Kailua, a quintessential beach town, is blessed with two gorgeous beaches and steady onshore trade winds that make it great for windsurfing, kayaking and other water sports. Best known for its long, sandy beaches, which are considered among the most beautiful in the world, life revolves around the beach.

Kailua is only 12 miles northeast of Honolulu, but the lifestyle is anything but urban. Once you cross over the Nuʻuanu Pali and come out of the tunnels, be prepared for sunny skies, gorgeous greenery, deep sand beaches and an endless expanse of blue-green ocean.

You’ll find dive shops and ocean activity stores where you can purchase or rent snorkel equipment, kayaks, and other essential gear for fun in the surf and sun. A friendly, laid-back town, Kailua claims a healthy scattering of locally owned shops and eateries plus there’s an evening open market on Thursdays.