Veterans Day in Hawaii — Where the Observances Happen

Hawaii has one of the highest concentrations of military veterans per capita in the United States. Veterans Day — observed November 11 — is bigger, more visible, and more deeply felt here than almost anywhere else. ## Where to be on Veterans Day ### Pearl Harbor / USS Arizona Memorial Free admission to most Pearl Harbor sites on Veterans Day. Wreath-laying ceremonies. Often features World War II veterans (fewer every year). Get there by 7am for the early-morning ceremony. ### National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) **The most powerful Veterans Day ceremony in Hawaii.** Carved into a volcanic crater above Honolulu, this is the resting place of 53,000+ U.S. service members. Veterans Day ceremony usually starts 9am at the memorial. Open to the public. Free parking. **Plan to be moved.** ### Parades - **Waikīkī Veterans Day Parade** — runs Kalākaua Avenue, typically 9-11am. - **Hilo Veterans Day Parade** (Big Island) - **Kahului parade** (Maui) ## What's closed on Veterans Day - Federal offices - State offices (Hawaii observes) - Public schools - Banks - Post offices - Some museums ## What's open - Pearl Harbor sites (with extra ceremonies) - All retail + restaurants - Beaches + tours - Most private museums ## Veteran discounts Many Hawaii businesses offer free or discounted services to veterans on Nov 11: - Free Hertz car rentals (sometimes) - Free or discounted breakfast at Applebee's, IHOP, Denny's, etc. - Free admission to Honolulu Museum of Art - Discounted hotel rates at many Waikīkī properties Bring military ID. ## Cultural context Hawaii's military history is complex: - Pearl Harbor was bombed December 7, 1941. - Hawaiian-born service members (442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated unit in U.S. military history for its size) fought in WWII. - Today the islands host major Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marine installations. - Sen. Daniel Inouye, a 442nd veteran, served Hawaii in Congress until 2012 and represents the bridge between military service and Hawaiian identity. ## See current Hawaii events - [Hawaiian Holidays Calendar 2026 →](/blog/hawaiian-holidays-calendar-2026) - [Memorial Day in Hawaii →](/memorial-day) - [Browse all events →](/events)