the official Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website.

Sources:

  • Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
  • InmateAid

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