KAILUA 288 Hawaii Military Guide • Summer-Fall 2026 ly was at the helm as Kaneohe Ranch cattle grazed the Windward side. The family held an estimated 80 percent of the property in Kailua by the time World War II broke out. In 1942, Kaneohe Ranch closed, leading to the establishment of many of the Kailua residences and businesses that remain today. And after the completion of the Pali Highway in 1961, even more island residents decided to call Kailua home by dwelling in a close-knit community filled with an abundance of amenities. THINGS TO DO Kailua brims with beauty! From turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches and offshore islands to saltwater wetland marsh and waterfall hikes, this town invites you to discover one adventure after another in the great outdoors. Following a full day of action, check out a local farmers market or tap into savory food and spirits at one of Kailua’s bevy of bars. BASK IN BEACH GLORY Bordered by three miles of sandy coastline running from the edge of Mokapu Peninsula to Lanikai, Kailua is a world renowned playground for beach walking, swimming, windsurfing, kite boarding, paddling sports and picnicking. Both Kailua and Lanikai beaches are hailed as top spots for these addictive activities. Locals and visitors alike enjoy these seemingly endless sands. Kailua Beach’s threeacre public park makes it a favorite for its soft white sand, calm waters and shallow bottom. A perfect place for relaxation, the park also offers clean restroom facilities, ample parking, big shade trees and more that attract both residents and visitors. Nearby, Lanikai Beach has multiple public beach accesses. To reach Lanikai, walking is your best bet. Know that many locals enjoy strolling the bike path loop around the Lanikai neighborhood. Note that snorkeling is not always the best activity in Kailua because of after-rain water run-off from Enchanted Lake and Kawainui Canal (great places to stand-up paddle). Also, Kailua Beach is visited by “man-o-war” jellyfish – especially when it is windy. So, listen to Soak in the beautiful view from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Credit: HTA/Tor Johnson
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