National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl, is a poignant and historic site located in Oahu, Hawaii. This cemetery serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Established in 1949, this cemetery covers a vast area and is home to the graves of thousands of military personnel, including those who lost their lives in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The Punchbowl is a place of honor, reflection, and remembrance, attracting visitors from across the world who come to pay their respects to the fallen.
History and Significance
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific holds a special place in American history. It was established to provide a final resting place for servicemen and women who were unable to return home after their service. The location of the cemetery, within the Punchbowl Crater, adds to its unique and serene atmosphere.
Visitors to the cemetery can appreciate the meticulously maintained grounds, which are adorned with rows of white marble headstones, each marking the grave of a fallen hero. As they walk through the cemetery, visitors can read the inscriptions on the headstones, each telling a story of valor, sacrifice, and dedication.
Visitor Experience
For many visitors, a trip to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a deeply moving and emotional experience. The peaceful surroundings and stunning views of Honolulu create a serene atmosphere that encourages reflection and contemplation.
- Visitors can explore the meticulously landscaped grounds, taking in the beauty of the manicured lawns and colorful flowers that decorate the cemetery.
- Informational plaques and displays provide insight into the history of the cemetery and the significance of the sacrifices made by those interred there.
- Many visitors choose to leave flowers or small tokens of remembrance at the gravesites, a gesture of respect and gratitude to the fallen.
Overall, a visit to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a powerful and humbling experience, reminding visitors of the sacrifices made by those who served their country with honor and bravery.
Tours and Experiences for National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Combine any route or tour into one incredible, unforgettable day. Visit Pearl Harbor, then head up to the North Shore, or even cruise around the Ko`olau Mountain Range on a Circle Island Tour after seeing the memorial. Your Private Tours ensures you have the best experience possible and that you see as much as you can on your vacation. Come see why the combination, or "Mix-Plate," is everybodyʻs favorite!
Reservations for the Arizona Memorial need are reserved through recreation.gov in advance. Early tickets are always best, but we can make adjustments for afternoon program times as well. Guests wanting to visit the North Shore and Pearl Harbor must reserve at least a Full-Day Tour.
Tickets to Arizona memorial Boat ride & Battleship Missouri is Included on this tour.
Turn back time as we explore WWII history at Pearl Harbor and relive the infamous Sunday morning of December 7, 1941. A visit to the visitor center and the accompanying “Road to War” and “Attack” exhibit galleries that display pictures and recovered items from the events which transpired at Pearl Harbor and WWII.
USS Arizona and Missouri, as they represent both the beginning and the end of World War II. The accompanying “Road to War” and “Attack” exhibit galleries that display pictures and recovered items from the events which transpired at Pearl Harbor and WWII. Then, watch a short film explaining the fateful day and its significance. Followed by a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, the final resting place of the ship's 1,177 crewmen. USS Missouri has served proudly through WWII, the Korean War, and the Gulf War for a 51-year long career. Launched from the Naval Shipyard in Brooklyn in 1944.
This tour is one of the best way to learn the history of Polynesia, Hawaii, and the royal heritage of the islands. Stops include: Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha Statue, Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Sites and Archives, and Bishop Museum. Entrance fees to museums are not included in the tour. Please keep in mind Iolani Palace and Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Sites are closed Sunday and Monday.
Experience Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, the USS Arizona Memorial including the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and immerse yourself in WWII History without rushing, waiting or passing by places of interest on a big bus tour.
* This is a private and flexible tour for your group only!
*** Itinerary listed is for informational purposes ***
Highlights:
1. Visit Pearl Harbor and Access to the USS Arizona.
2. No walking from your hotel to a general pickup location
3. No sitting and waiting on a bus/van waiting for strangers
4. No driving around on a bus/van waiting for your tour to start
5. This is a private and customizable tour for you and yours.
Want to give something back to Hawai`i? So do we! We will each donate 1.5 hours of any tour on the cause of your choice, and you even get a discount. Spend one stop doing a beach cleanup, planting a native species, or other fun, positive impact activity. Afterward, enjoy the rest of your private tour. Help care for our community, and have a blast doing it!
Enjoy this option with any tour route, including Pearl Harbor, North Shore, and Circle Island Tours. Your family can choose from various locations, including Diamond Head, Dole Plantation, Kualoa Ranch, and more. Have a favorite cause? Reach out in advance, and weʻll try to accommodate you.
Join us on a powerful historic journey starting with the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941 that catapulted the U.S. into World War II and culminating with the September 2, 1945 surrender that ended the global conflict. Book your tickets now and explore the Pearl Harbor Battleship tour in Oahu.
En-route to Pearl Harbor, our expert guide will recount the pivotal events leading up to the early morning aerial bombardment. Upon arrival at Pearl Harbor, you’ll begin with the USS Arizona Memorial Experience. Learn about the 1,177 seamen who tragically perished when the USS Arizona was bombed and sank within minutes in the 23-minute documentary featuring original archival footage. Imagine what that morning was like for these sailors as you cross the harbor to the Memorial on a Navy vessel. As you step aboard the USS Arizona Memorial, you’ll notice an air of quiet contemplation and honor. You are standing over the sunken battleship.
Take this tour to visit the USS Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center at Pearl Harbor. After you spent a morning at Pearl Harbor, we will take on a drive to downtown Honolulu’s historic sites which give you a chance to know the history of Pearl Harbor and Hawaii throughout your day.
A visit to the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center will remind you about the sailors who lost their lives during the attacks on Pearl Harbor.
A visit to one of Pearl Harbor’s most emotional, memorable sites – the USS Arizona Memorial is a must. At the Visitor Center, you get to see authentic wartime artifacts, compelling museum displays, and contemplative open spaces designed with the country’s fallen soldiers in mind. We offer you a driving tour of historic Honolulu before returning to Waikiki. You can visit the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific, I’olani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, the Honolulu State Capitol Building, the statue of King Kamehameha the Great.
Small-group tours with only 12 guests or fewer.
Take it from the experts—you can’t leave Hawaii without a visit to historic Pearl Harbor, the most powerful experience in the Pacific. That’s why we coordinate inter-island visits from Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai to ensure every visitor has the experience of a lifetime. Round-trip airfare, transportation, and ticket admissions are all included in this ultimate tour package.
Each tour begins with an airport pickup in our Mercedes Sprinter van before heading to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Upon arrival, you’ll quickly understand why this site has more than 1.5 million visitors a year. Highlights of the tour include visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri Battleship.
Afterward, we tour around historic Honolulu before returning you to the airport for your flight back to Maui, Kauai or Big Island of Hawaii.