National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

Punchbowl Cemetery is located in the crater of an extinct volcano rising above downtown Honolulu. The dramatic setting itself is worth the trip. There is also a vista point that offers breathtaking views of the greater Honolulu area. But more that this, Punchbowl is a history lesson. Since the cemetery was opened in 1949, about 34,000 veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War have been interred here. Walk through the memorial section that contains tributes and descriptions of various battles that were fought in the Pacific Theater. Or just stand on the marble steps that lead to the memorial and look around--it's a beautiful serene setting.