Kailua

Kailua is a residential town on the Windward Coast of the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and is part of the City and County of Honolulu. Located northeast of downtown Honolulu, it sits along the shore near Kaneohe Bay and is known for its white-sand beaches, particularly Kailua Beach Park and the adjacent Lanikai Beach, which attract swimmers, kayakers, and surfers.

The community blends long-time residents with newer arrivals and features a compact commercial district along Kailua Road with shops, restaurants, and services. Education is provided by Kailua Elementary and Kailua High School, with nearby Lanikai Elementary and Windward Community College serving the broader Windward community.

Historically, Kailua was settled by Native Hawaiians and later developed as a residential area during the 20th century. The beaches are public, and the area remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including boating, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing, contributing to a local economy oriented around tourism and services.

There are other places named Kailua in Hawaii, most notably Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii, which is a separate community on the island’s western coast.