204 Hawaii Military Guide • Summer-Fall 2026 WAIKIKI problems, rid of pesky mosquitos, and make more solid land, the Ala Wai Canal was dredged. The canal successfully created more land, and soon many resort hotels and private homes were built. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Waikiki would turn into a military base with the Royal Hawaiian Hotel serving as soldiers’ barracks. After the end of the war, the tourism boom began again, with private residences being converted to high-rise condominiums and new shopping, parks, and entertainment centers being built in the urban Hawaii paradise. Hale Koa Hotel Located within U.S. Army Garrison Fort DeRussy, the Hale Koa Hotel (halekoa.com) is a top Waikiki attraction – exclusively for military members. The Hale Koa Hotel The Hale Koa Hotel (halekoa.com) is near the Ewa end of Waikiki, making it a great place to catch the traditional Friday night fireworks set off at adjacent TLA-Approved Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort (hilton.com/en/hotels/hnlhvhh-hilton-hawaiian-village-waikiki-beach-resort/). means ‘house of the warrior’ in Hawaiian and provides rest, relaxation, recreation and sustainment for military personnel, their families and other members of the Total Defense Force. It is one of four Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRCs) in the world. (The other three are in Florida’s Walt Disney World, Garmisch, Germany and Seoul, Korea.) At the gateway of Waikiki, the Hale Koa Hotel is a full-service resort with 818 rooms next to Waikiki’s best, widest beachfront. While advanced planning is recommended to reserve one of the often booked, affordably priced rooms, military who live on the island can enjoy special events, exceptional dining, exciting shows, evening entertainment, festive bars, and a rejuvenating day spa. Looking for the one of the best luau? Look no further than the popular Hale Koa Luau! Immerse yourself in the culture of the islands as the beautiful Luau Garden comes alive every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evening. Take part in cultural activities while enjoying a delicious served dinner of island favorites. Then take a jour-
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