Dwayne Johnson returns to Hawaii to pay tribute to veterans

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who reprises his role as Maui in Disney's much-anticipated Moana 2, took a moment from the film's record-breaking opening weekend to honor military personnel and their families.

Johnson visited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in his home state of Hawaii on Saturday, marking a heartfelt Thanksgiving weekend.

In a series of posts shared on social media, Johnson expressed deep gratitude toward the service members he met.

"Boundlessly grateful to all our military men and women & their families for their service. A great day to look you in your eyes, shake your hands, and loved all the daps, hugs, tears, and selfies too. God bless you and your families," he said.

Connected with families

The Hollywood icon spent the day connecting with servicemen and women, as well as their families, taking photos, sharing hugs, and personally thanking them for their sacrifices.

His visit coincided with the opening weekend of Moana 2, which grossed an impressive $221 million over the five-day holiday period, setting a new Thanksgiving box office record.

The sequel to the beloved 2016 Disney hit brings Johnson's Maui back alongside a new chapter for Moana. While celebrating the film's success, Johnson made sure his focus extended beyond the glitz and glamour, dedicating his time to those who protect and serve the nation.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the actor's heartfelt gesture served as a reminder of his strong connection to his Hawaiian roots and his unwavering support for the military community.

This visit not only delighted troops and their families but also showed Johnson's commitment to spreading positivity and gratitude wherever he goes.