Visiting Kailua Town?
This small town on the East side of the island of Oahu is a must stop for visitors. Spend the day here, enjoy the beach, the small town feel, and don't miss the restaurants and terrific shops.
Here is our Kailua Town Day Trip Itinerary.
Arrive early! Kailua is a sunrise community. The sun rises in the east and so do there residents here. Be a true local and go for an early morning beach walk on Castle's beach. Any beach path on Kalaheo Avenue will do. Find a parking space, find a beach path, and head toward the water. When you hit the beach, turn left and walk to the rock at the end. No special meaning here, but it's the morning local walk, and when you turn around, you will be glad you went left! Turn around and walk back to where you started or continue a bit further and turn back at your leisure.
Ready for Breakfast?
Grab a bite at one of our favorite morning locations.
- Lanikai Juice for a smoothie or acai bowl
- Over Easy for a full breakfast, Hawaiian style
Next, Let's Hit The Beach.
Drive over to Kailua beach park or the Lanikai Boat ramp. Find a parking spot, and hit the beach. We like Kailua beach for a it's quick walk and stunning water. If you are bit more adventurous, walk over to Lanikai beach, you'll be rewarded with a great view of the Mokulua Islands.
Sunned Out?
When you're ready for a break from the sun and the sand, walk across the street to Buzz's. Grab a drink and pupu's or a full lunch. Be sure to order their calamari steak appetizer and we love their Teriyaki Steak Salad. Not too heavy and the steak is grilled over Kiawe wood giving it incredible flavor.
Hit the Town!
Head back to your car and now it's time to hit the town! Kailua town that is!
Kailua town has a had a few "center's" over the years. There are tons of cute shops, and hidden finds about.
The most obvious is the main drag on Kailua Road. Here, boutique shops and some big box stores bring together the main part of the downtown. A good stop to have a look, but be sure not the miss Kailua's newest and trendiest street.
Off the Beaten Path Kailua
A quick walk over from Kailua Road, you will find the intersection of Kihapai and Uluniu Street. This stretch of road, intersected by Oneawa Avenue is filled with hidden gems. Starting at Olive Boutique and stretching to Bottleheads Wine Shop, there are so many things to see.
Starting at Oliver Men's Boutique, you'll pass by Cafe Kopi, Olive, and Chadlou's Coffee Roasters for some local grind. Keep going to find the Beet Box Cafe for vegan fare followed by the best steak plate on the island at Oneawa Market's Steak Rave counter.
Kihapai Street hits the Oneawa main drag and changes to become Uluniu. Cross Oneawa and find Live Beautiful Home, a stunning home and lifestyle store.
Down a bit further you will find the Kailua Seasoning Company, a must stop for authentic Hawaiian salts and seasonings. Perfect for gifts and souvenirs to bring back home and to keep for yourself!
Just beyond, you will find the Sunset Cafe for a quick snack, followed by Manoa Chocolate Factory and the Kailua Square shops.
Finish off at Bottleheads for the best and most unique wine collection in Kailua for a little happy hour. You deserve it.
Looking for Dinner?
Leave Bottleheads and turn toward Kalapawai Market. It's a quick seven minute walk. The food is incredible and you will probably find yourself near your car.