Kailua Beach: Hawaii’s Undeveloped and Family-Friendly Gem
Hey there! Looking for a cool beach on Oahu’s eastern shoreline? Check out Kailua Beach. The sand is white, the water is blue, and it’s not too crowded. Worried about the little ones? No worries – the shorebreak is gentle and perfect for kids. In this article, we will take a closer look at Kailua Beach, its features, amenities, and nearby attractions.
Kailua Beach Overview
Located on Oahu’s eastern shoreline, Kailua Beach offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Its pristine white sand and clear blue water attract tourists from all over the world. It is relatively undeveloped and less crowded compared to other beaches in Oahu, making it an excellent spot for those who prefer a tranquil and peaceful environment. Kailua Beach offers a mellow and kid-friendly shorebreak, making it an ideal location for families with children. The beach is walkable for 2.5 miles with mountain views, and it’s popular with early risers who come to see the sunrise.
Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park is one of the largest beach parks on Oahu, covering 35 acres of green space with shade. It offers a beautiful view of the sand and water from its dunes. The park has several facilities, including parking, bathrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Amenities at Kailua Beach Park include picnic tables, beach volleyball courts, BBQ pits, and lifeguard stands. Activities at the park include kayaking, wind surfing, and stand-up paddling. There is also a general store and restaurant, Kalapawai Market, and Buzz’s Steakhouse. The park offers free boat launch and parking facilities.
Activities at Kailua Beach
Kailua Beach is an excellent location for water sports enthusiasts. Activities include kite surfing, kayaking, outrigger canoe racing, SUP, and windsurfing. Visitors can also enjoy bodysurfing and boogie boarding. Guided kayak tours to nearby islands are available. The beach offers a beautiful location for swimming and snorkeling, but it’s not ideal for snorkeling. Visitors can also enjoy watching the sunrise, which is a popular activity at the beach.
Family-Friendly Activities
Kailua Beach offers safe swimming areas for children, with powdery soft sand and calm waters. The beach’s mellow and kid-friendly shorebreak makes it an ideal location for families.
Nearby Attractions & Establishments
Lanikai Pillbox hike is a popular nearby attraction that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Lanikai Beach is a world-famous beach located near Kailua Beach. Downtown Kailua offers shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
Kailua Beach Adventures is a water sports rental center where visitors can rent equipment for kite surfing, kayaking, outrigger canoe racing, SUP, and windsurfing. Island Snow is a shave ice shop located near Kailua Beach, offering a refreshing treat for visitors. There are also small stores across the street from the beach where visitors can shop for souvenirs and other items.
Tips for Visitors
To make the most of your visit to Kailua Beach, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. First, try to arrive earlier in the day to avoid the crowds and find a good parking spot. Also, consider watching the sunrise over the clear blue waters, which is a stunning sight that many visitors rave about.
While Kailua Beach is not the best spot for snorkeling, there are tide pools along the road that can be explored. The beach is mellow and kid-friendly, so it’s perfect for families with little ones. Additionally, there are plenty of shaded areas for a picnic or a relaxing break from the sun.
Parking and Access
There are three separate parking lots available for visitors to park their cars. However, parking can get tight quickly, especially during peak tourist season. There are also limited-time parking areas available, and ample access points to the beach.
Food
When it comes to food, there are a few options to consider for your visit to Kailua Beach. You can bring your own cooler with lunch and snacks, as there are picnic tables available for use. Another option is to head to downtown Kailua, where there are several grocery stores that offer plenty of food options.
For those looking for a more substantial meal, Buzz’s Steak House is a popular restaurant located near the beach. This restaurant serves lunch and dinner and is a great place to relax and enjoy a good meal after a day at the beach.
Getting There
To get to Kailua Beach, there are a few options to consider. Renting a car is the quickest and most convenient way to access the beach, and may take 25-30 minutes from downtown Honolulu. However, parking can be tight, so arriving early in the day is recommended.
If you prefer public transportation, taking the bus is also an option, but it can take up to 90 minutes to get there. Regardless of how you choose to get there, Kailua Beach is definitely worth the trip and offers a beautiful, relaxing experience on Oahu’s eastern shoreline.