Kailua Beach Park Honolulu
A stunning stretch of powdery white sand and vibrant turquoise waters, offering a more relaxed atmosphere than Waikiki. Perfect for swimming, kayaking...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best sun & calm conditions
Kailua Beach Park Honolulu
Best Time
Best sun & calm conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning stretch of powdery white sand and vibrant turquoise waters, offering a more relaxed atmosphere than Waikiki. Perfect for swimming, kayaking, and family fun.
"Absolutely stunning beach! Soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and breathtaking mountain views."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Secure a parking spot by arriving before 9 AM, especially on weekends. :car:
☀️ Morning Sun is Best
Mornings offer the best sunshine and calmer waters. :sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turquoise Waters & Soft Sand
Main beach area
Experience breathtaking turquoise waters and incredibly soft, powdery white sand. Perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Kayaking to Mokulua Islands
Ocean access from beach
Embark on an adventure kayaking to the nearby Mokulua Islands for stunning views and a unique experience.
Shaded Picnic Areas
Park adjacent to beach
Enjoy a relaxing day with family and friends in the well-maintained park, featuring shaded picnic areas and facilities.
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Best Time for Sunshine
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Secure a parking spot by arriving before 9 AM, especially on weekends. +1 :car:
☀️ Morning Sun is Best
Mornings offer the best sunshine and calmer waters. +1 :sunrise:
Kailua Beach - what time should I arrive for parking?
Kailua Beach Park or Lanikai Beach or Waimanalo beach?
🌊 Gentle Waves for Families
Calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families with young children. +1 :familywomanwoman_boy:
🐢 Spot a Sea Turtle
Keep an eye out for sea turtles, a common and magical sight! :turtle:
Kailua Beach - how early should I get there for parking?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Secure a parking spot by arriving before 9 AM, especially on weekends. +1 :car:
☀️ Morning Sun is Best
Mornings offer the best sunshine and calmer waters. +1 :sunrise:
🌊 Gentle Waves for Families
Calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families with young children. +1 :familywomanwoman_boy:
🐢 Spot a Sea Turtle
Keep an eye out for sea turtles, a common and magical sight! :turtle:
🛶 Kayak Adventure Awaits
Rent a kayak and paddle out to the Mokulua Islands for incredible views. :kayak:
🚻 Facilities Available
Restrooms and showers are conveniently located for a comfortable day out. :shower:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Kailua Beach Park's breathtaking beauty, with its soft white sand and stunning turquoise waters, making it a paradise for relaxation and water activities. The park's amenities and gentle waves are particularly appreciated by families. While generally well-regarded, some visitors note that parking can be challenging during peak times, and the snorkeling experience might not be as vibrant as other Oahu locations.
"absolutely breathtaking — one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever visited. The sand is soft and powdery, the water is a stunning turquoise, and the waves are gentle enough for swimming, kayaking, or just floating around. It feels less crowded and more relaxed compared to Waikīkī, making it perfect for families, couples, or anyone who just wants to enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty in peace.
The park itself is well-kept with plenty of space, shaded picnic areas, and facilities that make it easy to spend the whole day here. Kayaking out to the Mokulua Islands is a must if you’re up for an adventure, and the views from the shore are just as incredible.
Highly recommend making this a stop on your Oahu trip!"
Sami El Gabbas
"We visited Kailua Beach Park on a Wednesday afternoon. Even though it wasn’t a weekend or holiday, both parking lots were completely full. After driving around for a bit, we luckily found a spot near Buzz’s Original Steak House across the street. Parking here is definitely more challenging than some reviews suggest.
The beach itself is gorgeous — super soft white sand and clear blue water. We even spotted a sea turtle! Honestly, while it’s beautiful, it didn’t completely blow me away compared to some other beaches in Oahu. The shallow bay and protection of Popoia Island provide calm waters, great if you have small children not used to the surfing waves of most beaches. Watching people kayaking and sailing turned out to be part of the fun. With the picnic grounds, public restrooms and showers the park is great for a full day outing.
One of my favorite parts was the small stretch of rocky shoreline at the southeastern end of the beach, near the Lanikai Monument. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for photos. From there, you can enjoy sweeping views of Kailua Beach, the nearby Lanikai Beach, and the beautiful offshore islands, Moku Nui and Moku Iki."
Alex Pan
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely stunning beach! Soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and breathtaking mountain views. Perfect for swimming, walking, or just relaxing under the sun. Family-friendly with calm waves and plenty of space. One of the best beaches in Hawaii!"
Kim Dinh Huynh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Kailua Beach Park from Waikiki is by car, taking about a 30-40 minute drive. Public transportation options like TheBus are available but can take longer.
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early (before 9 AM) is highly recommended. There are multiple parking lots, and street parking may be available. +1
Yes, you can take TheBus from Waikiki to Kailua. Routes like the 67 will get you close to the beach. Be prepared for a longer travel time compared to driving.
From Waikiki, take the H-1 East, then merge onto the Pali Highway (HI-61 N). Continue on Pali Highway, which becomes Kalanianaʻole Highway. Turn left onto Kailua Road, and follow signs for Kailua Beach Park.
There have been reports of construction impacting parking lots and access roads in the past. It's advisable to check local updates before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kailua Beach Park is a public park and generally free to enter. There are no admission fees.
Kailua Beach Park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. The park facilities like restrooms may have specific hours.
No, tickets are not required for Kailua Beach Park as it is a public beach. Entry is free and open to all.
Yes, Kailua Beach Park has lifeguards on duty, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers.
The park offers restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic pavilions, and ample parking, making it convenient for a full day of enjoyment. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kailua Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and enjoying the scenic beauty. Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands is a popular activity.
While not as renowned for snorkeling as some other Oahu spots, you can find some marine life, especially around the rocky areas or if you venture further out. Lanikai Beach nearby is often cited as better for snorkeling. +1
Generally, Kailua Beach has relatively calm and gentle waves, making it suitable for families and non-swimmers. However, conditions can vary. +1
There are often rental services available near Kailua Beach, or you can bring your own equipment. Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands is a highlight.
Kailua Beach can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Visiting on a weekday morning is the best way to experience it with fewer people. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no restaurants directly on the beach, Buzz's Original Steak House is located across the street and is a popular spot for post-beach dining.
Absolutely! Kailua Beach Park has shaded picnic pavilions and plenty of space, making it ideal for a picnic lunch.
The town of Kailua offers various dining options, from casual eateries to cafes and restaurants. Buzz's Steak House is a notable nearby option.
There are no vendors directly on Kailua Beach. It's best to bring your own snacks and drinks or visit nearby shops in Kailua town.
The park has picnic pavilions, which may include BBQ grills, making it a great spot for a cookout.
📸 📸 Photography
The southeastern end of the beach, near the Lanikai Monument, offers picturesque views of Kailua Beach, Lanikai Beach, and the offshore islands. The soft sand and turquoise water are also great for photos.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows.
Drone usage may be restricted in public parks and near residential areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
The Mokulua Islands in the distance are an iconic backdrop. The unique texture of the sand and the vibrant water also make for stunning shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🛶 Adventure Seekers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking and Access
Access to Kailua Beach is straightforward, with clear signage directing visitors. The park itself is well-equipped with amenities, making it easy to spend an entire day. The proximity to Buzz's Original Steak House also offers a convenient dining option post-beach.
Family-Friendly Fun and Water Activities
The park's amenities, including restrooms and showers, add to its family-friendly appeal, allowing for a comfortable and extended visit.
The Beauty of Kailua Beach
One of the most captivating aspects is the view of the Mokulua Islands, two small islets off the coast, which are a popular destination for kayakers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit