Kailua
Windward coast beaches & boutique town
Kailua sits on the windward (east) coast of Oahu, separated from Honolulu by the Ko'olau Mountains. The drive over the Pali Highway is one of the most dramatic in Hawaii. The beaches are spectacular — Kailua Beach is a long arc of white sand with steady trade winds perfect for kitesurfing and kayaking, while Lanikai Beach is a postcard-perfect crescent with the Mokulua Islands just offshore. The town of Kailua itself has evolved from a sleepy bedroom community into a genuine food and arts destination, with farm-to-table restaurants, independent coffee shops, and a farmers market on Thursdays.
Highlights
- Lanikai Beach
- Kailua Beach kayaking
- Lanikai Pillbox hike
- Local restaurants
- Boutique shopping
Restaurants in Kailua
All restaurants →
Things to Do in Kailua
All adventures →
Kayak to Lanikai Beach
Water Activities · Moderate
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Hiking & Nature · Moderate
Kualoa Ranch Horseback Riding
Hiking & Nature · Easy
Kualoa Ranch Movie Site Tour
Cultural Experiences · Easy
Kualoa Ranch ATV Adventure
Extreme Adventures · Moderate
Kualoa Ranch Zipline
Extreme Adventures · Moderate
Kailua FAQ
Is Kailua better than Waikiki?
For beach quality, yes — Kailua and Lanikai beaches are objectively more beautiful than Waikiki. But Kailua requires a car, has fewer hotel options (mostly vacation rentals), and is less convenient for those wanting to explore the whole island. Many visitors do both: stay in Waikiki, do a day trip to Kailua.
How do you get to Kailua from Waikiki?
By car via H-1 East and then the Pali Highway (Route 61) takes about 30 minutes. TheBus Route 67 runs from Ala Moana Center to Kailua in about 45 minutes. There is no direct highway — you cross the Ko'olau Mountains via the Pali Highway or the Likelike Highway.
What are the best things to do in Kailua?
Kayak to the Mokulua Islands offshore from Kailua Beach, hike the Lanikai Pillbox Trail for sunrise views, rent a paddleboard, grab breakfast at Cinnamon's Restaurant or Boots & Kimo's, and stroll Kailua town's independent shops in the afternoon.
