Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Few national cemeteries can compete with the dramatic natural setting of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The "Punchbowl" was formed some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago during the Honolulu period of secondary volcanic activity. A crater resulted from the ejection of hot lava through cracks in the old coral reefs which, at the time, extended to the foot of the Koolau Mountain Range.
Although there are various translations of the Punchbowl's Hawaiian name, "Puowaina," the most common is "Hill of Sacrifice." This translation closely relates to the history of the crater. The first known use was as an altar where Hawaiians offered human sacrifices to pagan gods and the killed violators of the many taboos. Later, during the reign of Kamehameha the Great, a battery of two cannons was mounted at the rim of the crater to salute distinguished arrivals and signify important occasions. Early in the 1880s, leasehold land on the slopes of the Punchbowl opened for settlement and in the 1930s, the crater was used as a rifle range for the Hawaii National Guard. Toward the end of World War II, tunnels were dug through the rim of the crater for the placement of shore batteries to guard Honolulu Harbor and the south edge of Pearl Harbor.
During the late 1890s, a committee recommended that the Punchbowl become the site for a new cemetery to accommodate the growing population of Honolulu. The idea was rejected for fear of polluting the water supply and the emotional aversion to creating a city of the dead above a city of the living.
Fifty years later, Congress authorized a small appropriation to establish a national cemetery in Honolulu with two provisions: that the location be acceptable to the War Department, and that the site would be donated rather than purchased. In 1943, the governor of Hawaii offered the Punchbowl for this purpose. The $50,000 appropriation proved insufficient, however, and the project was deferred until after World War II. By 1947, Congress and veteran organizations placed a great deal of pressure on the military to find a permanent burial site in Hawaii for the remains of thousands of World War II servicemen on the island of Guam awaiting permanent burial. Subsequently, the Army again began planning the Punchbowl cemetery; in February 1948 Congress approved funding and construction began.
Prior to the opening of the cemetery for the recently deceased, the remains of soldiers from locations around the Pacific Theater—including Wake Island and Japanese POW camps—were transported to Hawaii for final interment. The first interment was made Jan. 4, 1949. The cemetery opened to the public on July 19, 1949, with services for five war dead: an unknown serviceman, two Marines, an Army lieutenant and one civilian—noted war correspondent Ernie Pyle. Initially, the graves at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific were marked with white wooden crosses and Stars of David—like the American cemeteries abroad—in preparation for the dedication ceremony on the fourth anniversary of V-J Day. Eventually, over 13,000 soldiers and sailors who died during World War II would be laid to rest in the Punchbowl.
Despite the Army's extensive efforts to inform the public that the star- and cross-shaped grave markers were only temporary, an outcry arose in 1951 when permanent flat granite markers replaced them. A letter from the Quartermaster General to Senator Paul Douglas in December 1952, explained that while individual markers are inscribed according to the appropriate religious faith:
Crosses do not mark the graves of the dead of our country in other national cemeteries. No cross marks the burial of our revered Unknown Soldier. From Arlington to Golden Gate, from Puerto Rico to Hawaii, the Government's markers in national cemeteries for all our hero—dead are of the traditional designs…[s]ome are upright and some are flat. None is in the form of a religious emblem.
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific was the first such cemetery to install Bicentennial Medal of Honor headstones, the medal insignia being defined in gold leaf. On May 11, 1976, a total of 23 of these were placed on the graves of medal recipients, all but one of whom were killed in action. The Punchbowl has become one of the area's most popular tourist destinations. More than five million visitors come to the cemetery each year to pay their respects to the dead and to enjoy the panoramic view from the Punchbowl. One of the most breathtaking views of the Island of Oahu can be found while standing at the highest point on the crater's rim.
In August 2001, about 70 generic unknown markers for the graves of men known to have died during the attack on Pearl Harbor were replaced with markers that included "USS Arizona" after it was determined they perished on this vessel. In addition, new information that identified grave locations of 175 men whose graves were previously marked as unknown resulted in the installation of new markers in October 2002. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Monuments and Memorials The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific contains a memorial pathway that is lined with a variety of memorials that have been donated by various organizations and foreign governments to honor America's veterans. As of 2012, there were 74 such memorials throughout the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific—most commemorating service members of 20th-century wars, including those killed at Pearl Harbor.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients.
» Medal of Honor recipients interred or memorialized here:
Captain Willibald C.
Bianchi (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor for service in the U.S. Army, 45th Infantry, Philippine Scouts, for actions near Bagac, Province of Bataan, Philippine Islands, February 3, 1942. He was captured in April 1942 and held as a prisoner of war. Bianchi died at sea, along with other prisoners on the Japanese transport ship, Enoura Maru, in January 1945. He is memorialized in Section MA, Site 39.
Private Erwin Jay Boydston (Boxer Rebellion).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for actions in Peking, China, July 21–August 17, 1900. Boydston died in 1957 and is buried in Section G, Site 703.
Private First Class William Robert Caddy (World War II).
He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in recognition of gallantry and self-sacrifice to protect others during the seizure of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, March 3, 1945. Caddy is buried in Section C, Site 81.
First Lieutenant George Ham Cannon (World War II).
He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Battery H, 6th Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in recognition of courageous disregard of his own condition during the bombardment of Sand Island, Midway Islands, December 7, 1941. Cannon was mortally wounded that day and is buried in Section C, Site 1644.
Corporal Anthony Peter Damato (World War II).
He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Marine Corps, in recognition of gallantry and self-sacrifice that saved the lives of comrades on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshal Islands, February 19–20, 1944. Damato is buried in Section A, Site 334.
Commander George Fleming Davis (World War II).
He received the Medal of Honor as commanding officer of USS Walke (DD-723) covering minesweeping operations in preparation of the Lingayen Gulf invasion on January 6, 1945. That day, his ship was attacked by four Japanese suicide planes. The crew shot down the first two, but the third struck the ship's bridge where Davis was directing fire from. This plane enveloped the bridge in burning gasoline. Severely burned and injured, Davis rallied his men to save their ship and saw his crew destroy the fourth suicide plane. After assuring his ship was saved, he relinquished his post for medical attention and died shortly after. He was buried at sea. An "in memory of marker" is located in Section MA, Site 98-E.
Sergeant William G.
Fournier (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Army, Company M, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, in recognition of actions at Mount Austen, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, January 1943. Fournier was killed in action on January 13, 1943, and is buried in Section C, Site 462.
Private First Class Barney F.
Hajiro (World War II). He received the Medal of Honor for service in the U.S. Army, Company I, 442nd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in recognition of extraordinary heroism in action near Bruyeres and Biffontaine, France, October 19, 22, and 29, 1944. His award came after Congress authorized a re-examination of commendations received by minority servicemen. Twenty-one Asian Americans, including Hajiro, who received the Distinguished Service Cross were belatedly presented the Medal of Honor in 2000. Hajiro died in 2011 and is buried in Section G, Site 75.
Pharmacist's Mate Second Class William David Halyburton, Jr.
(World War II). He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for service in the U.S. Naval Reserve, Marine Rifle Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in recognition of unwavering devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, May 10, 1945. Halyburton was killed that day and is buried in Section O, Site 274.
Private Mikio Hasemoto (World War II).
He received the Medal of Honor for service in the U.S. Army, Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion, 34th Infantry Division, in recognition of extraordinary heroism near Cerasuolo, Italy, November 29, 1943. After Congress authorized a re-examination of commendations received by minority servicemen, twenty-one Asian Americans who received the Distinguished Service Cross were belatedly presented the Medal of Honor in 2000. His award was posthumous. Hasemoto was killed in action on December 1, 1943, and is buried in Section D, Site 338.
Eligibility for burial at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
Request eligibility status for:
Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
The cemetery is located in central Honolulu, approximately midway between the Honolulu International Airport and the Waikiki hotel area. Take the Interstate H-1 East ramp to Honolulu/Waikiki and stay on H-1 East for approximately 4 miles. Get off at exit 21A (Pali Highway). Stay in the middle lane and take a left at the stoplight. Take the first right onto School Street and follow it to a four-way intersection with a stoplight. Turn left onto Lusitana Street, then within .1 miles, take the second road on the right – this is Puowaina Drive. Follow Puowaina Drive for .7 miles, then a slight right to keep you on Puowaina Drive to the cemetery gate.
Floral and grounds policy
The maintenance of gravesites by visitors (e.g., cutting grass; trenching around graves/markers; painting markers) is not allowed.
Fresh cut flowers, floral wreaths, and sprays in metal (not glass) containers may be placed at any time on graves; in designated areas; or in approved, mounted flower vases in the old columbarium.
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (by straight-line distance):
- Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery — Kaneohe, HI (6 mi · open)
- Molokai Veterans Cemetery — Hoolehua, HI (52 mi · open)
- Lanai Veterans Cemetery — Lanai City, HI (71 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Hosoi Garden Mortuary Inc is a premier funeral home located at 30 North Kukui Street in Honolulu, HI. The property features well-appointed spaces including small chapel, makai chapel, and mauka chapel. Professional offerings include pre-need planning, funeral services, and memorial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,020. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,230, while direct cremation is available from $2,020. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All faiths and customs. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 3.3-star Google rating across 7 reviews.
Oahu Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 2162 Nuuanu Avenue in Honolulu, HI. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, lanai, and crematory facility. Professional offerings include pre-planning services, funeral services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $895. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, General Christian, and Other faiths as accommodated.
Borthwick Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 1330 Maunakea St. in Honolulu, HI. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, flexible chapel space, and multiple chapels. Professional offerings include pre-planning, grief support, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,150. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,150. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian, Chinese, Japanese Buddhist, Laotian Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, LDS Faith, and Catholic.
Diamond Head Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 535 18Th Avenue in Honolulu, HI. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, cemetery, and crematory. Professional offerings include full-service funerals, cremation, and cemetery arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $1,795, while direct cremation is available from $995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (various denominations), Catholic, Buddhist, and All Religions (as stated by affiliate Valley of the Temples).
Ballard Family Moanalua Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 1150 Kikowaena St. in Honolulu, HI. The property features well-appointed spaces including large-capacity chapel, coffee lounge, and reception area. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,395. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $700. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Funeral Traditions, Buddhist Funeral Traditions, Catholic Funeral Traditions, Hispanic Funeral Traditions, Hindu Funeral Traditions, Muslim Funeral Traditions, Christian Funeral Traditions (Protestant), and Jewish Funeral Traditions.
Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 47-200 Kahekili Highway in Kaneohe, HI. The property features well-appointed spaces including valley of the temples memorial park, byodo-in temple, and zen garden. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and burial services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $995. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,095. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Christian denominations (including Anglican, Baptist, Congregational, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Reformed), Catholic, Jewish, and Other faiths as requested.
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is a premier funeral home located at 47-200 Kahekili Hwy. in Kaneohe, HI. The property features well-appointed spaces including memorial park, cemetery, and crematory. Professional offerings include funeral, cremation, and cemetery arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,895. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,295, while direct cremation is available from $1,895. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Shinto.
Mililani Memorial Park & Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 94560 Kamehameha Hwy. in Waipahu, HI. The property features well-appointed spaces including 140+ acre cemetery, two on-site chapels, and onsite crematory. Professional offerings include funeral arrangements, cremation arrangements, and cemetery arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,450. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,700, while direct cremation is available from $1,450. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All Faiths and Traditions and Catholic.