National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific honors over 50,000 service members in a volcanic crater called Punchbowl, rising 500 feet above downtown Honolulu. This active military cemetery serves as both a solemn memorial and a place where families still hold services today. The site spans 112 acres of manicured grounds with rows of white headstones marking graves from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and other conflicts. The memorial's centerpiece features a chapel and the Courts of the Missing, where marble walls list 28,788 names of those never recovered. From the upper terraces, you'll see panoramic views of Honolulu Harbor and Diamond Head's distinctive profile. The cemetery operates daily from 8 AM to 5:30 PM with free admission. Arrive between 8 and 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid midday heat and tour buses that crowd the grounds from 10 AM to 3 PM. December through February brings the most comfortable temperatures for walking. Free parking fills the main lot, but spaces disappear by 9:30 AM on weekends. Wear sturdy walking shoes since you'll traverse uneven grass and paved paths with moderate slopes between the terraced sections. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat since shade covers less than 20 percent of the grounds. Trade winds provide relief, but the tropical sun intensifies at this elevation. Dress respectfully as you would for any cemetery. Photography is permitted except during active services. Allow 45 minutes to one hour for a complete visit. The visitor center near the entrance sells flowers, detailed maps, and memorial items.