By Maryann Hammers

While everyone else shops for sweaters and starts heading back to school, you’re packing flip-flops and shorts. Here are some tropical destinations that welcome servicemembers with open arms and steep discounts.

Hawaii

The Modern Honolulu on the island of Oahu is a stylish, sophisticated urban resort boasting Pacific Ocean and city skyline views. The 353-room four-diamond hotel offers the Military Leisure Special, with rates starting at $239 a night, with king bed, a private terrace, a partial ocean view, and complimentary valet parking. (Regular rates vary, but when we checked, the lowest regular rate was $339, so the military price seems to be a discount of about $100.) The hotel is within walking distance to popular Waikiki beaches; Hawaii’s largest open-air shopping center, Ala Moana; and luxury boutiques and retail stores along Kalakaua Avenue. Guests enjoy two ocean-view pools and a hopping nightlife with a nightclub and lobby bar. The military offer is valid through Jan. 31, 2015, with blackout dates from Dec. 26 to Jan. 2. Use promo code “Military.” Call (855) 318-1749 to learn more..

St. Thomas

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort offers active duty servicemembers up to 30 percent off beachfront accommodations (or 20 percent off the all-inclusive rate). Activities at the 62-room resort include complimentary water sports, scuba diving, catamaran sails, two oceanfront restaurants, and nightly entertainment. With the discount, your rate starts at about $208 for two people (or $440, all-inclusive). Stay five nights or more and receive a complimentary sunset cocktail harbor cruise for two on the resort’s 53-foot catamaran, plus $150 in island credits ($50 for dining on island, $50 in retail to use toward duty-free shopping, and $50 for activities), courtesy of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. This offer is valid through Dec. 22, 2014. Call (800) 524-4746 or book online and use promo code “Military.” Get the $150 island credits from U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and enter code VIMIL10.

St. Croix

Sugar Beach Resort offers a 10-percent military discount, which can be combined with $150 in island credits ($50 dining certificate, $50 retail certificate, $50 activity certificate, as described in the St. Thomas deal), offered by the U.S.Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Call (800) 524-2049 for reservations and use booking code VIMIL10. A five-night stay is required.

More tropical destinations

For more ideas, check out these previously published offers, many of which are still valid. Head south of the border to enjoy The Bahamas on a budget; or hit the beach in a variety of sunny locales, from Kauai to Kosrae, from the Caribbean to California. Planning a tropical wedding? Check out these options.