The station originally opened in 1959 to support the Corona reconnaissance program.

The facility is placed near the westernmost point of the island of Oahu, atop a 1,500-foot (460 m) high ridge.

The two radomes are locally known as the "golf balls", and are a popular landmark for fishing vessels in the surrounding waters.

The station roadways provide access to state hiking and hunting trails, as well as a camping site about 10 miles (16 km) inland called Peacock Flats by permit only.

Permits to enter through the station to hike, hunt, or camp on the surrounding State lands can be obtained from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources in downtown Honolulu.