Things To Do On Veterans Day In Hawaii

Here on Hawaii Veterans Day is observed by many businesses and organizations. Sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii’s has a lot of history with the U.S. military and most significantly in World War II. Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the USS Battleship Missouri, and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific are only a few of the institutions we have that have a deep connection the Veteran. We even have several hikes with pillboxes – concrete forts remnant of World War II.

Aloha with love,
Amy

Things to do on Veterans Day

The best places to look for things to do in Hawaii in connection to Veterans Day are locations that have a deep relationship to World War II and the U.S. Military. Here are places to check for events or things to do in Hawaii for Veterans Day:

Oahu

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial: There isn’t always an event being held here on Veterans Day, but there was something happening (usually for kids) during the few years I worked for the nonprofit here.
• USS Battleship Missouri: If there’s going to be a Veterans Day event at Pearl Harbor, this is the first place to check. The USS Battleship Missouri is always holding large events that are open to the public.
• USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park: Shares the same grounds as Pearl Harbor National Memorial
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
• National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl): Usually hosts Hawaii’s largest Veterans Day event in the form of a ceremony.
• Natatorium War Memorial: Held by the Friends of the Natatorium.
• Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery: Hosts a Veterans Day ceremony on their gorgeous grounds nestled up against the Koolau mountain range.
• Wahiawa Lions Club: Observes Veterans Day with a parade, but in 2020 during the pandemic they held a bento box fundraiser instead.

Read more: If you’ll be in Oahu on Memorial Day (last Monday in May) check out the Lantern Floating Festival held at Ala Moana Beach.

Maui

• Maui Veterans Cemetery hosts an annual Veterans Day Ceremony that’s usually followed by a picnic in Kihei.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (Maui) usually does an annual Veterans Day luau.

Big Island

• Check out hivetparade.org for details on the annual Hawaii Island Veterans Day Parade.

Kauai

• Kauai Veterans Center & Museum: Check their website for any Veterans Day events.
• Look forward to a Veterans Day parade and entertainment organized by the Kauai Veteran’s Council and the Kapaa Business Association.
• You can also check the Kauai Veterans Cemetery for future events and ceremonies.

Local tip: If you’re looking for something to do by yourself on Veterans Day, consider hiking to a pillbox on a trail. These hikes are scattered throughout the islands and usually offer a fantastic view along with some exercise. My favorite is the Pink Pillbox Hike in West Oahu.

Things to know about Veterans Day in Hawaii

Veterans Day is a Hawaii State holiday, which affects things like public transportation, schools, and government offices. Some things to keep in mind for Veterans Day in Hawaii:

• Oahu’s public bus system, The Bus, will run on their state holiday schedule.
• All satellite city hall and driving licensing centers will be closed.
• The People’s Open Markets will be closed.
• Parks, municipal golf courses, and botanical gardens will be open.
• Most banks and schools will be closed, but private schools will follow their own schedule.
• Some stores will be closed, but for the most part they’ll all be open.