Kailua Beach – The best beach for family fun on Oahu?

About Kailua Beach

Yes it is. Okay, okay I may be biased here because I’m lucky enough to call Kailua home, but I’m not wrong. Even Dr. Beach ranked Kailua Beach the number one beach in the United States back in 2019. And beaches don’t really change all that much.

Crescent-shaped Kailua Beach stretches over 2 miles in length. Its sandy bottom, shallow entry, relatively calm water, and pockets of shade made it ideal for families. However, family-friendly doesn’t mean it lacks opportunity for adventure. Fortunately, it’s also a great spot for water sports like surfing, kiteboarding, and kayaking.

Better yet, the beach is a short walk from Kailua Town, a friendly beach community with grocery stores, tasty restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. Read on to plan a perfect family day on Oahu.

Getting There

Kailua Beach is located on windward Oahu about a half hour drive from Waikiki. The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can also take the City Bus. If you go this route, you might want to rent a bike in Kailua town giving you freedom to explore.

Popular beach access points for Kailua Beach

Kailua Beach has different attributes along its length so you can use the following guide to choose your own adventure.

• North end (Castles Beach). The north end of Kailua Beach is the least crowded. Primarily because it’s more difficult to access and lacks amenities. However, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the bay and this is the best spot to surf (when it exists). There is a stream outlet just beyond the north end of the beach so the water can get murky here after heavy rains.
• Middle of Kailua Beach. Most beach-goers cluster around Kalama Beach Park which has bathrooms, showers, and a small parking lot. It also has nice shade and the best waves for body boarding. If you want to avoid crowds, walk 5 minutes in either direction.
• South end. At the southern end of Kailua Beach, you will find Kailua Beach Park and all the crowds. There are 3 bathrooms along this stretch of shoreline with showers, lots of parking, picnic benches, a boat ramp and a large park connecting everything. This is the best option for those uncomfortable in the water as it’s the only part of the beach with lifeguards. Additionally, you will find a designated swimming area and entry point for wind surfers and kite boarders.
• Going further. Although not technically part of Kailua Beach, you will find stunning Lanikai Beach just around a rocky outcropping at the south end. It’s definitely worth a visit (another Dr. Beach favorite) as it has even bluer water and softer sand (and snorkeling opportunities).

What to do on Kailua Beach

Kailua Beach has options for every level of beach-goer. Although, the time of year, conditions, and personal interest will dictate the best options. On a calm day, you might grab a paddleboard and cruise around the bay searching for sea turtles. More adventurous souls might take advantage of the more common tradewinds with a kite boarding lesson. Others will simply enjoy the sky turn shades of pink and orange during a sunset stroll.

• Surfing. Big winter swells occasionally wrap around the island to meet Kailua Beach bringing surf to the north end of Kailua Beach (Castle’s).
• Bodyboarding. Dependable baby shorebreak means you can have fun bodyboarding any day at Kailua Beach.
• Paddleboarding. Winds and swells usually dominate the forecast making paddleboarding a chore except on rare, calm days. Your best bet is to visit Lanikai Beach which always seems a little calmer.
• Kayaking. Kayaking is a fun way to explore the bay searching for sea turtles and enjoying a unique Kailua view. Make a stop at Flat (Popia) Island just offshore or paddle to Moku nui if you’re experienced and the weather allows. If you’re lucky, you might share the beach there with an endangered monk seal.
• Swimming. There is a designated swimming area around Kailua Beach Park but most of Kailua Bay is shallow (less than 20ft deep) making it ideal for open ocean swimming.
• Wind sports. Tradewinds regularly grace Kailua’s coastline making it a popular area for wind sports. There is an official entry behind Kalapawai market.
• Snorkeling. Coral is found in deeper waters further offshore in Kailua Bay, but Lanikai is a fun, easy option if the weather is calm.
• Walk/run. I have a beach-loving dog so you’ll often find me walking him the length of the 2 mile beach.
• Sunrise. You see the sun rise over the water at Kailua Beach and many visitors and locals alike come out to enjoy the spectacle over a cup of coffee.
• Fireworks. If you happen to be visiting Oahu over the Fourth of July you can enjoy a fireworks show just off the beach.

Preparing for a visit to Kailua Beach

When to visit Kailua Beach

Honestly, you can visit Kailua Beach anytime. The weather is lovely year-round in Oahu (rarely dipping below 70F degrees, although temperatures average 10 degrees cooler in the winter months. Personally, my favorite days are those with low wind when the waves break crisply and the tumble of sand shows beneath the clear blue water. Low tide makes the spectacle all the better adding reflections of sky to the shoreline.

Most people, however, just want to be able to park. If that’s a more realistic concern try to arrive before 10 am and avoid weekends (especially holiday weekends) when possible.

What to pack for a visit to Kailua Beach

I’ve always been a minimalist when packing for the beach – put sunscreen and swimsuit on at home and bring a towel – but it’s because I’m lazy. Here’s what it would be nice to have –

1. Reef-safe Sunscreen – Did you know that some sunscreen ingredients are highly damaging to coral reef ecosystems and exposure has been linked to coral bleaching and coral DNA damage? That’s why Hawaii banned the use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone and octocrylene in 2021. P.S., most of these chemicals are bad for humans as well and have been banned in other countries. What to do? Keep yourself covered with UV protective clothing and use reef safe sunscreen.
2. A trusty Dry Bag – Keep your valuables and electronics snug, dry, and sand-free. The dry bag’s low key cousin – Ziploc bag – also does the same job. Either way, wrap valuables in a towel and tuck under a rock to keep gear out of the sun.
3. Water-resistant Smartphone Case – Capture your family’s water antics without worrying about the water gods claiming your phone.
4. Body board. Not just for kids. Grab a board at Costco or Target and hit the waves! Alternatively, if it’s calm I would bring a standup paddleboard and/or kayak.
5. Sand toys. The sand is great for building sand castles. I sometimes stumble across an enormous castle or sculpture on my early morning beach walks.
6. Snacks and water. With the exception of Kalapawai Market a short walk from Kailua Beach Park, there are no vendors close to the beach. Bring everything you need for a day of fun.
7. Benadryl. I sometimes have a rare allergic reaction to Portugese man-o-war stings. Benadryl helps if things get dicey.
8. Hammock. There are some great hammock trees in Kailua Beach Park if you want the perfect nap.

Dangers to consider when visiting Kailua Beach

Mellow, sandy-bottomed Kailua Beach is extremely family-friendly as far as beach safety goes. The only issues our family and friends have had in our 20+ years in Kailua are –

1. Portugese man-o-war. The bluish-purple blobs with long, trailing tentacles frequently show up along Kailua Beach after several days of heavy tradewinds. Mostly, they sting where they contact your skin. The pain lasts about 20 minutes before leaving an itchy welt behind. Although it’s not typically too painful, it can end your beach day quickly. The best remedy is to remove any bits from the skin (you can scrape gently with a credit card) and rinse with salt water (not fresh). Benadryl helps with itching and swelling.
2. Water quality. After heavy rains, the waters around Kailua Beach can take on a disturbing brown tinge. That’s a good time to check for water quality warnings to make sure it’s safe.
3. Sunburn. Don’t let sunburn ruin your trip. Even in winter – Even when it’s cloudy – Even when it’s late in the day.

After Kailua Beach – Options to round out a perfect day

Follow a fun family morning playing at Kailua Beach with some tasty eats and then keep the fun going.

Eateries near Kailua Beach

• Kalapawai Market / Cafe. Swing by for a beach burger or sandwich if you’re near Kailua Beach Park or visit their Cafe in Kailua town for fancier fare.
• Over Easy. The best local breakfast in Kailua
• Chad Lou’s. Tasty local coffee.
• Goen. If you’re looking for something fancy this Asian-inspired restaurant has delicious small & shared plates.

Keep the fun going!

• Take a hike. Lanikai pillbox trail, Kawainui marsh, Back of Kawainui marsh, Likeke Falls
• Go Shopping. Fun boutiques line Hekili Street and extend
• Chocolate tasting. Manoa Chocolate.
• Visit a Farmer’s market. Thursday night market or Sunday afternoons at Lokahi Market
• Cool off with Shave ice. Island Snow, Kailua General Store, and Wilson store are all favorites. Opt for the natural flavors when possible.
• Fireworks! If you happen to be visiting Kailua over the Fourth of July, you’re in for a treat.
• Family photos! Meet me at the beach for a fun morning of photos. We’ll start with sneaky games to get you close and laughing and then hit the water so you can take home beautiful memories and images. See photography sessions at Kailua Beach here, here, and here.