Welcome to Kailua
If visions of the perfect Hawaiian beach town are dancing in your head, Kailua is the spot for you. This casually laid-back, close-knit community is close to world-famous beaches, charming boutique shops, and nature recreation. Located near the Pali and the H3, Kailua is conveniently located for commuters. Choose from several single-family sections within the neighborhood, including Kawailoa, right next to one of the top beaches in the world; charming Kaimalino; Country Club Knolls; near one of the state’s most prominent public elementary schools; well-located Pohakupu; and Kuulei Tract beside Kailua Beach Park.
What to Love
- Several single-family home neighborhoods to choose from
- Laid-back, healthy living vibe
- Ample outdoor recreational opportunities
- Quiet and peaceful
Local Lifestyle
Kailua residents can easily pick a home to match their personal style here on the eastern shore of Oahu in the shadow of the breathtaking Ko’olau mountain range. It’s typical to find your outdoorsy neighbors at the beach, walking the dog, bodyboarding, hiking, or kayaking to the Mokulua Islands, about a mile offshore. Farmers' markets, holiday parades, and an annual “I Love Kailua” block party give this beautiful neighborhood a pleasing small-town vibe.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
The legend of Buzz’s Original Steakhouse goes a little something like this: “There was a guy, his name was Buzz. A greater guy there never was. When it comes to feeding people, Buzz Schneider has no equal.” Kailua residents would agree. They continue to gather here night after night for surf and turf, salads, and sides, all washed down with Buzz’s famous mai tai.
Join the Obamas at their favorite shave ice spot, Island Snow. Using natural flavors, the former presidential family’s sweet-treat hotspot serves up everything from crack seed lemon peel to mountain apple flavors. Local ingredients are used in everything they make, including Nisshodo mochi and Dave’s macadamia nut ice cream. Down to Earth Hawaii’s Kailua location puts healthy groceries and meal ingredients within easy reach. Or, order from the deli ahead of time and take your order to go – to the beach!
Locally owned shops dot the Kailua neighborhood, including Hawaiian Isles Jewelry & Collectibles. Browse vintage collectibles, fine jewelry, and wristwatches. Kailua Town offers additional boutiques with beach apparel, elegant evening wear, down-to-earth fashions, footwear, and more.
Things to Do
When you live in Kailua, you have immediate access to not one but two of Oahu’s dreamiest beaches. Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach are renowned the world over for their sugar-white sand and turquoise waters. Kailua Beach Park stretches for two and a half miles, offering picnic tables, beach volleyball courts, a small shore break perfect for boogie boarding, calm swimming areas, and more. The annual Fourth of July fireworks are held here, drawing out the whole town. A competitive canoe-racing team is based at Kailua Bay, so you’ll often see the paddlers practicing and racing around the bay.
Considered by many to be the prettiest beach on Oahu, Lanikai Beach offers easy access to the clear, blue ocean for Kailua residents. Visit at dawn or sunset for the popular sunrise and moonrise, gaze offshore to “the Mokes” islands (for Mokulua), and admire the spectacular panoramic view from the Lanikai Pillbox.
Gather provisions for your beach picnic at the Kailua Farmers Market, where you’ll find a plethora of Hawaiian-grown and locally sourced produce, flowers, plants, beef, pork, poultry, seafood, and more. The market is held each Sunday morning at the Enchanted Lake Center. Pick up coffee and pastries fresh from the over to enjoy as you wander the colorful stalls.
Schools
Students from Kailua attend highly desired schools, including:
- Kaelepulu Elementary School, PK-6, highly-rated public elementary school
- Maunawili Elementary School, PK-6, highly-rated public elementary school
- Kailua Intermediate School, 7-8, well-rated public middle school
- Kalaheo High School, 9-12, well-rated public high school
- Kailua High School, 9-12, highly-rated public high school
- Aikahi Elementary School, K-6, one of the top schools in the area
