Escape to Kailua Beach

April 2nd, 2008

Typically when I am visiting my friend Angela on Oahu’s Windward side I hang out in Lanikai. But the other week, I escaped the crowds and drove over to Kailua Beach. I forgot how lovely and less busy the beach is over beyond the boat ramp just a few miles away.

Usually, sister beach Lanikai gets all the attention and glory, but Kailua Beach has also repeatedly been ranked one of the best beaches worldwide. Part of the attraction is the steady trade winds making Kailua Beach a popular windsurfing and kite boarding destination. One of the world’s windsurfing pioneers Robbie Naish grew up right on Kailua Beach. Its crescent-shape, and open wide sandy beach is about 2 miles in length making it an excellent spot for walking. The ocean bottom slopes gently without any coral heads so it is a fantastic location for children.

Historically Kailua has always been a popular , with evidence pointing to the Ancient Hawaiians who were thought to have lived, fished and played on the slopes surrounding the area. In the Hawaiian language Kailua means "two seas," or "two currents". Even today, monuments and temple ruins can still be located in Kailua.

I encourage you to take the ride from Honolulu over the Pali Highway and explore Kailua. On your return to town, take a different route driving thru Waimanalo and Hawaii Kai on Oahu’s East shore. It is full of photo opportunities as you pass Makapu’u Lookout, Sandy’s Beach and Hanauma Bay. There are numerous opportunities to get out and stretch your legs and see the many sides of Oahu. (Posted & Images by CM).

Entry Filed under: Oahu