Where to do a pinning ceremony in Hawaii
Hawaii is gorgeous. It begs to be photographed. With year round beautiful weather (for the most part), there’s several options for where to do a pinning ceremony in Hawaii. There’s no reason any Marine should be promoted in a conference room! Hawaii has a few significant areas for where to do a pinning ceremony – some are easy, some carry heavy history.
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Four Options for Where to do a Pinning Ceremony in Hawaii
These are my favorite places to do a pinning ceremony in Hawaii. I am bias to Marine Corps Base Hawaii because its the prettiest base on island. The Battleship is a great option closer to Pearl Harbor but still lacks photographic finesse with its unsightly tent.
- North Beach, MCBH
- 13th Hole, Klipper Golf Course, MCBH
- Iwo Jima Memorial, MCBH
- USS Missouri Battleship, Ford Island
How to do a pinning ceremony?
A Marine Corps pinning ceremony is pretty basic. There’s the Marine being promoted, a promoting officer, someone to read the promotion message, and someone to pin on the new rank (usually family). Everyone else is extra – there for the party to follow!
What is a Marine Corps Pinning Ceremony?
A USMC Pinning Ceremony is a promotion. The Marine was previously selected to be promoted and the US Congress approved the promotion. Every month a predetermined batch of Marines are promoted to their next rank. This is it!
Why is it called a pinning ceremony?
It’s called a Pinning Ceremony because its when the service member pins on the new rank insignia for the first time. Part of the ceremony is taking off the old rank and pinning on the new, usually done by a spouse, parent, child or mentor.
When the ceremony is done in cammies (some call it fatigues), the rank insignia is changed out on on the collar. When done in dress blues, the rank insignia is changed on the shoulder boards.
What Happens During A Pinning Ceremony?
The pinning ceremony is quite short. All you need is the service member, a promoting officer, and someone to read the citation. Usually family or friends do the actually pinning.
Most of the time these quick ceremonies happen in a public space. It begins with opening remarks from the promoting officer, followed by reading the citation. The service member takes the oath and receives the new rank. After that the service member typically speaks, and is usually followed with food, drinks, and getting off work early.
1. North Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii
North Beach on Marine Corps Base Hawaii is an open beach for anyone with base access. Its a large open grassy field with two set of stairs down to the sand and water. Showers and changing stations are also available.
North Beach has a beautiful view of the open ocean, air station flight light and the Koolau mountain range off to the west. The sunset over the Koolau Mountains is stunning – when its not cloudy! Its a stunning option for where to do a pinning ceremony in Hawaii!
There’s also a dog park and playground across the street. There’s no better view from a dog park!
Photos of a Marine Corps Pinning Ceremony in Hawaii
2. 13th Hole, Klipper Golf Course, Marine Corps Base Hawaii
The 13th hole is very popular place to do pinning ceremony in Hawaii. Also free, and weather dependent. There’s a great deal of wind!
There is no scheduling system for the golf course. You just set a time and pray no one else will be there doing the same thing. If there is, you just wait your turn.
See more images from our own pinning ceremony.
3. Iwo Jima Memorial, Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Its free, open air and weather dependent. Located at the front gate of the base.
You can see more images from this Iwo Jima Memorial Pinning.
4. USS Missouri Battleship, Ford Island, Hawaii
Military ceremonies are free on the battleship but require preplanning with their event staff. Their time slots are strict and usually not available on Fridays. There’s a permanent tent where all ceremonies take place. I personally think its ugly and it ruins the look of your photos.
More Pinning Ceremony Resources
- Iwo Jima Memorial Hawaii MCBH, Kaneohe Pinning Ceremony
- Picture-Perfect Pinning: Klipper Golf Course’s 13th Hole in Hawaii
- Featured: I’m Possible Spousely Podcast
- 4 Easy Options for Where To Do a Pinning Ceremony in Hawaii
- Easy Marine Corps Retirement Ceremony | USS Missouri Events
- Elite Military Ceremonies | USS Wisconsin Navy Retirement
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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