Discover Kailua Beach, Oahu: The Kai Life Mini Beach Guide

Written By Jenny White | The Kai Life • Posted on April 30, 2025

Kailua Beach is one of the two beaches I come back to every single time I’m on Oahu. It’s one of the island’s most iconic and beloved stretches of sand – a local favorite and a visitor staple for good reason.

With its soft powdery shoreline, calm turquoise waters, and wide open space, it’s the kind of place that feels instantly welcoming no matter what kind of beach day you’re looking for.

Aloha vibes on Kailua Beach. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life.

I’ve visited dozens of beaches across the Hawaiian Islands and beyond, and this is one of the few I measure all others against. If you’re looking for an Oahu beach with all the views and quintessential activities, look no further than Kailua Beach.

Why You’ll Love Kailua Beach

There’s a reason Kailua Beach is a go-to for both locals and visitors – it truly offers a little something for everyone.

Looking south on Kailua Beach with the The Mokulua Islands in the distance.
Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

If you’re an early riser, you’ll love catching the sunrise on a quiet morning walk. Into movement? Rent a paddle board or kayak and head toward the offshore islets. If you prefer a laid-back beach day, the soft sand and open space make it easy to settle in.

Looking north towards Mount Olomana. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

It’s one of those rare beaches that truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re solo, with kids, meeting friends, or just craving a moment to breathe with the waves, Kailua Beach is a happy place for every kind of beach-goer.

Beach Snapshot + Amenities

This guide covers the full stretch of Kailua Beach, which spans about 2.5 miles and includes access points often referred to as Kailua Beach Park, Kalama Beach, Kalama Beach Park, Kailuana Beach, and Castle’s Beach (a historic surf break area).

• 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, 1 small lot at Kalama Beach Park + nearby street parking
• Bathrooms: Yes, at Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park
• Showers: Outdoor rinse stations available at Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park
• Lifeguards: Yes, there a handful of lifeguard stations throughout the beach
• Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash)
• Sand Vibe: Soft, white, and walkable
• Shade: Limited – bring your own umbrella or shade tent
• Water Entry: Gentle slope, sandy bottom with no reef
• Swim Conditions: Calm mornings, normally breezy by midday
• Beach Length: ~2.5 miles
• Accessibility: Partially accessible – paved pathways in Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park
• Best Times Of Year To Visit: Shoulder seasons like May and September are some of the least busy times of year at this beach. Summer and the winter holidays are busier on Kailua Beach.
• Best Time Of Day To Visit: Early mornings are usually best. You’ll find calmer water, fewer people, and softer light early in the day.
• Sunrise or Sunset: Sunrise – look towards the The Mokulua Islands.
  

Amenities at Kailua Beach Park. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

Location + How To Get To Kailua Beach

Kailua Beach is located on the windward side of Oahu, about 30–40 minutes from Waikiki depending on traffic. It stretches along Kailua Bay with two main access points: Kailua Beach Park (on the southern end) and Kalama Beach Park.

Getting There By Car

Driving is the easiest way to reach Kailua Beach. If you’re staying in Waikiki or Honolulu, take the Pali Highway (HI-61) or the H-3 Freeway toward Kailua. Depending on traffic and time of day, the drive usually takes around 35–45 minutes.

Parking

There are three small public parking lots: two at Kailua Beach Park and one at Kalama Beach Park.

Street parking is available in surrounding residential areas, but it’s very strictly regulated and sometimes hard to come by. Be sure to read signs carefully, especially on weekends, evenings and during peak seasons when enforcement is common.

Getting There By Bus

You can reach Kailua Beach by TheBus, Oahu’s public transportation system. From Waikiki, take Bus Route 67 or 671 to Kailua Town, then transfer to Route 70, which drops you near Kailua Beach Park.

Plan for about 1.5 – 2 hours of travel time each way depending on transfers and wait times. It’s doable, but best for travelers who don’t mind a longer journey. TheBus app or Google Maps with transit directions is your best bet for real-time routes.

By Foot (Walking)

If you’re staying in or near Kailua Town, walking to the beach is an easy and scenic option. It’s about a 10–20 minute walk depending on where you’re coming from, with sidewalks most of the way.

By Bike

Kailua is a bike-friendly town, and biking to the beach is one of my favorite ways to get there. Whether you’re staying nearby or just want to avoid parking, a bike ride is a fun way to get in the mood for your beach day. There are a few designated bike lanes and wide residential streets leading to both beach parks – just lock up your bike near the entrance and you’re set.

Tip : The Bike Shop Kailua is a local spot for cruiser or e-bike rentals.

Weather + Water Conditions

Kailua Beach is usually known for being calm, warm, and breezy.

As always in Hawaii, conditions can shift quickly. Brown water advisories pop up occasionally after storms. It’s always a good idea to check surf and weather reports before heading out.

Kailua Beach on a clear day. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

Weather

You’ll find Kailua Beach to be sunny and breezy most of the year. Temperatures range from the 70s–80s°F. Mornings tend to be calm with afternoons often bringing stronger trade winds.

Water

The water in Kailua Beach is lovely – gentle, swimmable, and usually crystal clear. It’s the perfect turquoise color! The ocean floor is sandy with a gradual slope, making it easy for all comfort levels.

Surf

Not a major surf spot, but great for paddleboarding, kayaking, and beginner-level bodyboarding.

Things to Do at Kailua Beach

Whether you’re there to move, relax, or just soak it all in, Kailua Beach offers a little something for every kind of beach-goer.

Kayaking in Kailua Bay. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

Take A Beach Walk

Kailua Beach is one of the best walking beaches on the island. At around 2.5 miles long, with sugar soft yet compact sand, it’s the perfect beach to get your steps in beside the waves. Bring your water and enjoy the views during your long beach walk!

Paddleboard

Rent a board nearby and cruise along the shoreline or out toward the Mokulua Islands on calmer days.

Paddleboarding on Kailua Beach. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

Kayak

This is one of the most popular launch points for kayaking on Oahu. You can head out to the Mokes or to nearby Popoiʻa (Flat Island).

Kayaking in Kailua Bay. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

Windsurf

Kailua is a known hub for wind-based sports. If you’re experienced – or ready to take a lesson – this is one of the top windsurfing beaches on the island. (Cue the Couple’s Retreat scene – singing “Don’t go chasing waterfalls.”)

A windsurfer on Kailua Beach. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

Swim

Kailua Beach is swimmable along the shore, with calm conditions most mornings.

There’s also a ¼-mile open ocean swim to Flat Island and back that’s considered beginner to moderate – but it’s only recommended for experienced ocean swimmers, as currents and wind can shift quickly.

Note : With ANY water sport in Hawaii, be sure to speak with your rental company and check surf reports as water can quickly turn treacherous if the weather turns.

Stretch, Move or Meditate

The wide, open beach and mellow morning vibe make this a perfect spot for yoga, light movement, or just a deep breath with your feet in the sand and the waves as your soundtrack.

Play Volleyball + Beach Games

Along Kailua Beach, youʻll regularly see people setting up beach volleyball nets, playing spike ball and throwing a frisbee. Itʻs the perfect beach for fun in the sand with friends.

A game of beach volleyball towards the south end of Kailua Beach. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

Have A Classic Beach Day

Bring your umbrella and a book, float in the shallow water, and spend a few hours just enjoying the rhythm of it all.

Beachgoers in May on Kailua Beach. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

Sunrise Or Sunset

Kailua Beach is on Oahu’s east side, which means it’s all about the sunrise glow. Mornings here feel peaceful, golden, and calm – especially if you arrive before the crowds roll in.

Sunset doesn’t happen over the water here, but if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the beach glowing with soft, golden light as the day winds down.

Tip: The sun rises right over the water, and the view with the Mokulua Islands in the distance is unreal. Bring your coffee, lemon water or Hawaiian green juice. Kick your shoes off, and start your day with one of the best views on the island.

Tips For Kailua Beach

• Watch for bees in the sand.
  Occasionally, you’ll see small honeybees nestled in the sand – especially in the mornings. They’re usually weak, but they can still sting bare feet.
• Watch for Portuguese Man O’ War. While Kailua Beach is usually calm and swimmable, you’ll occasionally see Portuguese Man O’ War jellyfish wash up – especially after strong winds or high surf. Their stings can be painful, so keep an eye on where you’re walking and swimming, especially with kids. If you see blue or purple blobs in the sand, steer clear.
• Download Google Maps For Offline Use. Wifi can be spotty in the area. Download Google Maps for offline use before heading to the beach so that you always have directions at your fingertips.
• Drop a pin before you walk.
  If you’re planning a long beach walk, it’s worth setting a Google Maps pin where you left your slippers or parked. The beach is over 2 miles long, and it’s surprisingly easy to lose track of your starting point when you’re walking the beach.
• Expect more crowds near the beach parks.
  The southern end of Kailua Beach – around Kailua Beach Park tends to be the busiest. For a quieter experience, walk north along the shoreline toward the residential stretch.
• Avoid leaving valuables in the car.
  Kailua is safe and mellow, but it’s still a popular tourist beach. In Hawaii, it’s always best to bring only what you need, and keep anything valuable out of sight or on you.

A Man-O-War Beach Warning Sign & Pictures Of What They Look Like. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

Leave the beach cleaner than you found it:
(My tip for any beach I spend time on).

Kailua Beach is generally very clean, but small pieces of trash and microplastics can still wash up.

If we all do our part to leave the beaches we visit just a little better than we found them, it makes a meaningful difference – for the ocean, the wildlife, and future generations.

Is Kailua Beach Good For Kids?

Yes – Kailua Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches on Oahu. The sand is so soft, the water entry is gentle, and the shallow shoreline makes it easy for kids to splash and play. There are bathrooms and showers at both beach parks, and plenty of space to set up for the day.

Beach toys on Kailua Beach. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

Just keep in mind: shade is limited, and winds can pick up in the afternoon. Bring your own cover and plan to come early for the calmest, safest conditions.

Crowd Levels

Kailua Beach is popular with both locals and visitors, so you can definitely expect some company – especially near the beach parks.

Mornings tend to be quieter, while mid-morning through afternoon is the busiest, particularly on weekends and holidays.

For a more peaceful vibe, come on a weekday, visit during shoulder season, and walk north along the shoreline toward the quieter residential stretch.

Beach Day Rentals

If you need gear for your day at Kailua Beach, there are several local rental shops just a short walk or drive from the sand. Most offer hourly and full-day options, and some will even deliver to you.

Here’s what you can easily rent nearby:

• Coolers + wagons
• Paddleboards
• Kayaks (single and tandem)
• Beach chairs + umbrellas
• Snorkel gear
• Boogie boards
• Life jackets

Want to gear up ahead of time?
You can rent once you’re there or book in advance. Kailua Beach Adventures is the closest shop, offering rentals, guided tours, and lessons.

Healthy Bites Nearby

If you’re spending the morning at Kailua Beach or packing a picnic for the day, there are two great walkable options right nearby.

Kalapawai Market is just across the street. It’s a longtime local favorite with sandwiches, smoothies, coffee, and grab-and-go snacks. They will accommodate vegans!

Kalapawai Market and Deli next to Kailua Beach. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

The Sunrise Shack is a few steps further from the market and offers vibrant smoothies, bullet coffees, loaded toasts and fresh bowls with a laid-back island vibe.

Sunrise Shack in Kailua. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

There are also a few other vegan-friendly favorites tucked around Kailua Town if you’re up for a short drive or bike ride.

What To Pack In Your Beach Bag For Kailua Beach

Having the right essentials on hand makes all the difference. Here’s what I always recommend packing for a Kailua Beach day.

• 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
• Shade tent or umbrella and chairs
• A big blanket or mat to lay on

Why I Keep Coming Back to Kailua Beach

I’m drawn to tropical beaches with stunning views – Kailua Beach is one of my favorite beaches that checks all the boxes.

The soft, sugar-white sand, the wide open stretch, and the walkability make it feel like the kind of beach where you can finally take a deep breath. It puts an instant smile on my face every time.

Views from the south side of Kailua Beach. Image Source : Jenny White, The Kai Life

This beach has been part of so many sweet moments for me. Years ago, it was the very first Hawaiian beach we brought our son Kai to. I’ll never forget his face as he stepped onto the Oahu sand here for the first time, wide-eyed and in awe.

These days, I come back for the sunrise walks, the peaceful swims, and the views. Kailua Beach has a huge place in my heart.

FAQs

Is Kailua Beach worth it?

Yes – Kailua Beach is one of the most beloved beaches on Oahu for a reason. Its long, walkable stretch of soft sand (about 2.5 miles), clear turquoise water, and picturesque views make it an easy beach to fall in love with.

Can you swim at Kailua Beach?

Absolutely. The water is typically calm and swimmable, especially in the mornings. It’s great for floating, laps along the shore, or even a longer swim to Flat Island if you’re an experienced ocean swimmer.

Always be sure to check current ocean conditions before swimming.

Does Kailua Beach have bathrooms?

Yes! Both Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park, located along Kailua Beach have public bathrooms. They also have outdoor showers, and rinse stations. They’re very convenient if you’re staying a while or visiting with kids.

Final Thoughts : Kailua Beach, Oahu

Kailua Beach continues to be one of my favorite spots on Oahu to return to again and agin – for its beauty, accessibility, and peaceful energy. I’ve walked this beach countless times, swam in its turquoise waters, and started many perfect mornings here.

Whether you’re planning a full beach day or just catching the sunrise, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time here. Everything I’ve shared is based on plenty of days spent with sand between my toes and a smile on my face.

Wishing you a fun and memorable day at Kailua Beach!