Oʻahu: Pūowaina aka “Punchbowl” (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific)

Called Pūowaina in Hawaiian, the volcano erupted some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago. Pūowaina (which can be translated as “Hill of Sacrifice”) has deep religious significance for the Hawaiian people. Long before Europeans arrived, it was a place where people who had committed certain crimes or “kapu” were put to death. The lava formed an oval, bowl-shaped crater, alluding to the English name, “punchbowl”.  

Today, the site is commonly referred to as Punchbowl Cemetery. Officially, is it known as The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The cemetery was established in 1949 when an unknown solider, who was killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor, became the first American to be buried at Pūowaina. In 1976, The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Many other soldiers who fell during World War II came to be interred at Punchbowl Cemetery, including from places such as Burma, Korea, Japanese POW camps, Guadalcanal, Guam, and Wake Island. Hawaiʻi is one of only two places in the Pacific where American soldiers are buried. The other is the Philippines.

While standing at the highest point in the cemetery, one can enjoy a commanding view of the Island of Oʻahu.

View from Punchbowl Cemetery (National Cemetery of the Pacific)–known to Hawaiians as Pūowaina–with Diamond Head in background on the right – DepositPhotos.com

Memorials at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

The 112-acre cemetery holds thousands of graves. There are dedications scattered throughout the grounds. Here are some of the ones you might see during a visit:

• The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the United States Armed Services. You can identify Bicentennial Medal of Honor headstones by the medal insignia in gold leaf.
• The memorial pathway in the cemetery is lined with shrines that have been donated by various organizations and foreign governments to honor America’s veterans.
• A monument to Hawaii astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who died aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986, is found on the cemetery ground. Prior to his career at NASA, he was a flight test engineer and test pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He also flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1985. Onizuka was borne on Hawai’i island.
• Near the Ellison Onizukas monument, you can find The Courts of the Missing. These white stone tablets list the names of every service member who was  pronounced Missing in Action, lost, or buried at sea during World War II, the Vietnam Conflict, and the Korean Wars.

Visiting Punchbowl Cemetery

Punchbowl is one of the Honolulu’s most popular tourist destinations. Millions of visitors come to pay their respects each year. Some tours, such as Pearl Harbor and Circle Island tours include the National Cemetery, but only drive through without stopping. However, it is well worth a visit to spend some time and reflect on those who have been laid to rest there. It is a moving and sobering experience.

• Where: National Cemetery of the Pacific, 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813
• When: Punchbowl Cemetery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Admission: FREE
• Website: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (va.gov)

Memorial Day ceremony at Punchbowl

The Honolulu Mayor’s annual Remembrance Ceremony takes place every Memorial Day. The event typically includes gun salutes, jet fly-overs, guest speakers, and a moment of reflection. Hundreds of people attend the event. Parking is limited and public transportation (“TheBus”) is strongly recommended.

One of the more distinct traditions for Memorial Day at Pūowaina is the placing of lei upon every gravesite. Some 38,000 flower leis and American flags are placed on each grave on Sunday before the Monday ceremony. The effort includes numerous volunteer opportunities to help make ti leaf and fresh flower lei. “Sew a Lei for Memorial Day” events held around the island. Anyone can volunteer to help make leis; no experience is needed. As a volunteer, you can donate fresh flowers, learn how to make a lei, and help make the lei. 

More info: Memorial Day (honolulu.gov)

Event calendar of free and affordable things to do

Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days across the Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina.

Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.

You might also like: Hawaiʻi on the Cheap – affordable living and things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com)