What to do in Kailua, HI

Activities, attractions and tours

A couple sitting on a beach with clear blue water and small islands in the distance.
Beach vacation panoramic background romantic walk couple relaxing on Hawaii ocean summer travel destination.
A beach with clear turquoise water, a sandy shore, and several boats lined up on the right.
A coastal residential area with a clear view of the ocean and two small islands in the distance.
A coastal residential area with houses, a beach, and clear turquoise waters.

Things to do

Waikiki Trolley Pass All Line Hop-On Hop-Off

Waikiki Trolley Pass All Line Hop-On Hop-Off

฿602
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Waikiki Trolley Pass All Line Hop-On Hop-Off
Waikiki Turtle Snorkel Catamaran Sail

Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel Catamaran Sail (Turtles Guaranteed)

฿3,314
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel Catamaran Sail (Turtles Guaranteed)
Catamaran travels past buildings on Oahu

Sheraton Waikiki Catamaran Cruise (Daytime or Sunset)

฿1,674
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Sheraton Waikiki Catamaran Cruise (Daytime or Sunset)
Premium Snorkeling Cruise, Buffet, Whale & Dolphin Watch- AM, PM or Sunset

Premium Snorkeling Cruise, Buffet and Dolphin Watch- AM, PM or Sunset

฿4,950
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Premium Snorkeling Cruise, Buffet and Dolphin Watch- AM, PM or Sunset
Pearl Harbor memorial in Oahu

Pearl Harbor, Arizona & City Tour with Optional Battleship Missouri Upgrade

฿2,544
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Pearl Harbor, Arizona & City Tour with Optional Battleship Missouri Upgrade
Atlantis XIV Premium Submarine Adventure

Atlantis Undersea Submarine Adventure Waikiki

฿5,617
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Atlantis Undersea Submarine Adventure Waikiki
Waikiki Parasailing in Hawaii from Oahu

Waikiki Parasailing in Hawaii from Oahu

฿1,280
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Waikiki Parasailing in Hawaii from Oahu
See all activities in Kailua
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Kailua

Stay near popular Kailua attractions

A beach with clear turquoise water, a sandy shore, and several boats lined up on the right.

Lanikai Beach

9.2/10 (3,293 reviews)
Lanikai Beach captivates with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters framing the iconic Mokulua Islands. Arrive early for the breathtaking sunrise on this serene stretch of paradise.
See properties

Where to stay in Kailua

Find the best Kailua areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kailua
Learn more about Kailua
A coastal landscape with a town, mountains, and a clear sky.
Photo by Chihoyo Shiosaki
Open Photo by Chihoyo Shiosaki

Kalama Tract

When in Kalama Tract, you can plan a visit to Lanikai Beach and Kailua Bay Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A couple walking on a beach with two prominent mountains in the background.

Coconut Grove

While Coconut Grove isn't home to many top sights, Kailua Bay Beach and Kailua Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

A solitary tree on a grassy hill with a valley in the background.
Photo by Inna Blair
Open Photo by Inna Blair

Maunawili

Travellers like the golf courses in Maunawili, and Olomana Three Peaks Trail is a top attraction you might want to visit.

A tropical beach with clear turquoise waters, two small islands, and a dense palm tree line.

Lanikai

While Lanikai may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lanikai Beach and Lanikai Pillboxes Trailhead.

Beachside

While there might not be top attractions in Beachside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach.

Day trip destinations from Kailua

A panoramic view of a city with a prominent mountain in the background.

Honolulu

A coastal landscape with a beach, rocky coastline, and a prominent hill.

Waimanalo

Frequently asked questions

Is Kailua worth visiting?
Known for its hiking and distilleries and craft breweries, discovering cool things to do in Kailua is easy. Don't forget to add Lanikai Beach to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Kailua?
Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach are two great places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Kailua while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kailua?
Don't leave without exploring Lanikai Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Kailua.
Is three days enough to stay in Kailua?
Three days is plenty for a quick trip to Kailua — you'll hit the main sights and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you truly want to experience it all, stay for at least a week or more to check out some nearby hotspots too.
Is Kailua a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Kailua is a great place to tour on foot. Have fun wandering between Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach. Then take a stroll around Lanikai, located 3 kilometres from the centre, and Kalama Tract, which is about 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Kailua with kids?
Planning what to do in Kailua with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with little ones or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained here.
What to do in Kailua for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Kailua, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Country Club or Valley of the Temples.
Are there free things to do in Kailua?
In Kailua, Lanikai Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Kailua.