The Hawaiian word for the volcanic crater in Honolulu is "Puowaina" meaning "hill of sacrifice." It seems somehow appropriate then that the former "hill of sacrifice" is now the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, an area dedicated to American soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
When the cemetery (known as "Punchbowl" due to the crater's resemblance to a beverage container) was built in 1948, 776 casualties from the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor were among the first to be interred. Today, some other memorials include the Honolulu Memorial, dedicated in 1966 to honor the achievements of American forces during World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam.
Upon entering the cemetery, there is an immediate sense of enormity. Covering 116 acres, the entire hillside is covered with immaculately maintained grave markers while a panoramic view of Honolulu completes the scene. Walking through the rows and seeing the names of so many soldiers also puts the costs of war into a perspective that no history book or news account can compare to.
Perhaps the most notable structure is the 30-foot tall female "Columbia" statue. Lady Columbia stands on the front of a ship and represents grieving American mothers. Underneath her feet is an inscription by President Lincoln, "The Solemn Pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- September 30 through March 1: 8am to 5:30pm
- March 2 through September 29: 8am to 6:30pm
- On Memorial Day, the cemetery is open from 7am to 7pm
- Tours:
- The American Legion offers walking tours Monday through Friday, Call 808-946-6383 for information
- Home of the Brave offers narrated tours to military bases plus a drive through Punchbowl, Call 808-396-8112 for further information
- Admission:
- Free
- Contact:
- Location: 2177 Puowaina Drive Honolulu, HI
- Phone: 808-532-3720
- Website: www.acresofhonor.com
