Photo Courtesy KapohoKine Adventures
By Maryann Hammers
Hawaii
For most vacationers, Oahu means fun in the sun — but to veterans and members of the military, it represents much more. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, so it’s a fitting time to commemorate the historic event and learn more about our country’s history. Pearl Harbor Oahu offers door-to-door tours (including transportation) of military and historic sites on the island. The Beyond the Call to Duty Luxury Tour stops at all the Pearl Harbor sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial, where nearly 1,200 service members were killed Dec. 7, 1941; battleship USS Missouri; the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific; USS Bowfin submarine; the Pacific Aviation Museum; and more. It’s regularly priced at $180, but military personnel and veterans get a $20 discount. The Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri Tour is regularly $130, but military personnel and veterans get a $10 discount. Military members also get a $20 discount on the Pearl Harbor & Circle Island Tour (regularly $180). Learn more at the website , then choose your tour here and book online.
KapohoKine Adventures conducts adventure, cultural, and historical expeditions on Hawaii Island in Kona, Hilo, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tours include round-trip transportation and meal(s). Depending on the tour you choose, you may go zip-lining, swim in a waterfall, or visit areas not open to the general public. Active duty military members get a 15-percent discount for their entire party. Show valid active military ID at check-in. Call (808) 964-1000.
New York
On Location Tours in New York City offers TV and movie-themed bus tours, such as the Sex and the City Hotspots Tour, The Sopranos Sites Tour, and the Gossip Girl Sites Tour. Can’t choose? The NYC TV & Movie Tour covers all the recent TV shows and movies that have filmed on location in New York City as well as classics like Friends, Seinfeld, and Ghostbusters. Prices vary according to tour; active duty military members with proof of service get a 10-percent discount. Call 212-913-9780, using code Military.
Ohio
Rappel and rock climb while learning history and geology amidst towering sandstone cliffs with Hocking Hills Ecotours/High Rock Adventures. Climbing and rappelling tours include instruction and gear, starting at $80; eco-adventure tours are available for all skill levels and start at $30. Military members get a 10-percent discount (a 20-percent discount for groups). Other tours include night hikes and tours and workshops that focus on edible and medicinal plants and forest survival skills. Learn more about Hocking Hills, which is 40 miles southeast of Columbus, here. Call (740) 385-9886 for info.
China and Thailand
Indigo Journeys , a small-group luxury adventure tour company (owned by MOAA member 1st Lt. Damion Bailey, USAR, a UH-60 medevac Blackhawk pilot), offers a 20-percent military discount on its 10-day Oriental Elegance tour. You’ll stay in four-star accommodations, with meals, transportation, and tickets to all the famous attractions provided. The regular price is $2,599, but the military price is $2,099. Or get a 15-percent discount on all other tours. To get your discount and request a quote, use promotion code MILVET. For information, send an email to info@gowithindigo.com.
More tours and adventures: We recently told you about other tours with military discounts, including several Wine Country walking, biking, and kayaking tours in California’s Sonoma County. These tours will get you back to nature . And here are a trio of tours in California; Italy; and Peru. Most of the military offers still are valid.