Best Family Friendly Beaches In Kailua Hawaii

24 / 7

Pounders Beach

United States, Hawaii, Kailua

Located near the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pounders Beach - also known as Pounder’s Beach and now officially called Pahumoa Beach - is a beach that has light brown sand and a small nearby forest in the community of Laie. A creek also flows near this beach. This beach was given its main name (Pounders Beach) by the students of Brigham Young University — Hawaiʻi in 1955, who named it “Pounders'' due to the strong and pounding waves in the water near it. The area near the southern end of the beach has a scenic limestone cliff named Pali Kiloi'a which means "fish-spotter cliff" in Hawaiian. The northern part of the beach has multiple pilings - these pilings are of a pier (named Lai’e Pier) which was built in the 19th century.

24 / 7

4.25

Lanikai Beach

United States, Hawaii, Kailua

Located in the town of Kailua, Lanikai Beach - also known as Kaʻōhao Beach - is a spectacular white sand beach on the island of Oahu. While many people claim that the beach’s name means "heavenly sea" in Hawaiian, it is an incorrect translation. It is often said that the beach's main name (Lanikai Beach) was invented by a real estate developer named Charles Frazier and the area around this beach was earlier known as Kaʻōhao to Native Hawaiians. This approximately half mile-long beach has an amazing backdrop of palm trees and oceanfront mountains. Lanikai Beach has been named one of the Top 100 beaches in the United States by Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.

24 / 7

4.15

Kailua Beach Park

United States, Hawaii, Kailua

Kailua Beach, a long stretch of white, deep sand and baby-blue, cobalt-filled water, caters to everyone. For families, it's ideal because you can stay there all day. Its calm waters that are ideal for swimming, mild temperature, shade-filled areas, convenient on-site amenities and its picturesque scenery ensure that. For the more adventure-minded, the beach is one of the best in Hawaii for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

24 / 7

4.15

Kalama Beach Park

United States, Hawaii, Kailua

Kalama Beach Park is a vibrant and beloved beach destination located in Kailua, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Known for its beautiful white sand and calm turquoise waters, it offers an inviting atmosphere for both locals and visitors. The beach is spacious, providing ample room for relaxation, picnicking, and enjoying the scenic views of the Koolau Mountains. Its gentle waves make it a favorite spot for families and those seeking a laid-back beach experience.
The park integrates natural beauty with community-friendly features such as a playground and picnic areas, enhancing its appeal as a family destination. The beach is also renowned for its welcoming vibe, supporting a diverse crowd including locals, tourists, and the LGBTQ+ community. The surroundings include well-maintained grassy areas shaded by trees, making it perfect for spending an entire day outdoors.
Its convenient location near Kailua town adds to its charm, offering easy access to nearby shops and eateries while still providing a serene coastal escape. The overall vibe is both relaxed and lively, with opportunities to engage in water sports or simply unwind by the shore.