Construction of the large-sized Minekaze-class destroyers was authorized as part of the Imperial Japanese Navy's 8-4 Fleet Program from fiscal 1917–1920, as an accompaniment to the medium-sized Momi class, with which they shared many common design characteristics.

[4] On completion, Hokaze was teamed with sister ships Hakaze, Akikaze, and Tachikaze at the Yokosuka Naval District to form Destroyer Division 4 under Torpedo Squadron 1 (第1水雷戦隊).

From end November to mid-December, Hokaze escorted the aircraft carrier Taiyō from Sasebo to Takao, Palau and back to Tokuyama anchorage of the Kure Naval District.

On 2 July 1944, Hokaze departed Ambon in the role of a “Tokyo Express” high speed armed transport to take critically needed emergency supplies to New Guinea.

[7] On 6 July 1944, Hokaze was torpedoed and sunk by the submarine USS Paddle in the Celebes Sea at position 03°24′N 125°28′E / 3.400°N 125.467°E / 3.400; 125.467 off Sangir Island, 105 miles north-northeast of Menado.