Interstate H-3: John A. Burns Freeway

Amazing views! Expedited travel into town and/​or Kaneohe. Higher speed limits are nice too.

If you’re traveling from town to the Windward side, this is THE best route to take. Never any traffic (unless there’s an accident), outstanding panoramic views on the Kaneohe side and higher speed limits than H-​1 and H-​2. Worth a few extra miles than going on the Pali or Likelike.

One of the best scenic drives on the island. I never once felt like I would get bored with the views and magical rainbows and waterfalls of Kaneohe. Whenever my bf picks me up and we drive through the H-​3, it is always a treat to be the passenger. LOVE GOING THROUGH THIS FREEWAY!!!
Even when it’s cloudy and the clouds are below by the freeway, it feels like you are in San Francisco or Seattle. The mist of the clouds takes you back thousands of miles away from the islands. The temperatures will drop to the 50s or 60s.
When it’s sunny and there are rainbows, the song It’s a wonderful world just on replay in my mind because it’s a beautiful place. Nature is a beautiful thing for making Hawaii a one of a kind place to live, eat, and play at.
When it rains hard on the Windward side, the waterfalls make it so incredible to view and take pictures of the rain. You literally feel like you don’t need to hike a waterfall hike just to see the waterfall when there several waterfalls outside your car windows. Save your sweat and nice shoes!!!
Take a drive to the Windward side and you won’t regret it, rain or sunshine, you will be amazed with the views and the aloha spirit.

Fastest road on the island. Not really joking. Speed limit is a whopping 55 or 60 mph. Everywhere else is 25 to 45 mph. It also has a really long tunnel through a mountain. Longest one I’ve been through. No potholes.
I think it’s funny we’re reviewing a road.

Im not sure why we are reviewing a freeway, but it certainly does a good job cleaning and massaging the tread of my car’s tires. It also is excellent at polishing the brake rotors, and at removing about ½ a gallon from my tank, each time I visit the H3. Made a wrong turn and didnt exit in time? See you in Aiea!

What a beautiful driving route. I’d seen pics of waterfalls on the Koolaus… Got lucky one Saturday when my hike was rained out; drove from Kailua to Honolulu then came back to get pics of the beautiful series of falls. Pretty stunning views

A much needed highway that connects western Honolulu to the Kaneohe/​Kailua. The views driving eastward after leaving the tunnels are breathtaking. Too bad there are no scenic points to pull off to take it in more. Your best bet is calling the shotgun position in the car and snap pictures while driving down.

I am so glad they built this freeway after so much controversy. I rather drive from leeward to kaneohe and back than the likelike (for first time visitors, it’s pronounced lee-​keh lee-​keh, not like-​like) or pali highway. It’s much faster, lit at night, direct to the H-​2, and more lanes. Plus the drive is very scenic, especially after it rains because of the waterfalls within the mountains’ crevaces. As you drive toward the windward side, it overlooks kaneohe and driving toward leeward you see the mountain close-​up. Sometimes the clouds hang low so you pass through a light «fog».
Only drawback is no reception on certain cell phone providers within certain portions of the H-​3 from the tunnel to a mile before the H-​2 on the leeward side. There are emergency phone boxes here and there, but it may take a walk to get to it.

A must drive when visiting the island of Oahu!!!
Simply put… this road is just breathtaking. A simple drive on this road gives you the true feel of Hawaii. All you need is a car and/​or some other type of transportation. The road never disappoints. It doesn’t matter if it’s sunny, overcast or pouring down raining… you are in for a treat. When the waterfalls are running it is the most amazing sight.
In any case, the best ride in my opinion for the best views is to get on the H-​3 eastbound. You see the mountains in front of you, then you go through the tunnel and the amazing view of Kaneohe Bay awaits you with all the vibrant colors of the water and surrounding mountains and vegetation… it’s just a «wow» moment. You will get a great view of the Stairway to Heaven (Haiku Stairs). If you continue on the H-​3 close to the Marine Base there is a lookout… it’s a stop you should make if you are in the area. Then, of course, the H-​3 stops just before the Marine Base.
I have been on this stretch of road dozens and dozens of times but I am rarely able to check-​in because I lose my connection. Don’t be alarmed… it’s the mountains after all!

While this isn’t a huge or major freeway, it probably is THE most picturesque in the US. There are up close views of lush foliage, gorgeous ocean and coastline views (too bad you can’t stop to take pics,) and is home to the longest tunnels in Hawaii. It’s the fastest of three roadways connecting the windward side of the island (north) to the leeward side (south.) It’s also boasts the highest speed limit in all of the state, a whopping 60 mph lol.

Always the best way to start your day by driving over the Ko’olau and having the gorgeous sun great you good morning!
Also props to HDOT for changing all the lights in the tunnel. Definitely appreciate the brighter, less ugly orange tint :)

Although I have lived in Hawaii most of my life, I have never driven from town to the Kaneohe side of the island via the H-​3 until today. I’m certain my my stupid GPS said exit 1D but it should have been 1C. Anyway it was a beautiful day and I was thoroughly impressed by the amazing views from the H-​3 freeway.
The views going over towards Kaneohe are amazing. Coming back to town not so much. My only major complaint about this highway is that once you enter on the town side there is no exit for people to get off the freeway by mistake for 10 miles. So basically I had to drive all the way to Kaneohe before turning around.
On the way back, it was slow going because one lane was closed for tunnel maintenance. One day somebody will have to explain to me why this cannot be done at night. I mean it’s dark in the tunnel anyway, right?

I loved driving on the H3 because no one did over 50 mph. I was driving a little rental smart car and it was perfect. I swear Hawaiian people are in slow motion. Nice freeway though.

Fast way to get to Aiea, Pearlridge and west side.
One thing to be aware or is if you’re headed Aiea bound from the Marine base (MCBH) and want go to Kaneohe or Kailua you need to get off on the exit titled «North Shore». This is the one thing that has bummed me out twice now, I missed that and you can’t turn around until you get to Halawa. There is a turn around before and after tunnel but there are barricades there.
Wish list:
1. Please allow turn arounds either before or after tunnel.
2. Please provide better signage

Of all the highways on the island, H3 is definitely the prettiest. The views of the luscious green mountains are so lovely and surrounding that it makes me wish I drove a convertible so I could drive with the top down and be closer to nature. If you’re ever driving on the H3 on a rainy day, you’ll be treated to sights of many little waterfalls going down the crevices of the mountains and because you’re so high up, you’ll see clouds as though you’re in a plane.
Other reasons to love the H3 are the higher speed limits; no potholes, as far as I know; the traffic, as in there’s rarely ever any; and the grand entrance when you’re headed to the west side, because it looks like you’re headed to Jurassic Park! Every time I pass through, I wish I had the Jurassic Park theme song to play on the car’s stereo.
Alas, I only take the H3 when I have someone else with me to tell me which exit to take and which turns to make after I get off the highway. If I could only navigate the exits better I would take this route every time. Fortunately, I have my boyfriend who knows the routes better than I do so I get to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Since its opening to the public in late 1997, Oahu residents and tourist have enjoyed the natural splendor of tropical beauty from this Interstate Freeway. It’s quite an architectural and engineering accomplishment to still preserve and incorporate Oahu’s natural scenery, flora and fauna. The project had been delayed or criticized by several preservation groups. The delays caused design and construction budgets to swell to $ 1.3 Billion making it one of the most expensive Interstate Highways ever built. It sat unused for many years (over 30 years) before it was finally opened. The question, what was or is the purpose of an interstate freeway on Oahu? Does it only serve as a defense access for military applications? By definition, an Interstate Highway System is a system that links interstate highways and defense access highways. Okay, so, over the years since this freeway’s conception, this island has seen less relevance for military applications. Overriding the «irrelevance» for, yet, in addition to military application is the benefit of improved transportation safety and capacity for the public!
I distinctly remember taking part in the 10-​K run over the H-​3. This year, on Mothers’ Day, May 11^th, marks the the 17^th anniversary of the first-​ever opening run. I still have the commemorative t-​shirt and tunnel tile from this event. It was a «fun run»…well, I was a lot younger and ran a lot more, then.
Over the past 17 years, I’ve been able to travel the Trans-​Koolau route safely, quickly and effortlessly while reveling in Hawaii’s tropical splendor.

I remember when the H-​3 was just completed and it was open to the public for a fun run/​walk. At that time, it was beautiful and I enjoyed the cool breezes. It was kind of exciting because there were Hawaiian protesters wanting to protect the land. .
I’m quite sure that all of the rules and regulations/​building codes were followed as Federal funding was used for the construction.
The memory of the walk was etched into my brain because of the intensly painful shin splints I suffered later!
Now that I live on the Windward side, I appreciate the H-​3 because I use it often to go to the airport, Waikele Outlets, Mililani, etc.
My coworkers say that before the H-​3 was built, getting to work was difficult from the Leeward side.
We all like the tile inside the tunnel. .it has a faded blue design. Very calming and peaceful! It is still as clean and beautiful as the time many years ago when I walked its length!

I have to say that driving through the H3 was one of the highlights of our trip. My only regret is that we only drove through one time… I wish we had found a reason to go back. The views are completely breathtaking and as you pass through the tunnel you get overwhelmed by the beautiful mountains. You feel so free driving down… definitely one of the best highways out there!

To review an interstate is weird, yes. However, this isn’t just any interstate, it has AMAZING views! We love taking this route to Kaneohe or Kailua just to enjoy the scenery. The view of Kaneohe Bay is breath taking! The beautiful, PICTURE PERFECT water tones are what make Hawaii the most desired vacation spot as well as places to live! Aren’t we lucky to live in Hawaii?! :)
Do note that this freeway doesn’t have an exit so if you accidentally take it, you are on for a beautiful, about 15 minute drive before you can exit and turn around to go back towards your appropriate destination. The traffic is usually light which is always a plus too. On a fun side, the kids love to hold their breath through the tunnel as a game.

I said in other reviews that the best things in Hawaii are free, and this is one of them. If you want to be awestruck by majestic green mountains, drive Highway 3.
We were headed towards Lanikai Beach from Ko Olina, and as we were approaching the Tetsuo Harano bridge we were shocked by how beautiful the green hills were. But, once you get through the tunnel, your breath will be taken away by the towering green mountains rising up on both sides. You’ll feel tiny, and you’ll be tempted to pull over or worse, accidentally drive off the road because you’re staring out the window.
Please read the other reviews on this highway as they have very interesting details. Amazing, amazing views. This is a must see.