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Punch Bowl National Memorial Cemetery

(Not Yet Rated)
Punch Bowl National Memorial Cemetery 0:0

Address

http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/nmc...
2177 Puowaina Drive
Honolulu , HI 96813
808-532-3720

Hours

Every day 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Review

This ancient volcano has long since cooled and now contains a green oasis in its natural "punchbowl" crater. Its steep outer shoulders provide beautiful settings for residences and parks. Known in Hawaiian culture as Pouwaina "Hill of Sacrifice" it now contains the remains and memorials for nearly 50,000 individuals, the majority of them, American soldiers fallen in combat.

Visitors and guides often introduce The Punchbowl as one of the most dramatic viewpoints of Honolulu. This is certainly true and the gardens and setting make it a delight to wander through. But what seems to be so often lacking in these introductions is the profound effect that The Punchbowl has on first time visitors. Entering The Punchbowl you are met by a view whose stark contrasts and scale instantly focuses your attention. Before you a great lawn sweeps across the entire crater. Stately trees line this lush green avenue, seemingly standing in quiet and respectful attention. At the head of this view stands a white gleaming memorial. From this distance you are drawn to explore and discover the details of this structure. Continue driving; the road system of The Punchbowl is a series of concentric symmetrical rings that allow you to drive near any part of the crater that you wish to visit.

The main memorial complex is centered by a white gleaming figure of Lady Columbia. This female form is a symbol for all grieving mothers. At its base, inscribed into the surface of the supporting monolith, are the immortal words of President Abraham Lincoln "…The Solemn Pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom." The wings of the building contain chapels; beautiful, intimate, and frequented by those visiting the memories of loved ones. On the outside, flanking the central figure, are mosaics whose beauty and brilliance contrast with the drama of their content, annotated maps of major American battles. Below the central memorial, broad steps lead down to what at first appears to be lawn but is actually a field of ground-level grave markers. Walking back up the steps, you notice the brilliant pure white cubes and cubicles paralleling the steps, level by level. The often dazzling sunlight may make you squint even with sunglasses. As you approach these geometric structures you notice a faint texturing covering their surface. Closer still, you realize that their entire surface is covered with the names of thousands of soldiers whose bodies were never recovered. These are the Courts of the Missing.

Once leaving the central memorial it is pleasant to walk through the trees and gardens. Following paths to other memorials, there is much in the way of peace and quiet here, despite the number of visitors that you may find on weekends or holidays. The views from this high vantage point are breathtaking in any direction. From the Outer Drive, you won’t want to miss taking the Memorial Walkway up to the viewpoint located on the ocean side of the crater. Located about you are the memories of sacrifices that have been made, and the reminder that such sacrifices will almost certainly be made in the future. From this broad open viewpoint, reminiscent of the ramparts of a stone fortress, you’ll enjoy what must be some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Diamond Head, Waikiki, Honolulu and Pearl Harbor that are possible. This is a premier photo opportunity and one of those places that people are compelled to ask for a stranger’s assistance to take photos of them against the backdrop of the incredible skyline scenery.

It isn’t easy or maybe even possible to fully express the emotions and feelings that people experience when visiting The Punchbowl, particularly for their first time. Whether local or visitor, whatever your itinerary or interest, a visit to The Punchbowl is an experience that you shouldn’t miss.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 5/8/2009

Directions

The Punchbowl is located in central Honolulu uphill from the major H-1 highway. The network of local streets surrounding it make many driving approaches possible. Here is one example. From Waikiki, drive west toward downtown Honolulu along Ala Moana Boulevard. At Ward Ave turn right, uphill and continue to Prospect. At Prospect Blvd, turn left; continue on Prospect, keeping right until you reach Pouwaina Drive. Turn right on Pouwaina Drive and follow it, including one sharp right turn, to the entrance. Watch for signs along the way.

Features

Parking | Restrooms

Map

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