Things to Do in Kailua With Kids
Kailua: The Best Town on the Windward Side
Kailua is the kind of place that makes visitors wonder why they spent so much time in Waikiki. It's a genuine small town — walkable, locally-owned, with one of the most beautiful beaches in the world sitting at its front door. With kids in tow, it becomes an all-day playground.
Kailua Beach Park
Start here. Kailua Beach Park is a long crescent of white sand with calm, clear water that's ideal for young children. The beach faces the open ocean but is protected by a shallow reef that keeps most waves manageable. The park has restrooms, picnic tables, showers, and free parking (arrive before 9am on weekends). The Mokulua Islands — two small flat islets just offshore — are a stunning backdrop that kids love spotting with binoculars.
Across the road from the park, Kalapawai Market has been a Kailua institution since 1932. Grab breakfast sandwiches, fresh-pressed juice, and snacks for the beach. The cheese and charcuterie section is surprisingly good for a corner market.
Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands
Twogood Kayaks is the best kayak rental operation in Kailua. They rent single and double kayaks, provide a map and a quick safety briefing, and the paddle to Moku Nui (the larger of the two islets) takes about 30–45 minutes each way. Moku Nui has a small sandy beach, tide pools on the far side, and Hawaiian monk seals occasionally resting on shore. This is an outstanding adventure for kids aged 8 and up who are comfortable in open water.
Alternatively, Holokai Canoe and Kayak also operates out of Kailua Beach and offers guided tours if you prefer someone leading the way.
Lanikai Beach
A 10-minute walk south of Kailua Beach along the shoreline (or a short drive to Mokulua Drive) brings you to Lanikai Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. It's narrower and more residential, but the water is extraordinary — calm, warm, and an almost impossible shade of turquoise. There are no facilities (no restrooms, no parking lot), but it's worth the effort. Park on Mokulua Drive and walk through one of the public beach access paths.
Lanikai Pillboxes Hike
For kids who can handle a short but steep scramble, the Lanikai Pillbox Trail is a 15–20 minute climb up a ridge behind the Lanikai neighborhood. Park on Kaelepulu Drive, follow the narrow path through brush and along the ridge, and you'll reach two old WWII bunkers with sweeping views of Lanikai, the Mokulua Islands, and the Koolau Range. Best at sunrise or late afternoon. Wear shoes with grip — the trail can be slippery after rain. Not recommended for toddlers or anyone who doesn't like heights.
Kailua Town — Shopping and Lunch
Kailua's small downtown has a cluster of locally-owned shops and restaurants along Kailua Road that reward wandering. Cinnamon's Restaurant is a beloved brunch spot famous for red velvet pancakes and eggs benedict — expect a wait on weekends but it moves quickly. Uahi Island Grill serves excellent fish tacos and kalua pork bowls at a price point that works for families. Morning Glass Coffee + Cafe is a local coffee roaster with a beautiful courtyard.
For shave ice, Island Snow on Kailua Road has been here for decades and frequently shows up on local best-of lists. Try the lychee or li hing mui flavor with ice cream on the bottom.
Buzz's Steakhouse — Kailua Classic
If you're doing a nicer dinner, Buzz's Original Steakhouse right across from Kailua Beach Park has been feeding families since 1962. It's casual but has a full menu — burgers and simpler plates for kids, proper steaks and seafood for adults. The open-air setting and proximity to the beach make it feel like a reward for a great beach day.
Getting There
Kailua is about 30 minutes from Waikiki via the H-3 freeway or the Pali Highway (Route 61). The Pali Highway route is more scenic and passes the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout — worth a 10-minute stop for dramatic views of the windward coast. No direct rail service; a rental car is strongly recommended for a Kailua day trip.
Kailua is what people *think* of when they think of Hawaii — palm trees, sand that squeaks underfoot, water you can stand in for an hour without losing the kids in the chop. Here's a half-day plan that works whether you live here or you're visiting for the week.Looking for things to do in Oahu? Browse upcoming Oahu events →
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