Things To Do In Kailua Hawaii

Kailua is a beautiful beach town on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It is located in the Koʻolaupoko District on the windward coast of the island. Kailua is known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and iconic Hawaiian scenery. The city has been inhabited for centuries and has a rich history and culture. The town was once home to Hawaiian royalty and was a major trade center, and is now a popular tourist destination for people from all around the world.

Kailua is an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing and peaceful vacation full of outdoor activities. From paddle boarding to kayaking and snorkeling, there is something for everyone. There are also plenty of cultural activities and attractions to explore, such as the Kailua Town Art Walk, the Ahupua’a O Kahana State Park, and the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a fun-filled outdoor adventure, Kailua has something for you.

A Brief History of Kailua

Kailua has been inhabited for centuries. The first settlers were Polynesian voyagers who arrived around 750 A.D. The area was originally known as “Kahaluʻu,” which means “the land of the sea.” The area was ruled by Hawaiian royalty and was a major trade center, due to its ideal location on the windward coast of the island.

During the 19th century, Kailua underwent major changes due to the influx of western settlers. The area was annexed by the United States in 1898, and in 1901 it was renamed Kailua after a nearby stream. In the following years, the town experienced significant growth and development, becoming a popular tourist destination in the mid-20th century.

Today, Kailua is home to around 36,000 people and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. The city is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant culture.

Why Visit Kailua?

Kailua is an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing and peaceful vacation full of outdoor activities. From paddle boarding to kayaking and snorkeling, there is something for everyone. The city also has plenty of cultural activities to explore, such as the Kailua Town Art Walk, the Ahupua’a O Kahana State Park, and the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. In addition to its outdoor activities, Kailua offers a variety of shopping and dining options as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.

Kailua is also home to some of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches. Lanikai Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area and is known for its white sand and crystal clear waters. Other popular beaches include Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park.

In addition to its stunning beaches, Kailua offers plenty of other attractions to explore such as Lanikai Pillbox Hike, Maunawili Falls Trail, Kawai Nui Marsh, and the Byodo-In Temple. The city also has plenty of shopping and dining options to choose from as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.

Top Activities in Kailua

Kailua offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a relaxing beach day, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Kailua. Here are some of the top activities in Kailua:

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is one of the most popular activities in Kailua. The area offers a variety of paddleboarding options including stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and flatwater paddling. SUP is a great way to explore the crystal clear waters surrounding Kailua while getting a great workout.

Kayaking

Kayaking is another great way to explore Kailua’s stunning coastline. There are several companies offering guided kayak tours that allow visitors to explore hidden coves and creeks, spot sea turtles and other marine life, and take in incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the best ways to explore the underwater world around Kailua. There are several companies offering guided snorkeling tours that will take visitors to some of the best spots in the area, such as Mokulua Islands Marine Preserve, Popoia Island, or Flat Island.

Hiking

Kailua is home to several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the island’s lush landscape as well as its iconic coastline. Popular hikes include Lanikai Pillbox Hike, Maunawili Falls Trail, Kawai Nui Marsh Trail, and Olomana Trail.

Shopping & Dining

Kailua is home to a variety of shopping and dining options that are sure to please even the pickiest of visitors. Popular shopping spots include Kailua Town Shopping Center and Kalama Village Shopping Center. For dining options, there are plenty of local restaurants offering delicious Hawaiian cuisine as well as more familiar dishes from around the world.

Two Popular Tours in Kailua

Kailua offers a variety of tours that allow visitors to explore its stunning coastline and learn more about its culture and history. Here are two popular tours in Kailua:

Mokulua Islands Kayak Tour

Explore the stunning coastline of Kailua on this guided kayak tour of Mokulua Islands Marine Preserve. You will have the opportunity to paddle through crystal clear waters while taking in stunning views of towering cliffs, sea caves, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. This tour includes all necessary equipment and an experienced guide who will provide an informative and enjoyable experience. Book this Kayak Tour here.

Kualoa Ranch ATV Adventure

Explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Kailua on this guided ATV tour of Kualoa Ranch. You will have the opportunity to ride through spectacular valleys and pastures while taking in stunning views of sacred mountains and lush rainforest. This tour includes all necessary equipment as well as an experienced guide who will provide an informative experience as you explore this beautiful area. Book this ATV Tour here.

Kailua is an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an outdoor adventure in Hawaii. From paddle boarding to kayaking and snorkeling, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Kailua. The city also has plenty of cultural activities to explore such as the Town Art Walk, Ahupua’a O Kahana State Park, or Lanikai Pillbox Hike. Other attractions include Lanikai Beach and its array of shopping and dining options. In addition, there are two popular tours offered in the area including Mokulua Islands Kayak Tour and Kualoa Ranch ATV Adventure which provide visitors with an informative experience while exploring stunning landscapes and spotting marine life. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful beach vacation or an exciting outdoor adventure, Kailua has something for you!