Kailua Beach Park, Oahu: The Kai Life Mini Beach Guide
Written By Jenny White | The Kai Life • Posted on May 18, 2025
Kailua Beach Park is located at the southern end of one of my favorite Oʻahu beaches, Kailua Beach. It is one of the most popular access points to this iconic stretch of coastline – and as a frequent Oahu visitor, it’s a spot that I personally return to again and again.
With limited parking, open grassy areas, shaded picnic spots, and direct access to soft white sand, it’s a go-to for locals and travelers alike.

A paddleboard at Kailua Beach Park. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Whether you’re setting up for a full beach day, paddling out to the Mokulua Islands, or just stopping by to stretch your legs and catch a sunrise, Kailua Beach Park is laid-back, scenic, and ready for whatever kind of day you’re planning.

The Kai Life Beach Rating : Kailua Beach Park
I’ve spent more days than I can count chasing the best beach vibes – here’s how this one ranks, from a girl who plans her travels around the beach.
Why You’ll Love Kailua Beach Park
If you’re looking for a beach day with easy access to amenities – restrooms, picnic tables, and a place to rinse off after a swim – Kailua Beach Park has you covered. It’s one of the most popular access points to Kailua Beach.

Rocks On The South Side Of Kailua Beach Park. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
You’ll often see local families gathering under the shaded pavilions, beachgoers heading out with kayaks, or early risers taking their daily beach walk or morning swim.
Beach Snapshot + Amenities
This guide focuses specifically on the park area at the south end of Kailua Beach, known as Kailua Beach Park. If you’re looking for a full overview of the entire 2.5-mile stretch, including other access points, check out my Kailua Beach Guide.
- Location: 526 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua, HI 96734
- Beach Access: Open 24/7, Bathrooms + Facilities: 5:00am – 10:00pm
- Parking: Two small lots at Kailua Beach Park + nearby street parking
- Bathrooms: Yes, at Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park
- Showers: Outdoor rinse stations
- Lifeguards: Yes
- Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash)
- Sand Vibe: Soft, white, and walkable
- Shade: Some natural shade in grassy park areas
- Water Entry: Gentle slope, sandy bottom with no reef
- Swim Conditions: Usually calm in the morning
- Beach Length: Part of a 2.5-mile beach stretch
- Accessibility: Paved walkways and open lawn areas
- Best Times Of Year To Visit: Shoulder seasons like May and September for fewer crowds. Summer and the winter holidays are busier in this area.
- Best Time Of Day To Visit: Early morning for parking + calmest water
- Sunrise or Sunset: Sunrise – look towards the The Mokulua Islands.

Facilities At Kailua Beach Park. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Location + How To Get To Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park is located on the southern end of Kailua Beach, just off Kawailoa Road. It’s one of the most visited and easiest access points to this beautiful stretch of coastline.
Whether you’re driving in, biking from town, or hopping on TheBus, here’s what you need to know.
Getting There By Car
From Honolulu or Waikiki, the drive to Kailua Beach Park takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic. Take the Pali Highway (HI-61) or H-3 Freeway toward Kailua, then follow Kawailoa Road until you reach the beachfront park.
Parking
There are two small public parking lots within Kailua Beach Park. They fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Street parking is very limited nearby and strictly enforced – read signs carefully and avoid blocking driveways. Arrive early for your best shot at a spot.
Getting There By Bus
Oahu’s public transit system, TheBus, can get you to Kailua Beach Park from Waikiki or Honolulu. Take Route 67 or 671 to Kailua Town, then transfer to Route 70, which drops you just a short walk from the park.
Expect 1.5–2 hours of travel time depending on wait times and transfers. Use the Google Maps transit feature or TheBus app for the most reliable routes.
By Foot (Walking)
If you’re staying in Kailua Town, it’s about a 10–20 minute walk to the beach park depending on your location. The route is relaxed and beachy, with sidewalks most of the way. The route passes a few local shops and cafes worth stopping at.
By Bike
Kailua is a bike-friendly town, and Kailua Beach Park is an easy ride from most local accommodations. There are some bike lanes and wide residential streets leading to the park entrance.
Lock up your bike near the grass or along the edge of the parking lot.
Tip : Need wheels? The Bike Shop Kailua is a local spot where you can rent cruisers or e-bikes for the day.
Weather + Water Conditions
Kailua Beach Park is usually sunny, breezy, and beautiful – especially in the mornings. But as always in Hawaii, conditions can change quickly. Be sure to check the local surf + weather reports before heading out.

Looking North At Kailua Beach Park. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Weather
Expect sunshine and tradewinds! Daytime temps typically sit in the high 70s to mid-80s°F year-round. Mornings are generally calmer, while afternoons often bring stronger breezes.
Water
The water is usually calm and clear in the morning, with a gradual sandy entry that makes it great for swimming or wading. Later in the day, stronger winds can stir things up – so morning is your best bet for ideal conditions.
Occasionally, this area experiences brown water advisories. Check local reports before heading to the beach park for the day.
Surf
This isn’t a major surf spot, but you may catch some light shore break. Great for paddling, casual bodyboarding, or beginner-friendly beach play.
Keep an eye on posted surf warnings or changing conditions.
Things to Do at Kailua Beach Park
Whether you’re planning a mellow beach morning or an active day with the family, Kailua Beach Park has plenty to offer on both land and sea.

Windsurfing At Kailua Beach Park. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Take A Beach Walk
Start your morning with a walk along Kailua Beach – one of the most walkable shorelines on the island.

Morning Walks. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
From the park, you can head north and enjoy about 2.5 miles of soft sand, swaying palms, and turquoise views. That’s breezy 5-mile beach walk if you’re up for the full stretch.
Paddleboard
On calm mornings, Kailua Beach Park is a popular launch point for paddleboarding. Rent gear nearby and head out for a peaceful float along the shoreline or toward the offshore islets.
Kayak
This is one of the most well-known kayak launch points on Oʻahu. From here, experienced paddlers often head out to Popoiʻa (Flat Island) or even to the Mokulua Islands on a clear, calm day.

Kayaking In Kailua Bay. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Try Outrigger Canoeing
This beach park is home to several local canoe clubs, and you’ll often see teams training in the early mornings. Some groups offer occasional community paddles or clinics. If you get the chance to join, it’s a unique way to experience the water and connect with Hawaiian culture.

An Outrigger Canoe Crew Getting Ready To Load In. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Windsurf
Kailua is a hub for wind-based sports, and you’ll often see windsurfers catching breezes right from the park. If you’re experienced, or ready to take a lesson – this is a great spot to give it a try.

Kailua Bay Windsurfing. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Swim
The beach in front of the park has a gentle entry and is usually calm in the morning. It’s a wonderful spot for a refreshing dip or shoreline swim. Winds tend to pick up later in the day.
Stretch, Move or Meditate
The grassy park space and open beach are relaxing spots to move gently, stretch, or take a few quiet moments to yourself. Bring a yoga mat or just lay a towel in the sand.
Have A Classic Beach Day
Set up your towel under a palm tree or bring your own umbrella for shade. Whether you’re reading, floating in the shallows, building sandcastles, or playing in the waves – Kailua Beach Park is a great place for all of the classic beach fun.
Have A Picnic
With shaded tables, grassy lawns, and beach views, Kailua Beach Park is wonderful spot for a casual beach picnic.

Picnic Tables Throughout Kailua Beach Park. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Stop by Kalapawai Market across the street and pick up snacks, sandwiches, or cold drinks before settling in.
Play Volleyball Or Lawn Games
You’ll find a sand volleyball court and open grassy areas for casual games. It’s a great place for families or groups to hang out between dips in the ocean.

Beach Volleyball At Kailua Beach Park. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Sunrise Or Sunset
Kailua Beach Park faces east, which means sunrise is the main event here. Early mornings are quiet, calm, and glowing with soft light over the Mokulua Islands.
Tips For Kailua Beach Park
- Expect morning bees in the sand
You might spot a few sleepy honeybees in the sand, especially earlier in the day. They’re usually harmless, but it’s smart to watch your step – especially with little ones. - Portuguese Man o’ War:
On windy days, these jellyfish-like creatures sometimes wash up on Kailua Beach. Their tentacles can still sting even when they’re onshore. If you see little blue blobs in the sand or water, steer clear and avoid swimming that day. - Download offline maps
Cell signal can be spotty around Kailua Beach Park. Download Google Maps offline to make navigating (and re-finding your car) easier. - This area gets busy
Kailua Beach Park is one of the most popular access points to the beach, so it tends to draw crowds – especially on weekends and holidays. Mornings are more mellow. - Keep valuables out of sight
Kailua is friendly and laid-back, but it’s still smart to bring only what you need and keep any valuables hidden or on you. - Note: Like many public beach parks on Oʻahu, you may see a few individuals experiencing homelessness around Kailua Beach Park. Most keep to themselves, and this continues to be a popular spot for both locals and visitors. As always, be respectful and practice aloha.

Beach Warning Signs. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Is Kailua Beach Good For Kids?
Yes – Kailua Beach Park is a family-friendly spot with plenty of space to spread out.
The shallow shoreline makes it great for little ones to wade and play, especially in the morning when the water is calmer.
It has easy ocean entry, and helpful amenities like restrooms and showers.
Just note that shade is limited near the sand, so bring an umbrella or pop-up tent if you’re planning to stay awhile.
Crowd Levels
Because it’s one of the main public access points to Kailua Beach, this park can get busy – especially on weekends, holidays, or sunny afternoons. Mornings are usually quieter, and you’ll often see local swimmers or paddlers starting their day here.

Crowds Gathered For George Perry Keiki Race. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
If you’re craving a more peaceful beach experience, come early or take a beach walk north toward the quieter residential stretch.
Beach Day Rentals
Need gear for your beach day? There are several local shops nearby offering beach rentals by the hour or full day. You can rent coolers, chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Kayak Entry Point. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Kailua Beach Adventures is the closest and most popular rental shop, just across the street from the park. They also offer guided tours and lessons if you’re looking to try something new.
Healthy Bites Nearby
If you’re in the mood for something quick, healthy, fresh, and local, you’re in luck. Just across the street from Kailua Beach Park are two of my go-to spots:
- Kalapawai Market – A longtime favorite with coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and snacks (vegan options available!).
- The Sunrise Shack – A tropical café offering smoothie bowls, wellness shots, loaded toast and good vibes in a colorful outdoor setting.

Monkey Toast At The Sunrise Shack. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Both are walkable, perfect for a pre-beach or post-beach fuel-up, or grabbing a picnic to enjoy on the sand.
What To Pack In Your Beach Bag For Kailua Beach Park
Here’s a list of essentials that I love to bring when packing for Kailua Beach Park:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses + sun hat
- Swimsuit + cover-up
- Quick-dry towel or Turkish towel
- Reusable water bottle (it gets hot!)
- Snacks or a picnic lunch
- Portable umbrella or sun shade
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Book or journal
- Speaker for music
- Extra hair tie or claw clip
- Slippers or sandals
- Blanket or mat
- Small cooler
Why I Keep Coming Back to Kailua Beach Park
This is one of the spots I start my mornings at when I’m on this side of the island. I park here, fill up my water, and then I’m off for one of my favorite long beach walks on Oʻahu.

Looking South Towards The Mokulua Islands. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life
Kailua Beach Park has become a wonderful home base for me. Whether I’m heading out for movement or just having a beach day, I love this beach so much and find myself coming back to it over and over.
FAQs
What is the difference between Lanikai and Kailua Beach?
Both beaches sit along Kailua Bay and share that dreamy turquoise water, but Lanikai is smaller, residential, and doesn’t have facilities. Kailua Beach (and Kailua Beach Park) offers bathrooms, showers, parking, and more space to spread out – making it a more convenient option for classic beach days and water sports.
Can you swim at Kailua Beach?
Yes – Kailua Beach is swimmable along the shore, especially in the morning before the wind picks up. The water is clear with a gentle slope and sandy bottom, making it ideal for a relaxing swim.
Is Kailua Beach parking free?
Yes, the small lots at Kailua Beach Park offer free parking, but they fill quickly. Street parking is also free in some areas, but it’s tightly regulated – read signs carefully to avoid tickets.
Final Thoughts : Kailua Beach Park, Oahu
Kailua Beach Park is where so many of my Kailua beach days begin. It’s an easy access point with everything you need to start your morning on the sand – whether you’re heading out for a paddle, meeting friends, or just enjoying some time by the water.
After years of visiting beaches across Oʻahu, this spot continues to be one I return to for its simplicity and comfort. I hope this guide helps you plan a smooth and memorable visit.
Enjoy your beach day in one of my favorite spots in Oahu!