Kalama Beach Park

Kalama Beach Park is a Kailua neighborhood beach with soft sand, usually gentle nearshore water, limited parking and a quieter feel than the busier main beach park.

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Kalama Beach Park, Oahu

Kalama Beach Park on Oahu's windward coast is a section of the 2.5-mile (4 km) long Kailua Beach. It has the same white sand and blue water as Kailua Beach Park to the south. The weekends are busy here, and this is when it can be tricky to find a parking spot. Kalama is a popular destination for kite and windsurfers as well as bodyboarders. The Kailua shoreline is prime real estate on Oahu. To the left and right of Kalama Beach Park are huge luxury homes and vacation rentals.

Key Features

Kailua neighborhood beach on Oahu's windward coast
Soft white sand along the same long bay as Kailua Beach Park
Usually gentler close-to-shore water when conditions are calm
Good for swimming, bodyboarding, beach walks and simple beach time when the ocean is calm
Smaller park setting with limited parking
This is a neighborhood beach, so park carefully, keep noise low and be respectful around nearby homes
Views across Kailua Bay toward the Mokulua Islands
Trade winds can make the water choppy, especially later in the day
Portuguese man-of-war may wash in during some wind patterns
Kalama Beach Park is quieter than the main Kailua Beach Park activity area

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Oahu Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Kalama?

Kalama refers to Queen Kalama, the wife of King Kamehameha III. Her name is often translated as “the torch,” and the Kalama name is also connected with Kailua's early residential development.

How is Kalama Beach Park different from Kailua Beach Park?

Kalama is smaller and more residential, with a quieter entry and less of the activity-rental feel found near the main Kailua Beach Park. It shares the same long stretch of Kailua sand, but the visit feels more neighborhood-based.

Why is parking limited at Kalama Beach Park?

The park entrance is tucked into a residential area rather than a large beachfront recreation hub. The small lot can fill up quickly, and nearby homes make careful parking and quiet access especially important.

Can you see the Mokulua Islands from Kalama Beach Park?

Yes. From the sand, the Mokulua Islands appear offshore toward the Lanikai side of the coast, while the open curve of Kailua Bay stretches in both directions.

Why do wind and ocean conditions matter here?

Kailua's trade winds can make the water choppy and can also bring Portuguese man-of-war onto the sand. Calm mornings are often the easiest time for a swim, while windy afternoons are more about walking, watching the water and enjoying the view.