Kamehameha Highway on-ramp to the westbound H-3 Freeway closed for culvert repairs

HONOLULU - The Hawai'i Department of Transportation (HDOT) notifies drivers of the emergency full closure of and detour for the southbound Kamehameha Highway on-ramp to the westbound H-3 Freeway. The closure and detour will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as crews work on repairs along the ramp.

On Monday, June 15, the discovery of further erosion to the pipes and culvert under the westbound H-3 Freeway on-ramp caused inspectors closed the ramp for the safety of motorists and the roadway. This expedited the 24-hour closure and work along the ramp for storm recovery.

Daytime and nighttime work hours will continue along the Kamehameha Highway on-ramp and Kiʻonaʻole Road, from Monday to Sunday, to expedite this repair work. Daytime hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nighttime work hours are from 5 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. the following day.

Kona Lows and heavy rain events during March/April 2026 caused the failure of an underground culvert at the Halekou Interchange along Kiʻonaʻole Road, resulting in the loss of structural support for the roadway, slope stability and the embankment, exposing sections of the culvert.

Repair efforts began the evening of Monday, April 20, as crews began to demolish and remove the old roadway and culverts. The scope of the work also includes excavation of a new concrete line drainage channel and reinforced box drain, slope stabilization measures, removal of debris and brush in existing drainage channel, roadway reconstruction, etc.

To access the westbound H-3 Freeway, motorists will be detoured via Pali-bound Kamehameha Highway to make a U-turn along the Halekou interchange, at the signalized intersection of the eastbound H-3 Freeway on-ramp, where they may continue on Kāneʻohe-bound Kamehameha Highway to the westbound H-3 Freeway on-ramp. Motorists may also utilize alternate routes on Likelike Highway to access the westbound H-3 Freeway.

Outside of work hours, the full closure and detour will remain in effect. For access to Koʻolau Ballrooms along Kiʻonaʻole Road, motorists will be detoured via Luluku Road, where they may continue on through Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden on Hoʻomaluhia Private Road/Park Access Road, to reach Kiʻonaʻole Road at the H-3 Freeway overpass.

The Kamehameha Highway on-ramp is anticipated to reopen in August 2026. Local access on Kiʻonaʻole Road is anticipated for the end of July 2026. The overall completion of repairs is estimated for November 2026. Please note all work is weather permitting. The final completion date of this work is subject to change per these conditions.

Special duty police officers will be on-site to assist with traffic control and safety procedures. Electronic message boards will be posted to notify motorists of closure information.

For a full list of lane closures scheduled on state roadways, please visit the HDOT website at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/.

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