National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

Introduction

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, formally Punchbowl Crater, lies within an extinct volcanic crater about 300,000 years old in central Honolulu, and is one of the most important national cemeteries in the Pacific region. Known to locals as Puowaina, the Bowl of Sacrifice, since being dedicated as a national cemetery in 1949 it has interred over 53,000 American servicemembers and families from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf. Built on the natural crater terrain, white headstones in concentric circles ripple outward across the grassy crater floor, a solemn and serene tableau. The memorial chapel and Lady of Peace statue stand at the center, the chapel displaying Pacific campaign maps and casualty rolls, with artist-designed sacrifice murals silently telling the cost of war. Solemn ceremonies mark Memorial Day and Veterans Day each year. The crater rim overlook offers 360-degree views of Honolulu, Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the Koolau Range, a hidden gem for sunset viewing.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info