Kailua /kaɪˈluːə/ (Hawaiian pronunciation: [kɐjˈluwə]) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States.

[7] Kailua Beach is crescent-shaped, about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long, and ranging between 50 and 150 feet (15 and 46 m) wide.

The ocean bottom fronting the beach slopes gently to overhead depths without any coral heads.

The steady trade winds make Kailua Beach a top windsurfing and kitesurfing destination.

[12] A significant portion of the water area is Kawainui Marsh, the largest wetland in the Hawaiian Islands and a Ramsar Convention site.

[15] The area is known for its white, powder-like sandy beach and its hiking trail along the Kaʻiwa Ridge to the World War II military bunkers commonly known as the "Lanikai Pillboxes".

[16] Because of its small community and easy access to its famous beach, Lanikai has one of Hawaii's most expensive real estate markets.

But tourism has also been a major economic force in Kailua, and tourism-related jobs have historically made up roughly one-third of total employment in Hawaii.

[33] This influx led to pushback from some Kailua residents, prompting proposals of legislation to limit tourist activity there.

[34] Obama also took a vacation break in August 2008 at a different house in Kailua, Oahu Lani, during the 2008 United States presidential election.

Although tourism is the primary driver of Kailua's economy, it remains a contentious issue among the town's residents.

[35] In 2022, Honolulu County Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 41 into law at a press conference held on Kailua beach.

These include requiring a permit to rent living space in a residential area for less than 90 days, as well as requiring hosting platforms (such as Airbnb) to report all listings in Honolulu County (which includes Kailua town) to the county government.

[28] Elementary schools in the CDP include Aikahi,[37] Enchanted Lake,[38] Kaʻelepulu,[39] Kailua,[40] Kainalu,[41] Keolu,[42] and Maunawili.

[47] Mokapu Elementary School is on the nearby Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), outside of the CDP but with a Kailua address.