Kailua sits on the Windward side of Oahu, and getting anywhere else means crossing or skirting the Koolau Range. The Pali Highway climbs from Kailua through Maunawili and the Pali tunnels before dropping into Nuuanu and downtown Honolulu. The H-3 leaves the Halawa area, runs through tunnels in the mountains and ends at the gate of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and the Likelike Highway connects Kaneohe with Kalihi. Kalanianaole Highway runs south past Olomana to Waimanalo and around Makapuu to Hawaii Kai. Each crossing has its own character: the Pali is steep and curving, the H-3 is fast and smooth, and the Likelike climbs to the Wilson Tunnel before a long descent.
In town, Kailua Road, Oneawa Street, Kainui Drive and Kaneohe Bay Drive carry most local traffic, and Mokapu Boulevard leads out to the base. The morning push over the Pali and the afternoon return are when engines overheat on the climb and brakes fade on the descent. Beach-day traffic adds its own wrinkle, since cars that die near Kailua Beach Park or along the Lanikai loop can end up blocking narrow lanes.
Because Kailua is mostly residential and the streets are short, a mechanic can reach almost any home quickly once over the mountains. TheBus links Kailua with Kaneohe and downtown Honolulu, so you can still get to work across the Pali while your car is repaired in the driveway or carport. Weekend beach traffic is the heaviest of the week, so weekday visits usually mean easier parking and a quicker arrival.