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Beach · Kailua, Hawaii
Kailua Beach
A light-sand beach of about 4 km on Kailua Bay on Oʻahu’s windward side, with turquoise water and steady wind, popular for kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing, with views of the Mokulua islets and Popoiʻa Island.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Kailua Beach
Kailua Beach occupies almost the entire curve of Kailua Bay on Oʻahu’s windward coast, at the foot of the Koʻolau Range. The sand is fine and light, of coral origin, and the water usually shows blue and green tones over a sandy bottom. The beach park is at the southern end, beside the mouth of the Kaʻelepulu canal.
The trade winds, which blow from the northeast most of the year, make the bay one of Hawaiʻi’s most popular spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing. With light wind in the early morning it’s common to see kayaks and stand-up paddleboards heading for Popoiʻa Island (Flat Island), a flat islet near the shore, and the Mokulua islets a little farther south.
The beach has lifeguards at the park, restrooms, outdoor showers and picnic areas shaded by trees. Waves are usually smaller than on the North Shore, but the wind can make the sea choppy in the afternoon.
The town of Kailua is a few minutes’ walk or bike ride away, with cafés, restaurants and shops that rent kayaks and equipment.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to swim and stroll; a full day if you include a kayak trip.
Best time
In the morning, before the wind picks up, to paddle and swim in calmer water. Windy afternoons are preferred by windsurfers and kitesurfers.
How to get there
About 3 km from downtown Kailua and roughly 25 km from Waikiki via the Pali Highway. The park parking fills early on weekends. City buses arrive from Honolulu.
Tip
To paddle out to the Mokulua islets, start early and check the rules: only the larger islet allows landings; the smaller is a bird sanctuary.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kailua Beach
How to get to Kailua Beach from Waikiki?
By car, via the Pali Highway, in about 30 minutes, or by city bus to Kailua and then walk to the park.
Does Kailua Beach have lifeguards?
Yes, at the beach park at the southern end, where there are also restrooms and outdoor showers.
Can you rent kayaks in Kailua?
Yes. Shops in town rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for trips to Popoiʻa Island and the Mokulua islets.