National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), Honolulu - green grass field with white concrete pillar during daytime
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National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) Honolulu

4.7
·618 reviews·Honolulu, United States

A sacred volcanic crater in Honolulu, honoring fallen heroes with breathtaking views and solemn remembrance.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), Honolulu - green grass field with white concrete pillar during daytime

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) Honolulu

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sacred volcanic crater in Honolulu, honoring fallen heroes with breathtaking views and solemn remembrance.

4.7
(618 reviews)

"A beautiful and somber tribute to those who sacrificed everything for our freedom."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Courts of the Missing

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

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

Panoramic Views

Various viewpoints

Stunning vistas overlooking Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, offering a moment of reflection.

Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visitation is Key

This is a sacred burial ground. Treat it with the utmost respect. Avoid loud noises, disrespectful photos, or treating it as a tourist attraction. Many visitors emphasize the somber and peaceful atmosphere, urging others to be mindful of the veterans and their families.

Plan Your Visit Wisely

While the cemetery is open daily, consider visiting during less crowded times. Memorial Day sees many ceremonies, which can be moving but also draw large crowds. Check for any scheduled events to ensure a peaceful experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Beautiful sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Nate Beyond disrespectful to do this, not just in Hawai’i, but literally anywhere. Don’t advertise cemetarys as skate parks… thought that was common sense, but I guess not. 🤷🏻#greenscreen #hawaii #hawaiian #tourist
@tamatcha18
14K likes • 165.7K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk Respectfully

Treat this as a sacred space. Avoid loud noises and be mindful of ongoing services. TikTokReddit

💐 Bring Flowers

A thoughtful gesture to honor loved ones buried here. Reddit

Always an honor to emcee the Mayor’s Memorial Day Service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 We must never forget that freedom is not free - and we have everything because of those who gave everything.
ashnagaoka
703 likes • 0 views
🌺2025年5月26日🌺 ハワイ移住1年285日目は久しぶりの家族4人での休日でした☀️ 今日は月曜日ですが、長女のプリスクールはお休み😌 というのも、今日は毎年5月の最終月曜日に制定されているMemorial Dayと呼ばれるアメリカ合衆国の祝日で、アメリカの軍人として戦争などで命を落とした方々を追悼し、その犠牲に敬意を表する日なのです🇺🇸 本日訪れたのは、National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific、通称Punchbowlと呼ばれるホノルルに位置するアメリカの国立墓地🪦 Punchbowlには推定6万人以上の魂が眠っているとされており、Memorial Dayには退役軍人、現役軍人、その家族、地元住民、観光客、そして州知事やホノルル市長、米軍高官など多くの人々が集まり、厳粛な雰囲気の中で戦没者を追悼するハワイ最大級かつ最も格式高い追悼式典...
dailymahalo
213 likes • 0 views

📍 Use the Kiosk

Easily find the graves of loved ones with the kiosk near the entrance. Reddit

🚗 Consider Transportation

Walking from downtown can be challenging. Taxis or rideshares are recommended. Reddit

As we packed up our things and started to leave Punchbowl Cemetery, my grandma touched my grandpa’s gravesite one last time and whispered, “Come and get me.” No one prepares you for how hard it is to see someone you love, live without the one they love most. We miss you everyday grandpa, but we’ll take care of your love on this side of Heaven. 🤍
chillinwithchelsea
130 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk Respectfully

Treat this as a sacred space. Avoid loud noises and be mindful of ongoing services. TikTokReddit

💐 Bring Flowers

A thoughtful gesture to honor loved ones buried here. Reddit

📍 Use the Kiosk

Easily find the graves of loved ones with the kiosk near the entrance. Reddit

🚗 Consider Transportation

Walking from downtown can be challenging. Taxis or rideshares are recommended. Reddit

📸 Photo Etiquette

Be mindful of where and how you take photos. Avoid selfies near gravesites. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(618 reviews)

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

Beautiful and serene setting
Moving tribute to veterans
Stunning panoramic views

What People Dislike

Occasional noise disturbances
Disrespectful visitor behavior

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Entry is free for all visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. It is a national cemetery and a place of remembrance. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

The primary restriction is to maintain a respectful demeanor. Loud music, disruptive behavior, and disrespectful photography are discouraged. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit+1

Yes, there is a kiosk near the entrance that can help you find the graves of loved ones. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid taking selfies directly in front of headstones or during ceremonies. TikTokReddit

The panoramic views of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor offer stunning photo opportunities. The grand staircase and the chapel area are also visually striking. Instagram

As a national cemetery and a place of solemn remembrance, drone usage is likely restricted or prohibited. It's best to avoid bringing drones. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Punchbowl Cemetery with children requires a focus on education and respect. Explain to children that this is a place where heroes are laid to rest and that it's important to be quiet and respectful. The vastness of the cemetery and the rows of headstones can be a powerful visual for understanding sacrifice. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

🇺🇸 Military History Enthusiasts

For those with a keen interest in military history, Punchbowl Cemetery is a must-visit. It's not just a burial site but a living testament to the sacrifices made across multiple wars, particularly World War II. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

🙏 Those Seeking Reflection

Punchbowl Cemetery offers a uniquely serene and contemplative environment. The natural beauty of the crater, combined with the solemnity of the resting place, creates a powerful atmosphere for reflection. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Puowaina (Punchbowl)

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, affectionately known as 'Punchbowl,' is situated within the crater of an extinct volcano. Its Hawaiian name, 'Puowaina,' translates to 'Hill of Sacrifice,' hinting at its ancient past. Historically, the crater served as an altar for human sacrifices to pagan gods by ancient Hawaiians. This sacred ground was later chosen as a permanent burial site for American servicemen and women who died in the Pacific theater.

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+2

Navigating the Cemetery and Visitor Experience

Visiting Punchbowl Cemetery offers a profound experience, but some practicalities are worth noting. While the cemetery is generally well-maintained, some visitors have pointed out areas for improvement, such as the placement of loud music by workers near 'quiet' signs, which can detract from the solemn atmosphere. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

The Significance of Memorial Day at Punchbowl

Memorial Day holds particular significance at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. It's a time when the cemetery becomes a focal point for remembrance ceremonies, drawing large crowds of veterans, active military personnel, families, and the general public. Instagram+1

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. Reddit The event is often attended by city and state leaders, including the Mayor and military officials, underscoring the national importance of the day. Instagram+2

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.' Instagram+1

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