The Best Beaches in Kailua Town:
Nestled on the windward side of Oahu, Kailua Town is a small beach community with a laid-back vibe and a serious love for the ocean. With miles of pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and plenty of room to roam, Kailua’s coastline offers something for every kind of beachgoer—whether you're chasing waves, packing a cooler for a family day, or looking for that quiet spot to sneak in some quality time.
Here’s your local guide to the best beaches in Kailua Town, each with its own personality:
1. Castles – For the Surfers
By No means is Castles a great wave, however if you're wave starved and in need of catching a few, its a good possibility Castles will provide that itch for you. Due to the consistent year round trade winds the East Side of Oahu recieves, this beach pretty much always has something to ride. A great wave for beginners due to the lack of power, and the slow rolling nature of the wave. On the rare "Kona Wind" days, with the proper swell direction Castles can turn on and get very fun! Bust out a longboard and give it a go!
2. Greenwalls – For the Laid-Back Loungers
If your idea of a beach day includes a book, some shade, and the soothing sound of waves, Greenwalls is your spot. Tucked away with a little more privacy than the main stretch of Kailua Beach, Greenwalls offers a peaceful place to kick back and take it all in. The name comes from the distinctive sea wall along the beachfront homes, and while parking is limited, the serenity makes up for the effort to get there.
3. Cash Beach – For a Romantic Hidden Gem
Locals call it Cash Beach, and while it’s not on any official map, it’s one of the best-kept secrets for a quiet date afternoon. Located between the more trafficked parts of Kailua and Lanikai, this little nook of sand is ideal for a laid-back picnic, sun-soaked lounging, or a stroll hand-in-hand down the shoreline. It’s calm, quiet, and just secluded enough to feel like you’ve stumbled on your own private slice of paradise.
4. Boat Ramps – For Family Days and Flat Island Adventures
If you’ve got kids in tow or you’re itching for a quick paddle, Boat Ramps is your launch point. With easy parking, access to bathrooms, and calmer waters near shore, it’s a great place to bring the whole family. It’s also the best spot to launch your kayak or paddleboard if you’re planning a trip out to Flat Island (Popoia Island), a tiny seabird sanctuary that makes for a fun and easy adventure just offshore.
5. Kalamas – For Boogie Boarders
When the trades are up and the shorebreak is pumping, Kalama Beach is the boogie boarder’s playground. Just a short walk from Kailua Town, Kalamas (as locals call it) offers consistent waves and a wide sandy beach that’s perfect for all-day action. Whether you're catching your first wave or showing off some spins, this is the go-to spot for bodyboarding and sandy fun.
Honorable Mention: The Mokulua Islands – For the Adventurous Spirit
If you’re up for a true Kailua adventure, the Mokulua Islands (a.k.a. “The Mokes”) are calling. Visible from nearly every stretch of Kailua Bay, these twin islets are a magnet for kayakers and ocean lovers. The larger island, Moku Nui, is open to the public and makes a perfect destination for a half-day paddle. Once there, you can explore tide pools, snorkel around the reefs, or just soak up the view—it’s raw, wild Hawaii at its finest.
Final Thoughts
Kailua isn’t just about one perfect beach—it’s a whole collection of them, each offering a slightly different vibe and adventure. Whether you’re catching a wave, launching into an island paddle, or just taking a nap under the ironwoods, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the beaches of Kailua Town.
Pack your reef-safe sunscreen, grab your board (or your book), and find your spot on the sand. Kailua’s waiting.
