Welcome to Kailua
Beachside living nestled along upscale restaurants, shopping, and premier outdoor recreation
Located on Oahu's windward side is Kailua, a quiet, relaxed beach community below the Ko'olau Mountains. Although it's only 30 minutes from downtown Honolulu, it feels a world away. Laws have prevented the development of resorts and hotels, making Kailua a real natural gem on the island. However, its proximity to urban areas provides the community with sought-after conveniences, including dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Kailua's homes for sale can include a variety of townhouses, apartments, condos, and single-family homes. Kailua's real estate options also feature newly built mansions in the lush tropical neighborhood of Maunawili, beachside oasis homes in Lanikai, and old plantation-style houses in Keolu Hills.
What to Love
- Active lifestyle
- Trendy island vibe
- Hip community
Local Lifestyle
Kailua is an excellent place to call home if you're looking for a laid-back and relaxed lifestyle. People move here for its natural beauty and its strong sense of community. Kailua is a place comprised of like-minded individuals who understand the true meaning of Ohana.
There are plenty of small, locally-owned boutiques, cafes, and restaurants nearby. This beach community is known for its outdoor lifestyle. Residents enjoy swimming, kite surfing, windsurfing, picnics, and more. Kailua is also a popular relocation spot for military families, many of whom have ties to the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Start your day at Cinnamon's Restaurant, one of the best breakfast eateries in Oahu. The menu offers a lot to look forward to, including ten different types of pancakes and waffles, five loco moco creations, nine ways to order your eggs benedict, and endless omelet selections.
Kalapawai Café & Deli is an iconic brand and family business that's been in Kailua for almost two decades. Grab and go or sit down and enjoy coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, or steak. Before leaving, shop a wide selection of dry goods and wines.
Enjoy a wide selection of juice blends, acai bowls, and smoothies prepared using locally-sourced ingredients at Jewel or Juice. The family-owned juice shop is a cult classic in Kailua.
Head to Mahina for island-appropriate clothing and accessories for women. Kailua also has multiple shopping centers to meet your shopping needs, including Whole Foods Market, Enchanted Lake Shopping Center, and Kailua Towne Center.
Things to Do
Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach are often the main reason why people relocate to this beach community. The long stretches of golden sand, the backdrop of the Koolau Mountains, and the beautiful views of Na Mokulua make these areas incredible natural oases. You can bodysurf at Kalama Beach, lounge at Lanikai Beach, surf off Popoia Island, or kayak to offshore islets.
Kailua is full of restaurants, boutiques, breweries, and even a chocolate factory. Peruse the vast collection of new and used books at Bookends, admire art creations at Lauren Roth Art, grab a shave of ice from Island Snow before heading to the beach, or rent a bike and explore the surrounding areas — the possibilities are endless.
Kailua hosts multiple events throughout the year, including canoe races and outdoor market events. Find fresh local produce, hot food, flowers, live music, and arts and crafts at the Kailua Farmer's Market every Sunday. The annual "I Love Kailua" is a fabulous town party that brings the community together for shopping, tasty treats, live entertainment, and family fun.
Schools
The Hawaii Department of Education serves the community of Kailua.
