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National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
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Mg
Review №1

Full of history and significance. As the memorial at the back of the cemetery it’s quite interesting, educational, and lovely to look at as well.From one of the Punchbowl’s sides, there is a spectacular view of downtown Honolulu.

St
Review №2

A very beautiful location for those who served in the armed forces and their wives. My 2nd mother passed way and we put a lei around her box. We need more places like this for everyone.

Br
Review №3

The Punchbowl Cemetery affects a person like no ordinary cemetery. The magnitude of sacrifices made to ensure our national sovereignty and therefore our freedoms is on full display here. Headstone after headstone reminds me to appreciate what they had to do on my behalf today. The immaculate grounds are kept up better than any other park on Oahu. That shows how high of respect is shown here. The wall murals depicting major engagements in the Pacific are an education in themselves. The walk up to the Punchbowl overlook is lined with memorials of appreciation. The view of the city and mountains is grand, but also of the size of the National Cemetery.

Ca
Review №4

This place was gorgeous. The grounds were amazingly maintained. Restroom was nice and clean. Actually visited this place on a moped and the pavement was a little choppy and almost needs to be repaved, other than that, definitely a great place to stop in and visit. If you like my review, please follow me :)

Ja
Review №5

Beautiful memorial to those that lost their lives in battles in the Pacific. This is definitely a must see when your on the island of Oahu. Its about a 15 minute drive out of Honolulu and is free to enter. The grounds are wonderfully looked after and you have the freedom to explore them all you want. It is a drive around cemetery but you can pull up on the right of the road to get out and look around. Worth the visit and doesnt really take that long to look around the place.

DE
Review №6

This place is always kept in top notch shape when visiting. The grounds are kept clean. Visitors are super respectful when on premises. There is a new visitor center built, which was done nicely. The views from Punchbowl are spectacular! Its especially a very heartfelt moment when entering the park on Memorial Day when scouts from all across Hawaii honor each grave with the American flag and a flower or ti leaf lei.

Ja
Review №7

This place was a bit of a mix of Arlington National Cemetery and the National Mall in Washington, DC. Park the car and walk. Theres an uphill climb to a view, and its worth the effort to get there. The views are incredible. Walk up first, and then meander your way down, and visit the temple. Spin around and be amazed by the view of the entire cemetery.

Ja
Review №8

A beautiful cemetery with some incredible memorials— a lot of history here including number of notable and award winning Veterans interred on the grounds, as well as an astronaut from the Challenger disaster. Ample shade and areas for quiet reflection. There are also a steady stream of tour buses — however they don’t seem to cause much of a distraction.

Ca
Review №9

One of my favorite sites on the island. Not only is the property itself spectacular, but the names and stories held on these grounds is amazing as well. Pay your respects, take the time to take in the moment here. Walk the steps to the top, and go around the back of the sculptures. There are maps and stories of all the wars through the Pacfic on the walls. I could spend all day here reading these. There is also a beautiful chapel up there that is small but always filled with flowers people bring. Incredible spot - dont miss it!

Le
Review №10

Must do for Patriotic citizens who are thankful for the sacrifices our Armed Forces have made to keep our Great Country Free!

Ri
Review №11

From the lookout are spectacular views of busy Honolulu and in the other direction contemplate the sacrifice made by so many. The Punchbowl is a quiet resting place for our honored war dead.

V
Review №12

It was an honor to walk these sacred grounds. It is meticulously maintained.

Jo
Review №13

We visited on a very busy weekend, Memorial Day. The scouts were there to place flags and many were visiting grave sites. There was a little traffic driving up to Punchbowl, but they had people directing traffic within the cemetery. The scenery is beautiful on top of an old crater with large trees throughout with a gorgeous view of Honolulu.

La
Review №14

An absolutely amazing place! A worthy memorial to honor the fallen, as well as a history of WWII in the pacific. Beautiful views as well of Honolulu and Diamond Head.

C
Review №15

Very surreal and peaceful location with amazing views overlooking the island. A wonderful tribute to all of those that have passed.

Ma
Review №16

A beautiful, solemn memorial and place of remembrance for wars in the Pacific. The memorial walls tell the story of the wars with great detail and maps. Its very well done, and I believe brings great honor to those who have given their lives in the fight for freedom. The burial grounds have a gorgeous panoramic view of Honolulu.

Di
Review №17

It a beautiful, somber memorial park. It gives chills to the skin to see the men and women who gave their lives for our country, some were so young they never had a chance to start their own families. There is a new building were you can locate the graves and where they are located. It is very beautiful, the view of the ocean and Diamond Head is spectacular!

Ni
Review №18

We searched and search punchbowl cemetery and finally found a very nice gentleman who directed us to visit our Papa whom we miss dearly. 12 of us came from California and were not going to leave until we visited him. A big thank you to the nice security guard who personally escorted us to his headstone

Da
Review №19

This place is a beautiful reminder of the horrors of war. Most but not all have died while in a conflict.

To
Review №20

Incredibly beautiful cemetery and memorial for those service members that made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The overlook gives beautiful views of the entire city of Honolulu and Diamond Head. Be sure and give yourself plenty of time to read about the battles of the Pacific during WWII and Korea.

80
Review №21

Beautiful place to show respect for the dead!!

Li
Review №22

Beautiful place to visit. Very peaceful and allows you time to reflect on the past, present and future. We come here to visit my husbands grandfather who flew planes in world war II.

Ra
Review №23

The National Memorial Cemetery overlooks Honolulu and we visited on a tour bus. Excellent.

Pa
Review №24

Placed a Wreath in Honor of my Father(Veteran) this past National Wreaths Aceoss America Day with my husband (active duty).This place has rich History. I feel at peace when I walk around here. Beautiful architecture and a beautiful place for those laid to rest here.You will find murals on wars, with maps engraved. You will find details of faith beyond the hallways and you will surely feel the emotions with each step.

Ke
Review №25

Beautiful memorial cemetery that honors the heroes that we have lost.

M
Review №26

This is a great place to learn the history of the battles in the Pacific during world war 2, pay respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and enjoy a beautiful and sacred area with great views of Honolulu.

Ci
Review №27

A must to see ..I recently moved back to Hawaii and can never get tired of visiting. My parents are buried here. Not only because of them, the views are spectacular, clean offices, bathrooms and FANTASTIC Staff.Great picture taking

Ch
Review №28

Very solemn place to visit. Also offers fantastic views of downtown.

R.
Review №29

This is a must do and see when visiting Hawaii. It has some of the best panoramic views of Waikiki to the Eva plains. If you can get past the construction cranes ruining the views from all the new developments, it is an amazing view point of picture taking. At lease Diamond Head is unobstructed for now.It is very easy to get to via car and right outside of downtown Honolulu as well as only a few miles from Waikiki. The memorial its self has an amazing pictorial history of the wars with a focus on WWII. It is just an amazing construction to pay tribute to those who served during those times.You dont need much time there, maybe an hour tops depending on how much looking around you want to do. Once done, it is easy to get back on to what ever other site seeing you are doing.

Ha
Review №30

One of my favorite places to see in Honolulu. The best of you on the island. I love the peace and serenity here. Such a humbling experience being right next to so many great heroes.

Li
Review №31

Beautiful place and was very emotional to take in.

Ma
Review №32

Sad place to visit. So man service men and women lost in so many wars. Great views west to Honolulu and Diamond Head from here.

St
Review №33

Amazing experience. Never forget. ️

Jo
Review №34

Beautiful memorial park. The Koolau mountain range absolutely gorgeous from here. Mother Nature at her best.

Ev
Review №35

Beautiful memorial site, lookout is worth the visit, landscape is beautiful, but I was in awe of the huge one story high battle maps on the memorial walls.

Ga
Review №36

We missed this ten years ago but last month found the National Cemetery very sobering. The site is impressive and honors those that served with the respect that they deserve.

Ma
Review №37

This memorial is very well done, and it is a great place for reflection, enjoying nature, and seeing a great view of Oahu.

Ry
Review №38

Wonderful location to learn some history and respect those who lost their lives for our country. Also the are some great views of the city from here.

Vi
Review №39

Definitely worth a look. The area is very well kept and the area is peaceful as you check out various war memorials and other monuments. The place is massive so if you’re looking for a certain grace you might consider checking out the grave locator which is located to the left just inside the entrance. I seem to remember it being one way so so to the right and go all the way around.

Ka
Review №40

Its gorgeous here! Great views... Be sure to walk up the ramp to the lookout on the crater rim. You can see the whole city and Diamond Head from up there!

Ja
Review №41

Very quiet place to reflect on those who have their life so we can enjoy our freedom. It’s hard to look at those who served and didn’t come home when I served for my country and returned safely. I get to carry on my life, have a family and grow old while they do not. It’s a peaceful place and I hope anyone who visits, reflects on the price some paid.

Ph
Review №42

Well-kept grounds and a solid view of Honolulu make this a worthwhile - but not must - stop in Oahu.

Sc
Review №43

I have lots of family buried at Punchbowl. Beautiful place and so peaceful.

Mi
Review №44

This is an amazing place. The casualties from the Pearl Harbor attack are here as are many who died in the Pacific war. Included are both military personnel and civilians - such as war correspondents. The views from the Punchbowl are incredible. You immediately get the feeling that you are on hallowed ground.

An
Review №45

Scenic views and secluded area. The staff was not only helpful but respectful and courteous to me and my family for my brothers service.

Vi
Review №46

This is a beautiful peaceful place. 360 degree views. There was two full rainbows. My camera on my phone couldnt begin to capture the beauty.

Ja
Review №47

This Veterans Cemetary is more than just a resting place. It features a beautiful memorial statue, several walls of the missing, an elaborate display of the course of WWII, Vietnam, and Korean wars. Many victims of the Pearl Harbor bombings are buried there, many are still unknown. With recent technology, efforts are being made to identify those unknowns. Sailor Jerry is buried here as well. The memorial is something special, but the lookout is the hidden gem! It offers a 360°view of the island, from diamonds head to the koolau s to Ewa & Waialua! An amazing spot to visit and a must for history buffs.

Va
Review №48

Peaceful place to lay to rest those who have their lives for freedom

S
Review №49

There are two ways to locate a memorial site. There is a little hut by the entrance that has a computer where you can search by last name. It will print out a map and give you a location number. Dont go looking for it thinking you can find it by memory, like my auntie- who remembers its under a tree somewhere. There are thousands of sites here. The location number is on the upper right corner of the head stone. Also, if its too far to walk back to the information hut. You can look it up online on their website. This is a beautiful place. Its a little hilly so wear comfortable shoes if you want to get to the lookout area. Its very clean and well kept place. It is a cemetery, so be mindful of others.

El
Review №50

Magnificent and majestic, this memorial is breathtakingly beautiful---a tranquil, serene resting place for those that served the United States of America. Thank you for your service.

Jo
Review №51

What a great tour of the punch bowl cemetery in Hawaii, It was a great opportunity to pay the respects to all the members of the US military who fought for their country and made the supreme sacrifices for the country that we have today, the tour guide had exact knowledge of all the Pacific battles and outstanding exhibits of the entire Pacific war .

Ra
Review №52

A must-visit if youre visiting Hawaii. Caught a nice shot of a rainbow just right above!

Co
Review №53

Fantastic view and tribute to the pacific.

Ma
Review №54

This is such an amazing memorial to all who served and those who died during the wars. We spent quite a long time going through all the information areas. The grounds are immaculate. The design is truly impressive. The structures that border the grave sites show you the history of the Pacific War. To read the names of those men missing, on the walls, makes one think of how brave they were. There is a spectacular view of Honolulu from the road before you enter Punch Bowl. You should visit if you are in the area simply to show your respect for our fallen veterans.

DK
Review №55

Stunning grounds and stone carved historic maps..fascinating.

Sa
Review №56

My parents are buried here, the grounds are beautiful and well kept.

Ra
Review №57

I have returned every year since my good friend, Joe Echanis, Major USAF, was reported MIA over Cambodia during the Vietnam Nam war. Most likely, he is gone, but his name is still there on the marble stone at the most beautiful memorial in the world, which I continue to honor and thank him for fighting for our freedom. May God be with you, Joe.Ray

Ha
Review №58

Just driving to the entrance deserves 10 stars by itself for its amazing views of Honolulu!! Ive come here a few times to visit my Uncle, who was a Vietnam Vet and everytime i have come, i have found peace and rest here. There is not anything more I can say about this place than to just come by and see the Cemetery. It reminds me of the one beggining scene in Saving Private Ryan, but this is for the pacific side. Stop by and Honor all the Men and Women who served in the armed forces. Thank you to all who have served!

Aa
Review №59

Beautiful and humbling place to be.

Ti
Review №60

This is a really stirring Memorial to all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. And Id only is the significance of this location quite historical, the facilities are top-notch kept up to shape and very appealing, all while remaining very reverential. I cant imagine anybody missing the opportunity to visit this location as part of a trip to the island of a Oahu.

To
Review №61

I enjoyed it. It was very well maintained and informative

R
Review №62

From what we could see, it is the relatives and descendants that keep each of prospective headstones pristine. Not sure I would .ake this a destination, but if you are in the area, it would be worth a stop.

Ke
Review №63

360-degree photo - use VR glasses for best for view! Take a November 11th veterans day 2019.

Da
Review №64

Patriotic citizens who are thankful for the sacrifices our Armed Forces have made to keep our Great Country Free!

Ha
Review №65

Lot more than a military cemetery. Good summary of WWII Pacific battles depicted on walls, a small cute chapel, as well as breathtaking views of Honolulu and the ocean. Very clean and green manicured fields of grass, trees, and plants.

To
Review №66

Beautiful memorial to our nations fallen. The main memorial has huge handcrafted maps that explain the major battles of the Pacific.

Ch
Review №67

An honor to see my fathers plaque there, whenever I can visit.

Ga
Review №68

My fiance Greg is buried there with his brother and other family members. I loved going there. Was so peaceful.

Je
Review №69

Beautiful, poignant monument to and cemetery for our nations veterans. We have so much to thank them for. It is a winding road to get there in the Punchbowl Crater. Stop at the small Visitors Center if you wish to locate a particular veterans grave or learn more about the cemetery. The Visitors Center has a nice overlook on Honolulu. Then follow the winding road up into the crater and around the cemetery.

Ka
Review №70

Beautiful resting place of our Heros!

Ra
Review №71

Such a serene and beautiful Memorial for our fallen service members

SH
Review №72

I was touched by the care and respect the ground keepers handle my uncle and aunty being put to rest. It is a touching beauty of their lives in a beautiful surrounding.

Al
Review №73

Such beautiful grounds for our fallen heroes. There are many tour options to visit, and if you get a good tour guide, youll hear some of the amazing stories of the people interred here

Da
Review №74

Scenic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is located a Punchbowl Crater in Honolulu. It also includes the Honolulu Memorial, which contains a small chapel and tribute to the various battles fought in the Pacific. At the top of the staircase in the Court of Honor is a statue of Lady Columbia (also known as Lady Liberty, or Justice). You may recognize it from the opening titles in Hawaii Five-O (1968 TV series). Approximately 53,000 World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans and their dependents have been interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific since it was dedicated on September 2, 1949.

Ra
Review №75

Serene and impeccably groomed, this is a fitting memorial to those who served our country, and many who died for our freedom. Be sure to visit the WWII memorial that explains the bigger picture of the key battles. Outstanding views of the city and the surrounding mountains. I visit often as I have family interred here.

Ad
Review №76

This is very very well done. Very peaceful. Serene. And has great views of Honolulu and the ocean. Very quiet. Thank you.

Jo
Review №77

I cant imagine anyone not giving this place a 5...humbling, beautiful and historic. Great mosaics showing the time line of the entire war.

De
Review №78

Gorgeous views, great history!

Nu
Review №79

A sacred place.

Br
Review №80

So peaceful and beautiful.

El
Review №81

Beautifully presented memorial. Not easily accessible by public transport but worth the trek.

Di
Review №82

Also known as Punchbowl Cemetery it is such a beautiful Reston place for those who served in the Military. My brother, Joe and his wife Jan (Mary) both long time members of the military have been put to rest there (a long time dream of theirs). I know they are happy to be together and in such a peaceful and everlasting place!!!

Vi
Review №83

If you have seen the movie Battleship well definitely this is your place. You will find a lot of familiar stuff here. One of the best historical sites of Hawaii.

Ne
Review №84

One of the nicer cemeteries on the island IMO. Has a large memorial detailing the Pacific engagements and activities during WWII.Be aware it does get particularly warm here, so dress as you can for that or try to stick to the shade of the trees leading to the memorial. It will be very humid when sunny, especially if following recent rains.

Jo
Review №85

Met with my friends niece to put flowers & give our respects and aloha. It was well maintained & beautiful. All the Plumeria trees were in bloom. We also ran into some friends visiting their families while we were there. All in all a beautiful & well kept place.

ro
Review №86

OMG what a beautiful place to visit and a Hidden Gem on the island. Been to the island several times and never stopped to see it. It is definitely and honorable resting place for so many honorable people. What beautiful surroundings and definitely worth a visit

Ka
Review №87

Absolutely a must...Hawaii doesn’t seem to remind tourist it is open to the public.. The cemetery sits on top of a volcano in a crater. Beautiful sight and very reverent.

sl
Review №88

God bless those soldiers and families that gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. This is a very moving memorial.

No
Review №89

Mixed emotions when I come here to visit family and friends considered extended family. I always get emotional and the chills near unknown plots.I already filled out partial paperwork to be buried here when it’s my time. Place is always presentable and clean. There is always room for improvement but for a big place it’s well kept with such a small staff. This is a place anyone should visit at least once while on vacation here.

Jo
Review №90

This is a peaceful and somber place respective of those who went before us. I often visit this National Park to visit a stillborn sons of friends and the interred ashes of former patients in the new Columbariums. I remember visiting as a young child and the gravity of this monument becomes greater with the years. Come to Honor and to remember the mortality in all of us.

Aa
Review №91

Words and pictures cannot give you an understanding of what its like to be here.

Ed
Review №92

Somber and spectacular at the same time. Military legends lay beside warriors of all kinds. Pulitzer pride winning American journalist Ernie Pyle was laid to rest in plot D 109. Several Medal of Honor earners are also entombed including Japanese descendants in the 100th infantry battalion and the 442 infantry regiment. Highly recommend taking time to reflect and enjoy the views of HONOLULU.

Jo
Review №93

If youre looking for the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, you ask the local for the Punchbowl Cemetery. Otherwise you may get a head scratching local:) When I visited the cemetery (9:30 am on a weekday), it was quiet with less than a dozen visitors dotting the cemetery ground. I was only accompany by a few, who have reached to the top of the grand steps to the view the wall art tribute of the various battles fought in the Pacific.BTW, on your way up the drive, the newly constructed information building is located on the left. Stop by the building if you have questions, try to locate a plot or to find out where to leave the funeral flowers.

Te
Review №94

Peaceful and quiet. Clean and with a nice view of Honolulu and adjacent cities.

Ma
Review №95

Punchbowl is a beautiful reminder that freedom is not free. It is a cemetery for those who served in the military, built inside a dormant volcanic crater. The names of the fallen are engraved on limerock walls on the Northwestern portion of the cemetery. In that complex are mosaics of major battles from World War 2, Vietnam, and Korea. The southern portion of the cemetery has an observation area with beautiful views of downtown and Diamond Head.

Ho
Review №96

Few national cemeteries compete with the dramatic natural setting of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Known as Punchbowl, or Hill of Sacrifice, it formed some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago during the Honolulu period of secondary volcanic activity.A crater resulted from the ejection of hot lava through cracks in the old coral reefs which, at the time, extended to the foot of the Koolau Mountain RangeThe name Hill of Sacrifice relates to the history of the crater, first used as an altar where Hawaiians offered human sacrifices to pagan gods and the killed violators of the many taboos.During the reign of Kamehameha the Great, a battery of two cannons was mounted at the rim of the crater to salute distinguished arrivals and signify important occasions.In the 1880s, leasehold land on the slopes of the Punchbowl opened for settlement and in the 1930s, the crater was used as a rifle range for the Hawaii National Guard.Toward the end of World War II, tunnels were dug through the rim of the crater for the placement of shore batteries to guard Honolulu Harbor and the south edge of Pearl Harbor.During the late 1890s, a committee recommended that the Punchbowl become the site for a new cemetery for the growing population of Honolulu, idea rejected for fear of polluting the water supply and the emotional aversion to creating a city of the dead above a city of the living. 50 years later, Congress authorized to establish a national cemetery in Honolulu with two provisions: the location be acceptable to the War Department, and the site be donated rather than purchased.In 1943, the governor of Hawaii offered the Punchbowl for this purpose. The $50,000 appropriation proved insufficient, deferring the project until after World War II. By 1947, Congress and veteran organizations pressured the military to find a permanent burial site in Hawaii for the remains of thousands of World War II servicemen on the island of Guam awaiting permanent burial.The Army planned for Punchbowl cemetery; in February 1948 Congress approved funding and construction began. Prior to the opening of the cemetery for the recently deceased, the remains of soldiers from locations around the Pacific Theater-including Wake Island and Japanese POW camps-were transported to Hawaii for final interment, first interment on 01-04-1949, opened to the public on 07-19-1949, with services for five war dead: an unknown serviceman, two Marines, an Army lieutenant and one civilian-noted war correspondent Ernie Pyle.The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific memorial pathway, lined with a variety of memorials to honor Americas veterans from various organizations. As of 2005, there were 63 such memorials to commemorate soldiers of 20th-century wars, including those killed at Pearl Harbor.Highly recommend a visit, reflect and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our right to live our lives in freedom!

Ba
Review №97

Beautifully maintained, a fitting tribute to our fallen comrades

Ly
Review №98

Beautiful. Amazing. Sacred. In set at all the sacrifices. Go USA and its citizens who willingly serve and give their lives.

Pa
Review №99

You have to visit this cemetery, so much information. The tiles that tell the story of south pacific conflicts are amazing pieces of art. View is amazing also!

Tr
Review №100

Well-maintained. Beautiful views.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
  • Site:https://cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/nmcp.asp
  • Phone:+1 808-532-3720
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
  • Cemetery
  • Military cemetery
Working hours
  • Monday:8am–6pm
  • Tuesday:8am–6pm
  • Wednesday:8am–6pm
  • Thursday:8am–6pm
  • Friday:8am–6pm
  • Saturday:8am–6pm
  • Sunday:8am–6pm
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