Kailua's main draws are its beaches, the paddling off Lanikai, and a short list of trails on the ridge behind it. Paddle board lessons from Active Oahu Tours take 3 hours and start from $31.41 per person. A lesson makes sense if you want instruction before you paddle on your own.
What are the best things to do in Kailua?
Start your day at Kailua Beach Park. Kailua Beach Park, at 526 Kawailoa Rd, is the City's listed park for canoe paddling, beach picnicking, swimming, surfing and strolling. Lanikai Beach is reached by public and private shoreline access points, and the Mokulua Islands lie off it.
| Place | What you can do | Good to know | Getting there | Hours or entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellows Beach | The City runs a permit campground at Bellows Field Beach Park with three-day camping periods. | - | The City lists the Bellows Beach Park campground at Tinker Road and Kalanianaʻole Highway in Waimānalo. | Bellows Field Beach Park is under the purview of the military and is open for public access on weekends and holidays under an agreement with the City and County of Honolulu. |
| Kailua Beach | Activities at Kailua Beach Park include canoe paddling, beach picnicking, swimming, surfing and strolling through the park. | The State lists lifeguards at Kailua Beach every day, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm. | The City lists Kailua Beach Park at 526 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua. | Kailua Beach Park is closed from 12 a.m. (midnight) to 4 a.m.; its comfort station and parking lots close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. |
| Lanikai Beach | The Mokulua Islands lie off Lanikai Beach. | - | Lanikai Beach is accessed via public and private shoreline access points. | - |
| Kaiwa Ridge | Nā Ala Hele lists the length as 0.84 mi (1.35 km) one way. | - | The trail climbs the ridge behind Lanikai on the windward side of Oʻahu. | The trail is open only from sunup to sundown. |
| Maunawili Demonstration Trail | Nā Ala Hele lists the length as 10 mi (16.09 km) one way. | - | The trail contours the base of the Koʻolau Range on the windward side, beginning off the Pali Highway and ending in Waimānalo. | DLNR's September 30, 2026 news release says all forestry and wildlife lands on Oʻahu are open to the public. |
| Pillbox Trail | Nā Ala Hele lists the length as 0.84 mi (1.35 km) one way. | - | The trail climbs the ridge behind Lanikai on the windward side of Oʻahu. | The trail is open only from sunup to sundown. |
For a guided paddle, Active Oahu Tours' Mokulua Islands Guided Kayak Tour runs 5 hours. Its Popoia Island & Kailua Bay Guided Kayak Tour runs 3 hours, and the full-day version runs 8.5 hours. If you prefer to paddle on your own, Active Oahu Tours' Kailua Bay & Popoia Island Self-Guided Kayaking starts from $82. Kailua Beach Adventures' Self-Guided Kayaking Discovery starts from $99 per person.
On land, the Maunawili Demonstration Trail contours the base of the Koʻolau Range, starting off the Pali Highway and ending in Waimānalo. It is 10 miles one way and gains 500 feet.
How do you get to each place, and where do you park?
Check your route before you head out. Bellows Field Beach Park's campground is at Tinker Road and Kalanianaʻole Highway in Waimānalo.
The Kaiwa Ridge and Pillbox trails both climb the ridge behind Lanikai. Nā Ala Hele lists each at 0.84 miles one way. Their listings match, so confirm which trail you are on before you start.
To reach the Maunawili Falls, start at the Pali Highway trailhead and hike about two miles on the Maunawili Trail to the connector junction. Then go down the connector about one mile to the junction and take the trail to the falls. Long-term parking is not permitted at the overlook, so hikers must be dropped off.
Parking in Lanikai gets tight on holiday weekends, so plan ahead. The City prohibits parking on unimproved shoulders along all local streets in Lanikai during three-day holiday weekends.
When are these places open, and what does it cost to go?
The Kaiwa Ridge trail is open only from sunup to sundown.
Bellows Field Beach Park is under the purview of the military and is open for public access on weekends and holidays under an agreement with the City and County of Honolulu. The City runs a permit campground there with three-day camping periods.
You'll find tour prices in the section below.
What rules and hazards should you know about?
Vehicles are not allowed to enter Bellows beach park after 8:00 PM. The City has suspended overnight camping at Bellows during turtle nesting season.
Loud audio devices are not allowed on the Kaiwa Ridge or Pillbox trails.
Hunting may be in progress on or near the Maunawili Demonstration Trail, and hunting dogs may be off leash while hunting. The portion of the Maunawili Falls Trail over private land is closed, and the portion over Forest Reserve is open.
Lifeguards are at Kailua Beach every day from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Expect no lifeguard coverage outside those hours. Ocean conditions change from day to day, so check the marine forecast before any paddle.
Which tours go to these places?
Here's how the tours compare on time and starting price.
- Active Oahu Tours' Kailua E-Bike Kau Kau Adventure, full day, runs 3 hours and starts from $219.
- Active Oahu Tours' Kailua E-bike Kau Kau Adventure, half day, runs 3 hours and starts from $189.
- Choose the WaterFall Hike & East Side Beach Park, which starts from $150 per person.
- Kailua Beach Experience starts from $89 per person.
- Kailua Beach Adventures' Day Pass runs 9 hours.
- Half-Day Beautiful Oahu East Coast Tour, which runs 8 hours, starts from $800 per group.
- Bee Talk and Honey Tasting runs 75 minutes and starts from $50.
- Ko'olau Distillery Whiskey Tour runs 1 hour.
- OENO Winery Tour & Tasting runs 1.5 hours and starts from $32 per person.
For a short stop, the 1-hour Ko'olau Distillery tour and the 1-hour Exclusive Chocolate & Wine Pairing (from $38 per person) fit well.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kailua Beach Park open at night?
No, Kailua Beach Park is closed from midnight to 4 AM.
Can you camp at Bellows?
Yes, the City runs a permit campground at Bellows Field Beach Park with three-day camping periods. Overnight camping is suspended there during turtle nesting season.
How long is the Kaiwa Ridge hike?
The Kaiwa Ridge trail is 0.84 miles one way, with a 600-foot elevation change.
Can you bring a speaker on the trail?
No, loud audio devices are not allowed on the Kaiwa Ridge trail.
