21,851 people live in Kailua, where the median age is 42.2 and the average individual income is $45,940. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Windward Oahu Neighborhood Guide
Kailua is a premier coastal community on Windward Oahu, located 12 miles northeast of Downtown Honolulu in zip code 96734. Featuring a population of 38,000, single-family median home prices of $1,685,000, and top sub-neighborhoods like Lanikai, Kalama Tract, and Enchanted Lake, Kailua offers world-class beach living.
Exploring Kailua Real Estate?
Windward Oahu Coastal Living
Framed by the Koolau Mountains and the turquoise waters of Kailua Bay, Kailua blends beachside relaxation with boutique commercial vibrancy. From oceanfront Lanikai estates to walkable Kalama Tract ranch homes, Kailua represents Windward Oahu's most coveted residential destination.
Sub-Neighborhoods
01
World-famous oceanfront enclave with direct views of the Mokulua Islands, luxury custom estates, and quiet residential streets starting above $2M.
02
Highly walkable grid-planned neighborhood situated between Kailua Town and Kailua Beach Park, popular for renovated family ranch homes.
03
Waterfront residential community surrounding Kaelepulu Pond, featuring private boat docks, paddleboarding, and townhomes starting from $900K.
04
Trade-wind exposed coastal corridor steps from Kailua Beach Park, ideal for water sports enthusiasts, windsurfers, and beachgoers.
Data Extraction Matrix
Community Parameter | Kailua Specification | Real Estate & Location Alignment |
|---|---|---|
County & Zip Code | Honolulu County; Zip Code 96734 [1] | Windward Oahu; 12 miles northeast of Downtown Honolulu |
Population & Land Area | Approx. 38,000 residents [2] | Low-density coastal zoning with 830-acre Kawainui Marsh |
Median Single-Family Price | $1,685,000 median benchmark [3] | 29% of homes sell above list price in competitive markets |
School District Assignment | Hawaii DOE Kailua Complex Area [4] | Kailua High School, Kailua Intermediate, local elementary schools |
Primary Transportation Routes | Pali Highway (HI-61) & Interstate H-3 [5] | 25-30 minute commute to Downtown Honolulu & Pearl Harbor |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, Honolulu Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, Hawaii Department of Education School Directory.
Kailua is composed of distinct residential sub-neighborhoods catering to diverse lifestyle preferences and price tiers. Lanikai represents Kailua's most internationally recognized enclave, where luxury estates overlook Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands ('The Mokes'). In contrast, the Kalama Tract offers grid-planned walkability between Kailua Town center and Kailua Beach Park, making it a primary choice for mainland buyers seeking renovated single-family ranch homes.
Inland from the coastline, Enchanted Lake surrounds Kaeleupulu Pond, providing private boat docks and waterfront living for kayaking and paddleboarding. Meanwhile, hillside properties in Mid-Kailua and Keolu Hills feature panoramic views of the Koolau Mountains with lower salt-air exposure, reducing exterior home maintenance costs.
Kailua's community identity centers on local commerce, conservation, and outdoor recreation. Kailua Road and Hamakua Drive form the commercial core, featuring organic markets, local boutiques, and independent dining options instead of major mainland chains. The weekly Kailua Farmers Market and the 830-acre Kawainui Marsh wildlife sanctuary serve as social and recreational anchors for Windward Oahu residents.
When comparing Oahu housing markets, buyers weigh Kailua against neighboring communities. Kaneohe to the north offers Windward living at lower entry prices, while Kahala on the South Shore provides proximity to Downtown Honolulu. Kailua's primary distinction lies in its world-class beach access, tight-knit town character, and strict zoning rules that limit high-rise development.
Internal Knowledge Base
Step-by-step homebuyer guide covering Windward Oahu neighborhood trends and offer preparation.
Explore seasonal market patterns, military PCS relocation cycles, and seller listing strategies.
Discover paddleboarding, Lanikai Pillbox hiking, Kalama beach running, and local gyms.
Explore beachside parks, athletic fields, and nature reserves across Windward Oahu.
Common Inquiries
Kailua is located in Honolulu County on the Windward (northeastern) coast of Oahu. Its primary zip code is 96734, situated approximately 12 miles northeast of Downtown Honolulu via the Pali Highway (HI-61) or Interstate H-3.
Yes, Kailua is widely recognized as one of the safest and most desirable residential communities on Oahu. It features low-density zoning, excellent public and private schools, and active community organizations.
The median single-family home price in Kailua sits at approximately $1,685,000, with luxury beachfront homes in Lanikai commanding significantly higher valuations.
Key sub-neighborhoods include Lanikai, Kalama Tract, Enchanted Lake, Coconut Grove, Beachside, Mid-Kailua, and Keolu Hills, each offering unique price points and lifestyle amenities.
Under normal traffic conditions, driving from Kailua to Downtown Honolulu via the Pali Highway (HI-61) or Interstate H-3 takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Alesia Barnes | Principal Agent, Compass Hawaii
Licensed Hawaii Real Estate Agent | Windward Oahu specialist representing buyers and sellers across Kailua, Lanikai, Kaneohe, and Honolulu.
Explore Kailua Real Estate
Gain expert real estate guidance, neighborhood insights, and off-market property access with Alesia Barnes and Compass Hawaii.
Kailua has 7,649 households, with an average household size of 2.81. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Kailua do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 21,851 people call Kailua home. The population density is 1,584 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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