Veterans Day in Hawaii — Where the Observances Happen
Veterans Day in Hawaii: November 11
Veterans Day is observed on November 11 across the United States, including Hawaii. In Hawaii, the holiday carries particular weight: the state has one of the highest rates of military veterans per capita in the nation, is home to the site of the Pearl Harbor attack that launched America into World War II, and has a long military history tied to Fort Shafter, Hickam Air Force Base, Pearl Harbor Naval Station, Schofield Barracks, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay.
Pearl Harbor Ceremonies
The most significant Veterans Day ceremony in Hawaii takes place at Pearl Harbor — specifically at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument grounds. The National Park Service and U.S. Navy jointly host ceremonies honoring veterans of all wars, with particular emphasis on those who served in World War II.
Events at Pearl Harbor on November 11 typically include a formal ceremony at the visitor center plaza featuring military color guard, a keynote speaker, and a moment of silence at 11:11am; wreath-laying at the USS Arizona Memorial (weather and access permitting); and free admission to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites visitor center for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day.
Punchbowl: The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific — known as Punchbowl for its location inside the Pu'owaina volcanic crater above Honolulu — is the most important military cemetery in the Pacific. More than 53,000 veterans are buried here, including casualties from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Veterans organizations hold ceremonies at Punchbowl on Veterans Day.
The cemetery is open to visitors daily. On Veterans Day, arrive early — parking fills by 9am for the morning ceremonies. The Courts of the Missing marble tablets list over 28,000 names of service members missing in action from WWII and Korea whose remains were never recovered.
The Honolulu Veterans Day Parade
Honolulu typically holds a Veterans Day Parade in the downtown area on or near November 11, featuring active-duty military units, veterans organizations, ROTC groups, and high school marching bands. Check the City and County of Honolulu's events calendar for the 2026 route and timing.
Military Installations and Their Role
- Schofield Barracks (Wahiawa, Oahu): Army post with chapel ceremonies and formation events
- Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay): Ceremonies at the base chapel and memorial plaza
- Fort DeRussy (Waikiki): The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii at Fort DeRussy is open to the public and free — an excellent Veterans Day visit
How to Honor Veterans in Hawaii
- Attend the Pearl Harbor ceremony — arrive before 9am to ensure entry
- Visit Punchbowl and walk the Courts of the Missing
- Stop at the U.S. Army Museum at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki (free admission)
- Visit the Pacific Aviation Museum at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor — open daily, discounts for veterans
- Thank a veteran — Hawaii's veteran population is large, active, and present in every community on every island
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