Kailua Beach Park

The Basics

With a wide sandy beach, relatively calm water, and ample picnic spots, Kailua Beach Park is a family favorite. The beach is a short walk from Kailua Town, a lively small community with grocery stores, a number of restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, and boutiques. Many visitors opt to just relax on the beach and swim in the clear water, while others take advantage of water-sports rentals and get out on a kayak or kite board.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Kailua Beach Park is a short walk from Kailua Town, which offers plenty of dining and shopping options.
• Kayaks, surfboards, and other water-sports equipment is available to rent at various locations in Kailua Town.
• There are showers but no public restrooms at Kailua Beach Park.
• Bike rental is available in Kailua Town.

How to Get There

Kailua Beach Park is on Oahu’s windward coast in the town of Kailua. Since parking at the beach is limited and traffic can be quite bad in Kailua Town, it’s best to drive to town and then walk or cycle to the beach or take the bus. City buses run frequently to the park from Waikiki and towns all over the island.

When to Get There

Kailua is a popular destination year-round, and Kailua Beach is well known for its beautiful sunrises. Parking is available but quickly fills up on weekends and most weekdays, so arrive as early as possible if you’re driving. Walking from town, cycling, or taking public transit allows for more flexibility in arrival time.

Kailua Town

A small town with a local feel and markedly more relaxed than Waikiki, Kailua has a wide array of shopping and dining options. Visitors could easily spend an afternoon or full day in Kailua exploring brunch spots, bikini shops, upscale boutiques, and a fantastic Thursday evening farmers market with live music.

Ways to explore

The beach park is free to enter and open year-round, so it’s a flexible stop for both day-trippers and those who want a longer stay. Many guided Oʻahu tours include Kailua as a highlight, with car or van transport, and offer activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking to the Mokulua Islands with local experts. Or, you can drive or take public bus routes and explore the area on your own. Set aside at least two hours for walking the shoreline, exploring town shops, or swimming in the calm morning water before the wind picks up.

Accessibility

Paved pathways to the main beach area; partially accessible for people using wheelchairs

Age limits

None, but children should be supervised as ocean conditions change quickly.

What to pack

Sunscreen, sun hat, towel, water bottle, sturdy shoes

What to wear

Casual beachwear, layers if you plan on staying into the evening and dining out downtown

Not allowed

Alcohol, cars on sand, fire pits, dogs, smoking

Amenities

Picnic tables, parking (fills up quickly on the weekends), restrooms, outdoor showers, and nearby gear rental for kayaking and paddleboarding

Address 

Kailua Beach Park sits on the windward side of Oʻahu, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Honolulu when driving via the Pali Highway or H-3 corridor.

Driving

From Waikiki, take H-1 East, then follow signs onto Pali Hwy (HI-61) or H-3 toward Kailua. Turn onto Kawailoa Road and continue to the beach park. Parking lots are available, but they fill up early on weekends.

Public transportation

Use TheBus routes: Board Route 67 or 671 to Kailua town, then transfer to Route 70 or 77, which stops near the beach park. Travel time can be 90-plus minutes depending on transfers.

Best times to visit

Early morning brings calm water and fewer crowds; arrival before 9am on weekends improves your chances of finding parking.

Best days to visit

Come on weekdays for fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

April to September offer warm, stable conditions; winters bring stronger trade winds, which are great for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Special events

On the Fourth of July, the beach park hosts a large fireworks display over Kailua Bay, drawing visitors and locals.