Kailua Beach | Book Oahu Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
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Kailua Beach

4.52
Rated as one of the best beaches in the world, Kailua Beach can be found on Oahu's south east side. The Kailua area is known for being a peaceful suburban neighborhood, far away from the bustle of town and without a single high-rise in sight. From the shore you can see the Mokulua Islands, a seabird sanctuary featuring volcanic cones and a common hang out for sea turtles, most accessible by kayak. Explore the nearby beach town and its unique boutiques and popular local dining spots.
History
In the Hawaiian language Kailua means "two seas" or "two currents", a contraction of the words kai (meaning "sea" or "sea water") and ʻelua (meaning "two"); it is so named because of the two lagoons in the district or the two currents which run through Kailua Bay.  During the reign of King Kākuhihewa and his successors, Kailua replaced Waikiki as the residential seat of the Oʻahu Rulers (aliʻi nui of Oʻahu). Many ancient temple ruins, such as those at Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site, are in the area.

Highlights
Kailua Beach is crescent-shaped, about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long, and ranging between 50 and 150 feet (15 and 46 m) wide. The ocean bottom fronting the beach slopes gently to overhead depths without any coral heads. Light to medium waves support surfing and bodysurfing. The steady trade winds make Kailua Beach a top windsurfing and kitesurfing destination. Robby Naish, first World Champion of windsurfing and Professional Windsurfers Association Hall of Fame inductee, grew up in Kailua.  Sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to the protected seabird sanctuaries Flat Island and the Nā Mokulua, popularly known as "the Mokes", have become increasingly popular water activities at the beach.

Top-Rated Activities for Oahu

Latest reviews of Kailua Beach

Kailua Beach Self-Guided Kayak Tour with Lunch & Gear Rental

Beautiful scenery but a bit advanced

2025/05/25 Others Don't do self guided kayaking. Hire the guide.

I would not recommend an unaccompanied (self guided) kayak adventure in Kailua Bay. The in and out of the water is challenging so if you go to a beach or island without someone helping it's a little scary. We went out to... more

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Kailua Beach Self-Guided Kayak Tour with Lunch & Gear Rental

Self guided tour. Trekking your own kayak

2025/05/04 Families Kam & fam

I'm giving a 4 out of 5 because the trek to the beach was a long hike. The description did say you had to take your kayak down to the beach yourself, but we weren't expecting such a long hike to start kayaking. Once down... more

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All-Inclusive Kailua Beach Day Experience - Lunch, Snorkel, Bike & Gear Rental

So much fun!!

2024/07/10 Families Sue

We had a perfectly fun day! We rented bikes and snorkeling gear and flippers, rode to Lanikai beach (about a 29 minute ride), saw some turtles and fish. Then we came back, got boogy boards and enjoyed kalilua beach. Had... more

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All-Inclusive Kailua Beach Day Experience - Lunch, Snorkel, Bike & Gear Rental

Amazing views!!!!! Right in the heart of downtown !!

2024/04/21 Couples Ally

Easy going staff! Amazing views for the price. It’s really close to everything too! 10/10 recommend!! Me and my boyfriend loved the patio. We had a front porch too which was so nice!

Kailua Bay 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Tour with Lunch - Explore Tide Pools & More!

Kayaking trip

2024/03/09 Families Jennifer

Lots of fun. Nice staff. Beautiful area! Was a great adventure for a family! Would highly recommend. You can Kayak, snorkel and go on a nice bike ride all in one day.

Kailua Bay 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Tour with Lunch - Explore Tide Pools & More!

Kayak

2023/10/31 Couples Jeff

The Moke islands were unfortunately closed without a tour guide due to the wind/currents but we were still able to kayak to the flat island. It was so much fun to walk around the island and check out the wildlife there. ... more

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Kailua Beach | Book Oahu Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Rated as one of the best beaches in the world, Kailua Beach can be found on Oahu's south east side. The Kailua area is known for being a peaceful suburban neighborhood, far away from the bustle of town and without a single high-rise in sight. From the shore you can see the Mokulua Islands, a seabird sanctuary featuring volcanic cones and a common hang out for sea turtles, most accessible by kayak. Explore the nearby beach town and its unique boutiques and popular local dining spots.