Ultimate Guide for Kailua Beach Park, Experience Windward Oahu’s Safest and Most Adventurous Beach
All of the Things to Do, See, and Experience at Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park has everything you need to enjoy an amazing day on Windward Oahu. It’s got the facilities (3 bathrooms and plenty of outdoor showers), lots of parking (tip: Come early for a spot), safety (2 lifeguard stands, small shore break, and reef-protected waters of Kailua Bay), and lots to do there (Kailua Beach itself merits a visit). When you combine that with chilling with a cooler full of drinks, paddleboarding in Kailua Bay while your kids play in the sand and surf, or even kayaking to the offshore islands, it’s easily a beach day that tops the charts and should be a priority on your Oahu itinerary.
Kailua Beach Park is adjacent to just a small portion of Kailua Beach. Kailua Beach actually covers 2.2 linear miles with as much variation as you could look for in a beach. Along that long stretch of world-class white sand beach, there are year-round surf spots, body boarding style waves, kiteboarding waypoints, kayak and canoe routes or just different variations of sand for your beachgoing experience. If you feel like you need some space, want to get the full Kailua Beach experience or just like “long walks on the beach,” take a cruise along the shoreline. Mornings boast amazing sunrises, especially when you factor in the offshore Mokulua Islands in the distance viewable from almost anywhere along Kailua Beach.
Highlights
Family Friendly
Paddleboard
Kayak
Kite Boarding
Body Board for Kids
Fine White Sand
Lots of Parking
Mornings and Early Afternoons are Best
Fabulous Beach Experience
Boat Ramp
3 Bathrooms
Bike Path
Outdoor Showers
Picnic Tables
Drinking Fountains
Lifeguards
Amazing Sunrises
Safe Protected Ocean Bay
Great Views of Offshore Islands
Getting to Kailua Beach Park. The Trip is Worth It.
The best way to get to Kailua Beach Park is to rent a car or catch a ride on the bus or rideshare. The short of it is simple: from Honolulu, Kailua is only a 30 minute drive from Waikiki, and most major accommodations and 45 minutes from Ko’Olina Area. On your drive you’ll cross over one of Oahu’s most scenic highways, the Pali Highway on your way to Kailua, Oahu. Upon driving to Kailua, you’ll probably see active people out biking or running, and plenty of tasty eateries highlighted along your route. Kailua is an active and adventurous town. From there, Kailua Beach Park is just a short drive down through Kailua Town and to one of the two main parking lots of Kailua Beach Park.
North Parking Lot of Kailua Beach Park
The north parking lot of Kailua Beach Park usually fills up last. You’ll do a lap around the roundabout and hang right to go into this parking area. After a few speed bumps, you’ll pass by the staging and launch area for kiteboarders with parking on either side all along the route. You’ll see one of Kailua Beach Park’s restrooms on the left with some more parking, then some parking on the right with a one-way exit to the street next to the bridge. The bridge and canal mark the launch area for canoes and kayaks. There’s usually some parking at the far end of the parking lot near that outlet to the street. Keep an eye out for active residents or beachgoers that are walking or riding along the beach bike path that goes along the whole length of Kailua Beach Park.
South Parking Lot of Kailua Beach Park
The North Parking Lot of Kailua Beach Park usually fills up first. The South parking lot is more accessible since it has a more logical flow with one opening that serves as both the entrance and exit rather than the one-way route of the North Parking Lot. If you want to save yourself having to backtrack, just go to the North Parking Lot of Kailua Beach Park first and if that one happens to be full, try your luck at the South Parking Lot.
Street Parking along Kailua Beach Park
Street Parking is limited for Kailua Beach Park. Our best tip is to arrive early to get a spot. Alternatively, if you head down later in the day and there are no parking spaces, you can rent our e-bikes (with optional kayak and paddleboard trailers) to ride down to the beach.
Alternative Ways to Get to the Beach
Rent an e-bike cruise to the beach from our shop. You can either use rideshare apps, drive your own car or take the bus, get to our shop and start your Kailua beach adventure.
E-bikes make beach hopping quick and easy. You can even add a kayak or SUP rental with one of our kayak trailers hooked on to the ebike rental and effortlessly tow a kayak or Standup Paddleboard to the beach.
Living your Kailua Beach Park Adventure
Upon arriving, you’ll quickly realize that Kailua Beach Park is just as much a paradise for locals as it is for visitors to Oahu. Kailua Beach Park is well-equipped with all the amenities you need to settle in and stay as long as you’d like. With the soft sand and crystal-clear waters, Kailua Beach Park is as scenic as it gets and offers so many opportunities for different adventures. Whether you are looking to lounge under the palm trees, play in the waves with your friends and family, or embark on a paddleboard or kayak adventure, Kailua Beach Park has something for everyone!
Kailua Beach Park Amenities
Kailua Beach Park has all the amenities you need
3 bathrooms and plenty of outdoor showers
2 lifeguard stands, small shore break
Picnic tables and drinking fountains
Reef-protected waters of Kailua Bay
A walk/bike path that spans from Kailua Beach Park to Lanikai Beach and beyond
Get Some Beach Time, Sun, and Soak
Imagine this: Your feet meet the soft white sand of Kailua Beach. You see Popoia and the Mokulua Islands in the distance. The sun is shining and the water is crystal-clear and just begging you to jump in.
Can’t get the full picture from your imagination? Here’s some more pictures to help:
What To Bring
A cooler with water and your favorite drinks
Food and snacks
Beach chairs
Umbrellas
Beach towels
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc.
Snorkel sets
Boogie boards
Rent Beach Gear from Active Oahu
Looking to rent some gear to make the most of your adventure at Kailua Beach Park? We’ve got all the beach gear you need including coolers with ice packs, beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, and more! Our shop also has kayak and paddleboard rentals you can transport using any four door vehicle or our e-bikes equipped with trailers. Other beach essentials such as reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and snacks are also available for purchase at our storefront on your way to the beach. Feel free to make a quick stop at our shop for some gear and first-hand advice.
Get Out & Kayak: Kayaking Trips from Kailua Beach Park
Kayak to Popoia Island & in Kailua Bay
Popoia Island is a bird sanctuary located right off of Kailua beach. The island is a short 15-20 minute paddle, making it the perfect addition for adventurers of all levels! Once you land on the island you can walk around its perimeter and try to spot the nesting endangered birds. From Popoia island you can continue your journey around Kailua bay, or paddle to Lanikai beach, the Mokulua Islands, or simply back to Kailua Beach. Whether you are looking for a quick paddle, or an all-day ocean adventure, Kayaking from Kailua Beach Park offers something for everyone!
Kayak to Lanikai Beach from Kailua Beach Park
Since there is no public parking directly in front of Lanikai beach, one of the most scenic and fun ways to get there is by kayak from Kailua Beach Park. After launching from Kailua Beach Park and getting into deeper water, you’ll head east and enjoy the view of the Mokulua Islands and stunning turquoise water as you paddle towards Lanikai beach. Once you land on the soft white sand, you’ll understand why Lanikai is one of Oahu’s most beloved beaches. Enjoy crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, calm conditions and kid-sized waves ideal for families with young children, and picture perfect scenery all-around.
Kayak to the Mokulua Islands from Kailua Beach Park
Looking for a longer adventure on the water? Paddle from Kailua Beach Park to the Mokulua Islands for the ultimate adventure! It takes about an hour to an hour and half to paddle to the islands depending on the ocean conditions and your pace. Once you reach the islands, the adventure continues on the land! Hike around the rocky perimeter, explore the tidepools, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters around the shore. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some of Hawaii’s unique marine life, including Hawaiian Monk Seals and Green Sea Turtles!
Transporting Kayaks and SUPs to Kailua Beach Park
While local regulations prevent rental companies from setting up directly on the beach, at Active Oahu we make it easy for you to embark on your kayak and paddleboard adventures at the nearby beaches.
Have a vehicle? Bring it to our shop where we will set you up with either foam pads for 1-2 kayaks or SUPs, or rigid suction roof racks for up to 4 kayaks or 6 SUPs, making it simple to transport your rentals on top of your vehicle safely and securely.
No Vehicle? No problem! A great option for those who don’t have a vehicle or want to skip the hassle of parking is our e-bike and trailer rentals! We will get you geared up with our e-bikes and an attached trailer so you can tow your kayak or paddleboard effortlessly down to the shoreline.
Get into some Shorebreak and Bodyboard
Bodyboarding at Kaulia Beach
Kailua beach has calm waves, making it ideal for younger kids and families to try their hand at bodyboarding. The calm conditions provide a safe environment for beginners to experience the thrill of catching a wave while avoiding the danger of bigger waves. Bodyboarding at Kailua Beach is the perfect activity for gaining confidence in the water while enjoying one of Oahu’s most scenic beaches.
Bodyboarding at Kalama Beach
Kalama beach is a local favorite for its laid-back vibe and ideal conditions and perfect waves for beginning bodyboarding. The mild to moderate rolling waves make ideal conditions for older kids and adults to have fun without the intensity of bigger surf breaks. Convenient parking, soft sand, and incredible views make it a top pick for an easygoing beach day. Click here to learn more about bodyboarding at Kalama Beach: https://activeoahutours.com/oahu-kayaking-and-beach-adventures/kalama-beach-bodyboarding-adventure/
Additional Things to Do Nearby
Lanikai Beach: One of the Most Famous Beaches in the World
Lanikai beach is known for it’s powdery white sand, crystal clear waters, and view of the Mokulua Islands. In addition to the beauty of this beach, its also a gateway to a variety of unforgettable adventures. This beach is known for its amazing snorkeling where you can see bright coral, a variety of fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. You can also make a day of your trip to Lanikai Beach and paddleboard or kayak out to the Mokulua Islands where you’ll find tide pools, amazing panoramic views of the Koolau mountains, and exceptional snorkeling along the shoreline. It’s also the perfect place to catch a sunrise as you walk along the beach. Lanikai Beach is world famous for a reason!
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
The Lanikai pillbox hike offers some of the best views on Oahu! The 30-minute climb to the top rewards you with sweeping panoramic views of the turquoise water off of Lanikai beach and the iconic Mokulua Islands. At the summit you’ll discover pillboxes that were used for surveillance during World War II.
Visit this link for a more detailed description of the Lanikai Pillbox Hike: https://activeoahutours.com/oahu-kayaking-and-beach-adventures/lanikai-pillbox-hike-adventure-guide/
Experience All Kailua Has to Offer
Kailua is a beachgoers paradise, offering a variety of water activities, incredible views, and thrilling adventures. Whether you are searching for a laid-back beach day or an action-packed itinerary, this charming town on Oahu’s Windward coast has something for everyone. No matter how you choose to spend your day, Kailua promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to get some beach gear? Click this link to make a booking: https://activeoahutours.com/oahu-equipment-rentals/