for the perfect Kailua vacation rental.
Kailua Town (in the Hawaiian language means two seas or two currents)
The town of Kailua is located on the north east side of Oahu. Some researches say it is possible that Kailua was home to Hawaiians as far back as 1,500 years ago. The earliest settlers are thought to have lived on the hillsides surrounding Kawainui Marsh. By the 16th century Kailua was home to many of the Alii (Hawaiian Royalty). After King Kamehameha I conquered Oahu in 1795 he gave Kailua to his warriors and chiefs where they fished, farmed taro and sugar cane and eventually raised cattle. The ancient ruins of Ulu Po Heiau State Monument still exist today.
Today Kailua has a population of about 40,000 residents. One of the many things that make Kailua special is its two world famous beaches, Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach. In 1998 Kailua Beach was named the worlds best beach. The soft white sand and calm waters appeal to families and the on shore trade winds attract kite surfers and windsurfers alike. Flat Island and the Mokulua Islands (Moku Nui and Moku Iki) is an easy paddle from shore by kayak. Two of the three islands are bird sanctuaries. Several of the kayak rental companies offer guided tours. There are also several dive shops which offer snorkeling and deep sea dive tours. If boogie boarding or long board surfing appeal Kailua bay is a great place to learn. At the north end of the beach the surf is rarely gets bigger than two feet. Long board rentals are available.
If its hiking you enjoy there are several trails to choose from including the WWII pillbox overlooking Lanikai Bay. Mount Olomana trail is a bit more strenuous climb, but you will have a chance to see local vegetation, swim in a pond and waterfall, and if you climb to the top get a stunning view of the Koolau mountain range.
If looking for a lost golf ball is all the hiking you have in mind you have a choice of four courses in the Kailua area. Luana Hills Country Club, a semi private course, privately owned Mid Pacific Country Club which offers reciprocal privileges, Koolau Golf Club, and for those with military privileges, Kaneohe Klipper located on the Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Station.
Kailua town center is less than a half mile long. What it lacks in size it makes up for in selection. Some of the most popular restaurants are located here. Buzzs Original Steak House, a Kailua landmark, has been in business for nearly 50 years. There are also Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Pacific Rim and Italian restaurants to name a few. For a picnic lunch or dinner on the beach get take out burgers, smoothies, salads, or a plate lunch from the open market on Thursday afternoons. Boutiques are plentiful, everything from jewelry to art to clothing. For the antique hunter there are two well established shops and a couple of newer ones in town. Macys and Longs Drug Store are also located in the town center. If you are working away from home you can hang out in any one of a number of internet cafes.
For a great home cooked meal and a nice bottle of wine Kailua has several grocery stores where you can find all the local favorites. Foodland and Safeway offer fresh fish daily. R. Fields and Tamuras Market have a wide selection of wine, spirits and gourmet deli items. And some of the smaller grocers carry unique local fruit and vegetables like bok choy, mangoes, papaya and lichee.
The best thing about Kailua is you never have to leave town, but if you do its only a few short minutes to the airport on H3 Freeway, Waikiki on Pali Highway 61 or to the Bishop Museum on Likelike Highway 63. Enjoy!
The town of Kailua is located on the north east side of Oahu. Some researches say it is possible that Kailua was home to Hawaiians as far back as 1,500 years ago. The earliest settlers are thought to have lived on the hillsides surrounding Kawainui Marsh. By the 16th century Kailua was home to many of the Alii (Hawaiian Royalty). After King Kamehameha I conquered Oahu in 1795 he gave Kailua to his warriors and chiefs where they fished, farmed taro and sugar cane and eventually raised cattle. The ancient ruins of Ulu Po Heiau State Monument still exist today.
Today Kailua has a population of about 40,000 residents. One of the many things that make Kailua special is its two world famous beaches, Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach. In 1998 Kailua Beach was named the worlds best beach. The soft white sand and calm waters appeal to families and the on shore trade winds attract kite surfers and windsurfers alike. Flat Island and the Mokulua Islands (Moku Nui and Moku Iki) is an easy paddle from shore by kayak. Two of the three islands are bird sanctuaries. Several of the kayak rental companies offer guided tours. There are also several dive shops which offer snorkeling and deep sea dive tours. If boogie boarding or long board surfing appeal Kailua bay is a great place to learn. At the north end of the beach the surf is rarely gets bigger than two feet. Long board rentals are available.
If its hiking you enjoy there are several trails to choose from including the WWII pillbox overlooking Lanikai Bay. Mount Olomana trail is a bit more strenuous climb, but you will have a chance to see local vegetation, swim in a pond and waterfall, and if you climb to the top get a stunning view of the Koolau mountain range.
If looking for a lost golf ball is all the hiking you have in mind you have a choice of four courses in the Kailua area. Luana Hills Country Club, a semi private course, privately owned Mid Pacific Country Club which offers reciprocal privileges, Koolau Golf Club, and for those with military privileges, Kaneohe Klipper located on the Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Station.
Kailua town center is less than a half mile long. What it lacks in size it makes up for in selection. Some of the most popular restaurants are located here. Buzzs Original Steak House, a Kailua landmark, has been in business for nearly 50 years. There are also Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Pacific Rim and Italian restaurants to name a few. For a picnic lunch or dinner on the beach get take out burgers, smoothies, salads, or a plate lunch from the open market on Thursday afternoons. Boutiques are plentiful, everything from jewelry to art to clothing. For the antique hunter there are two well established shops and a couple of newer ones in town. Macys and Longs Drug Store are also located in the town center. If you are working away from home you can hang out in any one of a number of internet cafes.
For a great home cooked meal and a nice bottle of wine Kailua has several grocery stores where you can find all the local favorites. Foodland and Safeway offer fresh fish daily. R. Fields and Tamuras Market have a wide selection of wine, spirits and gourmet deli items. And some of the smaller grocers carry unique local fruit and vegetables like bok choy, mangoes, papaya and lichee.
The best thing about Kailua is you never have to leave town, but if you do its only a few short minutes to the airport on H3 Freeway, Waikiki on Pali Highway 61 or to the Bishop Museum on Likelike Highway 63. Enjoy!
