National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as Punchbowl, at 2177 Puowaina Drive in Honolulu, Hawaii, occupies the crater of an extinct volcano called Puowaina, meaning Hill of Sacrifice. The cemetery holds the remains of more than 50,000 service members and veterans, including those killed in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, and the journalist Ernie Pyle is buried here. Rows of flat grave markers spread across the lawn of the crater floor. At the top of the grounds, the Courts of the Missing display marble walls engraved with the names of about 18,000 Americans missing in the Pacific, flanked by a large stone staircase and a statue of Lady Columbia, who looks over the memorial. Mosaic maps in the gallery depict major Pacific battles. From the upper terrace, visitors enjoy wide views over Honolulu, Waikiki and Diamond Head, and this is also the best photographic vantage. The site is a working cemetery and a place of remembrance, so quiet behavior and respectful dress are expected, and services are held on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. A visit usually takes 45 to 90 minutes. The grounds are open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the office open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission and parking are free. Mornings are quietest, while buses add visitors around midday. Visitors can ask at the office for help locating a specific grave. Access is by rideshare, car or bus, following School Street, Lusitana Street and Puowaina Drive.