National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

A place like no other near Honolulu - Oahu in Hawaii

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

Back in ancient times in Hawaii, the Puowaina (Punchbowl) Crater had a different purpose—it was used for offering human sacrifices to the Polynesian gods. However, things have changed over the years. Today, this crater serves as the final resting place for brave men and women who dedicated their lives to serving in the U.S. military. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific spans a significant portion of the crater and holds numerous heartfelt tributes. Among them is the Honolulu Memorial, which pays homage to the armed forces who valiantly fought in the Pacific during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This sacred ground is also the eternal home to notable veterans such as Ernie Pyle, the renowned correspondent of World War II, and Stanley Armour Dunham, the maternal grandfather of former President Barack Obama.

The cemetery has received high praise from previous visitors for its serene and picturesque environment. They were particularly impressed with the informative memorial markers, often drawing comparisons to the renowned Arlington National Cemetery and the solemn Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Additionally, the breathtaking views were frequently mentioned as an enticing factor to include this cemetery in one’s travel itinerary.