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Veterans Day 2026 on Oʻahu: Free Meals, the Wahiawā Parade’s 80th Year and a Sunset Ceremony on the Missouri

By Oahu Local Published 4 min read

A man in a cap salutes beside a young service member in camouflage next to a long row of purple orchid lei on the ground, with an honor guard holding flags under palm trees.
A salute beside a row of orchid lei at a memorial ceremony. Photo: Hawaii News Now

Veterans Day lands on a Wednesday this year, Nov. 11, 2026. Whether you’re a veteran looking for a free breakfast or a family that wants to say mahalo in person, there’s plenty happening around the island. Here’s the plan.

Today: a free concert at Kapiʻolani Park

Don’t wait for Wednesday. The state Office of Veterans’ Services and the Hawaiʻi Department of Defense are hosting a free Veterans Day commemoration concert today, Sunday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kapiʻolani Regional Park Bandstand, Hawaii News Now reported. The Hawaiʻi Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band performs musical tributes to each branch of the armed forces.

The Wahiawā Veterans Day Parade turns 80

Wahiawā has one of the island’s longest-running Veterans Day traditions. The Wahiawā Lions Club’s 80th annual parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the club’s listing on the Hawaiʻi Public Radio community calendar. This year’s theme is “80 Years of Pride – a Lifetime of Gratitude.”

  • When: Wed., Nov. 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Route: The listing says the parade starts at California Avenue and North Cane Street and heads down California Avenue to Kaʻala Elementary School. The City’s 2026 parade permit schedule lists the start at Wahiawā District Park, crossing Kamehameha Highway onto California Avenue, with roads closed from about 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Either way, California Avenue is the place to watch.
  • Size: The listing expects more than 80 marching units. DTS expects about 1,000 participants.
  • After the parade: Food, community booths and activities at Kaʻala Elementary
  • Questions: Parade chair Rene Mansho, (808) 291-6151

The ceremonies

Punchbowl, 10 a.m.

The Oʻahu Veterans Council organizes the official Veterans Day ceremony each year at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, 2177 Puowaina Drive. This year it’s at 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to Hawaii News Now and the American Legion Department of Hawaiʻi’s events calendar. HNN says the ceremony is open to the public and that organizers especially encourage families, students and younger people to attend.

Sunset on the Battleship Missouri, 4:30 p.m.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial holds its annual Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony on the ship’s fantail from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The theme is “America at 250 – Honoring Generations of Service.” The Missouri’s event page says it’s free and open to the public, with no ticket required. RSVPs and questions go to Events@ussmissouri.org.

  • Getting there: The ship sits on Ford Island, an active Navy base, so you’ll park at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial visitor center and take the free shuttle. The Missouri asks guests to be at the shuttle stop by 4 p.m. and seated by 4:15.
  • Leaving: The last shuttle leaves the ship at 6 p.m., and all cars must be out of the visitor center lot by 6:30 p.m.
  • Bonus: Parking fees at the Pearl Harbor visitor center are waived on Veterans Day.

More at Pearl Harbor

Pacific Historic Parks has a full day planned at Pearl Harbor National Memorial, according to HNN. Flag-folding runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and civilian volunteers are welcome. Free guided tours of the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma memorials run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a floral tribute runs all day.

Free food and deals for veterans and active-duty members

These offers come from lists published by KITV and Hawaii News Now on Nov. 7. Most are national chains, and many say “participating locations,” so call your nearest store before you go. Bring a military ID or proof of service.

  • McDonald’s: A free breakfast sandwich at all 71 McDonald’s in Hawaiʻi, per HNN. KITV says it’s drive-thru and takeout only, during breakfast hours, one per person, with no purchase needed. It’s not available through McDelivery or the app. Active-duty members in uniform don’t need ID.
  • Denny’s: A free Original Grand Slam, dine-in, 5 a.m. to noon, with a valid military ID or DD 214, per KITV
  • IHOP: A free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo for veterans, dine-in, with proof of service, per KITV
  • Chili’s: A free meal from a select menu, dine-in at participating restaurants, per KITV
  • Wendy’s: A free Dave’s Single at participating restaurants, per KITV
  • Yard House: A free appetizer, dine-in, one per person, no purchase necessary, per KITV
  • Dave & Buster’s: Free unlimited game play all day, plus a free dessert with an entree purchase, dine-in with valid ID, per KITV
  • Starbucks: A free tall brewed coffee, hot or iced, for veterans, service members and military spouses at participating U.S. stores, per KITV
  • Hot Dog on a Stick: A free 16-ounce Original Lemonade with valid military ID, no purchase necessary, per HNN

What’s closed Wednesday

  • Public libraries: All Hawaiʻi State Public Library System branches are closed Nov. 11, per librarieshawaii.org.
  • Post offices: All U.S. Postal Service locations are closed, according to HNN.
  • Banks and government offices: It’s a federal holiday, so check hours before you go.

Sources

Filed under Central OahuHonolulu

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