Punchbowl (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific) is a memorial cemetery standing on a hill overlooking the spectacular scenery of Hawaii.
Along with Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C., it is one of the two major national memorial cemeteries representing the United States.
It is a crater that looks very similar to Diamond Head, and since it is located near downtown Honolulu, many people may have seen it from their car windows!
On the vast grounds, ancient Hawaiian altars were once placed, and those offered as sacrifices to the gods were burned on the hills of Punchbowl, which is why it was called the Hill of Sacrifice or the Hill of Burial for the Dead.
Recently, the number of tourists stopping by has decreased, but it is a beautiful place completely covered with green lawns and a recommended spot where you can feel the footsteps of history.
Because it is a cemetery, the entry of sightseeing tour vehicles has been restricted, resulting in fewer tourists stopping by. However, you can visit thoroughly without any problems for personal visits or on charter tours.
Punchbowl Facilities and Ceremonies
Punchbowl was built in 1949 after World War II.
It is a massive cemetery where soldiers who lost their lives in the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and World Wars rest.
Not only military personnel but also more than 50,000 souls rest here, including Hawaii-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who died in the Space Shuttle accident.
Over 2 million people visit from around the world annually, and a memorial service is held every year on the last Monday of May (Memorial Day).
At the very back of the front area is a historical facility called the Honolulu Memorial, where the Lady Columbia statue stands with a strong presence. Here you can learn about the wars of those times.
Punchbowl is a Scenic Spot Overlooking South Oahu
Punchbowl is located right between Downtown and Mount Tantalus, and is also famous as a hill overlooking South Oahu.
The plaza is always beautifully maintained, and as a solemn place, you can look out at the scenery with a different feeling from other observation decks.
The observation deck within the Punchbowl grounds is a little-known secret scenic spot.
It is a wonderful view where you can also see Diamond Head together!
Because of its nature, it is a hidden gem without much of a touristy atmosphere, but it is a place where a pleasant breeze typical of Hawaii blows.
Basic Information of Punchbowl
| Name | Punchbowl |
| Address | 2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
| Map | |
| Operating Hours | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Closed | None |
| Time Required | About 20 minutes or more |
| Restroom | Available |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
Popular Articles with the Same Theme as Punchbowl
Honolulu Recommended Sightseeing Spots Summary [Must-Visit Classics & Hidden Gems Loved by Locals]
Complete Guide to Popular Spots in Honolulu, Oahu [Permanent Edition]