Kailua Beach

About This Spot

Oahu's main kite hub, on the windward (NE) coast in Kailua Bay — a wide white-sand beach with a grassy rigging lawn at the north end of Kailua Beach Park, behind Kalapawai Market. Wind is ENE trade wind, blowing side-/onshore from the right of the bay, which makes a blown-in kite drift back to the beach and helps beginners. Season is summer: May–September is the only reliably kiteable window, with June–August strongest, averaging ~18 kt (gusting 15–30) and roughly 3–5 good days a week; mornings and evenings are best. Trades are generally on the lighter side here — pack big kites and a foil for marginal days. Winter is mostly too light/unreliable, with occasional large NW swell hitting the outer reefs. Water: choppy inside the bay; flat to slick water sits in the lee of Flat Island (Popoia) depending on swell direction. Outside there's bump-and-jump and ramps at 'Jump City', and bigger, more consequential wave riding out by the Mokulua islands and outer reefs for advanced riders. Suits beginners through intermediate for flatwater/freestyle, with wave options for experts. Launch & access: rig only on the designated grassy area; do not set up or leave gear on the sand. Launch/land in the marked ~200 ft zone and clear it quickly. Paid parking lot can fill fast on summer afternoons. Hazards & rules: shallow reef and sea urchins in spots (wear a rash guard/leggings), Portuguese man-o-war and seasonal box jellyfish, green sea turtles, and strong local opposition that has produced strict, enforced rules. Stay outside the swim zone (white buoys), give right of way to swimmers, paddlers and canoes, no jumping within 200 ft of shore, mandatory safety leash, and ride well offshore. Commercial lessons are illegal here. Respect restricted-activity holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, Labor Day). Follow Kailua Windsports Association etiquette.