Planning a trip to Oahu and want to explore the Windward Coast town of Kailua? Scroll to find out the best things to do in Kailua Oahu, including unbelievable beaches, yummy places to eat, and top attractions.
This things to do in Kailua Hawaii post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’ve been escaping to Kailua since I was 13 years old, and honestly? It’s still my favorite place on Oahu to bring my kids.
There’s something about this windward coast town that just hits different. Maybe it’s the way the Ko’olau Mountains create this perfect backdrop, or how you can actually hear yourself think (unlike Waikiki).
When I first stayed in that adorable cottage here as a teenager, I knew Kailua would always feel like a second home.
Now, as a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert who’s visited the islands 40+ times, I bring my own family to Kailua whenever we’re on Oahu.
And trust me, my kids have opinions.
Their non-negotiable? Breakfast at Cinnamon’s. Every. Single. Time.
Let me give you the real scoop on Kailua in 2026, from someone who actually knows the area.
Why Kailua Is Worth Your Time
Kailua sits about 25 minutes from Honolulu (traffic permitting), and it’s the antidote to tourist-packed Waikiki.
You get incredible beaches, a cute downtown area, and that relaxed vibe that makes Hawaii so special in the first place.
The beaches here are consistently ranked among the best in the world. The food scene punches way above its weight for a small town.
And there’s enough to do that you could easily spend 2-3 days here without getting bored.
The Beaches (The Real Reason You’re Here)
Kailua Beach Park
This is where I recommend most families start. The beach park has actual amenities (bathrooms, showers, picnic tables), lifeguards on duty, and 2.5 miles of gorgeous white sand.
The water here is perfect for beginners who want to try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
You’ll see plenty of people launching from here to paddle out toward the Mokulua Islands.
Book a kayak tour on Viator if you want a guided experience, or rent your own gear right at the beach.
The parking lot can fill up by mid-morning, especially on weekends. Get there by 8 AM if you want your pick of spots.
Lanikai Beach
Okay, real talk about Lanikai. Yes, it’s absolutely stunning. Those turquoise waters with the Moku Nui and Moku Iki islands offshore? Pure magic. I get why everyone wants to go.
But here’s what I need you to know about parking because this is crucial: Lanikai is in a residential neighborhood, and the parking situation is an absolute nightmare in 2025.
The city has banned parking on the main loop (Mokulua Drive and A’alapapa Drive) from 10 AM to 4 PM daily.
Weekend and holiday restrictions are even stricter. Police patrol constantly and they will ticket you.
Your best bet? Park at the Kailua Beach Park boat ramp and walk about 15 minutes to Lanikai.
It’s not the end of the world, and you’ll appreciate the beach more when you’re not stressed about getting towed.
Or honestly? Just stay at Kailua Beach Park. It’s equally beautiful and way less complicated.
Kalama Beach Park
This one’s great if you’ve got kids who need to burn off energy. Beyond the beach, there are tennis courts, basketball courts, and even an inline skating rink.
It’s more of a local hangout, which means it’s quieter and you’ll get a more authentic feel for Kailua life.
Where to Eat (The Highlights Only)
Cinnamon’s Restaurant
I cannot stress this enough: make time for Cinnamon’s. They open at 7 AM daily (315 Uluniu St), and my kids have been begging to eat here since they were little.
The guava chiffon pancakes are legendary for a reason. They’re light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet.
If you want something savory, the kalua pork benedict is incredible. Expect a wait on weekends, but it moves pretty quickly.
Pro tip: There’s metered parking, so bring coins. The parking enforcement here doesn’t mess around.
Kalapawai Café & Deli
Perfect for grabbing a quick breakfast or lunch. They’ve got great coffee, fresh-baked pastries, and solid sandwiches.
It’s been a Kailua staple forever and maintains that local feel.
Uahi Island Grill
For dinner, Uahi Island Grill serves up a really nice fusion of Japanese, American, and Hawaiian flavors.
The poke here is some of the best in town, and they have vegetarian options if that matters for your group. Prices are reasonable for Hawaii.
The One Attraction You Absolutely Can’t Skip
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Listen. If you only do ONE thing beyond the beach in Kailua, make it Ho’omaluhia.
This 400-acre botanical garden is about 10 minutes from downtown Kailua, tucked against the Ko’olau Mountains.
It’s completely free, ridiculously beautiful, and feels like stepping into Jurassic Park.
Important update for 2025-2026: The garden closed temporarily for road repaving and reopens January 5, 2026. It’s now closed on Thursdays (new permanent schedule). Hours are 9 AM to 4 PM.
The garden has plants from tropical regions around the world, a 32-acre lake, walking trails, and even camping if you’re into that.
You can easily spend 1-2 hours here driving through and stopping for photos, or make it a half-day with a picnic.
The entrance road is Instagram-famous for good reason. Those views with the mountains behind you are unreal.
If you want to learn more about planning your entire Oahu trip, I’ve got a comprehensive Oahu Travel Guide for Families that walks you through everything.
Hikes in the Kailua Area
Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Ka’iwa Ridge)
This short, steep hike rewards you with panoramic views of Lanikai Beach, the Mokulua Islands, and the windward coast.
It takes about an hour round trip to reach both pillboxes (old WWII bunkers).
The trail is incredibly popular, so expect company. I actually prefer going at sunset when the crowds thin out and the light is gorgeous.
Parking is the same nightmare as Lanikai Beach. Your best move is parking at Kailua Beach Park boat ramp and walking to the trailhead (adds about 20 minutes each way).
Wear real hiking shoes. This trail is steep and loose in places, especially at the start.
Maunawili Falls [Important 2026 Update]
Here’s the deal with Maunawili Falls: the original trailhead closed in 2021 and it’s not coming back.
You can still access the waterfall, but now you have to go via the Maunawili Demonstration Trail from Pali Highway.
This makes it a much longer, harder hike – about 5 miles round trip and 5-6 hours total. It’s still doable, but it’s not the easy family-friendly hike it used to be.
If you’ve got young kids or you’re not up for a challenging hike, I’d skip this one and focus on the other activities in Kailua instead.
Shopping & Local Businesses Worth Supporting
Manoa Chocolate
If you’re a chocolate person, stop by Manoa Chocolate in town. They do bean-to-bar chocolate made in Hawaii, and you can sometimes catch tours of their production facility. Their bars make great gifts to bring home.
Kalapawai Market
This local market has been around forever and carries local products, fresh food, and deli items. It’s perfect for picking up snacks for the beach or ingredients for a picnic.
Getting Photos Done Right
Want photos that actually look professional instead of awkward selfies? Every time we’re in Hawaii, I book a session with Flytographer.
They’re so easy to work with, and I actually end up IN the photos with my kids. You can save $20 when you book through my link.
Where to Stay
For rental homes in Kailua and the surrounding area, I search on Expedia because they usually have good package deals. Most visitors actually stay in Waikiki and day trip to Kailua, which works perfectly fine.
If you need a rental car (which I highly recommend for getting to Kailua), check out Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They compare rates across all the major companies.
Quick Kailua FAQs
How do I get from Honolulu to Kailua?
It’s about 12 miles via the Pali Highway (Route 61). Takes about 25 minutes without traffic, but give yourself 45 minutes during rush hour. The drive over the Pali is gorgeous.
Is Kailua expensive?
Not particularly. You’ll find food trucks, a farmers market on Thursday evenings, and plenty of mid-range restaurants. It’s definitely more affordable than eating in Waikiki.
Can I swim at Kailua Beach?
Absolutely. The beach has lifeguards and generally calm conditions. It’s great for families with kids.
What’s the best time to visit Kailua?
Weekday mornings are ideal if you want to avoid crowds. The town gets busier on weekends when locals head over for beach days.
Planning Your Kailua Day
Here’s how I structure a Kailua day with my family:
7:00 AM – Breakfast at Cinnamon’s
8:30 AM – Beach time at Kailua Beach Park
12:00 PM – Quick lunch from Kalapawai Market
1:00 PM – Explore Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
3:00 PM – Ice cream in Kailua town
4:00 PM – Head back before traffic gets bad
If you’re planning your first trip to Oahu and feeling overwhelmed, I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where I help families plan their entire itinerary.
As a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, I can help you figure out logistics, timing, and which activities actually make sense for your family.
Want to learn all my Oahu planning secrets? Sign up for my free 7-day email course on how to plan a trip to Oahu.
I break down everything you need to know without the overwhelm.
Why Kailua Keeps Me Coming Back
After all these years, Kailua still feels special to me. It’s where I can take my kids and actually relax instead of fighting crowds.
Where we can grab breakfast at our favorite spot (yes, still Cinnamon’s) and spend the day at the beach without overstimulation.
Kailua reminds me why I fell in love with Hawaii in the first place. And isn’t that what a Hawaii vacation should feel like?
Looking for more Oahu adventures? Check out my posts on the best things to do in Waikiki with kids and the top North Shore Oahu activities
