This Picturesque Hawaiian Town Offers Pristine, Turquoise Beaches And Fun Water Sports

Thanks to its year-round warm waters, consistently sunny and tropical climate, and reliable trade winds, Hawaii is a veritable water sports paradise. Known as Hawaii's "gathering place," Oahu is the third-largest island in the archipelago and home to both the state capital and the majority of Hawaii's population. Nowhere is the state's water sports supremacy more evident than on Oahu's Windward Coast, where salt-tinged breezes, turquoise waters, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle converge.

A small city on the eastern shore of Oahu, Kailua is a quintessential Hawaiian gem with California vibes, coastal cottages, and golden sand beaches. These sun-washed beaches, including the award-winning Lanikai and Kailua beaches, as well as nearby Kalama Beach, are renowned not only for their gorgeous, less crowded landscapes, but also for the calm nearshore waters and steady breezes that beckon paddlers, kiteboarders, and windsurfers year-round.

To visit Kailua, fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, then enjoy a short, scenic 30-minute drive across Oahu's lush interior to reach the relaxed and welcoming beach town. Tucked between the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve and its namesake Bay, Kailua offers easy access to world-class beaches while maintaining a quaint, small-town charm that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu.

Lanikai Beach, awarded Tripadvisor's 2025 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best honor, is one of the only beaches in the U.S. to consistently be considered among the world's best. Its waters are nearly translucent with a soft wash of turquoise, the sands are pillow soft, and its shoreline offers breathtaking sunrise views of the iconic Mokulua ("The Mokes") Islands. Calm, shallow waters near the beach make Lanikai ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking, while farther offshore, windsurfers and kitesurfers harness the steady trade winds the area is known for, skimming effortlessly over the vibrant fish life and sea turtles gliding below.

Roughly a mile away, Kailua Beach is also a prime destination for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding. Located within walking distance from the beach, Kailua Beach Adventures has a variety of water sports gear available for rent, including kayaks, paddleboards, boogie boards, snorkeling gear, and even bikes. As one of the few companies permitted to access The Mokes and nearby Flat Island, Kailua Beach Adventures offers a range of guided and self-guided kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours, along with snorkeling and bicycling adventures, and even lessons for those looking to master the art of stand-up paddleboarding.

The Mokes, the pair of small, rugged islands less than 3 miles from Kailua Beach and just under a mile from Lanikai Beach, are a welcoming destination for those seeking a quiet escape from the bustling tourist crowds. While it's possible to make the journey independently, a few local tour operators offer guided excursions that navigate the safest routes to the islands, uncover hidden tide pools and prime snorkeling spots, and share insight into the area's cultural and historical significance.

Nestled between Lanikai and Kailua beaches, Buzz's Original Steak House is a highly rated favorite among visitors and locals alike. Open for lunch and dinner, Buzz stays true to Hawaii's multicultural roots. Boasting a menu that features influences from China, France, Japan, Mexico, and more, its offerings are rounded out with a variety of pupu (appetizers) and an extensive menu of signature cocktails. Just a short walk away, The Sunrise Shack is a quintessential beach bar: bright, colorful, and adorned with sun-drenched natural foliage and hand-painted signs. A health food cafe that specializes in sandwiches, smoothies, and vegan fare, The Sunrise Shack is the brainchild of three brothers who have grown it from a single shack (literally) to a multi-locale concept featured in several national publications.

Also highly rated and open for breakfast and lunch, Moke's Bread and Breakfast serves a plethora of Hawaiian-influenced breakfast, brunch, and lunch staples, including Liliko'i Pancakes drizzled with passion fruit sauce, banana pancakes, house-made corned beef hash, and omelets. For a truly unique experience, ask about the secret menu.

While not a major hotel hub, Kailua is home to several small boutique accommodations and bed-and-breakfasts. The Papaya Paradise bed-and-breakfast is about a mile from Kailua Beach and has been welcoming guests for nearly 40 years. This quaint, two-room property offers a private, residential-style escape with comfortable furnishings, an alluring pool, and stunning mountain views. Just north of Kailua, Paradise Bay Resort beckons travelers with an authentic Hawaiian experience and has earned Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice award. Offering waterfront cottages and suites with up to two bedrooms, guests can also enjoy the resort's pool and hot tub, floating docks, and complimentary kayaks.