Kailua Beach Park

I was here for the sunset, if you stand on the bridge right in front of the beach at this time of year the sun goes down right between the two mountains to the west. It was absolutely magical. The beach is really nice with public facilities and a shower station to rinse the sand off.

absolutely breathtaking one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever visited. The sand is soft and powdery, the water is a stunning turquoise, and the waves are gentle enough for swimming, kayaking, or just floating around. It feels less crowded and more relaxed compared to Waikiki, making it perfect for families, couples, or anyone who just wants to enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty in peace. The park itself is well-kept with plenty of space, shaded picnic areas, and facilities that make it easy to spend the whole day here. Kayaking out to the Mokulua Islands is a must if you’re up for an adventure, and the views from the shore are just as incredible. Highly recommend making this a stop on your Oahu trip!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely stunning beach! Soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and breathtaking mountain views. Perfect for swimming, walking, or just relaxing under the sun. Family-friendly with calm waves and plenty of space. One of the best beaches in Hawaii!

We enjoyed this park, we visited some other attractions in the area and it was a great place to spend the afternoon. Not a lot of natural shade but there are some trees down the beach. Sand is very soft, Caribbean type, great for walking around the bay, however, when the wind was picking up, the sand was all over the place. Great place for families with kids or older people, waves were fun without being dangerous. Facilities are outdated but working. We didn't see any lifesaving staff around. Close to restaurants and convenience stores.

We visited Kailua Beach Park on a Wednesday afternoon. Even though it wasn’t a weekend or holiday, both parking lots were completely full. After driving around for a bit, we luckily found a spot near Buzz’s Original Steak House across the street. Parking here is definitely more challenging than some reviews suggest. The beach itself is gorgeous — super soft white sand and clear blue water. We even spotted a sea turtle! Honestly, while it’s beautiful, it didn’t completely blow me away compared to some other beaches in Oahu. The shallow bay and protection of Popoia Island provide calm waters, great if you have small children not used to the surfing waves of most beaches. Watching people kayaking and sailing turned out to be part of the fun. With the picnic grounds, public restrooms and showers the park is great for a full day outing. One of my favorite parts was the small stretch of rocky shoreline at the southeastern end of the beach, near the Lanikai Monument. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for photos. From there, you can enjoy sweeping views of Kailua Beach, the nearby Lanikai Beach, and the beautiful offshore islands, Moku Nui and Moku Iki.

Great place to swim, walk the beach and enjoy the scenery. It is easy to find parking b/c there are so many parts to park at. Bathrooms and showers available. The pavilions are great for hosting parties.

Went Kayaking for the first time in my life out to the flat Island. Then ontoa secluded beach whose name escapes me. Our friends went to the Mokes. Pictures were few as we were in the water either kayaking or snorkeling. Worth the trip.

Wonderful soft sand feels great under your feet. The beach isn't very deep and is beginning to erode and expose the roots around the trees that outline the shoreline. When you wait into the water it drops off fairly quickly but then it's only up to your waist. There's not a lot here for waves as it is pretty well protected by the reef outside. Plenty of kite sailors here. It's fun watching their multicolored sails. Depending upon what time you get there will determine how much parking there is. Sometimes it's a little tough to find.

This is my favorite beach on Oahu. The sand is soft and clean. The views are spectacular. There is ample parking and good restrooms near the parking lot.

This beach is nice because there's a parking lot and although we came on a busy weekend, we were still able to find parking. Waters are calm and clean. I highly recommend this beach if the other ones nearby are hard to find parking for.

This is a beautiful beach with fine sand and turquoise water.  Over the years the shore has eroded a lot, but it's still a great beach to go to. There's shade and grass if you prefer to be a little set back from the water. Parking is much easier than at Lanikai. There are public restrooms and showers too.     If you have the opportunity to stay in one of the houses on the beach, you'll have a great time! The beach is great and the town is so close with everything you'd need.

One of the most beautiful beaches EVER! This was our second visit to Kailua Beach, and we just love it so much. Besides the perfect soft, sandy beach with the most crystal blue water, there are cute turtles that swim past you too! Now if that isn't pure happiness, I don't know what is. Please note though, there is only bathroom facilities and nothing else. No beach rentals at the actual beach park, no food, and the parking situation is minimal. There are lifeguards though. We arrived about 1ish on a Friday afternoon, and the beach was crowded, but not packed.

It's been a year since I've been here but this definitely one of my favorite beaches. Shady! Restrooms nearby and there's a free parking lot. It gets busy. Not super crowded. Beach is clean.

I've come to this beach twice already. The first time I took a nap overlooking the beach and it was just such a pleasant night. The sand was powdery and white and soft to the touch. The second time around was at seven in the morning when I went to go swim with my partner it was so perfect. We were all by ourselves. It's so nice to find places in Hawaii that is not as jampacked with people. This is one of my favorite beaches so far. Third time's the charm where I went to go swim with my family who came to visit from Texas. We had the best time swimming here and just enjoying the waves!

Great alternative to my favorite beach Lanikai. When parking is tough at Lanikai this is the best alternative. You still get turquoise clear waters, soft sand and chill aloha vibes. They have a large parking lot although it does get busy during peak days and times. They have restrooms and showers too. If you would prefer to relax without hitting the sand there is a grassy area with tables and palm trees with views of the beach. I saw that they have canoeing there although we didn't try but it looked like they rent.

Kailua Beach and Park is an amazingly beautiful beach off the beaten path. The sand is white and clean and the water is a beautiful shade of turquoise. There are reefs to snorkel and the water is relatively shallow. Several small islands are visible from the beach. Spectacular views of the Hawaiian mountains face inland. I sat on the beach with my family for a long peaceful visit. The beach is long so it is not crowded. The sand is perfect for kids to play. A lifeguard is in duty. Palm tree covered grassy area is available for picnicking or playing ball. There are restroom facilities (but bring your own soap and towel) and shower stations. There is plenty of parking including handicap parking and sidewalks that lead to the beach. Kayaks are available for renting, but we did not try. Bring beach blanket, beach chairs, water, sunscreen, hat, and sand toys.

Fave beach on the island is Lanikai, but given how small it is and how limited the parking is (due to parking not being allowed in the neighborhood), Kailua Beach Park is probably a close second! I've been here a few times over the years and always enjoy it. It can get crowded on weekends but we were able to find parking not too far away. Week days are less crowded as expected. Even when there are a lot of people, it doesn't feel overly crowded since the beach area is fairly long. White, super soft sand and fairly calm waves (in my experience)... all in all, a gorgeous place to relax and enjoy the views. :)

First beach I got to see in Hawaii! Sadly, it really wasn't as impressive as nearly all other beaches I got to see. The beach wasn't clean, people were loud, and there were definitely some druggies passed out in the grassy area between the parking and the beach. I was glad I was wearing gym shoes because that is not the kind of beach you would want to be walking around barefoot. Also, while the beach looked empty, parking was not. It was difficult to find a spot and we almost gave up. Probably should have knowing what we know now.

What a beautiful beach and it's great watching the water sports going on. Beautiful, soft sand. Shade and sun readily available. Bathrooms available and right on the bus route.

Beautiful beach and beach park. Easy parking options. Scenic views. Always pleasant weather.

So amazing when the wind is up & the windsurfers are out. Beach sand can be a bit abrasive on your legs from being whipped around, but the show is worth it. Check out how much air this one guy got!!

Kailua Beach Park was a great stop! The bathrooms are clean and there are outdoor showers to use and rinse off. Parking was a struggle to find but once you're settled at a spot on the beach, it didn't seem too crowded.

One of our favorite beaches. Unfortunately came 30 mins before it started raining, parking is always easy, there's showers where you can rinse off and toilets. It's about 30 mins from Waikiki and can take you an hour during rush hour so plan accordingly.

One of the white sands, less crowded, mild waves, restroom accommodating beach parks I've visited on Oahu, and I'm a local. I can bask under the sun on a beach chair or float in the water with little care of being harassed by vendors or other patrons. A nice day at the beach & getting my vitamin D!

Spent a day here. I think I've been here many times. Grew up on Oahu and now living on the mainland. I visit now and then to see family and friends. I finally had the chance to have my boyfriend love this beach. He loves fishing by the rocks. He caught a lot of those rainbow parrot fishes but released them anyway. He just loves to look at fishes up close then let them go. He is a fisherman and does it on a regular basis. Not an amateur. So I can say it's one of his favorite spots to go fishing if you are thinking of shoreline fishing. I stay under a tree and watch him do his thing. It is a full beach and lots of people on weekends. The waves are pretty average. I think it's a kid friendly beach. Waves are not too crazy for children but it is advisable that you keep a close eye on your children. It's a wonderful place for picnics and a get together with family.

My favorite beach on Oahu, this park has it all! Clean turquoise blue waters, large white sand beach, breathtaking views, free parking, and even a convenient boat launch. There are a few picnic tables too. I could spend an entire week here and not be bored. I didn't use the restroom here but saw one onsite.

Kailua beach was super pretty with blue turquoise waters, nice waves and shade. It wasn't too crowded but there were lots of people enjoying the water. The parking lot has a good amount of spaces and it's free. There's also bathrooms available.

(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

Ample parking, soft white sand, and amazing views. This has to be my favorite beach on the island aside from the many tourist.

If you're looking for a kid friendly beach on Oahu, Kailua Beach is the one for you! Gorgeous white sand, clear water, and enough space to spread out. Decent sized parking lot was a huge bonus! We arrived a little after 9 am on a Wednesday and we had front row parking! By the time we left (11:45 am) the lot was full and quite a few cars were driving in circles looking for parking so come early to avoid the wait! Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks and post up for the day! You won't regret it!

This place is only 20 min. from Waikiki but is so much nicer and less crowded than Waikiki beach. Waikiki is truly tourist hell and is super crowded with umbrellas, cabanas and wall to wall people. There is no decent scenery other than the people. Even hard to see a tree or anything other than a hotel or the water. After a short and beautiful drive through the hills, we easily found parking in a public lot. They offer the outdoor shower to get sand off your body as well as restrooms. Nice scenery, tons of kite surfers and wind surfers and a lovely beach to swim and get your tan on. Not too crowded either.

This beach was voted the best beach in United States and the secret finally got out. if you're willing to rent a car and are staying over on the Honolulu side or on North Shore it is worth it to take a day trip here The sound is like powdered sugar in your toes and it's even softer when you're in the ocean. I didn't even think that was possible.

I recently visited Kailua Beach Park and I usually don't like coming to this beach but I was playing tour guide on this side of the island so we stopped by. One of the biggest perks of this beach is that there is a lot of parking available, which made it easy to find a spot for my car. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking - the turquoise blue water and the lush green mountains in the background are stunning. The biggest downside I experienced was that the sand was too fine, which made it a bit difficult to walk around without sinking in. Good luck eating anything without getting a nice sprinkle of sand with every bite. I'm a bit of a "sand snob" and Kailua Beach Park has some of my least favorite sand on the island. There are bathroom and outdoor shower facilities but I definitely wouldn't recommend the bathroom unless absolutely necessary. "Portuguese man of war" jellyfish are common here- especially within 8 days of a full moon. If you're coming here within that time frame, just be sure to keep an eye out for those blue guys floating around and being washed up on shore. Overall, I would highly recommend Kailua Beach Park to anyone looking for a beautiful and convenient beach to visit. With plenty of parking and amazing views, it's definitely worth a visit.

Great beach, clean with super smooth small grain sand. Beautiful clear calm turquoise water. Wondering place for the kids or just ti spend the day. Picnic benches available just before you enter the beach. The birds can be problematic, they'll come right up onto the table and grab your food if you don't pay attention. Parking is limited but we got there early so we didn't have a problem. The bathrooms could be a little better.

In my humble opinion, this is the best beach in Oahu. The smooth white sand stretches out into the ocean. When you're dipping your feet into the water, you don't have to worry about stepping on rocks or algae. There is plenty of shade with coverage from the large trees. The water is overall clear and shallow. It's a very picturesque beach. Pro tip: The color of the ocean looks better through sunglasses. It's a great place to take your family. I saw people building sand castles and playing catch in the water. Out in the distance, there are people kayaking and kitesurfing. Be sure to check out the sand bar, which is an opportunity to stand deeper into the ocean where the water will be around waist level. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks. They do not have food vendors around, so you want to be prepared. There's also a rinse off station right next to the restroom. Parking can be tough, especially on the weekend. Arriving early to the beat the crowd might be the best option.

Such a pretty beachw ot plenty of parking. This is on. The east side of the Oahu island and it was perfect for the kids dog friendly, cute market down the way for snacks, and plenty of space for the kids to run and play. The waves were light but the wind picks up pretty bad. I would def come back here for the kids to play. We had hours and hrs of fun!

If you are looking for a beach that is more on the calmer side and not looking to catch a pipeline wave, then this is the perfect spot. The sand is soft and there is plenty of beach to find a spot to nestle in. Parking might be as challenge and you just might have to use some patience but it will be well worth it. There are also bathrooms and a water spicket. There was also a lifeguard on duty when we went. The town is nearby to grab some lunch first and take it to the beach.

A beautiful overcast day at Kailua Beach. Lot's of parking but can be challenging at times. We got lucky and got beach front parking. Beach goers always flocking down there first chance they get. It is rated the most beautiful beach in the world. We were just taking in the scenery and getting sand between our toes. Watching talented skilled wind surfers and other sport activities was so breathe taking.

Love to swim at this beach more than almost anything in the world! Difficult to even get out of the perfect crystal blue warm waters. Living here is paradise!

Stunning beach with emerald waters. White sandy beach and you have to walk through a park to get here. But definitely worth the drive and walk. No food or drinks for sale near by so make sure you bring your cooler full of water, drinks and snack. No life guards at all so swim at your own risk.

Prior to this, I've only been to Kailua Beach once and it was after a strenuous kayak ride to the Mokulua islands. That time, we only stayed there for a short while because we had to bring the kayaks back. This time around, I got to enjoy more tine there. Whenever I visit my sister (who lives on Oahu), she always takes us to Lanikai beach, as her preferred beach of choice. But since Covid, she has said that all the street parking in that area is no more and that's when she started going to Kailua beach. The sand is equally as soft, and waves are just as gentle. It's great for swimming since there are no rocks/coral. There is a free parking lot but you need to get there before 8. We went on a Sunday just after 8 and the lot was already pretty much full. While I do love Lanikai for the views, Kailua is much more convenient because of the lot. Plus they have bathroom facilities. Shout out to my sister for introducing me to this great find!

Definitely one of my favorites. If staying in Waikiki you can get here by car or by moped. We trekked out way here by moped. Beautiful beach close to town. Get some food and snacks in town and come here to sit and eat and enjoy the beautiful waters. Only downside is hard to find parking in their lot and sometimes the beach is littered with tree branches, rocks and seaweed, so it's not as clean or nicely groomed. Otherwise, it's still very beautiful and mellow.

This is a great beach with tables and restrooms. The sand is fairly fine and enjoyable to walk on barefoot. This is a great spots to bring the family. Just be sure to get here early so you can find a parking spot on nice days.

Cyndy's Bottom Line: The most beautiful beach on Oahu Kailua beach is so picturesque! Soft white sand and the clean blue ocean.

This beach was recommended by the bartender at our hotel and I'm so happy she did. The drive from Waikiki was about half an hour but totally worth it. They do have a free parking lot and if its full just wait people are in and out often. This beach is beautiful and a nice mix of locals and tourist like myself. The water was nice, calm and the most beautiful blue. Now the sand was golden and super soft. They don't sell food or drinks at this beach but you can either bring your own or just cross the street to Buzz Steakhouse. If you come to Oahu I will recommend you come here for a relaxing beach day.

Had to say no to this beach park because I don't smoke crystal meth and most of the people who visit this beach park are they're buying meth or selling it or they're just families having a fun time with their kids so you mix all that together and if you're not bringing your kids and having a fun time then you're probably one of the other two categories I wouldn't recommend it anyway broken into almost guaranteed.

Great beach for families and Keiki nice and clean, not too many people when we went. There's also a lifeguard station.

Beautiful beach. Easy to get to. Easy to park. Short walk to actual beach. Picnic tables scattered between the parking lot and the beach for those who want to eat. Trees also in certain areas if you're looking for a little shade while reading a book.

I love this beach. I know, I know... it's THE beach... but personally speaking, this beach makes me feel just a little more normal. Due to a nerve condition, I no longer have the ability to walk without assistance. I use an all terrain scooter to go to the beach. I can't swim, as I can't trust my legs to cooperate in chilly water (below 80°). But here... when the weather is clear and the winds are on the calmer side, I can float on my back as if I were relaxing in a heated swimming pool, with the most perfect backdrop. This is my happy place.

I come here often to do my exercise. Either walking on the sand or riding in the area on my bicycle. Walking on the sand is great exercise. The sand is soft and a round trip is about 5 miles. Since there are very few tourists now, there are a lot of parking and not too many people on the beach. Of course, I go on weekdays. Weekends may be busier. I drive my car to Kailua to bicycle. Kailua is a bike friendly town with many bicycle lanes. You can bike on level ground or attack the hills at Lanikai and Enchanted Lakes. Still have to be cautious but drivers in Kailua are more aware of cyclist than in other areas on the island. Just a great place to exercise and enjoy the beautiful beach.

Parking is abundant, Long Beach but very narrow, blue water, white sandy beach. Came on a very windy day unfortunately, water was warm in November still, bathrooms too, more accessible then Lanakai, couldn't find parking there

My Happy Place!!! This is one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu and I visit several times whenever I am on the island. Kailua Beach is consistently rated one of the top 10 beaches in the World, sometimes it even comes in as number 1, and it's easy to see why. The soft white sand beach is quite large and that is not always the case in Hawaii. This means that even when it's crowded, you are not on top of other people, you can have your own space. The view of the surrounding lush green landscape against the azure blue water and white sand is breathtaking! The waves are usually gentle so swimming is super easy. I love walking the beach, enjoying views of the Mokes, the kayakers, and people watching. In addition to the beauty, since it's a state park it has all the conveniences one needs if spending several hours there. They have free parking (the lot does get crowded depending on day and time of year), clean well maintained bathrooms, showers, and grassy shaded areas under the trees. There is even a pedestrian path for walking, jogging or riding a bike. The ocean water is refreshing, not too cold or arm, and clear. I always bring a floaty chair and just chill out in the water, taking in the beauty all around me. It's the perfect place to spend the day, a few hours, or to take your daily walk. It's paradise!

Definitely a place I never really visit much more so I'm not much a swimmer, nevertheless it's always breathtakingly beautiful! Super fine sand stretched out forever the water is so calming and relaxing even with my boot I'm still able to enjoy the view from this bench without feeling left out at all. I miss walking along the beach and can't wait to do it again, we're so blessed to have this year round I can see myself being back here to take care of my mental health. Thank you!!

Beautiful such a great experience the views are amazing Love love Great place to chill as well

Fresh air, amazing scenery, clean water... According to an article published by Fox News on 5-23-19, Stephen Leatherman, also known as "Dr. Beach", ranked Kailua Beach as the #1 Beach in the World. Wow! Hawaii residents know that President Obama likes to vacation at this beach! We can see why! Kailua Beach has all of the elements of a perfect beach. There's free parking, picnic tables and benches, showers, restrooms, etc. You'll see all kinds of ocean sports including paddle boarding, swimming, boogie boarding, and even canoeing! The off-white sand is soft and fine. The trade winds are cool and refreshing. The clear water has shades of turquoise, teal, and azure hues. It's not crowded because the tourists and residents of Honolulu don't want to drive across the island of Oahu to the windward side. If you don't go around the mountain, you'll drive through the tunnels. Haha! Otherwise, Kailua Beach truly is beautiful, tranquil, and what Hawaii is best known for!

Soft white sand between your toes. Warm turquoise waters. Picture perfect. Ocean breeze. Grassy park. Bathrooms. Showers. Bike/Run/Walking path. Dogs allowed. Free parking. What's not to love about this beach park??!! It's the Best Beach in America, as voted in several surveys over the years. When it's windy (yep, it can get super windy due to the steady tradewinds) Kailua Beach is popular for windsurfing and kite boarding! But, more often you'll see kayakers and SUP. There are three parking lots. One off of Kailua Rd, and Kawailoa Rd, or Alala Rd, toward Lanikai. If you aren't so lucky finding a space in one of those paved lots, there's the dirt lot along the canal or even off of the grassy area alongside the park. The waves can get high and crash pretty hard at the shore sometimes, so be sure to watch your keiki especially if they set up their sand castles too close. The other day I spotted the "Kailua Birdman." Yes, his hat actually says that. A flock of pigeons will hang out around him (obviously because he's feeding them), but seems like they're trained to follow and land on his shoulders/arms, too. Pretty cool and gross at the same time. But, in case you get the heebie jeebies about things like that, just beware! On holiday weekends, Lanikai doesn't allow public parking in the neighborhood so beach goers and pillbox hikers will park at Kailua Beach. So, my best advice if planning a visit to Kailua Beach is to get there early, go during the week, or be patient. Aloha! \nm/

We love this beach. Not to crowded and just simply gorgeous. Waves were big enough for the kids but not too big where they couldn't go in. Sand is soft Beach is clean. Parking maybe be the only issue but you'll find one. Definitely skipping out on Waikiki beaches and coming here.