When the Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery officially opened thirty-five years ago, on July 31, 1991, in Kāneʻohe, the staff were stationed in trailers and temporary facilities. Currently there is an Administration Office/Visitor Center, Flag Plaza, Maintenance Facility, Committal Shelter and Memorial Plaza with Columbarium. The cemetery has come a long way since its groundbreaking ceremony in Sept. 1989. As the cemetery marks its 35th anniversary, it is fitting to reflect not only on its history but also on its enduring mission.
Every Memorial Day families, fellow veterans, civic leaders, and community members gather here to pay tribute to those who answered the call to serve. The peaceful landscape, framed by the majestic Koʻolau Mountains, offers visitors a place for quiet reflection and a reminder that freedom carries a lasting cost.
The cemetery also reflects Hawaiʻi’s unique military heritage. Few places in America have contributed so profoundly to the nation’s armed forces. From the famed 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team to the many local men and women who have served across every branch of the military, Hawaiʻi’s legacy of service is woven deeply into the state’s history. The Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery preserves that legacy for future generations.
An anniversary such as this is not simply about marking the passage of time. It is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to remembering those who served, supporting the families they left behind.
As families walk among the rows of headstones, they encounter stories of courage, resilience, and love of country. Each veteran interred here leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
On this 35th anniversary, we honor every veteran laid to rest at the Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery, every family that continues to cherish their memory, and every individual whose efforts have preserved this hallowed ground with dignity and respect. Their service will never be forgotten. Their sacrifice will always be remembered. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
