Kailua Offers a Change of Pace

A breath of fresh air even by Hawaiian standards, Kailua will quietly and expertly meet your vacation needs. Just twenty minutes from the airport, this beach town is welcoming and rich with diversions but stops far short of being crowded or overwhelming; it’s the perfect balance for anyone who likes to escape from reality without giving up the modern amenities and scenic beauty of a well-rounded getaway.

Kailua Beach is considered one of Oahu’s finest, boasting white sand, gentle hazard-free slopes and perfect conditions for wind and body surfing. Lanikai Beach is a smaller spot that is so stunning it often serves as the backdrop for photo shoots, probably explaining why it can become a little crowded at times.

Kailua is located just 15 minutes from Honolulu on the other side of the Koolau Mountains, so the drive from the big city entails going through a tunnel on the Pali Highway and emerging triumphantly into the sunshine. This moment of clarity will start your vacation off on the right foot, and the momentum will surely continue until the very end. Vacation houses and beach cottages take center stage here, and will further enhance the low-key experience of venturing from the beaten path and discovering a more authentic Hawaii than most people ever do.

By now you’ve surely realized that Kailua is the place for you, so get ready to let the trade winds carry you to a better place.