(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“So Kailua Beach Park is great for families and floaties, lovely views and nearby bathroom and shower. Lifeguard tower about in the middle.
Kalama Beach Park is further down Kalaheo and does have some pretty decent surf at certain times of the year. Boogie boards (body boards) and surf boards are allowed. Also has parking, bathrooms and showers, but no lifeguard. Growing up in Kailua I have had to be an ad hoc lifeguard many times at Kalama, if you are not a strong swimmer, or have small children, Kailua Beach Park is a much better bet.
Occasionally in the summer the red seaweed may be around, its unusual but it happens. Also sometimes during heavy winds, or for whatever reason (scientists aren't even quite sure), we do get Portuguese man'O war which have a nasty, but not lethal, sting. These are jellyfish that are blue and look small but have really long stingy tails. If you see one floating near you, give it a path to the beach and stay out of its way. Signs will be posted for this or listen to local weather forecasts on TV they will tell you. Not quite the same timing as the box jelly fish on the Waikiki side that come in about 8-11 days after the full moon, sometimes almost none, sometimes lots. Those have a nastier sting and people tend to have more allergic reactions to them. Again, read the signs. There are no box jelly fish on windward beaches.
Kailua and Kalama (all the same beach really) are great walking beaches, you can get miles in, with lots of dogs most of them off leash but well behaved. If you don't like dogs this may not be the beach you want to be hanging out on, just saying.”
KalamaKid from UNITED STATES - 24 May 2021
Kailua Beach Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 13 votes and 4 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.4(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 2.5(1: Kailua Beach is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.2(1: Kailua Beach is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Oahu. 5: the best break in Oahu). |
Difficulty Level: 1.8(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.4(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Kailua Beach can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.4(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Kailua Beach, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.8(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Kailua Beach are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.9(1: Often too crowded. 5: Kailua Beach is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 3.4(1: Getting to Kailua Beach requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 4.2(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.2(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Kailua Beach for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.3(1: Camping at Kailua Beach is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.2(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Kailua Beach is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.7(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Kailua Beach, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 2.2(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Kailua Beach where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Pay attention, this is coming from a person who has lived at the beach for 15 years. My deck is across the street from the bathroom/beach area. I can see everything. There is no surf ever. There can be big nasty waves during a storm but they are not surfable. Nobody is outside playing then anyway. The beach is perfect for the elderly, children, handicapped, weak and infirm. Calm, no rocks, perfect swimming area. There are no swells, perfect for even infants to splash. The bottom is sand and gets deeper gradually. Wonderful sand beach that opens to a beautiful park with acres of beautiful green lawn. Perfect Hawaii. It is a very popular area and crowds are usually heavy. Weekends are nearly impossible. There are no accommodations close except air B and B if you can get it. Eating is limited but there is a sandwich deli and pizza place walking close. There is much more GOOD food available driving very close or walking a little far close. Kailua Beach is a world class wind and kite surfing beach. This is the surf draw. Consistent, perfect winds. Kailua Beach is a perfect spot for a tourist to visit, beautiful Hawaii. Luv it on a daily basis.”
Denny S from UNITED STATES - 23 Aug 2018
“Lovely spot
lots to do here
having a great time”
Rob from CANADA - 18 Dec 2016
“Pretty meh surf spot... but it can be fun for beginners. One thing to mention is the occasional influx of poisonous seaweed that causes nasty itching and rashes when it slips through your board shorts. Normally only after big storms, but be cautious nevertheless, I definitely wouldn't want to experience that again.”
Jeremy from UNITED STATES - 01 Jul 2016
Nearest