The 10 Best Things to Do in Kailua and Kaneohe

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If you’re looking for things to do in Kailua and Kaneohe, you’re in the right place! Having spent a summer living in Kaneohe and visiting Oahu many times, I can confidently say these two areas are some of the most beautiful and underrated parts of the island.

Whenever friends ask for Oahu recommendations, I always tell them to spend time exploring these spots (along with the North Shore) for their natural beauty, incredible activities, and chill island vibes. In this post, I’ll share my favorite things to do in Kailua and Kaneohe, from breathtaking beaches to hidden gems and everything in between!

Things to Do in Kailua

1. Lanikai Pillbox Hike (aka Kaiwa Ridge Trail)

The Lanikai Pillbox hike, also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is one of my favorite hikes on Oahu, and it’s one I make sure to do every time I visit. It’s a relatively moderate 1.8-mile out-and-back trail.

The hike is well-known for its breathtaking panoramic views of Oahu, especially with the sun rising over the ocean. I highly recommend waking up early to catch the sunrise, even if it means setting an alarm before the sun is up—trust me, it’s worth it!

To make sure you’re on top in time for the main event, allow for extra time to drive and hike in the dark. Don’t forget to bring a headlamp (it’s one of my must-have items on my Hawaii packing list!)—a phone flashlight just won’t do, especially when navigating the rocky terrain.

Once you reach the top, you can explore a couple of military bunkers that offer an even more elevated view of the island, perfect for a moment to relax and soak in the beauty around you. The entire hike took us about 90 minutes, with 30 minutes spent lounging at the top enjoying the view.

For parking, your GPS might direct you to a spot near the Mid Pacific Country Club, but be aware there’s usually a security guard keeping people from parking there. No worries though—if you arrive early enough, street parking is usually easy to find.

2. Kayak at Kailua Bay

Another one of the most beautiful things to do in Kailua is kayaking around the stunning beaches! Kailua Beach Adventures offers both guided and self-guided half-day eco-tours.

Paddle to Popoia Island or the Mokulua Islands for stunning views, snorkel with sea turtles, and explore bird sanctuaries. Plus, you can relax at Lanikai Beach. The tour includes all kayaking and snorkeling gear, as well as lunch. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of Kailua!

This tour does book up quickly, so be sure to book in advance!

3. Explore Kailua Town

Kailua Town is a charming spot to explore, with boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. You can rent a bike from The Bike Shop to easily cruise through this picturesque area.

Some of the must-visit shops in the area are:

• Kalapawai Market
• Book Ends
• Bikini Bird
• Classic Waves
• Coco’s Trading Post
• Kailua Crystals

Some must-visit shops include Kalapawai Market, Bikini Bird, and Kailua Crystals. For food, try Easy Que, Maui Brewing Co., and Kono’s, plus don’t miss out on grabbing an acai bowl! It’s a perfect mix of shopping, eating, and relaxing in a laid-back atmosphere.

As for dining, Easy Que, Maui Brewing Co., and Kono’s are some of the best restaurants in Kailua and in the area!

Where to Stay in Kailua

When it comes to where to stay in Kailua and Kaneohe, the charm of these areas shines through in their laid-back, local vibe, which is much more relaxed than the busy atmosphere of Waikiki and Honolulu. However, accommodation options are limited, so booking in advance is crucial!

Here are a couple of great options:

• 2-bedroom Plantation Home: Just a 14-minute walk to Kailua Beach and has air conditioning. Perfect for those wanting a peaceful, authentic stay.
• Luxury Bungalow (via VRBO): A newly built, modern bungalow with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private patio.

Check out other VRBO options and Booking options for availability for your specific dates.

Again, book early, as these spots fill up fast!

Things to Do in Kaneohe

4. Kualoa Ranch

Okay, picture this: you’re on the same land where Jurassic Park came to life—yes, Kualoa Ranch! It’s way more than just a movie set though. They have everything from ATV tours to horseback riding, ziplining, and even an Ocean Voyage Adventure.

I did the ATV package and had the BEST time zipping around the ranch, spotting famous film locations along the way. If you’re a thrill-seeker or movie buff (or both!), Kualoa Ranch has something for you. Trust me, this is one of the most iconic things to do in Kaneohe that you aren’t going to want to miss!

5. Byodo-In Temple

I still can’t believe this is in Hawaii! The Byodo-In Temple is a stunning, peaceful spot that will have you feeling like you’re in Japan, not Oahu. The temple is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan, and was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.

This serene temple is only $5 to visit! Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds, or call ahead to book a guided tour. It’s the perfect place for a little zen moment during your Kaneohe adventure!

6. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

After visiting the Byodo-In Temple, head just 20 minutes south to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden – a nature lover’s dream! This lush, rainforest garden is framed by majestic mountain ranges, making it feel like you’ve stepped into paradise. You’ve probably seen photos of the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden on Instagram, as it’s not just one of the most iconic things to do in Kaneohe but on the entire island!

The fog that sometimes rolls in adds a mystical touch to the stunning scenery. With lakes, trails, and plants from all over the globe, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful escape (and a photoshoot). And the best part? It’s one of the best free things to do on Oahu!

7. Friendship Gardens Trail

The Friendship Gardens Trail is a family-friendly, easy .5-mile loop that’s great for a relaxing hike. If you’re feeling adventurous, it connects to a larger trail, marked by pink ribbons, so be sure to keep an eye out and download a map from Alltrails.

The trail is shaded and lush, with a scenic lookout, but be prepared for mud and bring bug spray. Parking is limited, with a few spots right at the trailhead, but additional parking is available further down the hill.

8. Crouching Lion

The Crouching Lion hike located about 25 minutes outside of Kaneohe, is a short yet steep .4-mile out-and-back trail that offers incredible panoramic views.

It’s best to avoid hiking here right after rain, as it can be slippery. The trail includes steep drops at the top, so caution is key. It took us a little over an hour to complete this trail, but we spent a good chunk of that time just in awe of the panoramic view we were witnessing from the top. We found parking just off the side of the road, and there was plenty of it when we went on a Tuesday afternoon.

After the hike, grab a refreshing coconut from Coconut Girl and Guys for the perfect post-hike treat!

9. Kaneohe Sandbar

The Kaneohe Sandbar is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, but it can be tricky to reach without a boat. Captain Bruce Private Yacht Charters offers a perfect solution by taking you on a cruise to the sandbar!

Once there, you can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, and turtle spotting. They provide all necessary equipment, along with snacks and a community cooler to make your day even more enjoyable!

10. Haleiwa Joe’s

Haleiwa Joe’s is not only one of the best restaurants in Kaneohe, but also hands down one of the best dining experiences on Oahu! The combination of stunning views, incredible food, and top-tier drinks makes this spot unforgettable.

Their prime rib is a must-try, but be sure to arrive early as it’s first-come, first-served and often sells out by the evening. The portions are enormous, so one order can feed 2-3 people! Don’t miss out on their seafood chowder either—it’s a fan favorite.

And did I mention that Haleiwa Joe’s serves homemade guava butter with their rolls? It’s the perfect way to start your meal! Hawaii is known for its Mai Tais, and their giant version is definitely worth sharing.

The restaurant is nestled in the picturesque Haiku Gardens in Kaneohe, making it a great spot for a little exploration and photos before or after your meal. If you’re heading to the North Shore, there’s also another location in Haleiwa for you to check out too!

Where to Stay in Kaneohe

Similar to Kailua, Kaneohe offers a limited range of accommodations, but with some planning, you can find some solid options. For example, there’s a charming 2-bedroom home with sweeping panoramic views of the bay and mountains, perfect for up to 6 guests. It offers comfort and space, often averaging around $150 per night.

Since Kaneohe and Kailua have limited accommodations, it’s essential to book early. With no hotels and only a few rentals, availability can fill up fast, so securing your stay in advance is key to getting the best options!

Be sure to check its availability and explore more options on Booking.com to find the perfect stay for your trip dates!

How to Get Around Oahu

I highly recommend renting a car for your Oahu trip! It’s the best way to explore the island and see all its beautiful spots. While you might not need one in Waikiki, you’ll definitely want one if you’re venturing outside the city.

Booking in advance is key to getting the best deal, and I also recommend checking out Turo for more options. While I haven’t personally used Turo, I hear it’s a very popular option on the islands.

Which of these fun things to do in Kailua and Kaneohe are you checking out first!?

I hope this list has helped guide you to what will be some of your new favorite things to do in Kaneohe and Kailua! These areas are full of hidden gems waiting to be explored, from breathtaking hikes and beaches to delicious food and unique shopping spots. Whether you’re kayaking to the Kaneohe Sandbar or enjoying the serene Byodo-In Temple, every moment on this side of Oahu feels like an adventure!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Hawaii blog posts:

3 Days on Maui

2 Weeks Island Hopping in Hawaii

4 Days on Hawaii’s Big Island