Things to do in Kailua
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Top 10 attractions in Kailua
Waikīkī Beach
Waikīkī Beach is located on the south shore of Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, and is one of the iconic coastal views in Hawaii. It is formed by several connected bays, with a coastline stretching approx. 3 km, featuring fine white sand, clear and calm water, and a natural environment full of tropical charm. Coconut trees sway in the sea breeze, and the modern high-rises behind them contrast with the silhouette of Diamond Head in the distance, creating a unique urban island view. Visitors can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf, while also experiencing the charm of Honolulu's bustling city life blending with the natural coast. Here, visitors can go canoeing or take a catamaran to enjoy the coastal scenery. In the evening, some beach areas host hula performances and Hawaiian music shows, where melodious tunes intertwine with the sound of the waves, offering visitors a rich island cultural experience.Honolulu · 16.7km from Kailua
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is located on the southern coast of Oahu, Hawaii, west of downtown Honolulu. It is a natural deep-water harbor extending inland, surrounded by land on three sides with only the southern entrance facing the sea. On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese naval air force launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed here. The battleship USS Arizona sank in less than ten minutes after being hit, with over a thousand officers and crew perishing aboard, marking America's full entry into World War II. Today, the harbor area has been designated as a historical attraction, comprising four venues: the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the submarine museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. A full tour typically takes most of a day. Visits usually begin at the visitor center of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial: two exhibit halls display artifacts, photos, and footage depicting the ships, aircraft, and casualties on both sides before and after the attack. After watching the documentary, visitors take a shuttle boat to the white memorial spanning the sunken wreckage of the USS Arizona in the middle of the harbor. The bridge-shaped structure does not touch the ship's remains. Its 21 openings symbolize the 21-gun salute honoring the fallen. Through floor openings, visitors can view the rusted hull beneath the water, where oil droplets—known as "black tears"—still seep to the surface. The memorial hall at the far end bears the names of the thousand-plus crew members who went down with the ship, and the U.S. flag on the sunken mast is raised daily. This is a resting place for sailors, and visitors are expected to maintain solemn silence throughout the tour. While the USS Arizona witnessed the beginning of the Pacific War, the Battleship Missouri on Ford Island marked its end—Japan signed its surrender on its deck on September 2, 1945. Visitors can explore the deck, cabins, and bridge, with views of the white memorial across the water. The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, housed in the original hangars attacked that day, still bears visible bullet holes on its walls. The island also features memorials for the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah. Access to Ford Island requires a shuttle transfer from the visitor center. The Bowfin submarine, docked nearby, conducted multiple wartime patrols; visitors can step inside to experience life in a submariner's quarters. Practical tip: Security is strict, and regular backpacks are not allowed, so travel light.Honolulu · 25.6km from Kailua
Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park is located on the southeast side of O‘ahu and is famous for its wide, beautiful white sand beach. It is naturally tranquil, as if isolated from the world. It features half a mile of fine white sand, turquoise waters, and gentle breezes. As a hub for water sports, Kailua Beach Park welcomes visitors and locals alike for windsurfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, and parasailing. There are kayak rental shops, dive shops, and beachwear stores near the beach. It is a popular spot for family gatherings, featuring picnic areas and plenty of parking, as well as complete facilities such as restrooms, showers, and concession stands.Kailua · 1.4km from downtown
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is located in the southeast of Kailua on Oahu Island, Hawaii, USA. It is known as the "Sea of Paradise" and is famous for its fine powdery white sand and dreamy blue water. It has been rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world many times. Lanikai Beach is about 1 kilometer long, with soft and fine sand, and there is no discomfort when walking barefoot. The sea water has a unique blue-green hue and is extremely transparent. The shallow water area is suitable for family swimming. It is also a popular destination for kayaking and snorkeling. There are fewer winds and waves here, and the water temperature remains between 24-27℃ throughout the year. It is especially suitable for visiting from April to June or September to December to avoid the rainy season and peak traffic. Lanikai is loved by locals. Visitors can kayak, sunbathe or explore the coastline here to experience the tranquility and wildness of Hawaii. Although the protective breakwater has caused some beach erosion, its natural charm still attracts tourists from all over the world.Kailua · 2.7km from downtown
O‘ahu
O‘ahuis the third-largest island in the Hawaii archipelago, United States, located in the southern waters of the archipelago. It features bustling coastal cities, as well as historical sites, volcanic mountains, green valleys, and vast coastlines, all of which showcase the unique natural and cultural charm of Hawaii. The island features fine, soft sand, swaying coconut trees, and clear, blue water, creating a quintessential Hawaii vacation scene. The coastal area is home to numerous restaurants and shopping facilities, where visitors can enjoy the sun and surf during the day, and experience dining and entertainment in the city at night. After hiking to the summit along mountain trails, visitors can overlook the beautiful curved coastline and the vast scenery of the Pacific Ocean.Honolulu · 27.3km from Kailua
Halona Blow Hole
Halona Blowhole is one of eastern Oahu's most visited regular attractions. Discovered just before Sandy Beach Park, this "blowhole" is really the consequence of tidal powers dissolving the coral drift so as to make a give in where suction of ebbing waves occasionally sends a gush of water high into the air. Regardless of whether you are hovering around the Oahu on a visit, or are going to Sandy's or Makapuu Beach, take a couple of minutes to look at the show and the view from delightful Halona Blowhole.Honolulu · 14.8km from Kailua
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor was inaugurated in 1980 and sits directly above but not touching the wreck of the USS Arizona that was sunk in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The exhibition hall is about half the size of a basketball court. There is a 1:96 restoration model of the USS Arizona at the entrance and the remains and memorial model of the USS Arizona underwater. The exhibition room also displays precious items left by the USS Arizona, such as the frigates from the USS Arizona, the uniforms and trophies of the USS Arizona Sailors' American football team, etc., which were salvaged after the USS Arizona sank. There was also a character introduction session during the visit. The two characters introduced were Admiral Isaac C Kidd, the captain of the USS Arizona, and Paxton C. Kidd, a sailor at the time. Carter (Paxton Carter). They were all generals and sailors who died aboard the USS Arizona on the day of Pearl Harbor. The ruins of the shipwreck are still lying quietly in their original position, and there are still docks where other warships once docked on both sides of it. Each dock is marked with the name of the ship that docked at that time and the US Navy number. Visible Nevada (BB36), Westerle (AR4), Tennessee (BB43) and so on. The site memorial was built in the form of a command bridge across the sea from the middle of the wreck. The memorial is divided into three parts, the entrance, the shipwreck exhibition hall and the Memorial to the fallen. The entire memorial is a white building, with dignified writing above the gate at the entrance: USSARIZONAMEMORIAL is located in the hall on the back side, which is a monument to the fallen soldiers.Honolulu · 21km from Kailua
King Kamehameha I Statue
Of the fifty states in the United States, only Hawaii has ever been ruled by a king. Therefore, it is only natural that the bronze statue of King Kamehameha has become a must-see attraction for tourists who come to Hawaii. Every June, Hawaiians celebrate "King Kamehameha Day". The number of flower garlands presented on the bronze statue of King Kamehameha becomes a scene, and some garlands are as long as 5.5 meters.Honolulu · 16.4km from Kailua
Mokoliʻi
Straw Hat Island is an independent island close to the Gualani Ranch. It is named because of its shape very similar to the straw hats of ancient Chinese people. Straw Hat Island, also known as Dou Li Island, is a bird sanctuary, so it can only be seen from a distance, not close. Many people come here to appreciate it from a distance on the beach on the opposite side of it. Because of the clear waters and calm waters in this area, it is also suitable for swimming and snorkeling. It should be noted, however, that there are no official showers here. Also, you can see a lot of people surfing in this area.Honolulu · 15.1km from Kailua
Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a standout amongst the most available and compensating climbs that can be found in Honolulu. Only a short ride north from Waikiki into the beautiful Manoa Valley, there is parking accessible for a little charge, yet other than that, you will end up in an especially lavish and remote wilderness territory. Crawling vines and energetically shaded Hawaiian vegetation, including scrumptious cherry guavas, can be seen from this simple to oversee trail. Things can get somewhat chaotic after substantial downpours, yet a couple of better than average shoes should forestall much slipping. The trail continues through the wilderness along a stream for somewhat less than a mile, and after that it closes at the excellent falls. Water falls more than fifty feet into a reasonable pool that you are invited to hop in to chill. On the off chance that you are intrigued, consider backtracking to exactly where the falls is perceptible from the trail, and you will discover the trail proceeds up the mountain further. Traveling along these lines will take you to the Pa'oa Flats, giving a stunning perspective however it is significantly more strenuous regarding climbing. Manoa falls is effortlessly the most broadly visited trail/cascade combo in Hawaii, and ought not be missed while in Oahu.Honolulu · 9.1km from Kailua
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Free things to do in Kailua
Waikīkī Beach
Honolulu · 16.7km from KailuaPearl Harbor
Honolulu · 25.6km from KailuaKailua Beach Park
Kailua · 1.4km from downtownLanikai Beach
Kailua · 2.7km from downtownO‘ahu
Honolulu · 27.3km from KailuaHalona Blow Hole
Honolulu · 14.8km from KailuaPearl Harbor National Memorial
Honolulu · 21km from KailuaKing Kamehameha I Statue
Honolulu · 16.4km from KailuaMokoliʻi
Honolulu · 15.1km from KailuaManoa Falls
Honolulu · 9.1km from Kailua
What travellers say about Kailua
AiMeiLi10 June 2026
5.0
Pure Energy & Tropical Beauty – Waikiki Beach, Oʻahu 🌊🌴 (10/10)Yes, Waikiki Beach is crowded. Very crowded. But here’s the thing—it’s crowded for a reason. Because it might just be the best beach on the entire island.Let’s start with the water. The color is that unreal shade of turquoise you only see in postcards. The waves are gentle enough for beginners but fun enough to surf, swim, or just play in. Whether you want to snorkel, ride a longboard, or simply float on your back and stare at the sky, Waikiki delivers.And the view? Diamond Head rising in the background is absolutely iconic. You can lie on the warm sand, soak up the sun, and feel like you’re in a movie. The whole atmosphere is lively, energetic, and full of aloha spirit. Families, couples, solo travelers—everyone is smiling.Yes, you’ll share the space with lots of people. But somehow that energy adds to the magic. It’s not a quiet hidden cove—it’s a vibrant, joyful celebration of beach life.Final verdict: 10/10. If you want solitude, look elsewhere. But if you want the most fun, most beautiful, most alive beach experience on Oʻahu? Waikiki is it. Don't miss it. 🏄♂️☀️🌊
Waikīkī Beach
初Chu3 September 2026
5.0
Japan killed 2,403 Americans during the Pearl Harbor attack and 35,000,000 Chinese during the world war 2. Seeing the USS Arizona Memorial and crying Chinese baby lost parents is hard. The site kept and explained the history well. I highly recommend everyone who like learning about history and love peace to visit. I feel this is the most important site to visit in Honolulu. 珍珠港
Pearl Harbor
wwwhisper15 August 2022
5.0
Don't forget Ohhu Kailua Night Farmers Market after swimming Kailua Beach Park.This farmers market open during 3 hours on only Thursday 4pm. So you can have a fun time with small dinner.
Kailua Beach Park
WB20215 March 2022
5.0
Beautiful beach with turquoise waters. The beach isn't very touristy as it isn't in the normal touristy areas so it is calmer! Definitely a feel of paradise.
Lanikai Beach
非你不渴16 January 2021
5.0
Every shot is a beautiful sight, very pleasing to the eye. The largest island in Hawaii is Oahu, the most prosperous and youthful, known as a surfer's paradise. Pearl Harbor is the beautiful pain of this island.
O‘ahu
小思文16 April 2020
4.0
The Fountain Cave is also a very suitable attraction to visit here. The naturally formed cave content has the characteristics of eruption due to the pressure of sea water. The Fountain Cave is also a scenery worth appreciating here, with an irregular eruption moment.
Halona Blow Hole
WanderinAussie22 August 2022
4.0
A must see for all who visit Hawaii and appreciate history. It was a very humbling experience to visit a place I had only ever heard about in text books before.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
为爱痴狂qq1 May 2021
5.0
The bronze statue of King Hameha is also the first time I have seen this country. It is not too big, but the various things of the singers are really unique. The scenery is very beautiful, and there are many interesting games. As a tourist attraction, the cost performance is very high.
King Kamehameha I Statue
素素772 May 2020
5.0
Straw Hat Island is located opposite Kualoa Ranch on Oahu Island. There are many best viewpoints from the heights of Kualoa Ranch to overlook or look out over Straw Hat Island. The shape of Straw Hat Island is very unique and it is a must-see for many Chinese tourists.
Mokoliʻi
New_York_Gossip27 July 2022
5.0
Walking along the Manoa Falls hiking trail, the beautiful jungle scenery along the way gives people a feeling of being in another world. Many movies and TV series have been filmed here, such as "Jurassic Park", "Aquaman", and the TV series "Lost". The trail is mainly gravel, which will be slippery when it rains, so you need to pay attention to safety. It was not the rainy season when we came, so the amount of water in the waterfall was not large.
Manoa Falls
