Thing's to do.

So today is your first day in Kailua?   Hopefully you will have planned your vacation to stay in one of our many bed and breakfast vacation homes so you can experience first hand the warmth and hospitality of the Aloha spirit.  Many of our local resident host/hostesses can provide you with all the amenities of a hotel but without the hustle and bustle of the city.  You will feel like Ohana (family), in your Kailua Hale (house).  Waking up to the sounds of early rising birds and the trade winds rustling through the palm trees, makes you want to get out of your cozy bed and get on with the day.  Don’t be surprised if there is a little rain shower.   The rain is warm and will come and go quickly but it is always a blessing when it arrives because it washes our land clean, waters our lush foliage and soon goes on its way. 

The air is something you will notice right away. The temperature is just right, not too warm and not too cold. It fairly caresses the skin.  The gentle trade winds coming through your window bring the scent of the many tropical flowers that grow in every garden and line the streets.   Pick one to put behind your ear.  Male or female it doesn't matter, it’s the Hawaiian way.  If you are married, it goes behind the left ear, and behind the right if you are single.

You might want to take a morning walk on either Kailua Beach or on the beach at Lanikai to watch the sun rise over the Mokes,  see the sky turn pink and enjoy the refreshing sea water tickling your toes.  If you are a person who wants a morning coffee or tea, you might start at one of the fun coffee meeting places in Kailua, all of which are very close to the beach. Try Kalapawai Market to get a fresh brew.

With your appetite invigorated by your morning walk, a hearty breakfast is in order, or perhaps you will want just a quick snack.   Head over to Cinnamon's, a popular local breakfast place where the locals go for fresh eggs Benedict, pancakes with pineapple syrup, and lots of other farm fresh tasty dishes.  After breakfast, take a leisurely walk around the quaint town of Kailua, where you will find stores and markets and boutiques of all kind, big and small.   You will also find many friendly Kailuans who are always ready to give directions or share a story of their town.   Be sure to visit our Information Center where you will find free maps, literature and a volunteer to explain some of the information and give you all the inside tips.

If you are ready for some physical activity, Kailua is surrounded by some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state, and many amazing historical sites.  You might be a water sport enthusiast and want to test the famous waters of Kailua Bay for wind surfing, kayaking, snorkeling or swimming.   Fishing is good in Kailua, too.  If you are a cyclist  (link to bike store) you will find miles of bike paths in and around Kailua to provide you with up close and personal viewing of Kailua’s year round beauty.

After all the physical activity it may be time for a massage.  Kailua is the Massage capital of Hawaii and has more massage therapists per square mile than any town in the state.  Just a short walk from the visitors center is Island Massage/Windward Community Massage which offers walk in daily service with experienced massage therapists and student massages for those on a budget. Also in walking distance is the  Healing Arts College which offers outcall and massage sessions by appointment.   A must do while in Hawaii is a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi session with Lomi Lomi Hana Lima. 

What if you would prefer to relax and have a beverage and pupu (Hawaiian for appetizer)? No problem!  There are several open air restaurants to serve you, either in town or by the beach.   Or shop around the town to find ice cream, shave ice or cookies.   They’re all here!  Dinner is a special event in Kailua so when you decide which restaurant you prefer for this evening, be sure to make a reservation before you get there.

If romance is in the air, Kailua is the perfect place to get married or renew your vows.  Our beaches are popular for wedding and renewal ceremonies.  Surprise your spouse by celebrating your love in paradise!  There are lots of affordable wedding packages and a minister available who specializes in beach ceremonies. 

The beach at dusk is a unique experience in Kailua.  Many Kailuans will be there, watching the sunset and the moonrise, which is quite spectacular,  especially during the full moon phase.  As the sun goes down behind the Koolau,  very often the sky turns red, tinting the puffy clouds pink. As you walk in any direction of the 3 mile expanse of soft white sand, water lapping at your feet, you will see the moon rise and realize there is no where else on earth quite like Kailua.

Download and print 101 Free things to do in Hawaii

photo credits:  Tomas Del Amo,  (Massage photo HVCB)