National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)
Urban Honolulu
A Quiet Memorial in an Extinct Crater With City and Ocean Views
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, at 2177 Puowaina Drive, sits inside Puowaina (Punchbowl) crater above downtown Honolulu and is run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It opened to the public in 1949 and holds the graves of service members and veterans from World War II onward, plus Courts of the Missing that list tens of thousands of names. The VA page lists it as open daily 8 AM to 6 PM (the office is open weekdays 8 AM–4:30 PM and closed federal holidays except Memorial Day).
The VA page does not state an admission fee, parking details or photography rules, so none are given here. Its rules ask visitors not to tend graves, and to leave out items such as glass containers, balloons and wind chimes. This is a working cemetery, so visit quietly and dress respectfully. A multi-year safety project at the columbarium courts finished in October 2025, and the courts are open.
Why Roamwise recommends this
A meaningful, low-effort stop with some of the best views of Honolulu — suited to travelers who want history and reflection rather than an activity.
Best for: history, a quiet 45-to-60-minute visit, panoramic views of the city.
Insider tip: go in the morning for softer light and fewer visitors, and confirm hours with the cemetery office on 808-532-3720 before a special trip.
- Safety notes:
- The VA page states hours but no admission, parking or photography rules; confirm anything beyond hours with the cemetery office.
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Local tips
- •Open daily 8 AM–6 PM per the VA
- •office hours are weekdays 8 AM–4:30 PM.
- •Phone 808-532-3720.
- •No admission fee is listed on the VA page
- •confirm parking on arrival.
- •Respectful dress and a quiet visit
- •follow the posted rules for flowers and offerings.
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