Things to do on the Windward Coast

The Windward Coast is Oahu's rain-fed east side, reached from Waikiki in 30 to 45 minutes through the Nuuanu Pali tunnels or over Likelike Highway.

Kailua Beach and neighboring Lanikai are regularly ranked among the finest stretches of sand in the world, with fine white sand and calm, shallow water sheltered by two offshore islets, the Mokulua. Stronger, near-constant trade winds keep the coast several degrees cooler than Waikiki year-round.

This is a residential area with almost no hotel stock, so most visitors come for a half-day or full day rather than staying overnight. Expect quiet beach towns, kayak rentals toward the Mokulua, and a slower pace than the south shore.