Jeff B.
Yelp
(Visited 05/19/23 FR @ 7:00pm): "One if by land, two if by sea"... I saw only one sea (or ocean to be exact) while I stood on the sands of Kailua Beach Park!
After an exploratory relaxing day spent in the Kailua part of the island, a friend and I capped it as we viewed the sunset at Kailua Beach Park. Often ranked as one of the top beaches in the U.S., it just seemed appropriate to finish our day here. On a recent trip, I'd become charmed and familiar with this beach and its surroundings, so I thought it would be a treat for my friend's first visit. Did she take to this beach with its town's namesake!?
EXPERIENCE
The word kailua in the Hawaiian language meant "two seas" or "two currents". It's so named because of the two former fishponds in the district (Kawainui and Kaʻelepulu) or the two currents that run through Kailua Bay. On a previous visit, I swam along the coastline in crystal blue turquoise water with barely a ripple of surf https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=br3pOtpQvFXPJG2fTi8FrA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw and sunbathed on the white soft sand as I read a magazine. On this calming visit to watch the sunset, a handful of people sat on the shore as they gazed out towards the horizon, a gentleman was positioning a couple of outriggers https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=9MTVh3EsNA3vHqCdVbWNFg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw and we walked along the edge of the water as it peacefully lapped at our ankles while we watched the pastel-colored sky shift its palette until there barely was none at all.
SERVICE
Specifically on this section of the beach, there were bathrooms nearby and lifeguard towers further down the beach. Generally speaking, Kailua Beach Park included areas with picnic tables, volleyball courts, restrooms, and plenty of food stands up and down its length.
PARKING (FREE)
There were plenty of stalls on their private lot (where I parked), in addition to limited parking along the main drag of Kawailoa Rd. and all surrounding side streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
We made a spot directly out front of the parking lot, the beach was clean, spacious, wide, and fairly empty with shady trees and foliage that edged the sand. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=7TCa-GY0ykKIShyR37TqLg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw I haven't seen any waves of sizable significance, this beach was perfect for light water activity (no real surf breaks or much in the way of any views if you were to snorkel). No benches, chairs, or tables, so bring your own chairs or towels to lay or sit on. Obviously, there was plenty of natural lighting with only the glowing stars left to guide you when nighttime came. There were no TVs and music except for any electronic device you brought along with you such as your mobile phone. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=8TQ5_I9BdDTPOrLFW3Nobw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Kailua Beach Park was another little piece of heaven (along with Waimanalo Beach) which I hoped would stay that way. Online research culled many articles and reviews of this beach that also alluded to what I experienced, so none of this was a secret. However, on this given weekday, I was thankful for the peacefulness and solitude. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, there was no need for funds of any kind which included my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS