World War II history runs deep in the national parks of the Pacific. Much of that history is told at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, which includes the USS Arizona Memorial. But you'll be able to learn more about the role that military bases in Hawaii played during the war by attending a special presentation later this month at Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, also found on the island of Hawaii (the Big Island).

According to Jim Browne of the Marine Corps League, “More than 55,000 Marines, Navy Corpsman and Seabees trained at Camp Tarawa [in Waimea]…a total of 5,145 were listed as killed in action or died from their wounds and 18,029 were wounded in action in the invasions of Saipan-Tinian and Iwo Jima.” Before these important battles had taken place, these men drilled in Waimea, trained in their tanks in the sugarcane fields of Hamakua and took part in a mock invasion of Iwo Jima along the Kohala Coast, where multi-million dollar resorts now stand.

On Friday, January 29 from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. the historic site will host a special “Talk Story” program that will highlight the unique role of Hawaii Island during World War II. Jim Browne of the Marine Corps League, Camp Tarawa Detachment #1255 will retell some of the stories that came out of Waimea and the Kohala Coast during World War II and will offer park visitors a chance to ask questions about life on Hawaii Island during the War.

If you are interested in attending this unique program, you should contact the park’s Visitor Center at (808) 882-7218 Ext. 1011.