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Kailua / kaɪˈluːə / ( Hawaiian pronunciation: [kɐjˈluwə]) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States. It lies in the Koʻolaupoko District of the island of Oʻahu on the windward coast at Kailua Bay. It is in the judicial district and the ahupua'a named Ko'olaupoko.
- The Bike Shop. Skip the hassle of finding parking in Kailua—which we know can be tough!— and rent a bike instead. (There’s no Biki in this part of Oahu.)
- The Beaches (DUH) Let’s be honest: Kailua and Lanikai beaches are iconic, often the sole reason people venture to this part of the island. The long, golden stretches of powdery fine sand, the mesmerizing views of the Mokulua Islands, the backdrop of the majestic Koolau Mountains—what’s not to love?
- Bookends. Couldn’t fit a book in your carry-on? Swing by BookEnds to buy one of its beach books for under $5, with authors ranging from James Patterson to Danielle Steel.
- Boots & Kimo. Fill up before a day at the beach at Boots & Kimo Homestyle Kitchen, home to the popular macadamia nut sauce-topped onolicious banana pancakes.
- Go Kayaking to the Mokes. Spend a fantastic five hours paddling in one of the most beautiful parts of the island. Just off the gorgeous east coast of Oahu lies the Mokulua Islands, two small islands that are protected seabird sanctuaries.
- Relax at Kailua Beach Park. Considered to be Oahu’s second most beautiful beach, Kailua Beach will amaze visitors with its gorgeous turquoise waters and clean white sands.
- Stop by Kalama Beach. Near Kailua Beach Park is Kalama Beach, which is also known for its stunning white sand and gentle waves. The gentle waves make Kalama Beach the perfect place to take your children or to go swimming.
- See a World-Famous Beach at Lanikai Beach. If Kailua Beach is considered Oahu’s second-most beautiful beach, Lanikai Beach is the most beautiful. This beach will make you feel like you’re in paradise with its peaceful blue waters and perfect white sand.
Explore the best things to do in Kailua! From stunning beaches to unique eateries, uncover top attractions for a memorable trip. Plan your visit now!
- Snorkel and Sunbathe at Lanikai Beach. Kailua’s Lanikai Beach is not only one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches, it is also a great snorkeling spot! Less than 50 feet off the white sandy shore you’ll find an abundance of tropical fish, coral, and other marine life.
- Hike the Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Ka’iwa Ridge Hike) Another iconic Kailua activity is the Lanikai Pillbox Trail. The trailhead is a short walk away from Lanikai Beach, and the trail boasts stunning panoramic views of the Mokulua Islands, Lanikai Beach, the Ko’olau Mountains, Kailua, and beyond.
- Kayak to the Mokulua Islands. Yes! You can visit those cute little islands off of Lanikai Beach. All you need is a kayak (or a sailboat—I recommend a sailing tour later in this article).
- Walk Along the Kawainui Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (Local Favorite) This Kailua hidden gem is frequented by locals by rarely visited by tourists. Since I was housesitting for a local family during my visit to Kailua, I got some local travel tips, and this was definitely the best one!
Kailua is very cool and a fun mix of old and new, uber trendy and old school, rich but also local spots, there’s so many things to do in Kailua for everyone to enjoy on the windward side of Oahu and just a short trip from near by Hawaii Kai or downtown Honolulu.
The warm water temperature, steady offshore trade winds, and a protective reef make Kailua Beach the ideal spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Kayaking and stand up paddleboarding are also popular. Enjoy the view of the nearby offshore islands of Moku Nui, Moku Iki, and Flat Island.
