HAWAII
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a major U.S. military cemetery and memorial located in Honolulu, Hawaii, within the extinct volcanic crater known as Punchbowl Crater. Established in 1948 after World War II, it was created to honor American service members who died in the Pacific theater and to provide a final resting place for many of them.
The cemetery serves both as a burial ground and a memorial site, with more than 60,000 service members and their family members interred there. It is especially significant for commemorating those who were lost in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. A central feature is the Honolulu Memorial, which includes the Courts of the Missing—walls engraved with the names of thousands of service members whose remains were never recovered.
Known for its peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views of Honolulu, the site blends natural beauty with historical importance. Today, it stands as a place of remembrance, reflection, and national honor, recognizing the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery
The Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery is a state-run burial site honoring U.S. military veterans and their families. Located on Oʻahu, it opened in 1991 to provide additional burial space after the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) neared capacity.
Set on about 90 acres, the cemetery offers a peaceful, park-like setting where eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents are laid to rest. It provides dignified committal services and military honors, serving as an important place of remembrance in Hawaiʻi.
