Kailua Beach is one of the most popular windwardside beaches, and for good reason. It’s full of pristine white sand, has clear blue water, and is relatively undeveloped, making it less of a spectacle than Waikīkī and more of a neighborhood hang-out kind of beach, where residents come to relax and play before or after work. The shorebreak is typically mellow and kid-friendly, and there are many activities to try out offshore.
Perhaps one of the best aspects of Kailua Beach is its walkability – the beach wraps around the long, gentle bay for 2.5 miles, with mountain views. The sun rises offshore, making it also popular with early risers.
Table of contents
Kailua Beach
“Kailua Beach” borders the length of Kailua bay and breaks down into three main parts. Walking from the south eastern part of the beach to the north-western part, you’ll start at Kailua Beach Park, then pass by Kalama Beach Park, and end at Castles Beach.
Kailua Beach Park
The main park at Kailua Beach is 35 acres of green space with a lot of shade, the dunes rising up and overlooking the sand and the water. Stand atop one of the dunes on a Saturday and look around – you’ll most likely see sunbathers, kayaks, boats, outrigger paddlers, walkers, runners, wind surfers, kite surfers, and stand-up paddlers playing in and around the offshore island, Popoi’a (Flat Island).
You can find Kailua Beach Park at the south-eastern end of Kailua Beach. Though not “developed,” it does have infrastructure and conveniences, namely a general store (Kalapawai Market), a beachside restaurant (Buzz’s Steakhouse), a no-frills boat launch, and a couple free parking lots. Across the street in a small shopping plaza is a water sports rental center (Kailua Beach Adventures, see below) and a shave ice shop (Island Snow), among others small stores.
This part of the beach is the hub of activity on Kailua Beach, popular for its ease of access (the main parking lot is here) and walking access to the aforementioned conveniences.
Kalama Beach Park
If you walk with the water on your right hand from Kailua Beach Park, you’ll end up at Kalamas, short for Kalama Beach Park.
Once out of the main Kailua Beach Park area, the off-sand green space is replaced by residential homes and beachfront cottages. Because there is limited parking (just a small lot and street parking), no services or conveniences within walking distance, and less fanfare overall, Kalama tends to be more local than Kailua Beach Park and lends itself more to relaxation than activity.
If you can’t find parking at Kalamas, or if you want to experience the best of both worlds, park at Kailua Beach Park and walk along the sand to Kalamas.
Castles Beach
The far end of Kailua Beach is referred to as Castles. There’s a small surf break off shore, and though it’s much less crowded than the Kailua and Kalama beach parks, it will draw a fair amount of surfers during swells. Generally, though, you can expect a really laid back vibe comprised mostly of local residents.
People who go to Kailua Beach Park may walk to Kalamas, but most don’t walk all the way to Castles (remember, beach length is 2.5 miles one-way), so there’s serenity to be found. If you’ve already been to Kailua Beach Park and Kalamas, Castles is a nice, off-beat local secret to check out.
Things to do
Kailua is a great beach to go to if you want to stay active. The Kailua Beach park is the best section of the beach because it’s easy to rent gear there or to set up a lesson.
Kayaking + Stand-Up Paddleboarding
The mellow shore break and nearby islands make Kailua a good place to try out kayaking and SUP.
For rentals, classes, or individual tours, try Kailua Beach Adventures, located just a block from Kailua Beach Park. The tours go out to Popoi’a Island (flat island) and the Mokulua Islands (the Mokes), and it’s an excellent experience and perspective, reaching the islands and looking back on the beach and Koʻolau mountains.
Bikes, snorkel gear, and boogie boards are also for rent. Note that the fine powdery sand in Kailua bay is good for swimming but bad for snorkeling purposes. Water visibility is often low, and large sandy areas are not the best places to see fish.
Windsurfing + Kitesurfing
Kailua Beach is the best place to windsurf and kitesurf on O‘ahu thanks to its location on the windward side, where steady and strong breezes are frequent. Hawaiian Watersports rents equipment and offers lessons for beginners.
Surfing
There are two breaks at Kailua Beach. One is adjacent to Popoia Island (Flat Island) and requires a long paddle. Watch out for shallow water and sharp reefs at high tide. The other is called Castles, located at Castles Beach. It draws a mixed crowd of families and young professionals. Mostly a longboarding break, it breaks in deep water and over a mostly sandy bottom.
Surf boards and lessons are offered from Hawaiian Watersports.
Practicalities
Amenities and facilities
You can find the following amenities/facilities at Kailua beach:
- Covered and open-air picnic tables
- Food concession stand (Kalapawai Market at Kailua Beach Park)
- Barbecue Grills
- Bathroom facilities
- Beach showers
- Parking lot w/ free parking
- Kayak rental center (Kailua Beach Adventures, one block from beach)
- Lifeguard on duty
Directions (by car or by bus)
Kailua is not far from Honolulu and getting there is easy whether you take the bus or car. If you do take the car try to make a stop at the Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout for some amazing views of Kailua.
By car:
From Honolulu, it will take you approximately 30-45 minutes to reach Kailua Beach. Free parking is available, with several lots at Kailua Beach Park, and one small lot at Kalama. Free street parking is available at all three beaches, though much less at Castles than at Kailua Beach Park.
By bus:
From Ala Moana Shopping Center, take the 66 or 67 bus to get to Kailua. For more details, check out the schedules here. The journey will take about an hour.