National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Military cemetery in Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu, United States.
This military cemetery sits inside an extinct volcanic crater, where rows of flat granite markers stretch across carefully tended lawns. The central memorial features reliefs and inscriptions, with steps leading up to a chapel and viewing platform overlooking the grounds.
The site opened in 1949 to provide a resting place for those who died in the Pacific during World War II. Later expansions added sections for service members from the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, transforming the crater into a national memorial.
Visitors walk quietly along the pathways, pausing at the Honolulu Memorial that bears the names of those who never returned home. Families come throughout the year to place flowers and pay respects, continuing a tradition of remembrance that ties the site to the broader Pacific community.
Visitors can drive up Puowaina Drive and park near the entrance, where paved paths make it easy to explore the grounds on foot. Mornings and late afternoons tend to be cooler and less crowded, offering a quieter experience for those who want to walk through at their own pace.
The Coronation carillon contains 25 bells and was added in 1956, funded by donations from families and veteran groups. The crater itself once served as a quarry before being transformed into this memorial space during the postwar years.
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