National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) Honolulu
A sacred volcanic crater in Honolulu, honoring fallen heroes with breathtaking views and solemn remembrance.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) Honolulu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred volcanic crater in Honolulu, honoring fallen heroes with breathtaking views and solemn remembrance.
"A beautiful and somber tribute to those who sacrificed everything for our freedom."
🚶♀️ Walk Respectfully
Treat this as a sacred space. Avoid loud noises and be mindful of ongoing services.
💐 Bring Flowers
A thoughtful gesture to honor loved ones buried here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Courts of the Missing
Flanking the grand stairs
Inscribed with the names of 18,095 missing WWII servicemen from the Pacific.

Chapel and Mosaic Maps
Top of the grand stairs
A serene chapel with mosaic maps detailing American armed forces achievements in the Pacific.

Panoramic Views
Various viewpoints
Stunning vistas overlooking Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, offering a moment of reflection.
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation is Key
Plan Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Respectfully
Treat this as a sacred space. Avoid loud noises and be mindful of ongoing services.
💐 Bring Flowers
A thoughtful gesture to honor loved ones buried here.
📍 Use the Kiosk
Easily find the graves of loved ones with the kiosk near the entrance.
🚗 Consider Transportation
Walking from downtown can be challenging. Taxis or rideshares are recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Respectfully
Treat this as a sacred space. Avoid loud noises and be mindful of ongoing services.
💐 Bring Flowers
A thoughtful gesture to honor loved ones buried here.
📍 Use the Kiosk
Easily find the graves of loved ones with the kiosk near the entrance.
🚗 Consider Transportation
Walking from downtown can be challenging. Taxis or rideshares are recommended.
📸 Photo Etiquette
Be mindful of where and how you take photos. Avoid selfies near gravesites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific for its serene beauty and its role as a powerful tribute to fallen heroes. The panoramic views are a notable highlight, offering a peaceful backdrop for reflection. However, some guests have noted issues with noise from maintenance crews and a perceived lack of respect from some visitors or traffic management within the cemetery.
"Beautiful tribute for those who gave their lives to protect and serve. It was very serene on Suday morning with maybe 5 other people there to pay respect."
Relyssa Anee
"I have mixed feelings about this place.
Firstly thanks to Google Maps we walked up from downtown Honolulu on the side of a really dirty and unpaved road - luckily I saw a different route from the top and went down the other side.
Now although the memorial is well maintained, there were workers cutting the grass and blasting music out even though they were right next to signs stating not to play loud music. Also, having all the traffic including tour buses driving around the memorial seems highly disrespectful.
It could have been built so differently, with a car park where the visitor centre is and people walking up the little hill to the memorial.
We didn't go to the monument as a service was taking place and wanted to be respectful.
The views from the viewpoint were nice, but the viewpoint itself was not signposted and so we were roaming around on the road around the gravesites (there are no pavements, just a road circling through- strange. Even stranger was a sign offering drive-thru, first time I've really been reminded that I'm in the USA)."
Nathalie Fannon
"This is a well maintained, beautiful cemetery. There is a kiosk near the entrance to help find graves of loved ones. The monuments and statues are incredible. We felt honored to pay our respects to the fallen veterans and their families. We are so glad we came to visit. It's very emotional to see this cemetery."
Roseanne M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or rideshare service directly to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Some visitors have found walking from downtown Honolulu challenging due to unpaved roads, so transportation is often recommended.
Yes, there is parking available at the cemetery. However, some reviews suggest that the layout could be improved, with suggestions for a dedicated parking area away from the main memorial.
While public transportation routes might exist, many visitors opt for taxis or rideshares for convenience and direct access to the cemetery. It's advisable to check local bus schedules if you plan to use public transit.
From Waikiki, you can head towards downtown Honolulu and then follow signs for the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The cemetery is located within the crater of an extinct volcano.
The cemetery has roads circling through the gravesites, but some visitors note a lack of sidewalks. The main memorial area is accessible via grand stairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Entry is free for all visitors.
The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It's important to note that special ceremonies, like Memorial Day, may have specific timings.
There is no entrance fee to visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. It is a national cemetery and a place of remembrance.
Yes, you can visit on Memorial Day, but be aware that it is a significant day for ceremonies and remembrance, which can lead to larger crowds.
The primary restriction is to maintain a respectful demeanor. Loud music, disruptive behavior, and disrespectful photography are discouraged.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the Courts of the Missing, the chapel with mosaic maps, various monuments and statues, and enjoy panoramic views of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor.
Yes, it is a deeply somber and emotional place, as it is a burial ground for fallen servicemen and women. Visitors often feel a sense of gratitude and reflection.
Yes, there is a kiosk near the entrance that can help you find the graves of loved ones.
Originally a volcanic crater known as 'Puowaina' or 'Hill of Sacrifice,' it became a national cemetery in 1949 to inter servicemen who died in WWII and subsequent conflicts.
While official guided tours might not be consistently available, some visitors have attended services or taken tours that included the cemetery. It's also possible to explore independently.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid taking selfies directly in front of headstones or during ceremonies.
The panoramic views of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor offer stunning photo opportunities. The grand staircase and the chapel area are also visually striking.
As a national cemetery and a place of solemn remembrance, drone usage is likely restricted or prohibited. It's best to avoid bringing drones.
Avoid photos that are disrespectful, such as posing in a way that trivializes the solemnity of the location, or taking intrusive photos of grieving families.
You can photograph headstones, but always do so respectfully. Focus on capturing the scale and the atmosphere rather than individual graves unless you have a personal connection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the historical aspects, like the 'Courts of the Missing' or the mosaic maps, which can be more engaging for younger minds. The panoramic views also offer a chance for a brief, reflective break. Ensure children understand the importance of not disturbing the gravesites or playing in the cemetery.
🇺🇸 Military History Enthusiasts
Take time to explore the 'Courts of the Missing' and learn about the scale of loss in the Pacific theater. The cemetery's history as a volcanic crater adds another layer of intrigue. If you have a personal connection to a veteran buried here, the experience will be even more profound.
🙏 Those Seeking Reflection
Find a quiet spot, perhaps with a view, and take a moment to appreciate the peace and freedom that so many have fought and died for. The sheer number of headstones serves as a stark reminder of the cost of peace.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Puowaina (Punchbowl)
The decision to establish a national cemetery here was made in 1947, with the first interment taking place on January 4, 1949. Over time, it became the final resting place for more than 13,000 soldiers and sailors who perished during World War II. The cemetery also honors those missing in action, with the names of 18,095 missing American WWII servicemen from the Pacific inscribed on the Courts of the Missing.
Today, Punchbowl stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and sacrifice. It hosts numerous ceremonies, particularly on Memorial Day, drawing veterans, families, and dignitaries to honor those who have served. The serene landscape, dotted with trees, offers a tranquil environment for reflection and remembrance.
Navigating the Cemetery and Visitor Experience
The layout of the cemetery, with roads circling through gravesites and a lack of dedicated pedestrian paths in some areas, can be unusual for visitors. Some reviews suggest a drive-thru experience, which can feel jarring in such a sacred space. It's also important to be aware that services or ceremonies may be taking place, and visitors are expected to be respectful and quiet during these times.
For those looking to locate a specific grave, a helpful kiosk is available near the entrance. The panoramic views from various points within the cemetery are also a significant draw, offering a moment of peace and perspective overlooking Honolulu and Pearl Harbor.
The Significance of Memorial Day at Punchbowl
School children across Oahu create leis, and on Memorial Day, Boy Scouts place a flag and a lei on every gravestone, a touching tradition that honors each fallen service member. The event is often attended by city and state leaders, including the Mayor and military officials, underscoring the national importance of the day.
While the ceremonies are deeply moving, visitors should be prepared for increased crowds and potential traffic. The atmosphere is one of solemn tribute and gratitude, a powerful reminder that 'freedom is not free.'
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