Our Kailua insiders guidebook
Recreation
Great spot to rent kayaks for a paddle out to the Mokulua islands and just a 5-minute bike ride from our cottage.
40 paikallista suosittelee
Kailua Beach Adventures
130 Kailua RdGreat spot to rent kayaks for a paddle out to the Mokulua islands and just a 5-minute bike ride from our cottage.
A stunning place to watch the sunrise or see the whales as they migrate by the islands.
178 paikallista suosittelee
Pillbox Hike
265 Kaelepulu DrA stunning place to watch the sunrise or see the whales as they migrate by the islands.
Kailua Beach
Lanikai Beach
Spectacular place for the adventurous and fit! Rent a kayak and explore this seabird sanctuary just a few miles off of Lanikai Beach.
21 paikallista suosittelee
Mokulua Islands State Seabird Sanctuary
Spectacular place for the adventurous and fit! Rent a kayak and explore this seabird sanctuary just a few miles off of Lanikai Beach.
Sacred to Hawaiians of old, Kawai Nui Marsh sprawls over 800 acres and is considered the largest remaining emergent wetland in Hawaii. The marsh is home to four of the state’s endemic and endangered waterbirds, including the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck) and nene (Hawaiian goose), and important cultural resources such as an ancient loi (terraced taro field) and Hawaiian fishpond. There’s a popular 3-mile walking path that meanders through the protected wetland that starts at Kawai Nui Neighborhood Park. 704 Kaha St
12 paikallista suosittelee
Kawainui Marsh
Sacred to Hawaiians of old, Kawai Nui Marsh sprawls over 800 acres and is considered the largest remaining emergent wetland in Hawaii. The marsh is home to four of the state’s endemic and endangered waterbirds, including the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck) and nene (Hawaiian goose), and important cultural resources such as an ancient loi (terraced taro field) and Hawaiian fishpond. There’s a popular 3-mile walking path that meanders through the protected wetland that starts at Kawai Nui Neighborhood Park. 704 Kaha St
City/town information
Kailua, a once-sleepy community on Oahu’s Windward Side, is most often associated with its beaches. And we get it. Kailua and Lanikai beaches are world-renowned with their golden sands and aquamarine waters.
But the appeal of this beachy town, flanked by the dramatic cliffs of the Koolau Mountains and crescent-shaped Kailua Bay, go beyond its stretches of sand. Some of the island’s best restaurants and boutiques are in Kailua. There are historic sites and hiking trails, surf spots and farmer’s markets. It’s home to the largest wetland in the Islands, where you can find four of the state’s endemic and endangered waterbirds. And this area, once the playground of alii (Hawaiian royalty), beckons the rich and famous: Beyoncé and Jay-Z have vacationed here, as have Rihanna, Jessica Simpson and, of course, President Barack Obama.
There are no hotel towers, no sprawling resorts, no giant shopping malls. Instead, you’ll find friendly coffee shops, homey bed-and-breakfasts, family-run restaurants, shops where the owners will greet you at the door.
Oh, yeah, and those beaches, too!
78 paikallista suosittelee
Kailua
Kailua, a once-sleepy community on Oahu’s Windward Side, is most often associated with its beaches. And we get it. Kailua and Lanikai beaches are world-renowned with their golden sands and aquamarine waters.
But the appeal of this beachy town, flanked by the dramatic cliffs of the Koolau Mountains and crescent-shaped Kailua Bay, go beyond its stretches of sand. Some of the island’s best restaurants and boutiques are in Kailua. There are historic sites and hiking trails, surf spots and farmer’s markets. It’s home to the largest wetland in the Islands, where you can find four of the state’s endemic and endangered waterbirds. And this area, once the playground of alii (Hawaiian royalty), beckons the rich and famous: Beyoncé and Jay-Z have vacationed here, as have Rihanna, Jessica Simpson and, of course, President Barack Obama.
There are no hotel towers, no sprawling resorts, no giant shopping malls. Instead, you’ll find friendly coffee shops, homey bed-and-breakfasts, family-run restaurants, shops where the owners will greet you at the door.
Oh, yeah, and those beaches, too!
Food scene
Spectacular breakfast spot! The wait be a little long but oh so worth it!
39 paikallista suosittelee
Over Easy
418 Kuulei RdSpectacular breakfast spot! The wait be a little long but oh so worth it!
Wonderful low-key eatery with a great menu of local favorites.
86 paikallista suosittelee
Kalapawai Cafe & Deli
750 Kailua RdWonderful low-key eatery with a great menu of local favorites.
Kono's
131 Hekili StreetGreat casual food spot that specializes in smoked pork delights.
The local grocer with all you need. They even have a fresh seafood/poke bar.
63 paikallista suosittelee
Foodland
108 Hekili StThe local grocer with all you need. They even have a fresh seafood/poke bar.
The go-to spot for all your libation needs. Amazing selection of wines, beers and spirits all at a fair price. They also have a seafood/poke bar with freshly caught local fish for take-out.
58 paikallista suosittelee
Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquors
3496 Waialae AveThe go-to spot for all your libation needs. Amazing selection of wines, beers and spirits all at a fair price. They also have a seafood/poke bar with freshly caught local fish for take-out.
Bowles Burritos
270 Kuulei RdGood local Mexican eatery and bar.
You can get just about anything you would want here at the local Whole Foods. You can even do your Amazon returns here if needed.
370 paikallista suosittelee
Whole Foods Market
629 Kailua RdYou can get just about anything you would want here at the local Whole Foods. You can even do your Amazon returns here if needed.
Cinnamon's
315 Uluniu StA favorite breakfast spot for all the locals.
The Beet Box Cafe
66-437 Kamehameha HwyGreat healthy eatery with vegan options
Kaupunkia koskevat ohjeet
Liikkuminen
Kailua is a bike-friendly town!
We have bikes for use here for you. 😊
Hyödyllisiä ilmauksia
Mahalo means thank you.
It is a word that we use to express gratitude. Often used at a restaurant or when checking out at the grocery store. Give it a try and spread some joy to others while you are here.