The black, delta-winged fighters are just as likely to stir some curiosity.

The Air Force said the aircraft are part of a routine move through the Pacific. Their departure date and destination are not being disclosed.

Neighboring residents can expect noise similar to takeoffs and landings for other fighters such as the F-15 Eagles flown by the Hawai'i Air National Guard, the Air Force said.

The stealth fighters come through Hickam about once a year. Six F-117 Nighthawks that arrived in Hawai'i en route to South Korea for an exercise just before the start of the Iraq war in 2003 created a stir, with North Korea saying the move was a precursor to war.

The stealth fighter will be replaced by the F-22 Raptor in the Air Force inventory, and the Nighthawks are expected to be removed from service in 2008.