7 Best Outdoor Activities in and Around Kailua

Renowned beaches and crystal-water shoreline abound in Kailua, creating the ultimate destination for outdoor recreation. Tourists on summer vacation or buyers searching with a local expert like Mike Dilks will love Kailua Beach Park, kayaking expeditions to the Mokulua Islands, and the fresh finds at the Kailua Town Farmers Market. When visiting the area, check out these seven outdoor spots full of adventure.

One of the most popular outdoor destinations in Kailua is Kailua Beach Park. This is one of the largest parks on the windward side of Oahu and is found along Kailua Bay’s southern edge. The expansive white sand beach is a favorite for beachgoers sunning in the sand or lounging with their families. A calmer swimming area is ideal for swimmers of all ages, while its small shore break is a fun spot for boogie boarding. Kailua Beach’s clear blue waters are also perfect for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and kitesurfing.

The park’s amenities make it easy for beachgoers to spend a whole day beside the shimmering water. Visitors can play an impromptu game of beach volleyball at the sand courts, while the picnic shelters and BBQ pits provide a venue for a beach barbecue. Those living in Kailua flock to the beach on the Fourth of July for an impressive fireworks display over the bay.

Any list of things to do in Kailua would be incomplete without discussing the gorgeous Lanikai Beach. Commonly referred to as the best of Oahu’s beaches and one of the most renowned beaches worldwide, the calm blue waters and powdery sands here create a true coastal oasis. The beach is accessible via six access ways along Mokulua Drive, two of which lead only to water. The calm waves make this a popular destination for families with younger children and pet owners.

The Mokulua Islands are visible from Lanikai Beach and are a popular kayaking destination for tourists and residents alike. The two-mile round trip is very manageable and pays off for its slice of white sand beach surrounded by tranquil Pacific waters. North Mokulua is a volcanic cone that rises 1,000 feet out of the water. Visitors love its sandy shore along the western side and the dramatic cliff sides to the north and south.

South Mokulua Island is much shorter than its northern counterpart, reaching only 150 feet. The coral beach on its western side is a fun place for kayakers to explore. Visitors may also spot marine life on their journey, such as green sea turtles, rock crabs, and even dolphins or humpback whales in the winter. The teeming ocean life also makes South Mokulua a popular spot to snorkel.

Commonly known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, hiking to the Lanikai Pillboxes offers visitors picturesque views of Oahu. Although it’s only a 1.5-mile round trip, the initial steep incline makes this an intermediate hike. Throughout the trail, hikers are immersed in views of Kailua Beach, Lanikai Beach, and the Mokulua Islands.

At the top of the ridge, hikers will find two military pillboxes built between WWI and WWII. Today, they serve as a lookout point for the Mokulua Islands and surrounding beaches. The first pillbox is about 30 minutes into the hike, while the second is another 10 minutes away.

Spanning a lush and diverse 400 acres, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a peaceful refuge from the rest of Kailua. Visitors can explore flora grouped by geographical regions, including the Philippines, India and Sri Lanka, Hawaii, Polynesia, and Africa. A short nature trail cuts through the garden to a lake open for catch-and-release fishing. Families are also welcome to join a drawing and painting hour or camp on the premises over the weekend.

As the most extensive protected wetlands in Hawaii, Kawainui Marsh is a must-see for visitors looking for amazing things to do in Kailua. The marsh protects four endangered and endemic Hawaiian waterbirds within its 830 acres. It’s also an important tool for flood control in Kailua. Visitors are welcome to walk the trail along the eastern border that extends from Kaha Park. Although access is limited to trails and roads only, the marshland is also visible from neighboring sites and paths.

For additional marsh views, visitors can stop by Hamakua Marsh nearby. This smaller wetland area is a nature preserve for rare waterfowl, making it an exciting bird-watching destination. Although wetland areas are fenced off, beauty can still be appreciated from other areas of the preserve.

Residents gather for the intimate Kailua Town Farmers Market at Kailua Elementary every Sunday morning. Live music sets a cheery mood while marketgoers shop for organic fruit, vegetables, and eggs. Popular with locals, it’s common for vendors to be sold out of their best produce by late morning. Shoppers can also find freshly baked breads, sweet pastries, local coffee, and kombuchas.

On Thursday nights, the larger Kailua Farmers Market fills the Town Center’s parking lot. The vendors here also offer a complete selection of fresh produce, but the event is most well-known for its prepared food booths and food trucks. Visitors can find local Hawaiian treats like kulolo or homemade fruit-filled pies. Dinner plates include authentic Argentinian dishes and loco mocos made with North-shore cattle.

Kailua is full of outdoor adventure for all. Tourists are drawn to the white sand shores of Lanikai and Kailua Beach, while water recreation is limitless. On Thursdays and Sundays, locals can enjoy the temperate weather while shopping for fresh produce or grabbing their favorite meal. With gorgeous scenery at every turn, Kailua has so much in store.

If you’re impressed by all that Kailua has to offer and want to make this your permanent oasis, reach out to a professional who knows the area well. Experienced agent Mike Dilks is ready to show you incredible homes on the Kailua real estate scene.

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