Top 22 things to do and attractions in Kailua

We visited this palace on a Friday in early March and had no crowd problem. It was a very interesting look at how the Royal family lived. The museum was very well done and you could walk around the whole grounds. It took us about 2 hours to see and read everything. Very nice.

We had an amazing experience here, we booked the docent guided tour for about 20 bucks and it was absolutely worth it. Our tour guide had so much knowledge, down to the lineage and relationships of every member of the royal family whose portraits are on the upstairs walls which was very interesting. The tour was just over an hour, and we learned so many things. The upstairs room that houses the dresses shows what incredible style the royal family had. We would absolutely recommend doing the tour instead of the self-guided.

Hulihe'e place is located downtown Kona. It pro ides an historic look at the summer home of the past royalty of Hawaii. Very intriguing furniture and clothing the royalty wore and used. I enjoyed walking through the palace.

Hulihe‘e Palace is a beautiful historic site in Kona with well-preserved artifacts and stunning oceanfront views. It’s a peaceful place to learn about Hawaiian royalty and culture—worth a visit if you enjoy history and local heritage.

Loved the palace, we had a friendly welcome and took the self guided tour by scanning the QR how ever a lady was there to provide more information, I was impressed by the history and the view from this point, we also went during the weekend of the King Kamehameha's parade and there was live music, really enjoyed the visit

Wonderful cultural site in downtown Kailua-Kona. We booked the docent guided tour and we were glad we did. Sunshine was our guide and did an excellent job especially with our oversized group. Sunshine answered all our questions and added anecdotes about each room. Not a big palace but significant in Hawaiian history and culture.

While the interior was somewhat interesting, the space was very small and the price tag was way too high. Unless you're in the area and have nothing better to do, I recommend saving your time and just admiring the exterior instead. It's free!

Gorgeous location. Sensational view of the ocean and of Kona. Warm waters and sandy shoreline. Great area foe snorkeling or marveling at the aquatic life in the Lava-flow ponds. Mild waves in this gulf. While we were there, we saw 2 sea turtles, one of which popped up just a couple feet from us.

First, hot so bring your hydration of choice. And bring some back up H2O just in case.. It’s a seriously understated National park in my opinion. Very sacred space please keep that in mind when looking at how undisturbed the vast terrain appears. Staying on the path you can spot some subtle natural pools coming up from an underground network of water. Nothing h you can drink. But interesting to hear from the teacher that the early days when locals were in need of fresh water, this was the place to drink. The fishing has was “huge” with one of the largest fish pond I hear.

Great location to visit not too many tourists and the beach is nice. The hike is not the easiest on unimproved path with a lot of lava rocks and it very exposed to the sun. Need to bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Came during the gov shut down so the parking lot, visitor center, and restrooms were all closed but at the turn around you can fit ~10 cars along the shoulder.

Beautiful beach and park with a great chance of seeing turtles and other wildlife. THIS IS A HIKE FIRST and a beach second. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes and clothes. Bring beach stuff with you to change into if you want to swim and get your feet wet.

Historical, so nothing like the Volcanos or big park. We had the tripark pass so it was included but I won’t pay 30$ just because I’m not that into even it was beautiful to see. You can’t swim but there is a public beach next to it. The ranger let us keep the car in the parking when we went to the public beach. That was the sun was very hot, not too much shade places. Also not recommend with a stroller.

What a hidden gem. I was just killing time before my flight home and on a whim stopped at the park. I cheated when I saw there was parking closer to the beach, so I moved my car to the marina and walked to the beach from there. The morning time is breakfast for sea turtles. I must have seen 15-20. This was a happy little accident to have this be my last stop before returning home.

Visitor center is well maintained. There’s a small gift shop, information about the area and restrooms to use before your hike to the beach. It is a hot, sunny walk. The fish pond and beach area is beautiful. Restroom facilities near beach, as well.

This church is rich in history, being billed as the first Christian church in Hawaii. It was undergoing intense remodeling while I visited, so I was not able to freely tour. I do recommend visiting when you can, as it provides a glimpse into Hawaiian history that is rich and intriguing.

This church welcomed us, tourists from Virginia, with open arms. The worship and the community were amazing. The service is definitely more “Pentecostal” feeling (at least I presumed it that way), so if you’re looking for something more traditional, it might not be for you. I personally found the sermon the day I went more of a testimony-style rather than expository, but it was a guest speaker, so I’d imagine with the pastor it’s different. Regardless, it was an amazing experience, full of grace, and I highly recommend learning about the church and the history of how Christianity began in Hawai’i because it is a wild story. Thankful for all who made our experience wonderful. Mahalo!

Worth checking out if you are in Kona. Very cool and super pretty.

Fun place to stop for a quick history lesson Did you know Christianity was introduced to the Hawaiians back in the early 1800s? That was something I learnt. The church is the proof of it. The church is not that big so it will take you 5min although the introduction video by the entry is worth the few minutes. It is impressive to see the structure and learn its history. A fun stop on the big island. Happy travels

Mokuaikaua Church is a must-visit in Kona! Attending the Sunday service was the highlight of our trip—the worship and sermon were so beautiful and uplifting. The church is rich in history, peaceful, and truly makes you feel connected to the spirit of Hawai‘i. Highly recommend stopping by!

I love history and this church is living history. Great service and met real people doing God's work! Every time we come back to the Big Island this is our church home. Always see a multicultural gathering with a strong missions application. The building is beautiful and the people are very warm and inviting. Very blessed to have found this church so far from our church home of 29 years on the mainland.

It was my wife and I's first service which happened to be for Father's Day, and what a blessed community this is! God Our Father Is Good!! God Bless Now & Always 🙏

The coffee farm tour was informative and well-planned. It was amazing to see how the coffee seedlings were grafted and grew in the nursery. Kona farm direct had many different varieties of coffee on their properties and it will be interesting to see single origin coffee and even some of the rare varietals coming out of Kona. Thanks Liz for the wonderful tour.

We had a lovely experience visiting this coffee farm. Kraig and Leslie, the owners, were both welcoming and an absolute delight to learn from - they shared stories, experiences, and their deep passion & knowledge on coffee making. We had a chance to visit their plantation, see their nursery, their roasting machines, and (most importantly!) enjoy some of their delicious coffee before buying & shipping some to friends & fam. Definitely worth the visit!!

Best tour guide! So knowledgeable, welcoming and just cool. Give her a follow on instagram @hawaiiangoatcoffee. Did a lot of research on which coffee farm to visit because there are so many to choose from. Glad I settled on this one! Learned a lot and my kids even enjoyed themselves.

Sue was an amazing tour guide! We learned so much about all the hard work that goes into the entire farming aspect, all the way to the roasting. Leslie and Craig (owners of the farm) were amazing and gracious hosts!

Visited the Kona Farm Direct coffee Farm. Met Craig the owner who gave us a tour of his farm and explained how he painstakingly cares for his farm to create the best Kona coffee around. He hand picks every bean. Restaurants serve his coffee. He also sells coffee trees. Onolicious! Delicious! We bought two bags of coffee.

The whole experience is just amazing! Leslie (owner) was very warm and welcoming to us. She showed us around the coffee farm and talked through the whole coffee growing and harvesting process. And we got to roasted our own coffee beans while having the most amazing espresso I’ve ever had in my life! I’ll never go back to old coffee bean again! She made us coffee snobs! And her dog and cats are just sooo cute! Strongly recommend, I learned more about coffee than I ever even thought to ask.

We had a blast visiting this coffee farm! The owners were so gracious and gave us an amazing tour of their coffee farm, the process of harvesting and roasting beans, and then roasted our very own coffee beans to take home. They also provided the most delicious Kona coffee to drink during our 2 hr visit. This was a very special, personal experience. The owners made us feel like friends!

This was my first parasailing experience and my husband’s second, and it was fantastic from start to finish. First, booking online was simple and they included options to include $10 parking validation at the hotel (good for the entire day - so worthwhile) and photos. They are also military friendly and refunded 50% of my active duty military ticket! Our boat’s captain and first mate were personable, hyped us up, and made us laugh. Such a good memory! Would love to book with UFO again.

We had an amazing time celebrating our anniversary! Ty and Christian were very friendly and had a great sense of humor. They made this experience the best ❤️ I 100% recommend using them for your UFO parceling adventure!!!

It was such an amazing experience! It’s crazy how high up and peaceful it is up there. Definitely recommend parasailing at least once in your life! The crew was great. They gave us a good dunk underwater when we asked them to, even got a second dunk!

Really smoothly and safely run. Casey and Capt Scramble did a great job keeping us at ease while making it fun. A great experience for sure.

Such a fun experience! Beautiful views, really smooth take off and landing, and the crew was so great. Definitely recommend!

Excellent experience! Don't be scared to try it! Highlight of the kids time in Kona! We did the 800ft experience. Friendly staff, experienced captain and crew.

Pretty great! UFO Parasail was an absolute blast. The crew kept it smooth, the gear felt solid, and the views were unreal—coastline to clouds in seconds. Watching the kids go up laughing, then getting to fly tandem with my daughter and see her face light up… that’s the kind of moment you don’t forget. We got soaked, we got sky-high, and every shot captured something real. The pics nailed it—fear, fun, freedom—all rolled into one hell of a ride. Definitely one of the top highlights of our trip.

Stopped into Kona Brewing during our cruise and it did not disappoint! I’ve always been a fan of their beers, but having one fresh at the source was amazing. The pizza and pizza rolls were delicious, and the staff was super friendly—top notch service all around. The whole vibe was relaxed and welcoming. Definitely a must-stop if you’re in the area, and I’ll be back for sure!

Large brewery and restaurant in a trendy new area in town. We had a Hanalei IPA brewed with POG that was refreshing but not too fruty and a Black Sand Porter. The porter was very good. We also tried the smash burger, which wasn't so much a smash burger as a pork/beef burger on an ube bun. The ube bun was interest - not the most appetizing color on the outside but super cool on the inside. The flavor of the patty, the aioli and the bun together was great. The kettle chips were good. The fish tacos with the mac salad needed a hot sauce but were tasty, if a bit small. Service here was good.

Stopped in on a Thursday afternoon with a group of 8 and seated right away. Very nice outdoor table area and cozy, tropical vibes inside (smelled amazing). Service was friendly and attentive. Enjoyed our food and cocktails! Decent prices. Daily weekday happy hour from 3-5 PM with $2 off select appetizers, cocktails, and pints. -Pepperoni Rolls (delicious!) -Captain Pizza (good) -Frozen Mai Tai (strong, good) Edamame (nice flavor) Overall, would recommend for a medium sized group to enjoy drinks and food.

We had a wonderful time enjoying lunch at Kona Brewing, a Kona icon! Our family enjoyed two pizzas, beers, and soft drinks. Our server recommended the avocado fries as a starter. It was our first time trying this dish, and it was delicious, along with the other dishes. The service from the staff was also excellent. We felt their aloha spirit, and it made our trip perfect! I regret not buying any merchandise. I definitely want to get a t-shirt on my next visit :)

We love Kona brewing. This is our 2nd visit (first in 2018). The staff are always so free, beer cold and delicious, and the food makes for happy bellies! The kalua pork nachos are the best we've had - get the large (we blew it on the size we ordered, lol).

Kona Brewing Company was just okay overall. The food was decent but nothing mind-blowing — pretty average for the price. Unfortunately, I found a small piece of plastic wrapper in my Caesar salad, which really ruined the experience for me. The staff was friendly, and the beer selection is definitely the highlight, so it’s still worth a visit if you’re a beer enthusiast. Personally, though, I wouldn’t go back for the food.

The tour is fun and reasonable. We came back for drinks and food. No complaints. Our waitress knew we were chilling and killing time before our flight home and the atmosphere was great. The food is pretty average but good. Nachos could've used a bit more chips to finish the toppings. But you can't order extra tortilla chips. Overall, good experience. Would recommend coming if you're a beer drinker.

The only beach park in Kona that has a decent sandy beach. Most beaches consist of lava rock. Not very large and be crowded especially on weekends. The volleyball court takes up some of the space. There’s parking along the road, a small lot on the beach side and a larger lot across the street. Waves could get large at times for boogie boards and bodysurfing. Be careful of rocks near the shoreline.

This beach is absolutely amazing and still a hidden gem that not many people know about. Parking is easy and located right across the street, though it can get busy. The atmosphere is calm, romantic, and perfect for watching the sunset. The waves are gentle and safe for swimming. It’s an ideal place to relax, take photos, and enjoy the view. I watched the sunset here and honestly think it’s one of the best spots on the Big Island. Highly recommended for a peaceful evening by the ocean.

Small beach limited parking but worth every minute spent here. Water was crystal clear, turtles swim next to you. Waves were awesome not to me lion the beautiful sunsets. If you have a chance this is one of the best beaches to visit

An absolutely beautiful beach with soft, fine sand and tall waves. On our stay in Kona we came by this beach three separate times, once in the afternoon to swim in the waves and relax at the beach and twice to watch the sunset. The scenery is beautiful and, luckily, parking is easy enough in the free lot across the street. Please be mindful that the waves here are no joke-- the lifeguard made multiple announcements asking people to be careful due to the high number of spinal injuries that take place. Also, because of the strong waves, I wasn't a huge fan of the snorkeling here (if you want to snorkel I suggest driving another few minutes up the road). If you are a strong swimmer or if you are just looking to relax at the beach, this is a solid spot to visit!

Good wave activity here. Be cautious with your kids under 2 years old; I wouldn't recommend bringing them out. There’s a strong current, and your feet could be touching the ground, and the next thing you know, you’re struggling to keep your head above water—especially if you can't swim. The floor is uneven. So, it's not very safe if you're holding little ones. Trust me, if I hadn't been close by to my wife and son, they both would've drowned. Keep safe.

Mainly for boogie boarding. There were people snorkeling but I’m not sure how great it is! The waves get pretty big so I didn’t feel comfortable letting my little kids go out without someone with them but my husband and oldest kid had fun! I wouldn’t recommend this beach if you have small kids because the waves will pull them into the water. There was a lifeguard there though which was comforting.

We swam here as a family, and it was so much fun! The water was beautiful and warm. My only complaint was that a group of people were getting high by our rental car.

Visited the plantation on a cool rainy day last weekend and loved every minute of our tour. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the coffee production process and was even kind enough to answer my questions on some of the other random plants you can find around the plantation and nature trail. The coffee though…11/10, I purchased the peaberry after the tour and have found it to be the only coffee I have ever been able to drink black. Take the time and visit this place ASAP! Also, drop the extra $ and get the peaberry it is awesome!

Thank you for the wonderful tour and experience! We learned a lot about coffee during the free tour, makes me appreciate my cup of joe even more! We also decided to take the paid Natural Trail ($10 per party). The self guided tour book was so helpful, it explained each plants or scene along the way, you can really take your time and enjoy the nature while filingl in with some knowledge. Of course you cant miss the free coffee tasting and the gift shop! And if you're lucky like us lol, you'll have a chance to play and take some picture with Mr.Kitty while he is not asleep! 😻❤️

We visited the Thunder Mountain Coffee Plantation while visiting the Big Island. They're neat and organized business really fits the agra/ tourist model. They were doing free tours while we were there, and had a small store showcasing their products. I picked up a bag of their whole bean Expresso Dark which has good flavor , is very smooth, only not as bold as I would have imagined. Good stop while visiting , very nice landscape and flowers.

On a warm, rainy Thursday afternoon, we decided to explore Mountain Thunder Coffee—and what a hidden gem! Tucked up in the mountains, it was noticeably cooler than down by the coast, creating a refreshing and peaceful escape. The moment we arrived, we were welcomed with a tasting station offering four delicious coffee samples. The hosts were warm, inviting, and incredibly knowledgeable. Even with the rain, they had us covered—literally—with free umbrellas and $2 ponchos available in the gift shop. Our short walking tour was informative and fun, as our guide walked us through the process of making coffee from start to finish. We especially enjoyed seeing the roasting shed. And the best part? The tour was completely free. We didn’t get to explore the full coffee grounds due to the downpour, but there's clearly more to discover next time. There's a cozy lunch area, clean bathrooms, and a gift shop filled with great coffee and collectables. Between the misty jungle atmosphere, the cooler mountain air, and the genuine hospitality, it felt like a Jurassic Park adventure—in the best way possible. We’ll definitely be back. Mountain Thunder Coffee is a must-visit—great coffee, friendly staff, and a one-of-a-kind mountain experience. 5 out of 5! ☕🌿

Visiting this coffee farm in America’s only cloud forest was nothing short of magical. The free tour was incredibly informative — we learned all about the coffee-making process from passionate guides and got to sample some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. There’s a small shop where you can buy beans and local goods, and for just $10, you get a charming booklet and access to a peaceful trail through a garden that ends at a scenic observatory deck. We arrived in the morning with sunshine, and by the time we left, we were literally in the clouds with a light mist of rain — a surreal and beautiful shift that made the experience even more memorable. I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s authentic, educational, and absolutely worth the visit.

Fun experience. Coffee tour is free and describes the farming, cultivation, market and sale of Kona coffee. The mill itself was not impressive, but I found the presenters and staff to be true masters of their craft, with a high degree of knowledge. They were all extremely friendly and inviting. There is complimentary coffee that you can taste before and after the tour. Options include the light roast American, French, Vienna and my favorite, the Black & Tan (mix of the American and French). The only costs are the self-guided nature walk and of course any purchases from the gift shop. The tour was honestly quite short and modest, but I would do it again to support the business, and it’s only $10. I also had a bunch of samples, so I was rather eager to just “go.” I could fairly see others concluding otherwise.

We visited Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation in Kona and had such a great time. We took the free tour and it was unbelievably informative. Learned so much about how coffee is grown, harvested, and refined, and it was really cool to see how particular they are with their process. Our guide was amazing. She knew so much and answered every question in detail, even taking extra time to explain things further. You could tell she really loved what she does and made the tour super engaging. The shop was also really nice. We picked up a few coffee candles and they smell incredible. Excited to light them at home and bring a little bit of Kona back with us. If you’re in Kona, definitely worth a stop whether you’re a big coffee drinker or just curious about how it all works.

Food: Coffee taste wonderful! It’s our first Lona coffee on the Big Island and it’s impressive! The bagel is also very nicely done. All of their coffee comes in double shots so it’s very strong already. Service: the staff is warm and welcoming. They have interesting merch as well. Ambiance: casual and good for takeout or just stand for a quick grab.

Had hot tea since I felt under the weather. It did not disappoint. I had Ginger lime it was amazing. They have honey you can put yourself as well. Also the price wasn't bad eithe

Been coming for years, always great coffee. Love the order ahead feature, so easy and convenient. They have some of the best cold brew around, definitely worth a trip!

Probably one of the best coffee spots in Kona that we have tried . And trust me there a few good spots here . Seems popular as there are always an influx of people coming in . Love that they open early on the weekends - smart ! We were up early and driving around for some coffee ☕️ when we found out this place was open . We ordered a pour over dark roast - oh my gosh - so good ! It didn’t need cream or sugar . It was smooth and delicious . We went back for two more coffees- a flat white and a honey latte . It was all so good we had to end it with a parfait since we saw so many people ordering it ! Great spot - do come by!!

I had the Kona Bullet here and—wow—it was amazing! The coffee was made with fresh, flavorful Kona beans, and the combination of grass-fed butter and coconut oil made it incredibly smooth and satisfying. If you’ve never tried a bullet-style coffee before, this is the place to do it. It’s rich, creamy, and gives you a great energy boost without the jitters. I honestly don’t know how to describe it fully—it was just that good. I’ll definitely try to recreate it at home, but this version will be hard to beat! Also, don’t miss their macadamia nuts—so fresh and flavorful! They’re the perfect snack to go with your coffee. As a coffee lover, I can say this spot is a must-visit in Kona. Thanks Kona Coffee & Tea ❤️

What I tried: Kona vog (English breakfast tea latte). A large was $8, which is a lil crazy considering its water tea and milk but it was ok - wouldnt get it again tho. Pros: Seating: there's plenty of seating both in side and outside of the cafe Vibe: very chill vibe, would love to come back to chill here Cons: Timing: I was the only one waiting for my order and there were 5 staff members behind the counter yet it still took 8min to get the latte.

Amazing coffee, amazing service… while in Hawaii this was my go to place for espresso. The taste and aroma of the coffee made me feel like home. The taste is not subtle like Starbucks but it has that real full body taste you’d love if you were a coffee addict. The atmosphere is very inviting and the staff is very friendly. I’m happy I could find an amazing coffee shop away from home. I highly recommend anyone try this place if their in town.

Was hoping for more unique finds, but a couple of decent fruit stands. While there are a lot of trinkets at decent prices, the vendors seem disengaged from their wares with one telling me that she was falling asleep. Would love to see more local artesians. Requires paid parking.

When I come to Kona i love being just a block away from the farmer's market. Friendly vendors, fresh produce and souvenirs to take to the folks at home. Highly recommended I have never been disappointed.

Love this farmers' market. It is one of the few that has only local products. No Hawaiian print shirts and dresses or tchotchkes. Local produce, baked goods, teas, juices, Mac nuts and more. Highly recommend!! Laid back atmosphere with music to sit and enjoy or to stroll to. Found vegan gluten free products and much more.

The sweet yellow mangoes we got at one of the vendors were rotten inside (3 out of 4; the 4th was delicious though) and the lilikois were empty or tasted funky (not passion fruit like). Papaya and bananas from another shop were great. Still nice to walk the market and buy local fruits, but the rotten mangos were quite disappointing. We enjoyed the Thai food truck.

parking was very pricey and on the day we went in November there was almost no fresh or local ANYTHING. 3 or 4 had locally crafted wares. mostly junk souvenirs like elsewhere. Some vendors completely ignored us, others were very welcoming. so I guess it is a mixed bag.....and probably better on weekends and in summer

More Market than farmer. Everything is from China and the fruit had stickers on it so not even local fruit. Its for the tourists more than thr locals. I did buy some cheap souvenirs and a Hawaiian shirt that was the cheapest in Kona that I found. So it was good for that. It started to rain and so they covered everything up so didn't really get to see everything.

Scam. Don’t buy fruits here, i bought a durian and asked the staff to open it up, the flesh had grey patches and i asked if it’s still good but the staff just told me it’s good and it turned out it’s spoiled.

Most beautiful beach in the world that I haven ever seen. The sand was so soft, the water is super clean and clear. The coconut trees are beautiful.

In my opinion, Lanikai is the most beautiful beach in Oʻahu. It is definitely a must-see and easily the highlight of the trip. You could happily spend the entire day there. The scenery is beautiful with calm, turquoise water, white sand, palms around, and mountains behind you. The view is unforgettable, framed by the two small islands (the Mokuluas) right out front. This beach has everything you need for a perfect Hawaiian day, must recommend.

got here by bus from waikiki and took around an 1.5 hrs. the beach is beautiful and the water is cool and not as warm but still enjoyable. the sunset had amazing pink skies

The atmosphere is peaceful and almost surreal. Gentle waves create a soft background soundtrack and even when the beach is lively. Finding a parking spot is going to be a challenge.

--Most beautiful and calm beach! --my fiancee's favorite! --first time we kayaked here, then drove back the next day!

Lanikai beach was secluded, more quiet, and way more chill than Waikiki. It’s in a residential area so there’s no public bathrooms or any amenities so be prepared for that. I recommend doing the hiking trail and then the beach because it’s right next to each other

My favorite beach in Oahu ! Parking is challenging but then you can access the beach by the small paths next to the houses on the beach. Sunset is amazing there even tho is on the east coast of the island

We visited Kailua Beach Park on a Wednesday afternoon. Even though it wasn’t a weekend or holiday, both parking lots were completely full. After driving around for a bit, we luckily found a spot near Buzz’s Original Steak House across the street. Parking here is definitely more challenging than some reviews suggest. The beach itself is gorgeous — super soft white sand and clear blue water. We even spotted a sea turtle! Honestly, while it’s beautiful, it didn’t completely blow me away compared to some other beaches in Oahu. The shallow bay and protection of Popoia Island provide calm waters, great if you have small children not used to the surfing waves of most beaches. Watching people kayaking and sailing turned out to be part of the fun. With the picnic grounds, public restrooms and showers the park is great for a full day outing. One of my favorite parts was the small stretch of rocky shoreline at the southeastern end of the beach, near the Lanikai Monument. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for photos. From there, you can enjoy sweeping views of Kailua Beach, the nearby Lanikai Beach, and the beautiful offshore islands, Moku Nui and Moku Iki.

absolutely breathtaking — one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever visited. The sand is soft and powdery, the water is a stunning turquoise, and the waves are gentle enough for swimming, kayaking, or just floating around. It feels less crowded and more relaxed compared to Waikīkī, making it perfect for families, couples, or anyone who just wants to enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty in peace. The park itself is well-kept with plenty of space, shaded picnic areas, and facilities that make it easy to spend the whole day here. Kayaking out to the Mokulua Islands is a must if you’re up for an adventure, and the views from the shore are just as incredible. Highly recommend making this a stop on your Oahu trip!

We enjoyed this park, we visited some other attractions in the area and it was a great place to spend the afternoon. Not a lot of natural shade but there are some trees down the beach. Sand is very soft, Caribbean type, great for walking around the bay, however, when the wind was picking up, the sand was all over the place. Great place for families with kids or older people, waves were fun without being dangerous. Facilities are outdated but working. We didn't see any lifesaving staff around. Close to restaurants and convenience stores.

🌊 5 stars – Absolutely Stunning Beach! This beach is an absolute paradise! The water is a breathtaking shade of turquoise — so clear and inviting. The soft white sand and gentle waves make it perfect for swimming and relaxing Free parking. Restrooms and outdoor showers are conveniently located just steps from the beach, which is a big help if you’re spending the whole day there. Another bonus — Buzz’s Steak House is right nearby! It’s the perfect spot to grab a delicious meal after a day in the sun. Whether you’re a local or visiting, this beach is a must-see. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Went Kayaking for the first time in my life out to the flat Island. Then ontoa secluded beach whose name escapes me. Our friends went to the Mokes. Pictures were few as we were in the water either kayaking or snorkeling. Worth the trip.

Great place to swim, walk the beach and enjoy the scenery. It is easy to find parking b/c there are so many parts to park at. Bathrooms and showers available. The pavilions are great for hosting parties.

Wonderful soft sand feels great under your feet. The beach isn't very deep and is beginning to erode and expose the roots around the trees that outline the shoreline. When you wait into the water it drops off fairly quickly but then it's only up to your waist. There's not a lot here for waves as it is pretty well protected by the reef outside. Plenty of kite sailors here. It's fun watching their multicolored sails. Depending upon what time you get there will determine how much parking there is. Sometimes it's a little tough to find.

Nice views on top! It can be steep though but not that bad. I’m pretty fit so it wasn’t much of a challenge but rather very fun. So if you’re fit, this trail will be fun for you.

Fantastic! Beautiful views! Short hike but steep, took less than an hour to go to pillbox 2 and back down. This is a great trail if you don’t have a lot of time, but want to get good views. You can technically continue along the whole ridge but you can’t cut through the neighborhood to get back. The hike is pretty exposed so I’d recommend sun screen or hats if you burn quick Terrain wise it’s mostly rock and dirt, but if it rains it’s a muddy slip and slide. For footwear you’ll see everything from keiki in slippers to folks in hiking boots. People bring dogs that can handle the rocky portions and a few jumps up too at certain parts. No parking or restrooms nearby, don’t block the people who live there! Pack out what you bring in!

The Lanikai Pillbox Trail offers a fantastic experience with breathtaking views but starts off quite challenging. The first 20% of the hike is steep, slippery, and requires sure footing, especially after rain. After that, the path becomes much easier with only a few short steep sections. The hike can easily be completed in about 30 minutes, even with brief breaks. At the top, you’re rewarded with an incredible 360-degree view over Lanikai Beach, the ocean, and the Mokulua Islands. There are no restrooms or drinking water available. Parking is best found near the beach, about 500 meters from the trailhead.

It was originally a military facility, so you really shouldn't attempt it lightly! I might be exaggerating, but you'd best approach it as if it were military training. The trail's right next to sheer cliffs, so if you're not careful, you might just end up in the next world!! Take care!!

short and fun hike, I should’ve read the reviews ahead to bring better shoes for those steep parts of the hike. The views during the entire hike were breathtaking !

This place is awesome!! Such a great hike and free. Bring water with you. There’s no parking there. You have to park about a block to two blocks down depending on how full the street is. You’re basically out in the sun as well. It’s a great experience.

I saw smaller children as young as 5 on this trail. It’s an easy trail that will thin out Darwin Award winners. Bring proper footwear, sunscreen and camera.

Amazing hike! We parked at the golf course for $15 and hiked. The Pali highway, went under it, and hiked from there all the way to Maunawili falls. It was 5 miles in and 5 miles back. They do have some signage, but we used the All Trails App. A dove under water and check for rocks and the pool at the base of the falls is clear for at least 10 ft. Great place to rock, jump, and beautiful place to cool off. The water is cold, but amazingly refreshing.

One of the main waterfalls I go to chillax and jump at a cliff for a splash. Currently went in 2021 before they closed the main path to get to the waterfall, for renovation but there’ll still closed as of 2024. Hikers usually hike around to get to this waterfall but it’s gonna be a long one but I didn’t hike that back-way of the falls. Hiking their is easy but can be moderate if the trail is muddy also decline stairs to get down if taking the main waterfall trail (if the trail reopens in the future). So far hope they open the main trail for others to explore but it depends on the community to keep it open or close.

The hike itself is alright, maybe 2 very nice spots to take pics before hitting the waterfall. Walking through a pretty muddy forest. But at the end. It's amazing. A nice waterfall for the finally where you can jump off

Awesome hike, rated as moderate. Very well defined trail, really wide but also a very muddy trail, expect to get dirty. I've seen lots of people do this hike in less than adequate footware (slippers). The hike is about 3 miles round-trip with roughly 1,000ft elevation. The spots to jump from are very clear, but just be safe the waters really deep but climbing up make sure you have a good foothold before moving. Could be extremely dangerous for amateurs. Enjoy and mahalo for reading.

Super muddy trail and its difficult to travers with shoes that constantly got pull off the feet. Its a slow and painful process to get to the waterfall. But at the waterfall, everything is worth it.

If you enjoy a long challenging hike with the possibility of deep sticky mud this hike is for you. You have to cross through the river in two spots. I was unimpressed with the fall itself. The vegetation at the very beginning of the hike was beautiful. If your goal is to see a gorgeous waterfall this is not for you. If the falls were prettier I would not have not had minded the tough hike. I also went swimming and got sick the following week. I was in bed with flu like symptoms for 4 days.

First off, this location is not the actual entrance. It's about half a mile from this point. Locals suggested the hike to be between 20-30 minutes when I'm facts it's about an hour+ (each way)depending on the weather/season and how experienced you are. We went in late Jan and it's was about 90% mud (goes up to the shins). Hiking shoes and water is highly encouraged! We sometimes found it easier to go barefoot. It's a challenging, slippery, muddy and time consuming hike. The water was gorgeous and yes you can jump off as many is did. Please be a swimmer if not avoid jumping. Probably wouldn't go back but definitely an experience 🙃

Great low key beach, but all the smashed up plastic pieces made me sad. Loved that they had a garbage collection area where people using the beach could grab a net, and do their part to help clean it all up. The kids and adults in our group pitched in. Decent waves, and would have been better if we had brought a board to body surf with, but the kids still all loved it. Adults did too.

Beautiful beach in Kailua, Oahu. Easy to get to, but parking is extremely hard. The parking lot is very small, and neighbors do not appreciate cars parking on the street. If you do, make sure you don't block any driveways! The beach has lifeguards and some shade. It's clean and kid friendly, but waves can get big sometimes so be careful. It is worth visiting!

I'm usually a reviewer who operates in the nuanced world of 4.5 stars (because nothing is perfect), but Kalama Beach Park has thrown my entire critical framework into disarray. This place has no faults. Zero. Zilch. It’s pure, peaceful, quiet paradise. The only noise is the gentle lapping of the ocean, which is frankly a little disconcerting. I kept waiting for a rogue drone, a screaming match, or at least a queue for something, but it just remained flawless. It’s so utterly serene that I left convinced I had stumbled into a government-funded serenity simulation. Go immediately, but be prepared to question the reality of your own happiness. Five stars, even though its perfection makes me suspicious.

Came here for fireworks during Fourth of July. Not large or overly crowded. Very small parking lot had to walk a bit to find parking since I didn’t want to park in front of someone’s house. Smaller waves for boogie boarding and swimming. No life guard post. I didn’t see a bathroom but didn’t actively look

Beautiful white sandy beach with shallow entries into the water. Long stretches of plm trees line the edge. Found a bunch of microplastic where I was sunbathing and on the way leaving the beach.

Very nice beach with plenty of shady spots. The parking lot is very small and finding a spot can be challenging. The lot also closes promptly at 6pm. Bathrooms could use updating and a deep clean.

Just a little north of Kailua beach park. Nice stretch of beach, less tourists. Mostly local folks enjoying the beach. Water is usually nice and calm.

It was challenging after rain. We lost our way a few times. Park your car at bus stop. But come back before 6pm otherwise they will give you a ticket. Get enough snack and water pls. If you wanna go all three peaks, go early. There are colored sings on the trees, just in case if you lost your way follow them. Be careful when you go through woods. We touched bee net, and we were beaten by bees badly😞. The view is amazing on the top.

This hike is offer so much! Do not miss it! The hike it's about three hours long (back-to-back). The first 3/4 segment of the trail is relatively easy, nothing extraordinarily. The last 1/4 is more challenging but I believe everyone can make it. The view from the top... oh my! I can't describe what is up there, you must check it out by yourself. Worth it. Trust me! (my girlfriend made it up in a short skirt... so c'mon guys!)

BEWARE OF THE 20 MINUTE WALK TO THE TRAIL. No parking near the trail and had to walk 20 minutes. If i had known that, woulda started it earlier and got out right before sunset. Also, make sure you bring a map. Trail easy to get lost on, on the way back down.

Not a hike for those afraid of heights. There is some scrambling, and a beautiful journey for those inclined. Check the weather for rain in advance of attempting.

wear lightweight running or tennis shoes and bring about 1.5L of water (or more if you want). the first peak is the tallest and has a great view. if you want to stop there, that's fine, but getting to the other two peaks isn't bad. you already did 90% of the work getting to the first peak. check out the others if you have time.

Came for the 3 peaks this time. Great hike. The first time we just went to the 1st peak.

Rising 500 metres over the coastline, this chain of three jagged peaks is an integral part of the landscape on the windward side of Oahu. Olomana is a remnant of the Koʻolau caldera, the western section of which dominates the horizon towards Honolulu (see Nu’uanu Pali below). One look at Olomana and you’ll know that this is a hike not to be taken lightly, requiring a lot of scrambling and a stomach for heights. Ropes are provided to help you tackle the steeper ascents, but you’ll still need to pick your way up a few walls unaided. People have died or been seriously injured attempting the Three Peaks Trail, mostly between the second and third peaks, and it’s best to avoid these on particularly wet days. The trail is 4.4 miles long, but will feel much longer. Be sure to pause at the first peak where you’ll be rewarded with an awesome 360° panorama. Many hikers come this far and then return without attempting the steeper climbs further on.

Beautiful location in Kailua town surrounded by green mountains! The Sunday morning at the farmers market experience was so beautiful and peaceful. You can find locally grown organic vegetables, fresh fruits, flowers, smoothies, breakfast bites, handmade jewelry, skincare products, etc.. free parking is located right behind the shops.

Great place to visit but I only came here cause of the smash Burger so that's my review. Other than that this place is lovely to check out. Finally made it out to Joja Smash Burger and honestly....it totally lived up to the hype. I’ve been in Hawaii for a while and always saw a line whenever I passed by the Farmers Market... but I was usually busy and kept telling myself, "I’ll try it next time" (you know how it goes). I’m really glad I finally get to try it but remember to checked their website because I found out they pop up at the KailuaTown Farmers Market once a month — otherwise they’re usually at their regular spot. The burger was sooo good! Crispy edges, juicy in the middle, cheesy, and just the right amount of messy... satisfying but not falling apart in your hands. The smash on the patty was perfect, and you can tell they really put care into what they’re doing. The bun was soft but held up nicely, and the sauce just tied everything together. Highly recommend if you get the chance — definitely worth the wait!!

By far the kindest community and best homemade goods! Everyone was so supportive to each other and had amazing foods and products. Big time bagels and Curry guru hawaii were my favorites. Highly recommend.

I've visited this Sunday morning market twice (March 2023 and December 2024). Located across a hospital. There's a small parking lot that can get filled up easily, the parking attendants will let you know if you can enter, or if you're going to be parking in the neighborhood the next street down. Lots of stuff to look at and eat: there's a good mix of prepared food (brunch or smoothies and juices), produce (veggies and fruit), milk, meat, hot sauce. Then there are soaps, jewelry, ceramics, flowers, and kid-related booths. I'm usually looking for ripe fruit that's ready to eat (I'm only visiting for a few days- papaya and bananas), or snacks. I found a package of squishy, lightly flavored fruit mochi.

Loved walking around here! Arrived towards the tail end around 11:30am, got lucky with a parking spot right away and the stands were still poppin. Counted 3 produce vendors and the rest were handmade goods or prepared foods. We picked up some blue crab tobiko spread (10oz, $15) from Da Seafood Cartel 🦀 and two bags of taro & banana chips ($7 each) from an unmarked vendor to pair with it for the beach. Enjoyed getting some sun and seeing cute doggos strolling around 😎🤙🏽

Very crowded already at 8:15. We had to drive around d a bit before we were allowed into the parking lot. Parking is free, but crowded. There were plenty of vendors, but prices for food from stalls weren’t cheap. I guess they probably paid a lot for their spaces. Restaurants around the area were more reasonable. The fruits and vegetables were fresh and mostly local, but again the prices weren’t cheap. One exception to that is the danish/bakery at the corner where there’s always a long line. It was enjoyable to walk around on a Sunday morning.

They have breakfast burritos, waffles, rotisserie chickenand, of course, kettlecorn from Lava Haze. Come visit us every Sunday 8am to 12pm. Hope to see you there!!!

I recommend if you’re in Kailua area stop by here and learn about the Hawaiian history sacred place, clean and they’ll give you a tour and answer any questions you have about the historical place what how it came about. I discovered this place while chaperoning my sons class in a field trip , I believe you have to contact them on how to go about filling up a form before entrance .

National cultural and historical site. Small, there is not much walking, just one hill. It's impressive to imagine what was once there. Sad it is so destroyed. There is a plaque, but read about it before you go.

What an interesting place. It's so beautiful and peaceful. It's a little confusing to get there, but once you're there, make sure to take the path around to the right and go down and take it all in from the side and bottom. I was told that they have been doing a lot of clean-up and making it even more beautiful place.

This one is kind of weird. It's very cool and feels like it should be a bigger attraction, but the parking and site are hidden behind a YMCA with no signage. I don't know if that's intentional to keep tourist traffic down, but a huge site like this with some pretty interesting history should be a little more popular. Beautiful view with a nice trail running through some marsh land.

Sacred to the Hawaiians. Not an easy place to access. You either have to park somewhere in the main road and walk down the trail or park at the YMCA. The site is within a residential community.

Very cool to see this bit of ancient Hawaiian heritage and culture. If arriving here via the Shaka app, be aware that you can’t drive in like the app suggests. You’ll need to park at the YMCA but it’s a very short walk.

Came across this cool Hawaiian temple ruin through the Shaka Guy app. I learned something new and the ruins were cool. Not easy to find, walk the road next to the YMCA. It's a quick stop.

Great playground. Only downsides are no toilets and closed during school hours.

It’s not a public park, the gates were closed. We encounter a lot of families. We were able to at least take a picture with the dragon. Kids were so stoked.

IMPORTANT! THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC PARK. This is a school playground which has locked gates. However, on the weekends it fills with families who have no problem stepping over the parking gates to get in. We followed suit as this is BY FAR the coolest park area I've found on Oahu. The big dragon is awesome and the playground equipment is built sturdy with solid wood and metal, meaning even the adults can climb, slide and play with their kiddos. The only thing they don't have is a swing set.

NOT A COMMUNITY PARK. Beautiful, shady and varied, but also fenced and gated. On a Saturday afternoon there were more than 50 people there who had just jumped the fence, so effectively the only people who can’t use it are the differently abled (like my kids’ grandmother, who stayed in the car while we played). What a shame these spaces are lost to the public, especially in a state that doesn’t have a lot of accessible playgrounds.

Enormous field with 2 baseball diamonds, a basket ball court, a volleyball court(bring your own net), and an old barely standing playground. There is a water fountain and bathrooms open to the public. The pavilion belongs to the City and County and offers children enrichment classes throughout the year free of charge. (Sports, arts and crafts, ceramics, music, dance) Parking lot is incredibly small, though it's not a problem unless there is some sort of sporting event or practice. There is parking available in the neighborhood at the Aikahi loop side of the park that has its own entrance to the park there as well.

The big jungle gym area is not a public park. It belongs to an elementary school and is private property. Google & Yelp have this marked incorrectly. I don’t know if people use the jungle gym area on the weekends but it is definitely off limits during the week.

Awesome playground for the kids. The bathroom is all the way on the other side of the park, which is separated by a fence. Had to run to the car and drive around to get a bathroom for my 3yr old.

Absolutely loved the outdoor seating - perfect for a casual drink outside! The cocktails were creative, refreshing, and perfectly presented. All around great experience!

We are staying here in Kailua area for a month and going through the list of happy hour and dinner restaurants. I think we found a 5 ⭐️ plus here at the Boardroom! Food was delicious and delivered as promised, which doesn’t always happen. Chef-driven business which is always the best food experience. Descriptions on the menu are not always up to expectations, but Boardroom did a good job. And the attention to local farmers and fishermen is always a big win for us. Best part of our dining experience was our server, Shannon! She was attentive, friendly and paid good attention without being intrusive. We will be back and happy to recommend this place. PS, Michael the bartender was excellent as well.

Kid friendly. Great, relaxed place to hang out on a nice afternoon. They have a happy hour, but the price difference wasn't really all that much to write home about. Loved the wandering rooster just strutting around the place.

GREAT tacos!! Spicy sauce is on point. Such a fun atmosphere too. Dog friendly and kid friendly!

Outstanding Solar Shack hangout. They are open Mon-Sat from 2PM-7PM. They have hot and cold beverages. They offer craft beers, IPS, and a variety of wines to choose from. Come in on a weekend and you just might get to listen to unique music! When you stop by, tell them #RockFromRI sent you!

Stopped for a quick drink while waiting for check in time. Drinks are expensive and just okay. No food service because the restaurant side wasn't open yet. It is an outdoor patio with a bandstand for live music at night. Didn't see any parking lot and all on street parking is metered except for the one spot I found.

Great food, great service. The Barista is so welcoming and will deliver food and drinks to your table. And they really care about environment and sustainability, solar panel, sustainable grew and roasted coffee, environment friendly packaging. They are really doing their part😀

Beautiful park, but ruined by a handful of people that like to ride through the neighborhood revving their engines to be heard miles away. They're not going anywhere, just riding around and around forcing people to cover their ears. They know they're loud, which I think must be the point. Last weekend it lasted for hours, and we also got the smell of burning rubber over the entire park. Why are a few bullies allowed to ruin the experience for everyone else?

The ideal park for families. The playground, pool, community center, gymnasium and band shell are all close together and are bustling with activity until well after dark. Firefighters from the nearby fire station occasionally take walks around the park, adding to the sense of safety.

Made a quick stop to get a feel of the sand and the warm water between my toes. It was really nice. They have a few picnic tables as well as an open grassy area. There is an area to wash off about 5ft behind the bathroom as well. I enjoyed the short visit and would go back with my family.

We play VB and PB at this park. Usually has adequate to good parking except when there is an event. Permanent PB courts are nice but cramped with short boundaries.

Great little park right next to shops. There are cleanish bathrooms on both sides. The park is usuau taken up by people playing soccer or baseball but when it's open, great place to fly kites or have a group event. Two large parking lots on each side. They don't allow dogs and there is no playground. A lot of homeless people stop off here.

My kids always loves here..thank you for making clean everyday.

I go here every morning. Great place to start the day. With my tribe. I love being outside on the water