ocean waves crashing on rocks during sunset

Kailua

Kailua is a residential town on Oʻahu's windward coast, known for Kailua Beach, Lanikai and sea kayak trips to the Mokulua Islands.

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Kailua is a residential town on the windward (east) coast of Oʻahu, in Honolulu County, about 12 miles northeast of Honolulu over the Nuʻuanu Pali. Its name means "two seas" or "two currents," which may refer to two former fishponds in the district or to the currents running through Kailua Bay. Oʻahu's rulers lived here until the island's capital moved to Honolulu after the Battle of Nuʻuanu in 1795.

Visitors come mainly for the water. Kailua Beach is a crescent about 2.5 miles long, with gentle slopes and no coral heads, good for swimming, bodysurfing and light surfing. Steady trade winds make it a leading spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Lanikai Beach, in the Kaʻōhao area, has white, powder-like sand. From either beach you can sea kayak or paddleboard out to the seabird sanctuaries Flat Island and Nā Mokulua, known locally as the Mokes.

Kailua in five

Go to the beach early on weekdaysKailua Beach Park and Lanikai fill quickly on weekends and holidays, and Lanikai is a residential street with strict parking rules. Read the signs and arrive in the morning.
Check ocean and wind conditionsWindward waters are popular for kayaking and kitesurfing, and trade winds and swell change by day. Ask a lifeguard or a local outfitter before you head out to the Mokulua Islands.
Rent a car, or ride TheBusTheBus runs from Honolulu, but a car is easier for the beaches and the Windward coast. Expect a 30–40 minute drive from Waikīkī each way.Getting around the USA
Expect rentals, not resortsKailua has few large hotels. Most stays are small rentals and B&Bs, so book early and check each listing's terms. Many visitors stay in Waikīkī instead.Honolulu
Pair it with Honolulu and the North ShoreKailua fits between a Honolulu stay and a drive along the Windward coast and North Shore.Hawaii

Things to do in Kailua

See all attractions in Kailua

Park · KailuaKalama Beach ParkArrive early: the parking lot is small, and street parking is limited. Do not block driveways.

Park · KailuaKailua Beach ParkChoose a weekday if you want a quieter visit; weekends can be busier.

Island floats in the turquoise ocean waters

Landmark · KailuaUlupo Heiau State Monument

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to KailuaPut the places you like in Kailua on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Honolulu (HNL), about 30–40 min by car
Getting there: Pali Highway or H-3 from Honolulu; about 30–40 min
Getting around: A car; TheBus to the town; walk and bike in town
Best base: Kailua town for the beach, or Waikīkī for resorts
Time needed: A day trip; 2–3 days to stay

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best

JanuaryPartly cloudy12 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Cooler, showers
FebruaryRain14 rainy daysHigh24°Low21°Cooler, showers
MarchRain16 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Mild, breezy
AprilRain18 rainy daysHigh25°Low22°Warm, dry
MayRain19 rainy daysHigh25°Low23°Warm, dry
JuneRain17 rainy daysHigh26°Low24°Warm, calm
JulyRain20 rainy daysHigh27°Low25°Warm, busy
AugustRain19 rainy daysHigh27°Low25°Warm, busy
SeptemberRain17 rainy daysHigh27°Low25°Warm, calm
OctoberRain17 rainy daysHigh27°Low25°Warm, fewer crowds
NovemberRain15 rainy daysHigh26°Low24°Cooler, showers
DecemberRain15 rainy daysHigh25°Low22°Cooler, holidays

Average daily high and low in Kailua, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Kailua

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 21°
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 43 km/h
Chance of rain: 86%

Kailua

02:03 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-10

Today26°24°86%Monday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 86%.
Tue27°24°56%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 56%.
Wed27°25°82%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 82%.
Thu27°24°73%Thursday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 73%.
Fri27°24°67%Friday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 67%.
Sat26°23°63%Saturday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 63%.
Sun27°23°55%Sunday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 55%.

Updated 12:48 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD

Amount

Converted to

USD · US Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Honolulu and Waikīkīabout 30–40 min by carCity, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor.Read the guide
North Shoreabout 1 hour by carBeaches and shrimp trucks along the coast. Winter surf can close beaches.
Lanikai Pillbox hikeabout 5 min from Kailua by carA short ridge walk above Lanikai. Go early, and respect the neighbors.

Before you go to Kailua

Car for the Windward coastBeaches and the North ShoreCompare cars

Kailua rentals and Waikīkī hotelsBook early for holidaysCheck availability

eSIM for the USAData on landing, no SIM swapRead the guide

Travel insurance for the USAMedical cover for visitors to the USRead the guide

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Rules for Kailua, checked

Hawaii is part of the United States, so US entry rules apply. Check whether you need a visa or ESTA on the US Customs and Border Protection site (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) before you fly.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii lies near Kailua. It is a military installation that visitors cannot enter without authorization, so do not drive onto base roads to reach the beaches.
Honolulu County's Bill 41 limits short-term rentals, and renting a home for under 90 days needs a county permit. Check the county's current rules before you book a rental.
Hawaii restricts the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Check the label before you buy, and choose reef-safe sunscreen to apply before you enter the water.
Keep your distance from Hawaiian green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals on the beach and in the water. NOAA Fisheries sets the required distances, so check its guidance before you go.

Plan around Kailua

All of the USA

Parks, cities and trip planning for visitors

Read the guide Honolulu

Waikīkī, Pearl Harbor and the city, 30–40 min away

Read the guide Hawaii

Choosing between the islands

Read the guide Lahaina

West Maui whaling town, rebuilding after 2023

Read the guide ESTA explained

Who needs it, the fee and how to apply

Read the guide Travel insurance

Medical cover for visitors to the US

Read the guide

Kailua FAQ

Is Kailua worth visiting?

Yes, if you want an Oʻahu beach that is quieter than Waikīkī. Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai have white sand and clear water, and the town has cafés and small shops.

How far is Kailua from Waikīkī?

About 30–40 minutes by car without heavy traffic. The Pali Highway and H-3 both lead over the Koʻolau mountains. TheBus also runs, but takes longer.

Can you stay in Kailua?

Yes, mostly in small rentals and B&Bs, with few big hotels. Waikīkī offers more hotels and is 30–40 minutes away if you want a resort base.

Do you need a car in Kailua?

A car makes the beaches, the Windward coast and the North Shore easy. Without one you can stay in the town and use TheBus or rideshare, but plan extra time.

When is the best time to visit Kailua?

April, May, September and October have warm, dry weather and lighter crowds. Winter has cooler air and more showers; summer is busy with families on school holidays.