Whether you want to soak up the history of an island, get some face time with a president or go on a desert adventure, three Military Waypoint users have some suggestions. They’re helping build the online travel community that’s exclusively for troops, veterans and their families. Visit MilitaryWaypoint.com to contribute your own stories and see what others have posted.
Hawaiian Paradise Adventure
Honolulu, Hawaii
When people think of paradise, Hawaii always comes to mind — and the 50th state doesn’t disappoint!
My wife and I were stationed in Pearl Harbor over 15 years ago and as recent empty-nesters thought it time to travel back again for vacation. The average trip to Hawaii can be some of the most expensive of all the 50 states, but with military discounts and utilizing the local ITT office, they can provide significant savings and affordability to Hawaii.
We started with booking our stay at the Hale Koa hotel — a military-only hotel that is located right on Waikiki Beach. The accommodations are superb, the location can’t be beat, and the hotel rates are comparable to a mainland hotel stay (based upon paygrade).
While in Honolulu, it is important to pay respect to those who died on Dec. 7, 1941 — and the Arizona Memorial is a must to see and spend an afternoon in remembrance. There are many discounted attractions to attend offered by the local ITT ticket office. My wife and I spent an enjoyable evening at Paradise Cove Luau, purchasing discount tickets at ITT at a substantial savings. The Paradise Cove Luau provided a secluded private beach setting with traditional Hawaiian crafts and games.
For those who like to keep fit while on vacation, a climb up Diamond Head can’t be beat. For a low entrance fee to the park, you can have access to million-dollar views of Honolulu with just a short 30-45 minute hike. Arrive early to Diamond Head park, as there are smaller crowds and limited parking. Overall, with military discounts Hawaii is a destination vacation that can be as affordable as it is memorable.
— Derek Burton, Waypoint member
Military Times editor Jon Anderson says the Lincoln Memorial at night is a must-see when you visit Washington, D.C.
Photo Credit: Jon Anderson/Staff
Alone Time With The Big Man At The Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial, D.C.
I’m standing there alone, staring up at the chiseled, thoughtful face of the nation’s 16th President. It’s late at night and all is quiet in the vast chamber. Just outside a light snow is falling.
“In this temple,” reads the carefully carved epitaph inscribed above the massive marble statue, “the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”
At this hour, the light inside is almost otherworldly, adding to the sense of sacred space.
To my left, the Gettysburg Address covers the south wall. To the right, Lincoln’s second inaugural address fills the other side.
The solitude doesn’t’ last long. Within a few minutes a few others trickle in, passing in and out of the vast hall in quiet reverence.
But it’s a moment I’ll never forget, alone in the Lincoln Memorial, lost in my own thoughts and Lincoln’s immortal words.
It’s something you can really only do at night though.
Indeed, the Lincoln Memorial is one of the most popular destinations in a town a full of must-see places and spaces. In fact, according to National Park Service, it is the single most visited spot on the National Mall with nearly 8 million passing under Lincoln’s reflective gaze last year alone.
The throngs of tourists, however, thin considerably at night. Park Rangers are usually on hand until 10 p.m. daily to answer question and provide interpretive programs, but the memorial is free and open to the public 24 hours a day.
A late night visit also makes checking out the small, but excellent exhibits on Lincoln and his memorial’s window on history – tucked crypt-like just under the main hall – much more enjoyable. I can’t even imagine trying to squeeze into the mini museaum during the day with all the masses.
To get to the Lincoln Memorial, the closest two metro — or subway — stations are Foggy Bottom and Smithsonian. But at night the lack of crowds means free parking is plentiful along the Potomac River on Ohio Drive SW., a short walk just south of the Memorial.
So, whether you’ve lived in the DC area for years or you’re just making your first pilgrimage to our nation’s capital, do yourself a favor and make it a point to visit this singularly special place at night.
— Jon Anderson, Military Times editor
Antelope Canyon in Arizona near the Utah border offers amazing photo ops.
Photo Credit: Charlsy Panzino/Staff
Adventures In Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
It can be easy to take for granted the area you live in, and a weekend excursion to someplace nearby is a good way to fix that. I was born and raised in Arizona and had always wanted to see Antelope Canyon because the photos I’d seen looked amazing.
I lived in Scottsdale at the time, which is a 4 ½ hour drive to Antelope Canyon, but it’s definitely worth it. It’s about the same drive from Luke, Nellis and Creech Air Force bases. You’re not allowed into the canyon unless you’re with a tour guide, but it’s worth it to be with someone who knows the area, and prices are pretty reasonable (around $40 or so per person). Antelope Canyon is part of the Navajo Nation, and our guide was a local Navajo, so she had lots of interesting tidbits to tell us about the area.
Our guide told us how the canyon was created and went out of her way to show each visitor where the best photo ops were and the best places to stand. It’s beautiful seeing the way the water has carved through the canyon over time, and it’s an unreal experience seeing beams of light shine down through the openings.
Not only is Antelope Canyon beautiful, but it’s so unique that it feels like you’re on another planet. Since it’s not too far of a drive from several bases, it’s a must-see when you feel like getting out and exploring.
— Charlsy Panzino, Military Times editor
