Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Interstate H-3: John A. Burns Freeway

    4.7 (53 reviews)

    Interstate H-3: John A. Burns Freeway Photos

    More like Interstate H-3: John A. Burns Freeway

    Recommended Reviews - Interstate H-3: John A. Burns Freeway

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Going into tunnel
    Katy P.

    One of the most beautiful sceneries on Oahu. I know that this Interstate Highway took years to complete and is the most expensive highway every. I feel really sad about all the land that had to be disturbed to make this highway, but I am thankful that we can enjoy the beauty of these mountains and lush valleys. It really does help to cutback back on travel time if your headed in either direction. The only struggle is the winds that are usually present and coming from the beautiful Windward side it can be confusing on which exit to take depending on where you are headed. But all in all a beautiful drive.

    Driving in the clouds
    Liza M.

    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.

    John F.

    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?

    The view is the best! No place like it!
    Keri S.

    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.

    Val D.

    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.

    See?  Overcast...beautiful eh?
    Patricia L.

    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!

    Jayson S.

    One of my favorite drives in Oahu. If you're coming from town, look right after the tunnels and you'll see stairway to heaven. I used to take all my rolling shot photography here.

    Woo...60 mph speed limit!
    Lyla D.

    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 11th, marks the the 17th 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.

    Kalani C.

    I must say, this is probably one of the most beautiful freeways in the state. Driving eastbound towards the mammoth Tetsuo Harano Tunnels, I am always delighted by the marvelous views of kukui nut trees and an expansive blanket of lush greenery. Exiting the tunnels you need to cram your neck to view the staggering Ha'iku Stairs (i.e. Stairway to Heaven). Also laid out before you is a stellar view of Kane'ohe Bay that will inspire any ocean lover at heart to want to join the multitude of boats anchored near the popular sandbar. Just remember when heading west side after exiting the Hospital Rock Tunnels, to pay attention to the stupendous views of the Ko'olau Mountain Range, their chiseled formations and if you're lucky enough, waterfalls cascading the jagged cliffs. Orders for a freeway was granted as early as 1960. However, it was only until the 1980s, amidst huge protest, that construction began. In 1986, U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, under the Regan Administration, had the H-3 exempted from most environmental laws, successfully skirting protests. All of this added to the already existing controversy as the original site intended was through Moanalua Valley. However, the Damon family (Moanalua Valley land owners) established the Moanalua Gardens Foundation and successfully blocked construction by declaring Pohaku ka Luahine (a Hawaiian petroglyph stone) as immovable. Interesting facts: One anecdote relates to the elevated section passing through Ha'iku Valley. In this valley, the viaduct passed beneath the antenna of a United States Coast Guard radio transmission facility. It was thought that the energy field from the antenna could interfere with heart pacemakers--a potential detriment to drivers and passengers on the roadway. A giant metal cage was designed to surround the roadway through the valley. Before H-3 was opened, the Coast Guard closed their transmitting facility, obviating the need for the cage. Although the full cage was never built, buried within the roadway was the bottom of the cage. HDOT decided to remove this steel mesh (at considerable expense) prior to opening of the freeway to minimize inconvenience to the motoring public at some later time. H-3 is one of the most expensive Interstate Highways ever built, on a cost per mile basis. Its final cost was $1.3 billion, or approximately $80 million per mile. So enjoy the view, you've paid for it!! #Yelp 365: 104/365

    An engineering masterpiece!
    Nadine C.

    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!

    Grand Master J.

    Best tunnel on this island! Nice views, but easy to get going over 70 on the down hill. Always HPD bike patrol waiting on bottom of hill

    North bound - VN
    Vince N.

    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.

    Gorgeous sky this morning :)
    Steak E.

    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 :)

    Clouds atop the mountains

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 3
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 1
    Love this 14
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 35
    Thanks 0
    Love this 33
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liza M.
    248
    494
    2803

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John F.
    1273
    851
    10240

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Keri S.
    2037
    306
    10003

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Val D.
    270
    818
    6409

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Fides D.
    247
    260
    236

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vince N.
    665
    2398
    12577

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steak E.
    198
    100
    761

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ed L.
    370
    441
    407

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lilly K.
    0
    65
    187

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emi H.
    4968
    1948
    19199

    14 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 0
    Love this 18
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Agar C.
    15
    16
    140

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tina M.
    328
    311
    1272

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John K.
    96
    42
    102

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of MrnMrs G.
    3
    231
    542

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Didn't even know I could yelp a Road!!! Great job H-3 for cutting my commute time down and giving me a great view when Kahaluu Bound

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike H.
    184
    20
    1

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Interstate H-3: John A. Burns Freeway Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Interstate H-3: John A. Burns Freeway

    Review Highlights - Interstate H-3: John A. Burns Freeway

    If you're visiting the island of Oahu I highly recommend taking the "scenic" route to the North Shore via H-3.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Landmarks & Historical Buildings 392 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted

    The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted

    4.6(45 reviews)
    6.8 km

    Reminder to self if you every get lost and start to notice you are going in circles, DO NOT PANIC!…read more The smarter thing to do is to leave a trail of bread crumbs. Lol. Thank goodness I was with a group when I first visited the Kaniakapupu Ruins. We were feeling a little adventurous so headed to the ruins from the Lulumalu hike parking area. We ventured off into the thick thick bamboo forest. The route we took initially had a path to follow then it eventually disappears. When we got there, the site was well worth the journey of getting lost. The ruins are breathtaking in its own way. This was once the summer palace for royalty so when you visit appreciate the beauty, respect this historic site, and don't take anything from the site. Kaniakapupu Ruins is one of Oahu's best kept secrets and should be enjoyed by all.

    I have been here several times, its easy to miss which I think is a good thing. Don't want it to…read moreturn into Diamond head. Don't disturb this historical landmark. Don't climb anything or walk on the low walls either. Everything is old and aged and cover with moss in wet, steamy nuuanu. Lot of people leave offerings such as leis and fruit at the plaque. You first see the main structure of a large room. maybe 20 x 20 and there will be several other structures around the site such as foundation walls, paths and some completely collapsed piles of rubble. I heard several different stories that it was used for kinda staycation parties and festivals and also as a point of retreat in invasions. the area is lush, beautiful and serene. it'll often be wet and drizzly and you'll see a rainbow over the front garden as one of the only places light penetrates strongly is above the main structure. The trail is short, first left after the split log on the main trail in the bamboo forest. You can continue down the main trail but there have been issue with people straying on to private property where one owner has a waterfalls in their yard and some had large dogs as i heard. There are other path and some water pipes in the area but those trails seem to be overgrown and some have collapsed trees and is quite dangerous as it is not designated for hiking but for maintenance. It's a bit more safe just to go to Lulumahu falls instead of wandering too much in this area. I guess DLNR has jurisdiction over this area and you are able to apply for a permit to visit. Without one you risk being charged with criminal trespass. They don't so much bother locals so much but I've seen them come to this area and Lulumahu falls identify rental cars, hold everyone there while they issue every single person a ticket. They'll sit there, park and wait till people exit the trail to issue a ticket. I mean hey. Probably just filled their monthly quota in one sitting.

    Photos
    The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted - X marks the spot...don't be fooled!

    X marks the spot...don't be fooled!

    The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted
    The Kaniakapupu Ruins - Access Restricted - Our 15 year old schnauzer loved it

    See all

    Our 15 year old schnauzer loved it

    Ulupo Heiau Historic Site

    Ulupo Heiau Historic Site

    4.7(18 reviews)
    4.6 km

    Off the beaten path, sits an ancient treasure, the Ulupo Heiau Historic Site. A massive rock…read morefoundation is the remnant of a sacred rock temple/platform that would have been important to Hawaiian chiefs for hundreds of years. Faded plaques near the site tell pieces of the story. The construction of the temple was supposedly by mythical people named "menehunes", who could build such temples overnight. The original temple would have measured a massive 140 x 170 feet and had walls 30 feet high. Construction is mind boggling, indeed. My math figures that over a million rocks were carried to the site. The Heiau was most likely used to oversee agricultural fields and fish ponds below by the chief or kahuna. Kailua (the town below) was once an agricultural capital on Oahu. In later years, the Heiau may have been used to oversee war efforts. The address is the parking lot of a YMCA. Go around the building to find the site. There is no admission, just a request to not remove any of the sacred stones. There are no amenities. The site could stand renovation of plaques. There are several benches under large shade trees to sit and think about Hawaiian ancestors that would have used the site. Worth a short visit if near Kailua. I was moved by the wondrous effort to build such a site.

    This was really interesting to see and, since it's hidden behind a YMCA, it is not something one…read morewould just stumble upon. I couldn't believe how big it was! The signs explaining the history were helpful in getting to know more about the structure itself and about Hawaii as a whole.

    Photos
    Ulupo Heiau Historic Site
    Ulupo Heiau Historic Site
    Ulupo Heiau Historic Site

    See all

    Keawe Adventures - The is an image of the USS Arizona Memorial

    Keawe Adventures

    4.6(16 reviews)
    17.6 kmHawaii Kai

    We had a great time with Lui. His knowledge of the history of the events of December 7 are…read moreexcellent. His knowledge of the history of the USS Missouri are interesting and engaging. We were loathe to hire a service to take us to Pearl Harbor, but I can say that in hindsight, it was a great experience. We had eight total people on our tour. I never felt rushed or as if I was going to miss something. This was my first time to Hawaii and I wanted to do all the "touristy" things. I can say, unequivocally, that our day with Lui and the Keawe adventures rates right at the top of our experience on Oahu. I actually felt sorry for the tourists on those huge buses. I also want to thank Lui for listening to my few stories...not sure he bought them...but they were true. Great guide. Great time.

    My wife son and I took the pearl harbor group tour. It was an incredible experience to be able to…read moresee these historic ships, and to learn about the bravery and tragedy on that 12/7/41. What help made it such a tremendous experience is out fantastic tour guide Lui. He was not only very knowledgeable about what led up to and including the actions on the day of the attack, but he was able to bring him own knowledge and personal experience into the tour to help explain at a level that couldn't be done with just any tour. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone and everyone who asks.

    Photos
    Keawe Adventures - Private Stand Up Paddle Tours

    Private Stand Up Paddle Tours

    Keawe Adventures - Private Pearl Harbor Tours

    Private Pearl Harbor Tours

    Keawe Adventures - Private Fly Fishing Tours

    See all

    Private Fly Fishing Tours

    Castle Junction War Memorial - Nice benches to rest...

    Castle Junction War Memorial

    5.0(1 review)
    3.7 km

    After noticing Jarod & Maggie's check-ins, I was curious about this memorial. It's the familiar…read morelarge boulder at the corner of Pali and Kamehameha Highways as you head to the Windward side from Honolulu via Pali Highway. Thanks to Yelp, I broadened my horizon and improved my knowledge of our Hawaii... If you Google this Memorial, you will not find much. I looked up "Earl M. Finch" of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, who "became an outcast when he went out of his way to befriend the nisei soldiers in 1943." Mr. Finch presented this War Memorial to the Windward Community in 1946. It holds the names of 14 Japanese-American soldiers who were stationed in Earl's hometown of Hattiesburg and were killed in action in World War II in France and Italy. After the war, "the Patron Saint of the Japanese-American GI" visited Hawaii on a trip paid for by many of the soldiers that he had befriended. Like many tourists, he made Hawaii his home and even adopted a couple of Japanese young men - the most well-known was Seiji Finch Naya, the Director of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism who had been an orphaned college student. Mr. Finch became a prominent businessman whose funeral was well-attended by the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Battalion. Governor John A. Burns delivered the eulogy, stating that, "Unpopular though it may have been with his neighbors, Earl recognized that those who were willing to make sacrifices in the face of adversity deserved no less than the hand of friendship". Earl, the "one-man USO (United Staes Organization)" passed away at age 49 in Honolulu in 1965.

    Photos
    Castle Junction War Memorial - At the base, are tiles dedicated to those who paid "the Ultimate Sacrifice" in places such as Iraq & Afghanistan 2004-2012

    At the base, are tiles dedicated to those who paid "the Ultimate Sacrifice" in places such as Iraq & Afghanistan 2004-2012

    Castle Junction War Memorial
    Castle Junction War Memorial - Under the original,  this could be an add-on...

    See all

    Under the original, this could be an add-on...

    World's Largest Wave Mural

    World's Largest Wave Mural

    5.0(3 reviews)
    12.8 kmKalihi

    A giant wave... It…read moregot me at "hello" whenever I drive up and down Waiakamilo Road and you just can't miss it though it's behind a chained fenced surrounded by parked cars you can never really get a clear view of it but this stunning work of art is something so worth seeing or at least drive by it for a closer look. I'm clueless of the details like my friend Nadine C but know that it's always so stunning to get a quick glance at regardless and I did have that chance as I was dropping off some cans for recycling and to see that it was located right next to the wall which was really cool. Whatever reasons you may find yourself here, as a crafter I appreciate the joy it brings to everyone and hope that it stays there forever and ever. Thank you!

    Only in Honolulu…read more.. On a little Hawaiian island named O'ahu, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is the World's Largest Wave Mural! Standing 5 stories high, this 14,000 square foot masterpiece was created by Hilton Alves from Brazil. It took him just 8 days to complete on October 26, 2013. However, 6 months of planning,150 gallons of paint, and $10,000 (for supplies) went into it! This Landmark in Kalihi, on the corner of Waiakamilo and Kalani Streets, reminds me of the Angel Wings project by Colette Miller. Colette has artwork all over the world, and so does Hilton Alves. While Ms. Miller reminds us that "We are the angels of the earth", Mr. Alves has more of an environmental theme and has educational projects which call upon children in our communities to get involved. There are about 11 wave murals in 5 different cities and 3 countries! For more information, visit the website: TheArtOfHilton.com Aloha!

    Photos
    World's Largest Wave Mural
    World's Largest Wave Mural - Wall BEFORE painting of Huge Wave! The Wave is so much better.

    Wall BEFORE painting of Huge Wave! The Wave is so much better.

    World's Largest Wave Mural - 1.30.20

    See all

    1.30.20

    Kyoto Gardens of Honolulu Memorial Park - I saw this along the highway

    Kyoto Gardens of Honolulu Memorial Park

    4.0(4 reviews)
    11.0 km

    Maybe I was Japanese in a previous life. Somehow, I'm drawn to Japanese things, but I've only been…read moreto Japan once. Luckily for me, there are enough Japanese things in Hawaii and LA! I was always curious about the pagoda top that I passed by every day on the way to school and work when I lived in Nu'uanu. After many years, I saw Cara M.'s review when I searched Honolulu Landmarks on this Yelp website! I finally had time yesterday to explore and get a close up look! It was really cool! I parked for free on Craigside Place - the street in the front of the big condominium. It's just a short walk down the paved driveway which is blocked off with orange cones. If you drive to the left, you'll pass by all of the Japanese style graves which are like crypts where urns of family members can be placed together. So - walking down the driveway which curves to the left, you'll arrive at the tall, faded Sanju Pagoda straight ahead. Although the it needs repair and is surrounded by a soft, saggy orange fence, it's still magnificent and beautiful! According to an article in Honolulu Magazine (11-1-06), it is one of the "9 Most Endangered Historic Sites in Hawai'i". It is believed to be the largest pagoda in the world! Before the Sanju Pagoda, to your right, sits a replica of the Kinkaku-ji Temple with the Mirror Lake Garden. It would look better if the water filled the ponds and if the temple were gold in color like the original one in Kyoto, Japan, but I was happy enough to be so close to it! There seems to be some controversy about the maintenance of this Landmark. It may take over $2 million to renovate. If you want to check it out before it falls down, you may want to do it soon... Just be careful!

    After driving on the Pali Highway and seeing the top of that mysterious pagoda every day, I decided…read moreto investigate! and the Internet gave me the Kyoto Gardens of Honolulu Memorial Park, which is the eastern half of the Honolulu Memorial Park and Cemetery. We parked by the graves and walked down to the Sanju Pagoda, an impressive sight in Hawaii! To people from Japan, they'd probably just think that it's old and in SERIOUS need of repairs, but to my friends and I, it was super awesome! A for real pagoda outside of Japan! There was an orange safety fence around it, so we couldn't walk around the pagoda, but it was for the best because it really does look like it can fall down any moment. We then walked down to the replica of Kyoto's famous Kinkaku-ji. Although it doesn't have gold walls, the building looks practically exactly the same as the one in Japan! What makes this replica even more fun is that you can walk right up to it and walk around it, which you can't do with the one in Japan. Good for us! Good for the old building? Probably not... The Mirror Lake Garden was empty of water, so it wasn't really a lake, but we could see how the rocks were placed. It was interesting. If you are a fan of Japanese culture, have gone to Japan, or plan on going soon, the Kyoto Gardens of Honolulu Memorial Park is really nice! Just respect the grounds and don't throw rubbish around.

    Photos
    Kyoto Gardens of Honolulu Memorial Park - The view of the pagoda at Kyoto Gardens from the scenic lookout point.

    The view of the pagoda at Kyoto Gardens from the scenic lookout point.

    Kyoto Gardens of Honolulu Memorial Park
    Kyoto Gardens of Honolulu Memorial Park

    See all

    Interstate H-3: John A. Burns Freeway - landmarks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...