This is a sweet little guide of to-do's, must-eat's, and let’s-drink's in the cozy little beach town of Kailua, curated by a born-raised local.
Na Mokulua
Kayaking out to the Mokulua Islands (if you are an intermmediate-level kayaker) is a must-do. Just stay away from any snoozing Hawaiian monk seals once there and be careful of dry reef paddling to and from the "Mokes."
See MoreBuzz's Original Steak House
Buzz's is a groovy little place for boozy drinks and mediocre food with an ambiance stuck in the 70s. Get the calamari steaks and the BFRDs (Big Fuggin Rum Drink).
See MoreBaci Bistro
Baci Bistro is pretty rad little Italian spot frozen in the 90s. Feels kinda like if the Sopranos wore aloha shirts. Great date spot, but make reservations.
See MoreEasy ‘Que
Listen, Kailua ain't Austin, TX...but the BBQ at Easy 'Que is damn good. Full stop. Power move: Get the fried chicken sandwich. It's bonkers.
See MoreTaqueria El Gallo Rosa
Sure, Hawaii's not necessarily known for its stellar Mexican cuisine...but El Gallo Rosa is bomb. Especially the Sincronizadas. The drinks are good too. Grab the outside fenced in spot for a small group and let the vibes flow freely.
See MoreCreekside
Yeah, Creekside is a divey biker bar, what of it? Step back in time and have a cheap drink at Creekside...if you dare.
See MoreCafe Kopi
Cafe Kopi has phenomenal coffee and perhaps even MORE phenomenal, are their house-baked pastries and croissants. Best coffee in Kailua for sure.
See MoreMorning Brew
Morning Brew is a Kailua coffee staple. Come for the brew, stay for the ambiance (aka remote work-space).
See MoreBookends In Kailua
An epically messy but rad bookstore in Kailua, Bookends is one of the very few independent book stores left on island. It's got a grip of new and used books and a great local authors selection.
See MoreKalapawai Market
Kalapawai has good breakfast, and an even better dinner menu... One of the few, solid sit-down dinner spots on Oahu you could take a date to.
See MoreCasablanca Restaurant
Casablanca is a pretty cool, set-menu Moroccan food experience. And yeah, there's belly dancers.
See MoreKailua Town Pub and Grill
The Pub is kind of an average sports bar, but the gourmet burgers are MONEY. Good trivia nights there too if that's your thing. Check their IG for details.
See MoreLanikai Brewing Company
Lanikai Brewing Co is a great island-brewed beer for beer enthusiasts and a good meet-up spot for pau-hana (post-work) drinks.
See MoreLeilani's Island Tacos
You wouldn't call Leilani's taco truck "authentic mexican" but you'd definitely call her tacos f*cking DELICIOUS. Normally, her truck is parked near Whole Foods, but check her IG. Word to the wise: Their hot sauces ARE in fact, scorching.
See MoreValentina's Brick Oven
Valentina's has great, fresh-baked pizza to accompany your beers at nextdoor Lanikai Brewing Co. You can even order your pizza from LBC.
See MoreLemongrass Vietnamese and Thai Cuisine
Lemongrass is the best Thai in Kailua. Little pricey, and service is fried...but the things we do for great Thai, right?
See MoreWillow Tree
Willow Tree has got amazing Korean BBQ and is definitely an unassuming institution of Kailua. The short ribs are to die for...
See MoreKailua Beach Adventures
See MoreOver Easy
Over Easy is probably the very best place for breakfast or brunch in Kailua if you're having a lazy day.
See MoreLanikai Pillbox
See MoreGaslamp
retentious speak easy? Sure. But who doesn't love sneaking through a back door into a dimly lit bar with a sax-player playing songs in the rafters? Plus, the cocktails ARE quality.
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