Wanderlust Wednesday // Hawaii: Kailua

In August, I was off to Hawaii for a whole 10 days! We stayed on Oahu and explored the whole island, which is something we rarely have much time to do. Here is the thing, we usually go to Hawaii to paddle and it is usually a short trip. I have been to Oahu only one other time where I had a decent amount of time to really get to see it all and I had been missing it, it was so great to be back! This time around we stayed on the windward side of the island in Kailua.

Kailua
A great little town with tons to do, the most beautiful beaches and it is away from the city. Kailua is the perfect spot to walk along the beach for miles...

Beach
Kailua Beach
Great park for families that are looking to spend the day at the beach. Rentals and food are right around the corner, with beautiful grassy picnic areas and that clear, blue water. With miles of white sand and warm, clear water, it is perfect for a beach run or an afternoon swim.

Sunrise

View of the Moks

View of Kaneohe Peninsula at sunset

Lanikai Beach
The perfect beach. View of the Moks, white sand, the prettiest water and palm trees.

View of the Moks

Outrigger and Palms

Shop
MuMu Heaven
A fun local shop that uses recycled fabric to make dresses, pants, and great accessories. They have local artist at on the walls, a vintage section in the back and great Hawaiian shirts and dresses. Everything here is one of a kind and the staff is so nice!

Aloha Swimwear
Looking for a cute suit or fun beach wear? They have a great selection at a good price. So fun for bringing home great summer staples that no one else will have.

San Lorenzo
On of the top places to shop when coming to Hawaii, they are a bit more high end, but they have some gorgeous pieces. If you can't afford that high end price they have a sale section and it is great for fun beach style inspiration.

Food
Island Snow
Shave Ice! You can't go to Hawaii and not try the shave ice (with ice cream at the bottom)! I usually go for the tropical flavors in the to-go cup. Purely amazing! Fun fact: this is where Obama likes to get his shave ice when he is vacationing here.

Flavors like POG, lilikoi, coconut...

Kailua Town Pub
Yes, a pub. And it is really very good. I know it is not your typical Hawaiian destination, but when you are a fan of pubs like we are, we had to check it out. It didn't disappoint. The pub food is amazing (of course), with your favorite beers on tap, a huge appetizer plate of Poki (that is really fresh) and to die for dessert (ahem, malasadas...).

Need I say more?

xo,