The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific came to be in 1948 when the United States needed a final resting place for the fallen members of the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Located at Punchbowl Crater, an extinct volcanic tuff cone in Honolulu, the burial ground has become one of Hawaii’s most popular attractions.
The cemetery attracts more than 5 million visitors each year to pay their respects to those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The “Punchbowl,” a reference to the cemetery site due to its shape, boasts stunning views of Oahu from the highest point on the crater’s rim.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific - one of the highlights of 10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Path in Honolulu (Read all about Honolulu here)
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific highlights
Amongst the features of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is the Honolulu Memorial, located opposite the entrance, which honours the missing from World War II’s Pacific Theatre and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. There is also a memorial pathway featuring memorials from organisations and foreign governments that honour American veterans.
As for the site of the cemetery, the Punchbowl’s Hawaiian name “Puowaina” means “Hill of Sacrifice” when translated, which is quite fitting when you think about all the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for their country.
Good to know when visiting National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
In July of 1949, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific opened for the public. It also had services for those who died during the war, including an unknown serviceman, an Army lieutenant, two Marines, and a civilian war correspondent, named Ernie Pyle.
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 11, 1976. For those interested in US history, it is worth paying a visit to this sacred site that serves as the final resting place for over 25,000 veterans.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Ubicación: 2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Horarios: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Teléfono: +1 808-532-3720
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