"Also known as the "Punchbowl", it lies in the middle of Puowaina Crater, an extinct volcano. It was officially dedicated on September 2, 1949, on the 4th anniversary of V-J Day. Of all the national cemeteries, this one has been described as the most beautiful and the most moving.The cemetery consists of 112.5 acres in extent. Roughly translated, "Puowaina" means “Consecrated Hill” or “Hill of Sacrifice.” The Punchbowl was the site of many secret Alii (Royal) burials. It was also the place where offenders of certain kapas (taboos) were sacrificed. In the early 1800’s the crater was an important stronghold for Oahu natives who tried in vain to resist the invading Army of Kamehameha when he unified the Hawaiian Islands in 1810. The kingdom established by Kamehameha existed until Queen Lilioukalani was deposed in 1893."
http://www.interment.net/data/us/hi/oahu/natmem/
The most amazing part of the visit was that we could not see any other visitor. The grounds crew were out doing maintenance but other than that it was just Dustin, me, and the brave souls of the pacific.
I thought these trees were awesome. They are found all around the grounds. Don't the look like they were cast in the Lord of the Rings??
The plaques were posted around the memorial.
All along the sides going up the stairs the ivory colored walls are engraved with soldiers names on them. They form small rooms with trees planted in them. It appears that people come and place necklaces or flowers in the trees in honor or remembrance of their loved one on the trees that are nearest their names.
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