Kailua, HI: Kailua is in Honolulu County, on the Windward side of Oahu. Zip code: 96734. Population: approximately 38,000.[1] Kailua is considered a safe, desirable community and is consistently ranked among Hawaii's best places to live. It is located approximately 12 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu.
Kailua, HI: Neighborhood Snapshot
| Category |
Detail |
| County |
Honolulu County, Hawaii |
| Zip Code |
96734 |
| Population (est.) |
Approx. 38,000[1] |
| Island |
Oahu, Windward side |
| Distance to Honolulu |
Approx. 12 miles northeast via H-3 or Pali Highway |
| Median Home Price (2025) |
Approx. $1.3M[2] |
| School District |
Hawaii DOE, Kailua Complex Area |
| Key Sub-Neighborhoods |
Lanikai, Kalama Tract, Enchanted Lake, Mid-Kailua, Coconut Grove |
| Protected Land |
Kawainui Marsh (830 acres), Mokapu Peninsula (MCBH) |
| Name Meaning |
"Two seas" in Hawaiian (Kailua Bay and Kaeleupulu Pond) |
Sources: [1] U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimate. [2] Honolulu Board of Realtors MLS 2025 annual data (approximate). Drive time per Google Maps typical conditions.
Kailua's Micro-Neighborhoods
Kailua is not a single neighborhood but a collection of distinct communities, each with different price points, environments, and lifestyle profiles. Understanding the differences is essential before committing to a property search.
1. Lanikai
Lanikai is Kailua's most internationally recognized sub-neighborhood. The beach is consistently rated among the best in the world, and properties here command the highest prices in the Kailua market. Direct ocean frontage on Lanikai Beach is extremely limited, with most homes set back one to two blocks. Views of the Mokulua Islands ("The Mokes") are a defining feature. There are no sidewalks, no commercial uses, and no short-term rental permits; it is a purely residential enclave. Entry-level pricing typically begins above $2M.
Lanikai Beach Access
Access points: End of Mokulua Drive and Aalapapa Drive, Kailua, HI 96734
Parking: Street only; very limited
Character: Private residential, no commercial activity
2. Kalama Tract
The Kalama Tract is Kailua's most walkable residential sub-neighborhood, situated between Kailua town center and Kailua Beach Park. It is flat, grid-planned, and popular with families due to its proximity to Kailua Beach (walking distance), Kailua town shops and restaurants, and Kailua Elementary School. Homes are a mix of post-war ranch styles and renovated modern builds, typically ranging from $1.1M to $2M+. The Kalama Tract is frequently the first area buyers from the Mainland consider when relocating.
3. Enchanted Lake
Enchanted Lake (Kaeleupulu Pond) is the inland waterfront option in Kailua. Homes along the lake perimeter offer canal and lake frontage suitable for kayaking and paddleboarding from private docks. The neighborhood is quieter and more suburban in character than Lanikai or the Kalama Tract, with more diverse home types including some condominium complexes. Prices generally range from $900K to $1.8M depending on water frontage.
4. Mid-Kailua and Hillside
Properties on the inland hillside above Kailua town offer panoramic valley and Ko'olau Mountain views with a drier micro-climate than the beachfront blocks. Salt-air exposure is lower, which reduces maintenance costs on exterior finishes and landscaping. These homes tend to offer larger lots at relatively lower per-square-foot pricing than comparable Lanikai or Kalama Tract properties.
5. Coconut Grove and Beachside Corridor
The Coconut Grove and Beachside area runs along and near Kailua Beach Park (526 Kawailoa Rd). Properties here are among the most trade-wind exposed in Kailua, with strong onshore breezes from Kailua Bay. The neighborhood attracts water sports enthusiasts: windsurfers, kitesurfers, and kayakers use Kailua Beach Park as a base year-round. Commercial activity along Kailua Road is within walking distance.
Local Culture and Lifestyle
Kailua's community identity centers on outdoor life, conservation, and local commerce. The weekly Kailua Farmers Market (Thursdays, 5-7:30 PM, 600 Kailua Rd) is the social anchor of town. Kailua Road and Hamakua Drive form the retail spine, with independent boutiques, coffee roasters, and restaurants replacing chain presence. The 830-acre Kawainui Marsh trail system provides cycling and bird-watching access from residential streets. For a full activity guide, see things to do in Kailua and the best hiking trails in Kailua.
Kailua vs. Other Oahu Markets
Buyers often compare Kailua to other Oahu communities before committing. Kaneohe, directly to the north, offers Windward character at lower price points with larger lots. Kahala on the South Shore offers ocean access and similar luxury positioning with a shorter Honolulu commute. Kapolei on the West Side offers newer construction and more inventory at significantly lower entry prices. Kailua's distinction is the combination of beach quality, community character, and development restrictions that permanently cap supply.
Work with a Kailua Specialist
Alesia Barnes (License #RB22312) is a Compass broker and Windward Oahu specialist. She represents buyers and sellers throughout Kailua, Lanikai, and the Windward side, with knowledge of flood zones, off-market inventory, and school district boundaries. Office: 4211 Waialae Ave., Suite 100, Honolulu, HI 96816. Phone: (808) 397-7928.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kailua, HI
What county is Kailua, HI in?
Kailua is in Honolulu County, Hawaii. Despite being on the opposite side of the Ko'olau Mountains from the city of Honolulu, Kailua is part of the City and County of Honolulu. Its zip code is 96734, and it is located on the Windward (northeastern) side of Oahu, approximately 12 miles from downtown Honolulu via the H-3 freeway or Pali Highway.
Is Kailua, HI safe?
Yes, Kailua is generally considered one of the safer communities on Oahu. It has a strong sense of neighborhood identity, low-density residential zoning, and an active community culture. It is regularly cited as one of Hawaii's most desirable places to live based on quality of life indicators including safety, schools, and access to nature. Residents include families, long-term locals, military households from Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Mokapu Peninsula), and professional transplants from the Mainland.
What is the zip code for Kailua, HI?
The zip code for Kailua, HI is 96734. This zip code covers the full Kailua community including Lanikai, the Kalama Tract, Enchanted Lake, and surrounding neighborhoods. The zip code is on the island of Oahu, in Honolulu County. Browse active listings in the 96734 zip code to see current Kailua inventory.
