Outrigger Hawaii. Real Stories, Special Places.

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (in Punchbowl Crater)

Nestled in the bowl of Puowaina, or Punchbowl Crater, this 112-acre cemetery is the final resting place for more than 44,000 U.S. war veterans and family members. Among those buried here is Ernie Pyle, the famed World War II correspondent who was killed by a Japanese sniper off the northern coast of Okinawa. Puowaina, formed 75,000-100,000 years ago during a period of secondary volcanic activity, translates to "Hill of Sacrifice." Historians believe this site once served as an altar where ancient Hawaiians offered sacrifices to their gods. The cemetery has unfettered views of Waikiki and Honolulu -- perhaps the finest on O'ahu. www.cem.va.gov/nchp/nmcp.htm. OPEN: Mar.-Sept. daily 8-6:30, Oct.-Feb. daily 8-5:30.

1-Day Itineraries - O'ahu
Oahu. Great 1-Day Itineraries: First Day in Waikiki, Windward Exploring, The North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Town Time. more ›
Ka Lae (South Point)
Big Island. Windswept Ka Lae is the southernmost point of land in the United States. It's thought that the first Polynesians came ashore here. Some artifacts, thought to have been left by early voyagers who never settled here, date to AD 300. more ›
Kamehameha I Statue
Oahu. This downtown landmark pays tribute to the Big Island chieftain who united all the warring Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom at the turn of the 18th century. more ›
Kawaiaha'o Church
Oahu. Hawai'i's Westminster Abbey, this 14,000-coral-block house of worship witnessed the coronations, weddings, and funerals of generations of Hawaiian royalty. more ›
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Big Island. A self-guided, 1-mi walking tour leads through the ruins of the once-prosperous fishing village Koai'e, which dates as far back as the 15th century. Displays illustrate early Hawaiian fishing and farming techniques, salt gathering, games, and legends. A park guide is often on-site to answer questions. Open daily 8-4. more ›