By Alesia Barnes
Kailua is known for its beaches and its laid-back windward pace, and its club scene fits right in. As a longtime Oahu broker who has sold homes throughout Kailua and Lanikai, I get asked often about the best country clubs in Kailua and what membership adds to island life. The short answer starts with one historic club and opens up to a handful of great courses a short drive away. Here is my guide to the best country clubs in Kailua and the windward side.
Key Takeaways
- Mid-Pacific Country Club is Kailua's premier private country club.
- The Kailua Racquet Club offers a private tennis and social option in town.
- Several strong public golf courses sit a short drive away.
- Club life adds golf, dining, and community to the Kailua lifestyle.
Mid-Pacific Country Club
Set in Lanikai between the Koolau Mountains and the coast, Mid-Pacific Country Club is the heart of the country club scene in Kailua. Founded in 1926, it is one of the oldest member-owned clubs in Hawaii. The private, invitation-only club pairs a historic golf course with a full range of amenities.
What Mid-Pacific Country Club offers
- An 18-hole course originally designed by Seth Raynor, with views of the Mokulua Islands.
- Clubhouse dining with panoramic mountain and coast views.
- A swimming pool, fitness center, and 50-plus monthly wellness classes.
- A social membership tier alongside full golf memberships.
The Kailua Racquet Club
For a more casual private club right in town, the Kailua Racquet Club is a local favorite. It centers on tennis but offers much more, from a pool to a welcoming clubhouse. The atmosphere leans friendly and social rather than formal.
What makes the Kailua Racquet Club special
- Tennis courts and regular member tournaments, including the Kailua Night Doubles.
- A pool and clubhouse for gathering with neighbors.
- A member restaurant and bar with a relaxed lanai.
- An easy, community-focused feel close to Kailua town.
Golf a Short Drive From Kailua
Kailua has one true country club, but golfers have more options a short drive away on the windward side. These public courses welcome everyone, and each brings its own character and views. They make a good complement to club life in town.
Windward courses worth playing
- Pali Golf Course in Kaneohe, a municipal layout with Koolau and Kaneohe Bay views.
- Olomana Golf Links in Waimanalo, an approachable course beneath the mountains.
- Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Maunawili, a dramatic valley course near Kailua.
How Club Life Fits Kailua
Joining a club is about more than golf or tennis, it is a way to connect with the Kailua community. Members find dining, events, and a built-in circle of neighbors. For many homeowners, that lifestyle is part of what makes the area feel like home.
What membership can add to island life
- Regular social events and holiday gatherings.
- Dining with ocean and mountain views close to home.
- Golf, tennis, and fitness in one place.
- A ready community for newcomers to Kailua.
Frequently Asked Questions About Country Clubs in Kailua
What is the best country club in Kailua?
Mid-Pacific Country Club is the premier private country club in Kailua, with a historic golf course and full amenities in Lanikai. Membership is by invitation, and a social tier is available.
Are there public golf courses near Kailua?
Yes, several public courses sit a short drive away on the windward side, including Pali Golf Course, Olomana Golf Links, and Royal Hawaiian Golf Club. Each offers scenic play beneath the Koolau Mountains.
Is there a private club in Kailua for tennis?
The Kailua Racquet Club is a private club in town centered on tennis, with a pool, clubhouse, and on-site dining. It has a relaxed, community-focused feel.
Live the Kailua Lifestyle With Alesia Barnes
The best country clubs in Kailua are part of what makes life here special, alongside the beaches, the town, and the windward pace. I have helped buyers and sellers find their place in Kailua and Lanikai for years, and I love sharing what makes the area home. I can point you toward the neighborhoods that fit the lifestyle you want.
Whether you are moving to Kailua or already live here, let's talk. Reach out to me, learn more about my work in Kailua and let's start a conversation.
