Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony at Punchbowl

The Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at Punchbowl is Honolulu’s official public remembrance at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. You gather inside the volcanic crater of Puowaina for a formal morning program that honors those who served, with clear sightlines over rows of marble markers toward downtown Honolulu and the Pacific.

Expect a quiet, respectful ceremony suited to families, veterans, and visitors who want to observe the holiday with intention. The program typically includes musical tributes, a parade of colors, wreath presentations, a rifle salute, and Taps, along with keynote remarks from the Mayor of Honolulu and military and local leaders.

Plan to arrive by 7:30 AM for the best chance at seating and on-site parking, since spaces often fill before the 8:30 AM start. Dress for morning humidity, bring a hat or umbrella for shade, and carry water. Comfortable walking shoes help if you want to take in the overlook after the ceremony, and we recommend public transit or ride-share to reduce gate congestion.

Admission is free, and the tone is strictly solemn, so silence your phone and keep conversation to a minimum throughout the program. Light rain usually does not stop the ceremony, though severe weather may shorten it. Pets are not permitted on cemetery grounds, with service animals allowed. For convenient access, stay in Downtown Honolulu or lower Makiki, or choose Waikiki if you want a resort base within an easy drive or bus ride.