Our flight arrives at midnight and we're staying at a vacation home in Kailua. Is it safe to drive ourselves? What do you recommend? We're renting a van for stay but I'm worried about finding our way at night. Any suggestions??

It should be fine driving yourself. You will be on a highway or main road all the way into the town of Kailua. It isn't really like a remote area. I love Kailua! Have a great trip and don't worry!

Just make sure the owners send a good map and directions. Kailua is a perfectly normal beach town, but it can be hard to find places even in the day.

We have traveled this route (HNL to Kailua) several times because we also rent vacation homes in Kailua while we stay on Oahu. You should have no problem with this. Buy a good Oahu map at any gas station and you should have no problem. Even the small side roads are on the map making the homes easy to find. The map will come in handy the rest of your trip as well.
Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Thank you, I feel a lot better and I'm no longer worried!! We'll pick up at a map at our AMA before our trip!! Thanks again!!

Good Oahu maps on this site:

www.driveguidemagazines.com

From airport:

Take H-1 East from airport about 4 miles to Pali Highway (61) exit. Take Pali Highway right into Kailua.

The drive is very safe but there are a couple of fairly sharp turns near the tunnel. No problems though. Just follow the traffic & speed limit. About a 20-25 minute drive from the airport.

At the airport baggage area, you can pick up a free 'The Aloha MAPS of Hawaii'. Great detailed maps.

I agree with the poster who said Kailua can be difficult, even in the day time.
I am a good map reader, but some of the intersections are confusing and streets change names. Kailua and Kaneohe are large residential areas...not sleepy beach towns.
Buy a good map of Oahu before you go on your trip. They are available at places like Borders and Barnes & Noble.
Be sure it has a close-up of Kailua. I think the AAA Honolulu map has this, too.
Highlight the exact location of your rental on the map. Familiarize yourself with the major roads. I am always able to find Kalaheo Road, so I try to orient myself from there. Be sure to have a good mini-flashlight with you. I've stayed in Kailua twice.
From the airport, I prefer the H-3 route. Better lighting in the more modern tunnel. Both times I figured my way around town just about time to leave. Love it anyway. Best beach of any of the islands...particularly in the morning before the wind picks up.
Look forward to your report when you return.

Thanks Barbara! We have booked a beautiful house with salt water pool. We're going to soak up the Hawaiian culture! It's our first trip and I will be writing a report. Check back in April!! Thanks to everyone!!

You might want to also do a mapquest search with driving directions. I have lived on Oahu all my life and even as recently as 3 weeks ago, got lost in Kailua trying to find Lanikai. what can I say, I'm a townie!