Take Time to Pause and Reflect at Oahu’s Serene Punchbowl Cemetery
Commonly known as Punchbowl, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is one of Oahu’s most historically significant and beautiful sites.
Located inside Punchbowl Crater, an extinct volcano, the cemetery serves as the final resting place for thousands of military personnel who served in the United States Armed Forces.
The crater, known in the Hawaiian language as Puowaina, translates to “Hill of Sacrifice”, referencing its past use as an altar for human sacrifices. Later, during the reign of Kamehameha, cannons mounted on the rim of the crater welcomed distinguished arrivals.
The area later became a proposed site for a new cemetery in the late 19th century, but it wasn’t until after World War II that it was officially established as a permanent burial site for fallen American service members.
Opened in 1949, Punchbowl Cemetery was designed to honor the achievements of the American Armed Forces, particularly those who fought in the Pacific Theater of World War II and later conflicts like the Korean War and Vietnam War.
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As Oahu residents (and a military family), my husband and I have visited Punchbowl several times. It’s one of our favorite places to escape the city and reflect.
If you visit Oahu over Memorial Day, don’t miss the chance to see the incredible Memorial Day service where all 38,000 graves are adorned with lei. This significant task is undertaken annually by the City and County of Honolulu, and it’s truly remarkable to see.
What to See at Punchbowl Cemetery
Visitors to Punchbowl can explore the Honolulu Memorial, which features a Court of Honor and extensive descriptions of the achievements of the American Armed Forces.
This memorial commemorates the unidentified remains of U.S. servicemen from the Pacific Ocean, including those lost at Wake Island and in Japanese POW camps.
Key highlights within the cemetery include:
The Grand Stairs – An impressive, wide set of stairs leading to the highest point of the memorial.
Eight Courts of the Missing – Located on either side of the stairs, the names of the 18,095 American missing from the Pacific in World War II and the 8,210 missing from the Korean War are inscribed.
Lady Columbia Statue – A striking monument honoring the mothers of fallen veterans.
Memorial Pathway – Lined with plaques and tributes from various organizations, foreign governments, and veteran organizations.
Galleries – Mosaic maps highlight the achievements of the American armed forces throughout the Pacific.
Chapel – Located at the top of the stairs, flanked by the mosaic walls, is a small chapel. It’s the perfect place to stop and reflect.
Grave Markers & Headstones – Unlike traditional cemeteries, Punchbowl features flat granite headstones arranged across the 116-acre cemetery.
Panoramic Views – From the crater rim, visitors are treated to some of the most breathtaking views of the island of Oahu, with vistas stretching from Diamond Head to downtown Honolulu and beyond.
Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial – A tribute to the astronauts lost in the 1986 disaster.
Bicentennial Medal of Honor Headstones – Honoring recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Need to Know Info
- Location: Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Parking: Free parking is available on-site
Why Visit Punchbowl Cemetery?
Punchbowl Cemetery is not just a place of remembrance and respect but also one of Oahu’s most popular tourist destinations.
Whether you’re paying tribute to fallen heroes, exploring Hawaii’s military history, or simply admiring the native trees and fresh flowers that adorn the cemetery, it’s a truly unique and special place to visit. If you’re interested in history, make sure to also visit Pearl Harbor, another site that played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
Punchbowl Cemetery stands as a lasting symbol of the sacrifices made by generations of American service members and offers visitors a peaceful yet powerful place of reflection in the heart of Honolulu.
