Neighbourhood guide

Kailua and the windward coast

In depth·Windward Oʻahu

Kailua’s beach, the Koʻolau cliffs and the valleys of the east.

Driftwood on the white sand of Lanikai, with the Mokulua islands offshore
Driftwood on the white sand of Lanikai, with the Mokulua islands offshore
Photo CreditImage courtesy of © Kevin.Daniels · CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Over the Koʻolau mountains from Honolulu, the windward coast has Kailua’s beach, the Byodo-In Temple under the cliffs, Kualoa Ranch and the Polynesian Cultural Center at Lāʻie.

Sights

The Byodo-In Temple, Kualoa Ranch, the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Makapuʻu lighthouse trail.

Eating and drinking

Plan on lunch in Kailua.

Staying

Most visitors come over for the day from Waikīkī.

Drive the coast north in the morning, with the sun on the cliffs.

Our advice: respect the residents of Kailua and Lanikai; park only in marked places.

Why it's on our list

  • Sights
  • Eating and drinking
  • Staying

Location

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