Designated by Dr. Beach as the “Best Beach in America” for 2019.
A beautiful crescent of sandy beach stretching for more than two miles along Kailua Bay with a gently sloping ocean floor, Kailua Beach Park is the premier beach on Oahu’s windward side.
Kailua Beach, Oahu
Enjoyed by swimmers, bodyboarders, and bodysurfers as well as those who enjoy walking the pristine shoreline, Kailua Beach is blessed with deep azure waters that provide you with a true Hawaiian experience. Kailua Beach is a favorite kayaking and windsurfing spot, but not always so great for snorkeling because the water may get a bit cloudy. The 35-acre beach park has a large, grassy area nice for relaxing, and four scenic islets are located offshore.
This beach has been designated as the 2019 “Best Beach in America” by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a. Dr. Beach), and scenes from Lost, Magnum P.I., and Hawaii Five-O were filmed here.
Tip: Visit Kailua Beach on weekdays to avoid the crowd.
Great For
Bodysurfing, bodyboarding, swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, beach walks, sunbathing.
Highlights
Small children love playing in the shallow waters at the mouth of Kaelepulu Stream. Kayak rentals are available at the beach and allow you to adventure out into the bay. Paddling out to the offshore islands—Flat Island and the Mokulua Islands, which are seabird sanctuaries—is only recommended for people who are experienced as the islands appear much closer than they actually are, and the open ocean is subject to swells and currents at all times. After a kayak or swim at Kailua Beach, you can visit the charming Kailua which is windward Oahu’s largest town.
Need to Know
During the winter months when large waves are arriving on Oahu’s north shore beaches, Kailua Beach often has more reasonable conditions, especially for less experienced swimmers. During the summer months, this beach sometimes sees Portuguese Man-of-Wars which can give a painful sting.
Lifeguard
Yes
Facilities
Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, phones, public boat ramp, parking, open-air cafe, volleyball court.
Access
From Waikiki take the Pali Highway (Hwy. 61) to Kailua and then turn right on Kalaheo Ave. The beach is about one mile ahead on your left.