Can anyone tell me if there is a route to drive to the North Shore (or around all of Oahu) without driving over mountains? I have a phobia that simply will not allow me to drive over mountains! I have been to Oahu a number of times and have never ventured far outside of Honolulu for fear I will find myself on a mountain with no way to go back. My phobia only sets in when I look out the car window and see land or water far, far below. I know, it's weird, just can't help it.

I would love to drive around the entire island if I can be assured of not getting myself stuck on a mountain!

Appreciate any help, advice, or suggestions.

Absolutely...you can do a circle-island drive, without ever going over the mountains. Avoiding the mountain highways will take you longer -- but the scenery is wonderful.

Here's a good map:
http://bestofhawaii.com/map_oahu.htm

Can you suggest a route? I would like to drive up the East side of the island. However, it looks as if I would drive over the mountains if I take 72 to 83. I don't mind taking a longer trip.

Thank you so much for your help.

I don't recall driving over anything more than hill size while circling on 72-83, though you will certainly see beautifully impressive mauka mountain walls but the highest peak is only ~4000 feet.

To avoid any hills, You would go up Kapahulu Ave or Mccully Street and get on the freeway heading west. Follow the sign to Aiea/Pearl City/ Mililani/ Haleiwa. You could continue around to Kailua then go over the Pali, but it does kind of look like a mountain, in miniature. To be really safe, enjoy the North Shore to Turtle bay, then turn around.

dherron:

If you'll be staying in Waikiki, just take 73 to 85, and drive up the windward (east) side of the island. It's a non-freeway, easy drive with plenty of places for you to stop and enjoy the view (don't leave valuables in your car).

Start early -- lots to see!

What are "(smiley face?)mauka mountain walls"?

Hillsides which rise up on the inland (mauka) side of the roadway.

I've looked at so many maps of Oahu and cannot find one that shows 73 or 85. Is this a route that will be easy to find once I get there? I will be staying in Waikiki.

Thanks for all your help!

The map from our car rental agency (Alamo) indicates that if you get on to H-1 from Waikiki area and head east, H-1 becomes route 72, and 72 then connects with 83 farther north. Taking the H-1,72,83 route you will circle most of the island along the eastern coast, away from mountain (tunnel-[e.g. Pali, Wilson]) crossings.

You have other choices returning back to Waikiki from the North Shore, but I would take 83 through central Oahu connecting with 99 (passes "Dole Plantation") then stay on 99 to H-1 (or take H-2 to H-1 if in a hurry) back to Waikiki.

I second JohnD

I made the drive counterclockwise to the North Shore, past Sunset Beach, stopped at the Dole Plantation, and back to Waikiki.

Seems to me that it would take longer to turn around and go back if you have come as far as Turtle Bay. It was a very easy drive and simply beautiful.