Kailua, northeast of Honolulu in Windward Oahu, offers an escape from congested and commercialized areas without complete isolation from conveniences. Kailua means two seas and is named for the currents that run through Kailua Bay. Also consider our 7
Kailua luxury rentals.
Highlights of this town include Kailua Beach Park, Lanikai Beach, Kawai Nui Marsh, and the Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Kailuaâs legends include the Menehune, who are believed to have fished in Kaiwainui Marsh and built temples (heiau). Also a part of the history are the moâo, guardian gecko spirits that reside in fish ponds, of which there are many in Kailua. Previous visitors to Kailua include Elvis and President Obama, likely for the privacy and serenity of this seaside area.
Things To Do
Boogie boarding, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, windsurfing, and surfing are some of the activities in Kailua. Both Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach are world famous; Kailua Beach Park was named Americaâs Best Beach in 1998 (upon achieving this accolade, the beach is then âretiredâ from future considerations).
Both beaches are noteworthy for their atmosphere, scenic beauty, and plentiful water sports opportunities. Lanikai Beach does not offer restrooms, showers, water fountains, lifeguards, handicap parking, or ramps, so for a longer day at the beach, opt for Kailua Beach Park. The Twin Islands, Moku Nui and Moku Iki, are seabird sanctuaries near Kailua Beach Park, great for kayaking and are visible from the beach. Kawai Nui Marsh is the largest wetlands area in Hawaii and is a Ramsar Convention nomination site (organization that recognizes wetlands for their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value).
Eat and Shop
A myriad of eateries in Kailua appeal to all tastesâ"Indian, Italian, pizza, bakeries, Thai, Sushi, steakhouses, barbecue, crepes, tropical juices, Portuguese sweets, Moroccan, Vietnamese, and more. Many restaurants offer plate lunches and meals that are ideal to enjoy for a day at the beach. Wally Amos, Famous Amos, is often found at his store, Chip & Cookie, where he does book events. Two Thursday Farmersâ Markets also offer plenty of good eats and local items. Everything from necessities to souvenirs to luxury items are available as Kailua has convenience stores, locally-owned shops, grocery and health food stores, pharmacies, apparel and department stores, and sports shops.
Getting Around
TheBus is an affordable, scenic way to get around Kailua. Bicycles are okay to bring on board, but not surfboards. TheBus stops at Lanikai and Kailua beaches, and Ala Moana Center, among others. Taxis are available as are rental cars. .
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- Oahu Festivals Provide Culture and Entertainment Year Round - 11.11.09
Authentic Island Celebrations Provide Insight Into Local Culture
Lei Day
Everyone in Hawaii knows that “May Day is Lei Day. ”
All through the year people in Hawaii give and receive colorful and fragrant floral leis – for birthdays, graduations, greetings and departures, anniversaries, and just to say thank you! Statues of King Kamehameha, Duke Kahanamoku, and other revered Hawaiians are draped with leis on their birthdays, and these leis are often comprised of many, many thousands of flowers. - Top Ten Adventures On Your Oahu Vacation - 11.8.09
Adventure and Excitement Await Oahu Visitors
Gliding and Skydiving
Check out Dillingham Airfield if you want to soar silently through Hawaii’s skies over the beautiful north shore of Oahu. Reputable companies operating from the Airfield include Soar Hawaii Sailplanes (808-637-3147; Dillingham Airfield) and Original Glider (808-677-3404). - Cruising Around Kaneohe On Oahu - 10.28.09
Windward District Is Gateway to the North Shore
Located just a short drive from Honolulu, Kaneohe is Oahu’s fourth largest city and borders the largest bay in the Hawaiian Islands, beautiful Kaneohe Bay. The word Kaneohe means Bamboo Husband, and is said to have originated from a woman complaining that her husband’s temper to the cutting edge of a bamboo knife. - Oahu’s Haleiwa Town is Gateway to North Shore - 10.25.09
Winter is Coming and So Are The Waves
Oahu’s North Shore is abuzz in the winter because that is when the big waves come and surfers from all over the world converge upon this stretch of island paradise.
The main town to visit when you go to Oahu’s North Shore is historic Haleiwa (House of the Iwa Bird). - Top 10 Attractions of Waikiki - 10.21.09
The wonders of Waikiki are seemingly never-ending, from wonderful restaurants to hopping night life and great shows – and don’t forget the beautiful beaches.
Top 10 highlights of visiting Waikiki
Damien Museum (808-923-2690; 130 Ohua Avenue)
Honoring the selfless service of Father Damien (Joseph Damien DeVeuster), the Damien Museum features photographs, artifacts, videos and even some of Damien’s personal effects.