Beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, wildlife: Kailua, O'ahu is an outdoor playground for the whole family.
Family Beach Day in Kailua or lanikai
Kailua Beach Park is one of Oahu’s most scenic and family friendly beaches on the island. Just a ~35 minute drive from Waikiki, Kailua and Lanikai offer a peaceful change of pace compared to the busy Waikiki beaches. If you do not have a rental car, the City Bus or a rideshare service are easy ways to explore the island, and bike rentals are available for exploring Kailua’s town and beaches.
Why Spend My Beach Day at Kailua or Lanikai?
Protected from extensive offshore reefs, Kailua Bay and Lanikai are soft, white-sand beaches that often experience calmer ocean conditions compared to more exposed surf beaches such as Sandy Beach, Makapuʻu, and many North Shore beaches, particularly during periods of larger winter surf. On calm days, enjoy the tranquil turquoise waters and head to Lanikai Beach to experience some of Windward Oahu’s most pristine reef systems. On windy or wavy days, beginner / kid friendly surfing and boogie boarding is one of the best ways to enjoy the gentle waves.
When is the Best Time to Visit Kailua or Lanikai?
Short answer: Kailua and Lanikai are popular year-round, but the best time for your family depends on weather and ocean conditions. The Hawaiian Islands can experience rainy weather during the winter, and passing hurricanes during the summer season (Hawaii’s hurricane season is June 1 – November 30), so make sure to check the weather before heading out for any activity when you’re on the islands.
Parking tip: If you are concerned about finding parking at the beach park, we recommend arriving before 10AM. You can also park at Kailua Beach Adventures and walk or bike down to the beach (~7 min walk).
What Should My Family Bring for a Beach Day?
Keep it simple! The less you bring the easier it will be to enjoy your time at one of the most beautiful beaches Oahu has to offer. Here are our recommendations for your Kailua beach day:
Water / Snacks: One of the most important things to remember! Stay hydrated in the sun. Snacks help extend your beach day, especially with kids.
Sunscreen: A must bring! The intense Hawaiian sun. We recommend using a reef-safe sunscreen as Oxybenzone kills the reef. Use Zinc and or mineral based products and avoid aerosol.
Towels: Not required, but a few towels help your family dry off after the water and sand.
Chairs: Sit back and relax while enjoying the beautiful Windward coast. If sitting in the sand isn’t your thing, Kailua Beach Adventures has you covered.
Umbrellas: Shade can sometimes be difficult to find on Oahu’s beaches. Use a beach umbrella and provide your family with a nice cool place to relax. Kailua Beach Adventures offers umbrella rentals when the wind is below ~15MPH
Boogie Board / Surfboard: Best for days spent at Kailua Beach. While Lanikai and Kailua Beach Park can offer calmer conditions with fewer waves, head to Kalama Beach Park or Castle’s Beach (5–10 minutes north of Kailua Beach Adventures) for more.
Snorkel Gear: Best for days spent at Lanikai Beach. When winds and swell are low, Lanikai can provide some of the best snorkeling on Oahu, especially for families and beginners. The reef begins just feet off the beach, and extends out for miles, offering endless opportunity to explore.
Beach Toys: For younger kids who love sandcastles, Kailua Beach Adventures has a variety of beach toys for purchase or rental.
Day Pass: Make your day as simple as possible with the Day Pass! This package gives you all-day access to Kailua Beach Adventures’ full range of facilities, beach gear, expert briefing and free parking — no hassle, just fun! Check in anytime after 8am, park at our shop, and have easy access to both Kailua and Lanikai Beach on foot! Come and go as you please until we close at 5pm.
Please note: Lanikai does not have restrooms, official parking, or any amenities. Kailua Beach Park is the best location if you want to be closer to restrooms, restaurants, and the iconic Kalapawai Market.
Your Kailua Family Adventure
The Best Kailua Activities for Every Age
Planning a family day on Oʻahu? From sandy beach days and snorkeling to unforgettable kayak adventures, discover activities to consider based on your children's ages, abilities, and interests.
Little Explorers
Easygoing beach fun, nature walks, and age-appropriate adventures with a grown-up.
Lanikai Beach Day
Build sandcastles, play with beach toys, and enjoy a family beach day. Lanikai Beach is the calmest and recommended for toddlers and little rascals while Kailua Beach has more waves for boogie boarding.
Great family optionGuided Flat Island Kayak Tour
A guided ocean adventure to consider for younger children. Minimum age is five for private and 8 for group tours. Basic swimming ability with a life jacket is required.
Age and swim requirements applyEasy Nature Walks
Explore a suitable section of the Kawainui Marsh Trail and enjoy the scenery at your family's own pace.
Flexible family outingSnorkeling and Beach Play
Snorkeling is only appropriate for children who can swim with a life jacket and close adult supervision. Life Jackets are included with snorkel rentals.
Swimming ability mattersGrowing Adventurers
More ocean exploration, active family outings, and opportunities to build confidence outdoors.
Guided Flat Island Kayak Tour
Paddle with a professional guide, discover the coastal environment, and enjoy time exploring when access and conditions permit.
Age requirements: 5+ for privateSelf-Guided Kayak Adventure
Explore Kailua Bay with your family. Choose a route that matches everyone's ability, and follow the rental requirements and local conditions guidance.
Adult planning requiredSnorkeling in Lanikai
Discover the underwater world when visibility and ocean conditions are suitable. Children should be confident swimmers with appropriate supervision.
Swimming requiredFamily Hiking
Try a nature walk or consider the Lanikai Pillbox hike if your child is comfortable with steep, uneven terrain.
Match the trail to abilityAdventure Seekers
Bigger adventures, longer paddles, and more independent exploration with the right preparation.
Guided Mokulua Islands Kayak Tour
An exciting, physically demanding offshore adventure. Min age 8 for private tours, 13 for group. Guardian, swimming ability, required.
High activity levelSelf-Guided Kayak Exploration
Discover Kailua Bay and select a suitable destination. More exposed routes require careful planning and appropriate ocean conditions.
Experience recommended offshoreSnorkeling and Coastal Discovery
Explore suitable snorkeling areas with proper equipment. Check visibility, currents, wind, and surf before entering the water.
Conditions dependentHiking and Outdoor Exploration
Active families can consider more challenging hikes, like the full Lanikai Pillbox Loop, when everyone is prepared for steep terrain exposure to sun.
Choose your challengeNot sure which adventure is right for your family? Our Kailua Beach Adventures team can help you explore the available options and choose an experience that fits your plans.
View Tour Requirements & FAQs