Veterans Day is a significant national holiday in the United States, observed annually on November 11th to honor military veterans. For consumers, this day often presents opportunities to access complimentary activities, dining benefits, and entertainment offers. The available information details specific complimentary attractions in Honolulu, Hawaii, and a wide array of Veterans Day dining and entertainment freebies valid across the United States in 2024 and 2025. These offers are typically extended to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and sometimes their families, often requiring valid identification or proof of service for redemption.
Complimentary Activities and Attractions in Honolulu
A selection of complimentary activities is available for visitors and locals in Honolulu, particularly in the Waikiki and North Shore areas. These offerings range from nightly entertainment to historical tours and scenic hikes. The information focuses on Oahu, with specific details on hotel-hosted events and public attractions.
Hotel-Hosted Events and Tours
Several hotels in Waikiki provide free events and tours that are open to the public. - Hilton Hawaiian Village Fireworks Show: On Friday nights, the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki hosts a free fireworks display. The show is synchronized with the resort’s "Rockin’ Hawaiian Rainbow Revue." While viewing the fireworks is free, the performance itself costs $30 per person. Display times vary seasonally: 8:00 p.m. from May through August, and 7:45 p.m. from September through April. The fireworks are visible from Duke Kahanamoku Beach & Lagoon. - Historical Hotel Tours: The Moana Surfrider Hotel and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (the "Pink Palace") offer free history tours. These tours provide insight into the rich history and architecture of these iconic Waikiki landmarks.
Public Attractions and Scenic Spots
Beyond hotel events, there are other public attractions and scenic locations accessible without a fee. - North Shore Beaches: The North Shore of Oahu is famous for its pristine beaches and large waves during the winter months. Public beaches like Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and Ehukai Beach (home to the Banzai Pipeline) are free to access and offer excellent opportunities for surfing viewing, swimming (in calmer summer months), and picnicking. - Diamond Head State Monument: While there is a parking fee and a reservation system for the hike to the summit, the exterior views of Diamond Head Crater from the surrounding areas are free to enjoy. The crater itself is a prominent feature of the Honolulu skyline.
Veterans Day Freebies and Dining Offers (2024-2025)
Numerous restaurants, retailers, and attractions across the United States offer free meals, discounts, and other benefits to honor veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. The following offers have been reported for 2024 and 2025, with details on eligibility, redemption requirements, and validity periods. It is important to note that offers can change annually, and participation may vary by location. Consumers are advised to confirm details with individual establishments before visiting.
Restaurant and Dining Offers
Many restaurant chains provide free meals or significant discounts. Most offers are valid only on Veterans Day (November 11), unless otherwise specified. Proof of military service, such as a military ID, DD214, or verification through ID.me, is typically required.
- Another Broken Egg Café: Veterans receive a free Patriot French Toast Combo and coffee with a dine-in visit and valid ID on November 11, 2024.
- Applebee’s: Veterans get a choice of one of eight free special Veterans Day meals and a $5 Bounce Back Card with dine-in service and proof of military service on November 11, 2024.
- Bar Louie: Veterans receive a free burger with a dine-in visit and valid ID on November 11, 2024.
- BJ’s Restaurants: Veterans get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with a dine-in purchase and proof of service on November 11, 2024. Additionally, veterans dining on this date will receive a free appetizer coupon for a next visit, valid through December 31, 2024.
- Bob Evans: Veterans receive a free choice of a meal from the Veterans Day menu with a dine-in visit and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
- Buca Di Beppo: Veterans get a free lunch entrée with a dine-in visit, military ID, and code 37362-5605-3730 on November 11, 2024.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: In 2025, Buffalo Wild Wings will honor past and present armed service members by offering 10 free boneless wings and fries with valid ID. This offer is available for dine-in and walk-in at participating locations.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military members receive a free entrée and beverage from the Veterans Day menu with a dine-in visit and proof of service. This offer is valid on November 11, 2025, for veterans and active military only.
- Carrabba’s: Veterans receive a 10% discount with a dine-in visit and proof of service. This is an ongoing offer.
- Chevys: Veterans get a free 2-item combo with a dine-in visit, service ID, and code VET 2-ITEM on November 11, 2024.
- Chicken Salad Chick: All veterans and active military receive a free meal with one side and drink on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This offer is valid in-restaurant or at the drive-thru only and is not valid on online or delivery orders. Military ID or DD214 is required to redeem.
- Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free meal on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, at all participating Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants. The offer is available in-restaurant only for select items.
- Chipotle: The military community can enjoy any entrée and get a second entrée for free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at restaurants across the U.S. All guests with a valid military ID are eligible.
- City Barbeque: Veterans get a free sandwich, one side, and a drink with an in-store visit (for dine-in or carryout) and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
- Cody’s Original Roadhouse: Veterans receive a discount (details not fully specified in the source) with proof of service on November 11, 2024.
- Kolache Factory: Veterans receive a free Kolache and any size fresh brewed coffee with a dine-in visit and valid ID on November 11, 2024.
- Kona Grill: Veterans get 50% off food with a dine-in visit and valid ID between November 8, 2024, and November 11, 2024.
- Krispy Kreme: Veterans get a free doughnut and coffee with a dine-in visit and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
- La Madeleine: Veterans receive a 30% discount with military ID on November 11, 2024.
- Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: Veterans get a free choice of select meals and a $10 thank you card with dine-in and valid ID on November 11, 2024.
- Max & Erma’s: Veterans receive a 25% discount for the entire table with a dine-in visit and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
- Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub: Veterans get a free lunch from the Veterans Day menu with the purchase of any entrée and military ID on November 10, 2024, from opening through 5 p.m.
- O’Charley’s: Veterans receive a free meal from a special menu with valid ID on November 11, 2024, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion and a choice of any Coke product or a 16 oz domestic draft with the purchase of an adult entrée from November 9, 2024, through November 11, 2024.
- Pilot Flying J: Veterans get a free meal with an app, store visit, and verified proof of service via ID.me through November 11, 2024.
- Qdoba: Veterans receive a 50% discount off a regular entrée with military ID on November 11, 2024.
- Rainforest Cafe: Veterans receive 20% off their meal (details not fully specified in the source).
Entertainment and Service Offers
Beyond dining, several entertainment venues and service providers offer free or discounted access for veterans.
- Marcus Theatres: Veterans get free junior popcorn with identification as a veteran or military on November 11, 2024.
- Medieval Times: Veterans receive exclusive offers and discounted tickets with proof of service via ID.me. This is an ongoing offer.
- Spa Week: Veterans can get a free $45 bonus card for each $75 spent with code NOBURNOUT24 through November 11, 2024.
- Sports Clips: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free haircut on November 11, 2024. A donation will be made to the Help a Hero scholarship program for every haircut on Veterans Day.
Museum and Attraction Admission
Many museums, zoos, and historical sites offer free admission to veterans and sometimes their families on Veterans Day.
- Akron Zoo (OH): Veterans receive free admission for Veterans Day on November 11, 2024. Veteran’s immediate family members receive 50% off single-day admission. Tickets must be purchased at the ticket counter with a valid military ID.
- Colonial Williamsburg (VA): Active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, national guardsmen, and their immediate dependents receive free admission during Veterans Day weekend (November 8, 2024 – November 11, 2024). The offer includes admission to historic trades and sites, admission to two world-class art museums, and complimentary shuttle service.
- Country Music Hall of Fame (TN): Veterans plus up to three immediate family members receive free admission on Veterans Day, November 11, 2024.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (IA): Veterans receive free admission on November 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Monticello (VA): U.S. military veterans receive free admission for the Monticello Self-Guided Pass, Gardens and Grounds Pass, or the Highlights Tour during Veterans Day weekend (November 9, 2024 – November 11, 2024). Active-duty military personnel receive free admission to the Highlights Tour or Grounds Ticket year-round.
- Natural History Museum of Utah (UT): Veterans plus one guest receive free admission during Veterans Day weekend (November 9, 2024 – November 11, 2024). Veterans also receive a 10% discount on any purchase made at the Museum Store.
- Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (WA): Veterans receive free general admission for Veterans Day weekend.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking Veterans Day freebies and complimentary activities, consumers should keep several key points in mind:
- Proof of Service: Nearly all offers require valid proof of military service. This typically includes a military ID, DD214 form, or verification through a service like ID.me. Veterans should ensure they have the appropriate documentation before attempting to redeem an offer.
- Participation and Availability: Offers are often subject to participation by individual locations. Not all restaurants or attractions within a chain may honor the promotion. It is highly recommended to call ahead to confirm participation and any specific requirements.
- Validity Periods: While most Veterans Day offers are valid only on November 11, some extend through the weekend or have specific date ranges (e.g., Kona Grill’s offer from November 8-11). Always check the specific dates for each offer.
- Dine-In vs. Carryout: Many free meal offers are valid for dine-in only. Others may allow for carryout or drive-thru orders. The terms for each offer are clearly stated in the source material.
- Family Inclusions: Some offers, particularly at museums and attractions, extend benefits to immediate family members (e.g., spouses and children). This is often noted as a percentage discount for family members when the veteran receives free admission.
Conclusion
Veterans Day presents a meaningful opportunity for establishments across the United States to express gratitude to military personnel and veterans through complimentary activities and dining benefits. From free historical tours and fireworks displays in Honolulu to free meals at major restaurant chains and free admission to museums nationwide, there are numerous ways to honor service members. Consumers interested in these offers should carefully review the eligibility requirements, redemption processes, and validity periods for each specific offer, as details can vary significantly. Confirming with participating locations prior to visiting is the best practice to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.