Area Description: THE DESTINATION: KAILUA, OAHU The town of Kailua is located along the windward coast of Oahu on Kailua Bay and is twelve miles northeast of downtown Honolulu. The name Kailua is translated as “two seas” or “two currents” in Hawaiian, because of the two lagoons that create the prolific bay that has become famous around the world. A primarily residential neighborhood, the scenic beauty of charming beaches and picturesque hills has increased the popularity of Kailua. Not to be confused with Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, Kailua is a small, yet beautiful town located on the northeastern coast of Oahu. Although the town offers all of the amenities and conveniences of any modern city, Kailua, through numerous community organizations, has been able to preserve its small town atmosphere and “Old Hawaii feel.” Kailua is home to a movie theater, grocery stores, numerous local and brand name shops, and grea ... [Read More]

Area Description: THE DESTINATION: KAILUA, OAHU The town of Kailua is located along the windward coast of Oahu on Kailua Bay and is twelve miles northeast of downtown Honolulu. The name Kailua is translated as “two seas” or “two currents” in Hawaiian, because of the two lagoons that create the prolific bay that has become famous around the world. A primarily residential neighborhood, the scenic beauty of charming beaches and picturesque hills has increased the popularity of Kailua. Not to be confused with Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, Kailua is a small, yet beautiful town located on the northeastern coast of Oahu. Although the town offers all of the amenities and conveniences of any modern city, Kailua, through numerous community organizations, has been able to preserve its small town atmosphere and “Old Hawaii feel.” Kailua is home to a movie theater, grocery stores, numerous local and brand name shops, and great restaurants, but you will find almost no high-rises or oversized buildings in Kailua. However, you will find lush greenery wherever you go. The people in Kailua are very kind and the town preserves a very laid back atmosphere. Nearby rental shops also offer surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, canoeing, and wind sailing on the beach. Aside from the beautiful beaches, Kailua is home to many small, local restaurants that serve excellent food and local shops that sell unique trinkets. If you wish to find even more things to do, Kailua is only minutes away from Kaneohe and Honolulu. PARADISE POINT Wake up to just one Kailua sunrise and you understand why this exclusive spot is the birthplace of legend and the gathering place of kings. Secluded on the windward side of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Paradise Point at Kailua Bay is believed to have been home to Hawaiians who fished its local waters as many as 1500 years ago. Despite the presence of a small but active population that farmed, hunted and raised families, the region now known as Kailua remained isolated. In the 16th century, this historic piece of paradise was discovered by the crowned heads of Oahu. Kailua became the political and social gathering place of Hawaiian royalty. The land and its native people thrived from plentiful crops of sugarcane, rice and taro. Meanwhile, fathers and mothers passed along island folklore to their children, including the legend of Kailua Beach as “the birthplace of the Hawaiian people.” Kailua’s breathtaking beauty alone is believed to have inspired the famous Hawaiian farewell songAloha ’Oe. In the mid 1800’s, a New England missionary arrived in Kailua to establish a school for local children. Not yet 30, Samuel Castle had no idea of the influence he would have on Kailua and its future as a modern Hawaiian community. It was Castle’s eventual entry into the sugar industry that built an empire allowing him to acquire much of the Kailua Basin and the prized landmark now known as Paradise Point. Samuel Castle’s heirs furthered the family enterprise by raising livestock at the Kaneohe Ranch. The Castle name became synominous with the development of Kailua Town, as well as the philanthropic efforts that sprang from the family good-fortune. Harold Castle, Samuel’s grandson, could have lived anywhere in Hawaii, but chose to build his family home on the most picturesque piece of land on Kailua Beach, a spot now known as Paradise Point at Kailua Bay.