H3 the gateway to Kaneohe
The drive to Kaneohe speaks for its self. H3 or John A. Burns Freeway is one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. H3 is only 15.32 miles but costs a whopping $1.3 Billion dollars or $80 million per mile! It’s common to see waterfalls immediately after leaving the tunnels on the windward side of the H3.
Stairway to Heaven – Haiku Stairs
One of Kaneohe’s most popular destinations is the Stairway to Heaven. It’s illegal to climb the stairway but that doesn’t stop many people from doing it. Get caught climbing the stairs and you will face up to a $1,000 fine. It’s also dangerous! In 2016 there were 6 arrests and 368 citations. We don’t recommend you do this hike.
Koolau Mountains
A part of what makes Kaneohe special is the Koolau Mountain Range seen almost everywhere from Kaneohe. Designated a national natural landmark in 1972 the Koolau’s span the entire southern side of Kaneohe. Rising 3,150 ft above ground. Although it’s illegal to hike up the Haiku Stairs to the Koolaus it’s not illegal to hike up to the edge of the Koolau’s from the Bowman Trail. But be forewarned. This trail is very hard and is very dangerous. But at the end of the trail, you will be rewarded with a complete panoramic view of Kaneohe.