Kailua HI

Kailua, HI – Nestled on the windward coast of Oahu, Kailua is a tropical paradise where white-sand beaches meet lush green mountains. Known for its laid-back island charm, this beach town offers breathtaking scenery, local shops, and a peaceful vibe perfect for relaxation or adventure. Whether you're kayaking across turquoise waters or sipping shave ice under a palm tree, Kailua is your gateway to the real Hawaiian experience.

• Population: ~38,000
• Weather: Warm and breezy year-round (70-85°F); abundant sunshine with light showers.
• Places To Visit: Kailua Beach Park, Lanikai Beach, Maunawili Falls Trail, Pillbox Hike, Kawainui Marsh.
• Top Activities: Paddleboarding, hiking to scenic lookouts, snorkeling, browsing local farmers markets, enjoying beach picnics.
• Famous Food: Hawaiian plate lunches at L&L Drive-Inn, poke bowls, shave ice from Island Snow, and locally roasted coffee.

Kailua, HI is a beautiful coastal town located on the island of Oahu. Known for its laid-back lifestyle, vibrant small business community, and tourism-driven economy, Kailua offers a range of employment opportunities. While not a large urban center, the city supports various industries including healthcare, education, hospitality, and public service. Below are some of the top careers in demand in Kailua.

Top 5 Jobs in Kailua, HI

Kailua, Hawaii, is an easy-going beach town that's ideal for students looking to unwind, hang out with friends, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. With beautiful beaches, great local eateries, and a chill vibe, there's no shortage of spots to just have fun and take a break from your busy student life.

Kailua Beach Park – Famous for its powder-soft sands and calm, turquoise waters, Kailua Beach is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply lounging with your friends under the sun.

Lanikai Beach – Just minutes away from Kailua town, Lanikai is a serene paradise loved by locals and students alike. It's ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or catching the spectacular sunrise.

Kalapawai Market & Cafe – This laid-back local spot offers tasty sandwiches, refreshing smoothies, delicious coffees, and a chill atmosphere perfect for studying or just hanging out with your pals.

Island Snow – Nothing beats a refreshing shave ice on a warm Hawaii day. Island Snow is a popular favorite, letting students cool off with a sweet treat after class or a beach session.

Crepes No Ka 'Oi – A cozy café known for its delicious sweet and savory crepes. This friendly spot is perfect for groups to catch up over brunch or lunch.

Olomana Trail – Feeling adventurous? Gather your friends and hike Olomana Trail. Even if you only do the first peak, the view from above Kailua is well worth the trek.

Kailua Farmers Market – Great food stalls, local produce, friendly people, and live music come together weekly to create a vibrant atmosphere that's perfect for student gatherings and delicious eats.

ChadLou's Coffee Roasters – This cozy hangout offers tasty coffee drinks, homemade pastries, and a relaxed vibe. It's the ideal spot to meet up, study, or unwind after class.

With all these chill and fun places, Kailua gives students plenty of options to relax, recharge, and enjoy their free time.

Kailua, HI is a coastal community known for its scenic beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and close-knit community. While Kailua itself does not host large universities, it offers access to several quality institutions of higher learning nearby on the island of Oʻahu, including some of the state’s best public and private colleges and universities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in the Kailua, HI Area

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – Located about 30 minutes from Kailua in Honolulu, UH Mānoa is the flagship university of the University of Hawaiʻi system. It is a nationally ranked research institution known for programs in oceanography, business, education, and Hawaiian studies.

Windward Community College – Situated right in Kāneʻohe, a short drive from Kailua, Windward CC provides students with affordable associate degrees and transferable credits. It specializes in liberal arts, Hawaiian studies, and vocational training.

Honolulu Community College – This college focuses on technical education and trade programs, including aeronautics, automotive technology, and architecture. It is a popular choice among students seeking career-ready skills and certifications.

Leeward Community College – Although farther from Kailua, Leeward CC provides a wide variety of associate degrees and transfer programs. It is known for its strong academic support services and diverse student population.

Kapiʻolani Community College – Located near Diamond Head, Kapiʻolani CC is highly regarded for its nursing, culinary arts, and health science programs. It's a key entry point for students moving toward a bachelor’s degree at UH Mānoa.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in the Kailua, HI Area

Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU) – Based in downtown Honolulu and with a presence in nearby Kāneʻohe, HPU is a private institution known for its international student body and popular programs in nursing, business, and marine biology.

Chaminade University of Honolulu – A Catholic Marianist university that focuses on liberal arts and professional education. It is well-known for its programs in criminal justice, education, and forensic sciences.

Argosy University (formerly Honolulu campus) – Though it closed in 2019, Argosy once played a major role in graduate education in business and psychology for local students in the region.

Remington College – Honolulu Campus – A private, nonprofit college offering career-focused associate degrees and diploma programs in areas like medical assisting and criminal justice.

Pacific Rim Christian University – Located in Honolulu, this faith-based private university offers degrees in theology, ministry, and Christian leadership, with a mission to prepare students for service and leadership in spiritual communities.

Kailua, HI, is a picturesque town on the Windward side of Oahu, offering a relaxed island lifestyle along with quality educational institutions. Families in this vibrant beachfront community have access to a mix of strong public and private high schools that support both academic and personal growth.

Top Public High Schools In Kailua, HI

• Kailua High School – Located in the heart of the town, this school provides students with a well-rounded education, offering college prep courses, athletics, and career technical programs.
• Kalaheo High School – Known for its strong academic programs and small class sizes, Kalaheo High takes pride in its student achievement, Advanced Placement offerings, and arts integration.
• Castle High School – While technically in nearby Kaneohe, many Kailua students attend Castle due to its robust STEM programs and strong community involvement.
• James B. Castle High School STEM Academy – Offers enhanced learning for students interested in engineering and mathematics, partnered with local universities and businesses for real-world experience.
• Olomana School – Designed for students needing extra support, this public alternative school provides small class sizes and individualized education plans to ensure success.

Top Private High Schools In Kailua, HI

• Le Jardin Academy – This International Baccalaureate (IB) school emphasizes global citizenship, critical thinking, and academic rigor from Pre-K through high school.
• St. Anthony School Kailua – A Catholic institution offering values-based education with personalized instruction and a strong sense of community for students through Grade 8, extending support into high school years as part of its network.
• Huakailani School for Girls – A boutique all-girls school that provides a nurturing, STEAM-focused education with a low student-to-teacher ratio, ideal for individualized learning.
• Trinity Christian School – Situated in Kailua, this classical Christian school offers a high school program with a deep emphasis on faith, reasoning, and academic excellence.
• Leeward Academy – Though smaller in size, this private school is known for a tailored approach to education, helping students focus on both academic and personal growth.

Kailua, Hawaii is a beautiful coastal town known for its scenic beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and strong community spirit. While it is not home to any major professional sports teams like those in Los Angeles or other large cities, sports still play an important role in the local culture through high school competitions, surfing events, and strong fan support for Hawaii-based collegiate teams.

🏈 Football – University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (NCAA)

• University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors – Although based in Honolulu, the Rainbow Warriors represent the entire state and enjoy strong fan support from towns like Kailua. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and have made multiple bowl game appearances. The team is known for its explosive offense and has produced NFL players such as Colt Brennan.

🌊 Surfing – Professional Surf Events and Local Talent

• World Surf League (WSL) – While not headquartered in Kailua, Hawaii hosts world-class surfing competitions that attract professional surfers from across the globe. Kailua Beach and nearby spots on O‘ahu’s North Shore are popular with professional and amateur surfers alike. Local surfers often go on to compete at the highest levels.

🏀 Basketball, ⚾ Baseball, and Other Sports

• No major league teams – Kailua does not have NBA, MLB, or NHL teams. However, residents often support major professional teams from the mainland or adopt teams from larger cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco.
• Strong youth and community sports – Kailua has a vibrant youth sports scene, with local leagues in soccer, baseball, basketball, and more. These programs play a key role in community building and athletic development.

🎓 College Athletics – University of Hawaii at Mānoa (NCAA)

• Rainbow Wahine (Women’s Athletics) – The University of Hawaii’s women’s teams are also widely followed and celebrated, especially in sports like volleyball and softball. These programs have earned national recognition and success, contributing to robust statewide pride.

Though Kailua does not feature stadiums packed with tens of thousands of fans cheering for professional teams, the spirit of sports remains strong. From surfing icons to college football pride, Kailua’s love for athletics runs deep, rooted in tradition, community, and island pride.

Kailua, HI is a beautiful beach town on the windward side of Oʻahu. Known for its laid-back vibe and stunning scenery, this tropical paradise is full of surprises. Here are 10 fun facts about Kailua that make it truly special:

1. Home to Lanikai Beach – Often ranked among the best beaches in the world, Lanikai Beach is known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water.
2. Local Favorite: Kailua Beach Park – Just down the road from Lanikai, Kailua Beach Park is a hotspot for kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
3. Presidential Vacations – Former President Barack Obama often spent the holidays in Kailua, calling it his "winter White House."
4. Mokulua Islands – The twin islands off the coast of Kailua, called "The Mokes," are part of a protected seabird sanctuary and popular kayaking destination.
5. World-Class Sunrises – Early risers catch breathtaking sunrises over the Pacific Ocean from Kailua's sandy shores.
6. Historic Pali Highway – The scenic drive between Honolulu and Kailua takes travelers through the lush Nuʻuanu Pali cliffs, once the site of a legendary Hawaiian battle.
7. Locally Loved Farmers’ Market – Kailua hosts a weekly farmers’ market full of fresh tropical produce, island snacks, and handmade crafts.
8. Eco-Friendly Town – The Kailua community is known for its sustainability efforts, from banning plastic bags to supporting organic farming.
9. A Laid-Back Lifestyle – Unlike bustling Waikīkī, Kailua offers a relaxed and quiet vibe that draws both locals and repeat visitors.
10. Ka Iwi Coast Hike – Popular hikes like the Lanikai Pillbox trail offer sweeping views of the ocean, beaches, and islands, making Kailua a hiker’s dream.