The Beachside Neighborhood

When we talk about Kailua Real Estate, it is very easy to picture in our minds the scene of exquisitely-designed homes built around the white sand beaches, pristine ocean waters and the soothing sound of the waves.  A relaxing breeze blows from the ocean as people bask under the sun and experience the bliss of being in a paradise island.  

Tourists may or may not be aware of this, but this kind of imagery can actually be found in the neighborhood Windward Oahu, better known as Beachside.  For people who have the financial means to own a residential property in Beachside, the real meaning of luxurious Oahu living is sure to be revealed to them.  Beachside is unparalleled in Oahu – its location is simply the best you can get in the beach of Kailua.  It features a 2-mile stretch of white sand, pristine ocean waters and the most elegant custom homes you can find.  President Obama will soon be visiting Hawaii, and do you know where he will be staying?  Yes, it’s here at the beach area of Kailuana!

Beachside homes, which are just walking distance to the beach, sell for around $1 million on the average, while waterfront homes sell starting at $4 million for each unit.  

One of the best assets of this area is that the residence unit you will be purchasing is just a few meters away from the beach, and it comes with deeded beach access for a price about 50% less than a residence just across the beach.  It is important to note, however, that you will not always be able to get a view of the ocean and you will need to walk more or less 100ft before your feet touches fine sand.  For $2 million, it’s not hard to imagine how you can experience pure island paradise bliss in Beachside.

This place features homes that were built way back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, although new home designs has also been blooming here for the last two years.  Purchase price for these newly designed homes are now around the $7-10 million mark.  These remarkable structures are built across 60-100 linear feet of majestic waterfront.  

Another notable feature of the Beachside is its close proximity to the H3 on-ramp.   Kailua Town is just about 5 minutes drive from this area, and is well-known as one of the most warm and hospitable towns in Oahu.  Imagine having the best of both worlds – the paradise-like life of a beach town and the convenience that is unique to Kailua. 

About Kailua real estate

Situated north of Waimanalo and south of Kaneohe, Kailua can be described as an enchanting little town on the windward side of Oahu.  The town is well-known for its panoramic sights of nature, pristine beaches and a warm neighborhood.

Despite Kailua being just 12 miles (20 minutes) away from Downtown Honolulu, it still feels like the place is on an island of its own.  The town has the ambiance of a city – having its own architectures and a wide range of amenities and services.  Here you will find movie theaters, banks, grocery stores, malls, bowling alleys and small boutiques as well.  

Vacationers who come to the little town of Kailua will easily fall in love its overall design.  Its recent renovation has truly breathed new life to this lovely community.  People can look forward to enjoy shopping in newly built shopping boutiques, as well as dine and relax in the outdoor restaurants.

The Fourth of July and Christmas are considered the climax of Kailua’s annual events.  Make sure you check out the Kailua Thursday Night Farmer’s Market located in the parking area of Kailua, which is just behind Longs.  The event is scheduled every Thursday night starting at 5:00pm until 7:30pm.

The marvellous islands of Mokulua are a must-visit place here and are easily accessible by a short kayak ride from the beach.  The majestic mountain ranges of the Ko’olau on the other hand can be seen from virtually any area of Kailua.  It features panoramic views of jagged hills which have already been featured in several films and TV series such as “LOST”.

Getting To Kailua

In order to reach Kailua, you will need to navigate the highest peak in the Ko’olau Mountain Range known as the Nu’uanu Pali.  By car, you will be taking the H-1 to Pali HWY, then travel north to Pali along the mountains until you get to Kailua Town.  

Please take not that after you cross Kamehameha Hwy, you will be travelling to a different road name Kalanianiole Hwy, then to Kailua Rd once you come across Castle Hospital.  The path you will be taking is pretty much straightforward; although you still need to be focused on your driving to make sure you don’t go the wrong way.  

 Kailua Area Schools

The following is a list of the Private Elementary Schools in Kailua:

•Kailua Christian Academy – located at 305 Hahaini St, #109 and serves grades 1 to 12

•St. John Vianney Parish School – located at 940 Keolu Drive and serves K – grade 8

•St. Anthony School – located at 148 Makawao St and serves K – grade 8

•Trinity Christian School – located at 875 Auloa Rd and serves PK – grade 6

•Redemption Academy – located at 355 N.Kainalu Dr and serves PK – grade 12

•Windward Adventist School – located at 160 Mookua St and serves K – grade 8

•Le Jardin Academy – located at 917 Kalanianaole Hwy and serves PK – grade 8

Listed below are the public primary/middle schools in Kailua:

•Kailua Intermediate School – located at 145 South Kainalu Drive and serves grades 7 and 8

•Kailua Elementary School - located at 315 Kuulei Road and serves PK - grade 6

•Mokapu Elementary School - located at 1193 Mokapu Bl and serves PK - grade 6

•Keolu Elementary School - located at 1416 Keolu Drive and serves PK - grade 6

•Aikahi Elementary School - located at 281 Ilihau Street and serves PK - grade 6

•Lanikai Elementary Public Charter School - located at 140 Alala Road and serves K - grade 6

•Kaelepulu Elementary School - located at 530 Keolu Drive and serves K - grade 6

•Maunawili Elementary School - located at 1465 Ulupii Street and serves PK - grade 6

•Kainalu Elementary School - located at 165 Kaiholu Street and serves PK - grade 6

•Enchanted Lake Elementary School - located at 770 Keolu Drive and serves PK - grade 6

Beaches in Kailua, Hawaii

Kailua Beach is considered as one of the world’s premier beaches and was entitled as “America’s Best Beach” in 1998 by world-renowned beach and coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman.  You will find the finest white sand here in Kailua Beach, and is one of the best places in the world for windsurfing due to the great winds and calm waters.  Besides windsurfing, tourists can also enjoy other water-sport activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, spear fishing, surfing and kayaking.  Golf enthusiasts are in for a treat in the golf courses offered by Kailua which includes Luana Hills, Olomana and Pali Golf Course.

For most of the year, Kailua maintains its cool and excellent weather because of the trade winds and frequent rains.  You should not be alarmed should it rain though, as it only usually lasts for a few minutes. 

Oahu beach-goers will need to watch out for warning signs on Portuguese Man O’ War in the surrounding waters.  These bright, blue-colored floating creatures are not be messed with – their sting can cause excruciating pain and life-threatening allergic reactions.  In the event that you get in contact with these creatures, it is best to call the attention of the lifeguards or call 911 in emergency situations.

Restaurants in Kailua HI

Kailua features a wide range of  restaurants and eateries, with many international cuisines to offer – Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Thai, and Pacific Rim to name a few.  For breakfast, I always look forward to having Cinnamon, then Maui Tacos for dinner.  For you Mexican food cravings, check out Mexico Lindo in the center of Kailua Town.

•Pinky's Pupu Bar & Grill – located at Kalaheo Avenue.

•Boot's and Kimo's Homestyle Kitchen – located at Hekili Street.  If you love pancakes, this is the perfect place to be, especially with their signature macadamia nut syrup.

•Times Coffee Shop – located at Hamakua Drive, this small cafe boasts the best-tasting fried rice in the world.

•Buzz's Original Steakhouse – located just across the street from Kailua Beach Park.

•The Shack – located just beyond Keolu Drive, this restaurant offers one of the best-tasting burgers, although it can be a little bit loud and rowdy during weekends.

•Zia's Café – located at Hamakua Drive just after Boardrider's, this place offers mouth-watering Italian dishes at an affordable price.

•Mexico Lindo – located at the heart of town, Mexican food has never tasted this great.

•Baci Bistro – located at Aulike St, this place is perfect for those looking for an Italian-themed romantic restaurant.