Perhaps the only place where there is a National Cemetery and extinct volcano comes together. The “Punchbowl” is one of the natural wonders of Oahu. It also makes a great picture overlooking Honolulu and Waikiki areas.

Over 30,000 people are buried here at the National Cemetery of the Pacific Memorial. Etched into the walls are names of people they never found, thousands of names.

By Lady Liberty there is a small chapel to one side.

The tour busses will stop at the graves of Ernie Pyle and the Challenger Astronaut, Ellison Onizuki. As you may remember, Ellison was the first Hawaiian to go up in space, but died with six others (Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher into space being one of them) on that fateful day of January 28, 1986.

Many of the tour busses will keep on going after stopping for a short while, not even letting their patrons out. Going by car will give you an advantage of exploring this extremely interesting area.

If you have a chance and if you have timed it right, the early morning Memorial Day Service is awesome.

The Military and Hawaii has a two hour ceremony celebrating all those that have paid the highest price. We came for a quick look, and stayed for the entire ceremony. It was extremely well done and emotionally moving.

We were highly impressed with General Lori Robinson, a four star General of the Pacific Air-Force, who spoke eloquently of the price by many that are laid to rest at this National Cemetery. She has since been promoted.

Also we recommend the Lantern Ceremony on Memorial Day night at Ala Moana Beach Park. That too is an experience you will never forget.

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