What makes a Hawaiian-born hippie travel across the United States to join the U.S. Marine Corps? Hawaiian Pineapple Jarhead launches you on journey from enlistment to the moment Pineapple Sam leaves for Vietnam The ride to Parris Island Marine Training Base only makes Sam doubt his decision to join the corps. Sam discovers the world of sand-fleas and croccogators are to replace the sunshine and palm trees of his native home.