National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific image

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Cemetery Military cemetery

One of the Top rated Historical landmarks in Honolulu


Address

2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813

Website

www.cem.va.gov

Contact

(808) 532-3720

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (547 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cemetery (16) visit (10) view (9) Honolulu (8) walk (8) grounds (8) beautiful (8) Beautiful (7) area (7) National (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Brandt C. 9 months ago on Google • 235 reviews
    This place is monumental! The thought and care that was put into this layout of honoring our men and women that have fought for our freedoms is impeccable! So many points of interest on this volcano crater. The lookouts over the city are expansive as you can see Diamond Head on one end and Pearl Harbor at the other end. And the Honolulu skyscrapers fill the gap in the middle as they tease the point where the horizon meets the ocean line. Then when you walk the grounds and see all the headstones that adorn the lawn…you feel a real sense of reverence and respect for our fallen soldiers. And the chapel and mosaic war map murals that fill the forward monument are amazing pieces of art. I also took in all the carved walls of names of WORLD WAR heroes. This is an incredible place to find a moment of meditation, reflection, and gratitude for all the blessings we have due to those that have fought before us.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heather M. 5 months ago on Google • 127 reviews
    Stumbled across this on accident. Beautiful. Only 2 other people that was walking scenic area. Very humbling reading all the stones that lead the pathway to overlook. Must see with a beautiful view of Honolulu.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bryan H. 4 years ago on Google
    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.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marilou T. 2 months ago on Google • 552 reviews New
    Walking around this very solemn cemetery is a very humbling experience and it sends deep emotions to the core, especially for us Filipinos who are indebted to the brave American saviours during WW2. There is a mural of the Philippines on the wall and on another part of the cemetery is a slab of concrete placed on the ground that immortalized the relationship between the US and the Philippines. There's also a chapel that offers a quiet place to pray and reflect. Be it known, too that the washrooms are very clean. I highly recommend to visit this site when visiting Oahu. It is located close to downtown so it is very accessible.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Yelper Lou M. 2 months ago on Google • 1292 reviews New
    I visited Punchbowl on February 15, 2024. I was there to pay respect to the fallen soldiers. I wish the construction site had better looking signs.

  • 5/5 Jakob Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautifully maintained cemetery and remembrance area. The remembrance area is just fantastically built and cared for. So many men and women who served our country are laid to rest here. Please do remember that this location is an active cemetery, where services continue to be conducted. Be respectful for those who come to give thanks and those who come to be with their loved ones.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ron W. 2 years ago on Google
    An absolutely stunning and well-kept final resting place for many of our heroes. The grounds are immaculate. There are numerous markers and plaques dedicated to units who participated in the Pacific campaign. There is also a very nice large lookout point that offers views of the entire Honolulu downtown and Diamondhead. A little off the beaten path, but well worth the time and effort - you won't be disappointed.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ivy G. 2 years ago on Google • 211 reviews
    Beautiful resting place to honor those that sacrificed so much and well maintained! Only a short drive from Honolulu. The short drive leading up to the cemetery was gorgeous you should pull over and enjoy the stunning view. The staff was courteous and respectful. The service was simple but perfect!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa S. 4 months ago on Google • 138 reviews
    This is a must see for all people. The men and women who died protecting us, this country, are buried here (along with their families in some cases). Ernie Pyle, World War I veteran, Purple Heart, WWII war correspondence, who was killed by a sniper, is buried here. Many who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor are here. Visit and pay your respects.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emery W. 3 years ago on Google
    Tranquil place to honor and pay respect to those that served and made sacrifices. The walls of past war's history is truly amazing craftsmanship.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 AJM B. 2 months ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    My wife and I were at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu today. We walked up the steps and visited the memorial halls for the missing, the chapel, and then the beautiful mosaics. We were walking along the exterior road to the scenic overlook when a gentleman from the security company pulled up in a gray sedan and started questioning us and accused us of loitering. He hassled us about it and said we had to leave. I said I’d never had this issue at other National Cemeteries and he said, “that’s the main land.” He then followed us closely while we returned to the center to leave. I called the cemetery administration to complain and the first gentleman was very interested and seemed concerned but then transferred me to a higher up (Mr M something) who seemed to want to tell me why we were loitering or the guard perceived us as exercising. We are a married couple in our 40’s and I’m a disabled vet with sketchy knees and a bad shoulder. There was no exercising. He then started saying all he could hear was my wife (talking to the driver as we left - as asked) and basically I should call back. I’ve been to Arlington, Gettysburg, and Fort Rosecrans among others. My Grandfather is buried at Fort Custer in Battle Creek, MI. I’ve never been hassled by a private security guard at any of these National Cemeteries and told to leave. We came to pay our respects and the beautiful scenery while marveling at the magnificent monuments to our fallen. I wanted to pay my respects to Ernie Pyle. Instead I was disrespected and thrown out of a National Cemetery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Julian A. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been coming here for years and the place is very well kept up and lovely. I'm not dismissing the grounds for what it truly is. Today was just the strangest incident ever. I was with a co-worker of mine at the memorial and a few of the staff asked us to leave due to "loitering". There wasn't any talking, music playing, or anything that would be considered disrespectful from our end. There wasn't any event or many people around (maybe 3 others in the area overall). I've never heard of a time limit that you can stay until it's considered "loitering". It's 3:16PM on a regular Monday afternoon. I even double checked the rules on the walk out to see what the potential issue was. This whole situation was extremely strange and wrong. Gene and Mike are an embarrassment to this memorial and to the Hawaiian people.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason N. 4 years ago on Google
    This place was a bit of a mix of Arlington National Cemetery and the National Mall in Washington, DC. Park the car and walk. There's an uphill climb to a view, and it's 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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kelly D. 2 years ago on Google
    A short drive from Honolulu, it is worth a 30 minute trip around the grounds of Punchbowl, Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The plumeria trees are spectacular, the gravestones are very touching (going back to the 40s), and the view is amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Momo 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful resting place, it's always nearly maintained
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natalie S. 3 months ago on Google • 98 reviews New
    Absolutely beautiful cemetery offering a beautiful view of the island from up top. The cemetery is huge and there is a nice memorial at the very top.

  • 5/5 LS T. 7 months ago on Google • 98 reviews
    What a surreal experience and a must see for anyone visiting the island! I have 2 grandfathers that were in WW2, one was stationed in the Philippines, so this was a special sight for me to explore.

  • 5/5 Herzog 5 months ago on Google • 69 reviews
    Connect with brave veterans who served our country. Feel the peace they earned at this historic cemetery. Serene location with amazing roadside view of Honolulu

  • 5/5 k d. 2 months ago on Google • 42 reviews New
    BREATHTAKING, favorite views up at highest point is just unforgettable! Peaceful, and The upkeep and work to keep this entire property the way they do is impeccable! ❤️

  • 5/5 Steven D. 3 years ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Robert A. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful. Sobering. I want to rest here or at Arlington.

  • 5/5 rajeev m. 3 years ago on Google
    Good location. Nothing much to do if you are not towards military or army valor. The presentation of different war fought by American soldiers are incredible.

  • 5/5 Mg 0. 3 years ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Judith B. 6 months ago on Google
    I visit often since my parents are interred there. Beautifully maintained, historic, solemn resting place for those who served the country in the armed forces. Great views and maritime war history available.

  • 5/5 Real Estate Agent Lana Parks Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of F. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful and peaceful cemetery to honor our heroes. Kiosks were available to find the final resting location for our departed. We were not able to find Section C. According to the map, Section C is where the new interment area is being built. The visitor center has a very nice display of real artifacts from our Medal of Honor Recipients. 🇺🇲🎖️

  • 4/5 Tomomi N. 3 years ago on Google
    Visited to think about the past we had. It is very quiet and peaceful here. Good chance to think about the reason why we fight each other, and what we should learn from the past. Would like to visit again when necessary to remember our past.

  • 5/5 Robert E. 11 months ago on Google
    Very large military cemetery with picturesque views on the drive up. Impeccably maintained. Very beautiful grounds and sweeping drives. There are usually events around Memorial Day, and while it gets busy, they are a sight to see.

  • 5/5 Erin P. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful and peaceful! Lots to see, read and take in. Very easy to find your loved ones as well.

  • 5/5 Town T. 1 year ago on Google
    Peaceful place to visit. Great memorial to see where the battles occured.

  • 5/5 Kaala 1 year ago on Google
    Breath taking place of history and honor to are Soldiers who have passed

  • 5/5 Raymond T. 1 year ago on Google
    What to say about this amazing place. Very sobering and eye opening, especially when you have family honored in this sacred place.

  • 5/5 Randy M. 1 year ago on Google
    Such an amazing and somber experience, my grandfather Milo L Kerr was laid to rest here so it holds a special place in my heart to visit this island and visit with him.

  • 5/5 Jody A. S. 1 year ago on Google
    Not only is this a tribute to our fallen heroes but also a walk through time. Perfectly manicured landscaping adorns the grounds with pathways offering views of the city, maps of conflicts throughout the world and access to pay respect to the endless men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice. Works cannot express he sense of respect that overwhelmed me as I walked the grounds.

  • 1/5 Deneric H. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful cemetery, Horrible Experience. Took my 90 y/o father there to “visit some old friends”. My father is usually in a wheelchair but is able to walk short distances with a cane. Our visit consisted of driving the outer and inner drives until he needed out to visit a grave. However, Security immediately pulled up and lectured me that I either need to park in the visitor center before the cemetery and walk 2’ish miles or park in the northern area where the monument is, absolutely NO parking unless it’s a designated spot. After being harassed multiple times we had to leave. It was not crowded, there were no services being held and we were the only people visiting. Completely ridiculous that they expect WW2 Vets to walk the entire area without being given a ride.

  • 5/5 Corbin 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing Memorial with intricate tiles that visually depict the major battles and campaigns throughout the Pacific. The chapel is absolutely stunning; despite its small size it is very powerful. The entire site is so well done and a great tribute to the sacrifices, and our heritage.

  • 5/5 emi c. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful serene place to come and give your respects to those that gave all for America.


Call (808) 532-3720 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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