Ask HawaiʻiMemorial Day at Punchbowl (late May)
On Memorial Day, volunteers place fresh lei on every grave at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), about 38,000 lei, sewn by the community statewide. The Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony runs 8:30 to 10 a.m. In 2026 it was the 75th ceremony, held May 25.
- Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony: Memorial Day morning, 8:30 to 10 a.m., National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, 2177 Puowaina Drive.
- Lei: the city collects and sews about 38,000 lei so every grave gets one. Lei-sewing events usually start the Friday before; check the city's Memorial Day page to help.
- Visit after the ceremony to see the cemetery covered in lei and flags; it's one of Oʻahu's most moving sights.
- Lantern Floating at Ala Moana Beach has traditionally been held Memorial Day evening; check the organizer for the current year's plans.
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial often runs a special Memorial Day weekend program; reserve USS Arizona Memorial tickets early.
Sources: City and County of Honolulu: 75th Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony · Hawaii-Guide: Memorial Day weekend in Hawaiʻi
Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.