Kailua Beach is known for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The waves here are smaller than at the North Shore and there are fewer crowds than you’ll find in Waikiki. The eastern beach is also in close proximity to rewarding hikes and stunning mountain scenery.
Check the weather, waves and crowds ahead of time on the online Kailua beach cam. If the conditions on one beach aren’t right on the day, you can always move on to somewhere further north or south where the conditions are better.
Hire a windsurf or kitesurf from a vendor or sign up for lessons. The further out from shore you go, the windier and therefore harder the conditions. If you’re up for a challenge, don’t be afraid to venture out with the pros.
There are all-terrain wheelchairs available for hire that have large wheels and can easily move through the sand. Ring ahead to secure a chair if you’re travelling with someone with limited mobility. There is also a mat that covers the sand from the shower block to the water making the ground firmer and easier to move along.
If you want to get active, go for a hike through the mountains behind Kailua Beach. Some of the trails here are strenuous but rewarding. Take the Olomana Trail, which is often described as “scrambling on a knife’s edge”, but also offers some of the best views on O’ahu. Look for the start of the trail near the Royal Hawaiian golf course. Many hikers get lost even finding the track so don’t be afraid to ask for directions. It takes about 3 hours to reach the first peak and back, with some rope climbing required along the way. Come prepared with comfortable shoes and plenty of water. If it sounds like too much of a challenge, spend a day on the green at the Royal Hawaiian golf course.
Get to Kailua by car from Honolulu, a 19-kilometre (12-mile) trip.
