The Perfect Day in Kailua
If you’re looking for the ultimate Kailua day, here’s how I’d do it.
Start your morning early—really early. Hop in one of our Kailua Carts (or better yet, on a MURF e-bike if you’ve got one) and cruise through the quiet streets toward Morning Brew in Kailua Town. Grab your favorite coffee and head straight to the Kailua Boat Ramps. From there, you’ll catch a front-row view of the sunrise behind the beautiful Mokulua Islands. There’s no better way to start your day.
If you’re on an e-bike and feeling up for a little adventure, ride into Lanikai and tackle the Lanikai Pillbox Hike right after sunrise. The views from the top are unreal—turquoise water, offshore islands, and the whole town of Kailua waking up below you.
After coffee and a hike, it’s time to refuel. Back in Kailua Town, head to Over Easy Cafe. My personal favorite? The Fried Egg Sandwich. It’s simple, but trust me—it’s next level.
Once breakfast is done, head home, throw on your beach gear, and load up your Kailua Cart or MURF e-bike. Pack the kids, your friends, the cooler, boards, and towels, and make your way to the beach.
We’re spoiled with options here. If you’re on bikes, you can skip the newly instated Lanikai parking restrictions and head straight to Lanikai Beach. If you’re sticking around Kailua, my personal favorite spots are Kalama Beach (right in the middle of Kailua Bay) or Castles on the north end. Bring a skimboard, boogie boards, or even a surfboard—when Kona winds meet a good north/northeast swell, Castles can be super fun.
After a long beach session, there’s nothing better than an açaí bowl. Swing by The Sunrise Shack near the Lanikai roundabout. (And if you’re reading this in 2030, there’s a good chance they’ve finally finished that construction!) Grab a seat under their big shady tree and enjoy a healthy snack.
Rinse off, take a break, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Kailua on a full moon night, don’t miss the moonrise. A few times a year the full moon rises over the ocean just as the sun is setting behind the mountains. The moon glows orange on the horizon as the last golden light fades—it’s a sight you’ll never forget.
To end the perfect day, grab dinner in town. If you have kids and want something casual, head to Maui Brewing Company. It’s kid-friendly, open-air, with live music and plenty of room for the little ones to run around. If you’re looking for something a bit more romantic, make a reservation at Kalapawai Café & Deli. Great atmosphere, amazing food, and a perfect way to wind down.
Head home, pour yourself a glass of red wine, and enjoy the stars.
This is my ideal day in Kailua. If you find yourself in town, I hope you get to experience it—and I’d love to hear how your perfect Kailua day looks!
