National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, locally called Punchbowl Cemetery, is a United States national cemetery located inside Punchbowl Crater, an extinct volcanic tuff cone above central Honolulu. The crater formed approximately 75,000 to 100,000 years ago during the Honolulu Volcanic Series. The cemetery was established in 1949 and serves as a memorial to honor American armed forces members who died in the Pacific during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Daily 08:00–18:00.

The cemetery contains memorials including the Courts of the Missing, which honor those missing in action from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The Honolulu Memorial features a 30-foot statue of Lady Columbia, symbolizing grieving mothers. Stone stairways lead through the crater rim to the memorial. The cemetery grounds contain graves of over 53,000 veterans and eligible family members. Memorial walls list the names of approximately 28,788 military personnel who are missing or buried at sea. Free general admission; no advance booking is required.

Visitors typically spend one to two hours exploring the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The duration depends on whether visitors walk the full grounds, read the memorial inscriptions, and visit the Courts of the Missing. The crater rim drive offers panoramic views of Honolulu and Waikiki, which many visitors pause to observe. Those seeking quiet reflection or wishing to locate specific graves may stay longer. The site's solemn atmosphere encourages unhurried contemplation. Free general admission; no advance booking is required.

Visitors should verify current opening times before traveling. The cemetery's elevated position in Punchbowl Crater provides cooler temperatures than central Honolulu below. Morning visits may offer clearer views before afternoon clouds develop over the mountains. The site receives significant visitor traffic around national holidays including Memorial Day and Veterans Day, when ceremonies occur. Daily 08:00–18:00. The address is 2177 Puowaina Drive. By public transport, take TheBus routes 13, 20, 42 or E to Alapai Transit Center, then transfer to Route 123 for Punchbowl/National Cemetery of the Pacific. The visitor center is on the left before the main gate on Puowaina Drive.

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a national cemetery administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. National cemeteries typically do not charge admission fees for visitors. However, visitors should verify current policies directly with cemetery administration. Commercial tour operators may charge for transportation and guided services. Free general admission; no advance booking is required. ABMC provides designated accessible parking and describes its commemorative grounds as generally wheelchair accessible. The Honolulu Memorial is arranged around a grand staircase leading to the chapel and map galleries, so step-free access is not uniform across every level.

The cemetery sits in Punchbowl Crater, accessible via several roads from central Honolulu. The main entrance lies off Puowaina Drive. Public bus routes serve nearby stops, though walking from bus stops involves uphill climbs. Rental cars and taxis provide direct access. Parking exists at the memorial site. The address is 2177 Puowaina Drive. By public transport, take TheBus routes 13, 20, 42 or E to Alapai Transit Center, then transfer to Route 123 for Punchbowl/National Cemetery of the Pacific. The visitor center is on the left before the main gate on Puowaina Drive.

Visitors must observe respectful conduct throughout this active military cemetery. Recreational activities, including jogging and picnicking, are inappropriate. The National Park Service and cemetery administration enforce decorum standards. Sun exposure intensifies at the exposed crater rim with limited shade in some areas. Footwear suitable for walking on paved and grassy surfaces is advisable. Some memorial sections require descending and ascending stone stairways. ABMC provides designated accessible parking and describes its commemorative grounds as generally wheelchair accessible. A visitor-information kiosk near the entrance provides gravesite locations and a cemetery map. The cemetery is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00, including federal holidays.

Photography is permitted for personal use, though visitors must maintain respectful behavior. Tripods and commercial photography may require advance permission from cemetery administration. The Courts of the Missing and Lady Columbia statue offer significant photographic subjects. Early morning light illuminates the memorial stonework favorably. The crater rim provides panoramic views of Diamond Head, downtown Honolulu, and Waikiki suitable for landscape photography. Visitors should avoid photographing funeral services or grieving family members. Drone use is prohibited as at all national cemeteries. The cemetery is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00, including federal holidays.