Kailua Town

Kailua, a quintessential beach town, is blessed with two gorgeous beaches and steady onshore trade winds that make it great for wind sports, kayaking, and other water sports. A bedroom community of more than 36,000 residents. Best known for its long, sandy beaches, which are considered among the most beautiful in the world, life revolves around the beach and outdoor recreation.

 

The area is known for its white, powder-like sandy beach and its hiking trail along the Kaʻiwa Ridge to the World War II military bunkers commonly known as the "Lanikai Pillboxes". Because of its small community and easy access to its famous beach, Lanikai has one of Hawaii's most expensive real estate markets.

Bordered by one of the world’s prettiest beaches and the Ko‘olau Mountains, Kailua is a charming beach town with a casual lifestyle and a vibrant commercial core. With over 125 shops, restaurants, activities and services, there is no shortage of things to do in Kailua Town.

Kailua is only 12 miles northeast of Honolulu, but the lifestyle is anything but urban. Once you cross over the Nuʻuanu Pali and come out of the tunnels, be prepared for sunny skies, gorgeous greenery, deep sand beaches and an endless expanse of blue-green ocean.

Before you head to the beach, stop in town. You’ll find dive shops and ocean activity stores where you can purchase or rent snorkel equipment, kayaks, and other essential gear for fun in the surf and sun. A friendly, laid-back town, Kailua claims a healthy scattering of locally owned shops and eateries plus there’s an evening open market on Thursdays.

 

Kailua Beach is outfitted with services that make it possible to rent a kayak, rent a guide, or rent equipment for windsurfing, kitesurfing, boogie boarding, or snorkeling. The Kalapawai Market, a vintage beachfront grocery, stocks everything anyone needs for a picnic. This is a beach made for a day trip and then another one.

 

Lanikai is known for its clear turquoise water and long expanse of powdery sand beach. A particularly good swimming beach, it is located in a picturesque setting, with palm trees lining the backshore and the nearby twin islands of Mokumanu and Mokulua offshore.

In Hawaiian, Lanikai means “heavenly sea,” and its white sand beach and balmy breezes create a peaceful ambience fitting of the name. Mokumanu and Mokulua islands are bird sanctuaries, but popular destinations for kayakers and boaters.

To find Lanikai, drive past the Kailua Beach boat ramp, along Mokulua Drive to a large one-way loop that encompasses the village. This is a prime beachfront property with a beach to match.