What You Must Do in Kailua, Oahu

Lanikai Pillbox Hike

Lanikai Pillboxes takes you up to gorgeous panoramic views of the Windward side and pristine turquoise waters of Lanikai beach.  Since it is located on the East side of the island, the most popular time to partake on this hike is for sunrise. The sunrise peaks over the twin Mokulua islands which it worth the wakeup call. Once you will arrive the to first bunker, most people take their time enjoying the views. We, of course, would recommend enjoying a snack to refuel from your hike while you are up there. (Kono’s bombers are definitely one of our suggestions as they are full and hearty to recharge your body).

Difficulty: Moderate, it is a constant steep trek but there are lots of areas to stop and enjoy the views along the way. The hike is not terribly long or treacherous but we recommend sunscreen, lots of water, and proper shoes and it can be slippery or even experience sudden rain.

Where to find it—Located in a residential area on Kaelepulu Drive.  The trailhead of the hike is clearly marked with signs that lead to the entrance with a narrow path between two fences. You will find a steep first hill to start the hike but there are ropes, do not worry. Afterward, the path is clearly marked to make your ascent up the mountain.

Kayak To “The Mokes”

We always like to recommend action-packed adventures while visiting the island. Kayaking to the Mokulua islands is one of them! We suggest a guided tour since water conditions for beginners may be challenging.

Bike Around Kailua Town

Biking around the quaint town and neighborhood roads is a fun way to travel to the beach, shops and local eateries in Kailua.

Places to Bike—

Kailua Beach

Lanikai Beach

Kailua Shopping Center

Kono’s (of course)

With increased tourism in the area, parking can be a real hassle. Kick it old school with some bikes to travel around the town. There are plenty of rentals available in the area, some we have listed below.

Suggested Rental Shops:

Kailua Bicycle (Japanese Friendly!)

The Bike Shop Kailua

Kailua Beach Adventures

Shop at Bikini Bird

BikiniBird specializes in designer swimwear, cover-ups, swim accessories, beauty product and unique gifts. The popular online lifestyle shop opened their doors to their first brick and mortar shop in Kailua in 2017 (right around the same time as us in Kailua!)

It is hard to not be lured into their trendy shop while exiting Kono’s. Be sure to stop in they are always having pop-ups and trunk shows, you will not want to miss out on these trendy brands. 

“We strive to inspire our customers with new styles and brands – focusing on collaborations and exclusives,” says BikiniBird.

Where to find it—

Right next door to Kono’s Kailua

131 Hekili St Suite 103
Kailua, HI 96734

Hours
Mon – Sat 10:00am – 6:00pm
Sun 10:00am – 5:00pm

Lanikai Brewing- Tap & Barrel

“Lanikai Brewing Company is an innovative, Island Inspired® authentic Hawaiian craft beer company making 100% of our brews here in Hawaii. We take our cues from premium, local, rare, and exotic ingredients grown by local farmers or foraged across the Pacific to bring you bold and flavorful beers that you will find nowhere else utilizing Hawaiian terroir. Pour a nice solid head to breathe in the flowers and fruits, the same aromas carried by our gentle trade winds. It’s paradise in a bomber bottle, best shared with friends”, says Lanikai Brewing. 

Lucky for Kono’s in Kailua, they are right down the street from us AND BYOF (bring your own food). When you visit Kono’s to bring to Lanikai Brewing’s Tap & Barrel, you receive a partner discount so you can enjoy your bombers n’ brews even more. Their craft beer is the real deal, local and always bringing in new creations from local sources.

Where to find it—

175-C Hamakua Drive Kailua,
HI 96734

Hours: Mon-Thu 4-10p | Fri 3-10p | Sat-Sun 11a-10p

Grace in Growlers

Grace in Growlers is a tasting room, focusing on locally made; craft beer, kombucha, mead and cold brew coffee where you only pay by the ounce activated my your own personal wristband. They too are BYOF which makes the experience even better.

If you are looking for a fun afternoon or night with a group of friends, Grace in Growlers is your place. They have community tables and lockers full of games, trivia nights and more! 

You will never get tired of their selections of craft beer because they have a constantly rotating tap list of beers every week. While drinking a beer, you are also joining a cause. They are a tasting room with a purpose. Grace in Growlers is a project of ONEninetynine that seeks to generate revenue to sustain the Initiative.  All proceeds of Grace in Growlers are rolled back into the community. Aren’t they amazing? You got to see for yourself. 

Where to find it—

143 Hekili St. #110 | Kailua | Hawaii | 96734

Phone: 808.975.9317 

Hours: M-Th 12-9p | Fri-Sat 12-10p | Su 12-8p |