Discover Kailua: Oahu's Premier Luxury Beach Community

Nestled along the pristine windward shores of Oahu, Kailua stands as one of Hawaii's most coveted luxury destinations. This exclusive beach town, located just 12 miles northeast of Honolulu, offers an unparalleled combination of world-renowned beaches, sophisticated dining, and some of the most prestigious real estate in the Pacific.

The Kailua Lifestyle: Where Luxury Meets Paradise

Kailua embodies the quintessential Hawaiian dream—a place where turquoise waters meet powder-white sand, where trade winds carry the scent of plumeria, and where every sunrise promises another day in paradise. Once the favored retreat of Hawaiian royalty (ali'i), Kailua has evolved into a sophisticated haven that attracts discerning buyers seeking the ultimate in island luxury living.

From plantation-style cottages starting in the $900,000s to multi-million dollar oceanfront estates commanding up to $27 million, Kailua offers an extraordinary range of luxury properties across its distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and appeal.

Distinguished Neighborhoods

Lanikai: The Crown Jewel

The Ultimate in Exclusive Beachfront Living

Lanikai stands as the pinnacle of luxury real estate in Kailua, consistently ranked among the world's finest beaches. This intimate enclave of approximately 500 homes enjoys unparalleled exclusivity, accessible only through a single loop road system that creates a true sense of community and privacy.

Historical Significance: Originally known to Native Hawaiians as Ka'ōhao, Lanikai was transformed in the 1920s by visionary developer Charles Frazier, who created the name "Lanikai" for his exclusive residential development. The iconic Lanikai Monument, designed by renowned architect Hart Wood in 1925, still marks the entrance to this prestigious community, serving as a testament to its carefully planned heritage.

Real Estate Profile:

• • Average lot sizes: 10,000-12,000 square feet
  • Price range: $1.8M to $21M for ultra-luxury beachfront estates
  • Main thoroughfares: Aalapapa Drive (further from beach) and Mokulua Drive (closest to beach)
  • Architecture: Mediterranean, Craftsman, Contemporary, and Hawaiian Plantation styles
  • Features: Private beach access, tropical gardens, expansive lanais, panoramic views of Mokulua Islands

Beachside: Kailua's Luxury Waterfront

Premier Oceanfront Living

The Beachside neighborhood extends along North Kalaheo Avenue, offering some of the most coveted beachfront properties in Hawaii. These estates provide direct access to Kailua Beach or are positioned just steps from the sand.

Real Estate Profile:

• • • Starting prices: Around $2M
    • Lot sizes: Averaging 10,000-12,000 square feet, with select 1+ acre lots
    • Premium properties: Up to $27M for expansive Kailua Beach estates
    • Features: Direct beach access, mature tropical landscaping, architectural diversity

Kalama Tract: The Sophisticated Choice

Luxury Without the Beachfront Premium

Located just one block back from Kailua Beach on the mountain side of North Kalaheo Avenue, Kalama Tract offers exceptional value for luxury buyers seeking proximity to the beach without the highest price points.

Appeal: These properties feature substantial lots with impressive curb appeal and are highly sought-after for their perfect balance of location, privacy, and value.

Kuulei Tract: Town-Adjacent Luxury

Convenience Meets Sophistication

Offering some of the closest luxury homes to Kailua Town while maintaining easy beach access (1-2 blocks), Kuulei Tract provides the perfect blend of convenience and coastal living.

Aikahi Park: Family-Focused Luxury

Suburban Elegance

This well-planned neighborhood features wide streets, level lots, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Its proximity to Marine Corps Base Hawaii makes it particularly attractive to military families seeking luxury accommodations.

World-Class Beaches

Kailua Beach

Spanning 2.5 miles of pristine white sand, Kailua Beach consistently ranks among the world's best beaches. Its calm, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. The beach offers ample space for privacy while maintaining excellent amenities.

Lanikai Beach

Regularly voted the world's best beach by publications including Forbes, CNN, and National Geographic, Lanikai Beach features impossibly soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of the iconic Mokulua Islands ("the Mokes"). This beach epitomizes tropical perfection.

Culinary Excellence

Kailua's dining scene rivals any luxury destination, featuring over 100 restaurants ranging from casual beachside cafes to upscale country club establishments.

Iconic Establishments

• Kalapawai Market & Cafe: A beloved institution since 1932, offering everything from gourmet coffee and deli sandwiches to award-winning dinner service. Two locations serve the community—one in town and one at Kailua Beach Park.
• Buzz's Original Steak House: A Lanikai landmark since 1962, housed in a charming beachside cottage serving exceptional steaks and fresh seafood.
• Cinnamon's Cafe: Famous for their signature flavored pancakes including guava, pistachio, and liliko'i chiffon.

Contemporary Favorites

• Maui Brewing Company: Upscale brewery with an impressively diverse menu
• Lanikai Brewing: Birthed in 2014 on Oahu's windward coast, embodies the vibrant spirit of Hawaii in every brew and passionately crafted Island Inspired™ beers and spirits that reflect the unique flavors and culture of the islands. Their signature Pillbox Porter to the refreshing Lemongrass Gin, each product utilizes at least one local ingredient, giving a true taste of paradise in each sip.
• Goen Dining + Bar by Roy Yamaguchi: Asian-inspired cuisine featuring locally sourced seafood and craft cocktails
• Easy Que BBQ:  Brisket, fried chicken & other comfort eats served in a hip restaurant offering cocktails & beer.  Same onwer also has Over Easy: Cheery spot for creative breakfast & lunch made using local ingredients, plus cocktails.
• Mexico Lindo: Boisterous Mexican cantina serving up burritos, enchiladas & more, along with margaritas & beers.
• Los Garcia's: Unpretentious eatery offering light Mexican fare & seafood offerings, plus outdoor seating & a bar for over 25 yeras.

Gourmet Shopping & Specialty Markets

• Whole Foods Market: Full-service organic grocery with prepared foods, wine bar, and gourmet selections
• Down to Earth: Organic and natural foods specialist since 1977, supporting local growers
• Manoa Chocolate: Bean-to-bar chocolate production facility with tours and tasting room
• Kailua Farmers' Markets: Multiple weekly markets featuring locally grown produce, artisanal foods, and gourmet treats (Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings)
• Lōkahi Kailua Market: Sunday specialty market with unique local vendors

Unique Shopping Experiences

• Picket Fence Florist: Award-winning florist serving the community for over 50 years, specializing in Hawaiian tropical arrangements and lei
• Aesthetic Hawaii: 3,000 sq ft art gallery featuring local and international artists with emphasis on glass art
• Bookends Kailua: Beloved local bookshop with new and used books, cards, toys, and games
• Mahina: Trendy women's boutique with soft, comfortable sundresses and yoga wear
• Global Village: Specialty boutique offering apparel, home decor, and gifts for all ages
• San Lorenzo Bikinis: Modern, unique designer swimwear
• Kailua Crystals: Metaphysical shop and spiritual community center offering classes and sound baths
• Cariloha Store: Eco-friendly bamboo products including ultra-soft bedding and clothing

Recreation & Lifestyle

Water Activities

Kailua's protected bay offers ideal conditions for water sports:

• • Kayaking: Paddle to the Mokulua Islands bird sanctuary
  • Kitesurfing & Windsurfing: Consistent trade winds create perfect conditions
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding: Calm waters ideal for beginners and experts
  • Swimming: Reef-protected beaches with warm, clear water

Land-Based Recreation

• • Lanikai Pillbox Hike: Stunning 360-degree views of ocean and mountains
  • Olomana Golf Links: Championship course with resident and military discounts
  • Mid-Pacific Country Club: Established in 1926, this private country club features a golf course, dining options, and event venues.
  • Kailua Racquet Club: Tennis and fitness facilities
  • Multiple Parks: Kailua District Park (pool, gymnasium, courts), Kailua Beach Park, Kalama Beach Park

Cultural Attractions

• • Kawainui Marsh: Hawaii's largest wetland and Ramsar Convention Site
  • Ulupo Heiau State Monument: Ancient Hawaiian religious site
  • "I Love Kailua" Annual Festival: Community celebration featuring local vendors, live music, and arts

Investment Considerations

Market Dynamics

• • Appreciation Potential: Limited developable land ensures continued value growth
  • Rental Income: Strong vacation rental market (where permitted)
  • Celebrity Appeal: Frequented by celebrities and former President Obama
  • International Recognition: Global media coverage maintains strong demand

Infrastructure & Accessibility

• • Commute: Scenic 30-minute drive to Honolulu via Pali Highway
  • Shopping: Comprehensive retail including Whole Foods, Target, and boutique shops
  • Healthcare: Nearby Castle Medical Center
  • Education: Excellent schools serving the community

Community Character

Despite its global recognition, Kailua maintains its small-town charm and tight-knit community feel. The area successfully balances luxury living with environmental consciousness, featuring organizations like the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle, which has beautified the community since 1948.

Demographics: While tourism has increased, Kailua retains its residential character with a population exceeding 50,000 across Kailua and Lanikai, creating a vibrant year-round community.

The Kailua Promise

Owning luxury real estate in Kailua means more than acquiring property—it means joining an exclusive community where every day offers the possibility of sunrise yoga on world-class beaches, afternoon sailing to offshore islands, and evenings dining on locally caught seafood while watching spectacular sunsets over the Ko'olau Mountains.

Whether you're seeking a primary residence, vacation home, or investment property, Kailua represents the pinnacle of Hawaiian luxury living, where the pace of life slows to match the rhythm of the waves, and every sunrise reminds you that you're living in one of the world's most beautiful places.

Experience the extraordinary. Discover Kailua.

Kailua MLS Neighborhood Descriptions

1. Aikahi Park
   • Suburban neighborhood featuring wide streets, level lots, and planned community layout. Located adjacent to Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Properties include single-family homes with standard lot sizes and community amenities.
2. Beachside (Kailua)
   • Oceanfront neighborhood along North Kalaheo Avenue offering direct Kailua Beach access or properties within walking distance. Properties start around $2M with some estates up to $27M. Features mature tropical landscaping and diverse architecture on 10,000-12,000 sq ft lots.
3. Coconut Grove
   • Residential neighborhood offering single-family homes at various price points. Properties may include original construction with renovation potential.
4. Enchanted Lake
   • Largest residential community in Kailua, built in the 1970s around a man-made lake. Features R-5 to R-7.5 zoning with 5,000-7,500 sq ft lots. Mix of original single-wall redwood construction and upgraded double-wall homes. Waterfront properties available.
5. Hillcrest
   • Custom homes constructed starting in the 1970s on terraced hillside positions. Properties feature 7,000-12,000 sq ft lots with homes typically exceeding 2,500 sq ft. Steep terrain provides privacy and Kailua Bay views.
6. Kailua Bluffs
   • Neighborhood developed in the 1980s featuring double-wall construction homes with enclosed garages. Elevated location above Enchanted Lake with mountain and ocean views. Lot sizes 7,500+ sq ft. Two-story homes with contemporary styling.
7. Kalaheo Hillside
   • Hillside location with elevated positions providing mountain and ocean views. Properties benefit from cooler temperatures and scenic vistas while maintaining access to Kailua amenities
8. Kalama Tract
   • Located one block from Kailua Beach on the mountain side of North Kalaheo Avenue. Properties feature substantial lots with established landscaping. Offers beach proximity with mountain-side positioning.
9. Kawailoa (Kailua)
   • Residential area with varied property types and pricing within Kailua boundaries. Properties provide access to Kailua amenities and beaches.
10. Keolu Hills
    • Hillside neighborhood situated above Enchanted Lake. Original 1960s plantation-style homes with many properties renovated or rebuilt. Lot sizes range 5,000-7,000 sq ft. Elevated positions provide views of Mount Olomana, ocean, and coastline.
11. Kaimalino
    • Established residential neighborhood with varied property types and price points within Kailua. Properties offer access to local beaches, shopping, and community amenities.
12. Kuulei Tract
    • Located nearest to Kailua Town with beach access within 1-2 blocks. Properties offer convenient access to shopping, dining, and town amenities while maintaining coastal proximity.
13. Lanikai
    • Exclusive enclave featuring approximately 500 homes with direct beach access to world-renowned Lanikai Beach. Properties range from $1.8M to $21M with average lot sizes of 10,000-12,000 sq ft. Single loop road system provides privacy. Features Mediterranean, Craftsman, Contemporary, and Hawaiian Plantation architectural styles.
14. Maunawili
    • Mountain neighborhood between Ko'olau and Olomana ranges, offering cooler climate and lush vegetation. Lot sizes 10,000+ sq ft with some properties up to 1-2 acres in Olomana Heights. Higher rainfall supports tropical landscaping.
15. Pohakupu
    • Residential area within greater Kailua region featuring single-family homes with access to beaches and local amenities. Properties offer various lot sizes and architectural styles.