Kailua, Hawaii

Kailua Beach Park, located in the town of Kailua, is a great spot for the whole family. There is a large parking lot with a bathroom and a place to rinse the sand off.

Kayaks can be rented in Kailua. Popoia Island, also known as Flat Island, can be seen from Kailua Beach Park and is a short paddle out.Rental Options: Kailua Beach Adventures Two Good Kayaks

The hikeThe Lanikai Pillbox Trail, also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a well-maintained, dog-friendly hike. The pathway is relatively accessible to hikers of varying skill levels, and it takes many people between 30 and 45 minutes to complete the walk. The beginning of the trail is steep w...

During the weekdays the beach is relatively empty, but on weekends during peak tourist season it can become extremely crowded. Lanikai is a popular spot for photo shoots as renowned models and photographers frequent the place on nice days. Due to its position on the east side of the island, Lanik...

There are two islands off the coast of Kailua known as the Mokulua or 'Mokes'. The island on the right, Moku Iki, is off-limits. However, the larger of the two islands, Moku Nui, is accessible via a 30 minute kayak, SUP or outrigger.You can push off from Kailua Beach Park for a longer paddle or h...

Stand Up Paddleboards can be rented in the nearby town of Kailua at various watersports shops. Kayaks can also be rented as another option. The bay can be reached by public access points in neighborhoods at Kaneohe Bay (there are 3 on Mikiola Drive) or at Kaneohe Beach Park.Rental Options: Kail...

The trail, is roughly 3.2 miles and is a great option if you're in the Kailua area. You'll hike in a covered forest along the riverbank, which leads to an amazing waterfall and swimming hole. Many people like to jump from the waterfall into the pool below, and some with a bit more courage even cl...

Bellows Field Beach Park is near the Bellows Air Force Base.  It has a campground, but remains relatively uncrowded when compared to other beaches on Oahu.  It has lush trees and beautiful mountain views.  There are small waves, good for boogie boarding. Note:  - Look for signs warning of Portugu...

Likeke Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii.

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is on my list of the top ten most beautiful nature places you can drive to. Hoʻomaluhia means "to make a place of peace and tranquility."  This breathtaking gem was built in 1982 by the US Army Corps of Engineering to prevent flooding.  There’s a lot to do here, you...

Park off the Old Pali Highway before the lookout in the dirt parking lot. There is an entry along the fence that will go through. The first part of the hike takes you through a bamboo forest. Most of the time it will be muddy, so be prepared to get dirty. This will lead you to an open grassy val...

Resting at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains, the Byodo-In Temple was built to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants that came to Hawaii. This beautiful Buddhist temple is a smaller-scale replica of an over 950 year old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan.The temple grounds host wildlife such as hu...

Located in close proximity to Honolulu, the 150-foot Manoa Falls is accessible from the nearest road by a hike of approximately 0.8 miles (one way). The hike passes through a diverse array of ecosystems in Manoa Valley and feels like a true jungle, which makes it a great photo-zone. This valley i...

To get to Aihualama trail follow the Manoa Road into the back of Manoa Valley. Manoa Road ends at Paradise Park, continue up the road, through the parking lot, towards the entrance of Lyon Arboretum.  At the sharp left bend in the road to Lyon, proceed straight ahead until you reach the parking a...

Lyon Arboretum Short Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.

There's no better way to spend a relaxing day in Hawaii than sitting out on the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar, surrounded by great views of the Koolau Range and Oahu coastline.Located in northeast Oahu, the Kaneohe Sandbar is a fun place to spend your day snorkeling, playing water games, and enjoying food ...