Ask a Kailua resident what they like most about living there, but be prepared for a lengthy answer— the neighborhood’s list of assets is a long one.

Besides the obvious — having the best beaches, the most beautiful (and most challenging) public golf courses, and top-notch schools — a closer look at the sleepy beach town of Kailua reveals a very walk-able, bike-able, and very sociable character. The neighborhood’s quaint collection of local shops, restaurants and businesses are accessible with sidewalks in a pedestrian and pet-friendly setting.

“When we go to dinner or run to the store or post office, we almost always run into people we know,” says one Kailua resident. “We have the small-town atmosphere, but at the same time, we have lots of amenities. That’s what drew us here.”

Kailua’s community spirit shines with annual events like the summertime I Love Kailua Festival and dazzling Fourth of July fireworks on the beach. And there is no jollier island holiday cheer than when local merchants light up Kailua with the hanging of festive holiday lights along the main tree-lined streets.

Nestled between fabulous beaches and the Koolau Mountains, Kailua’s verdant setting is utterly therapeutic.

“Mount Olomana, is our version of Diamond Head,” says 24-year Kailua resident Dennis Olkowski.

Nearby, popular hiking trails are challenging but pay off with incredible Ridges views while escorting you through the lush tropical rainforest.

One of Kailua’s most celebrated treasures is Kawainui Marsh. Kawainui, translates to “big water” in Hawaiian. More than 4,000 years ago, Kawainui Marsh was part of an inland sea. Today, at 830 acres, it is the largest wetland area in the state.
“Kawainui Marsh is believed to be the site of one of the first Polynesian settlements on Oahu and was used as a fishpond,” says Olkowski. “In addition to an ancient Ulupo Heiau (adjacent to the YMCA) and a walled taro water garden, the marshlands are home to four endangered wetland birds, including the Hawaiian duck, stilt, moorhen and the Hawaiian coot.”

Besides providing a panoramic view of unspoiled greenery, the marsh provides a natural barrier to flooding in low-lying areas of Kailua. Walking tours are available through this living piece of history.

Awesome hiking trails and historical sites aside, Kailua is best known for its beaches.

“Hands down, proximity to the beach is what makes a property in Kailua valuable,” says Erin Cooper, Realtor at Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. “As with all real estate in Hawaii, value is also heavily dependent on the size of the lot and not so much the house.

“Another great feature of Kailua is the island-style character of the homes,” says Cooper. “We don’t have track homes that all look the same. Kailua attracts buyers that are not so much looking for a subdivision style home but more of a beachy feel.”

Cooper says, “I don’t know what I would do (or my dog, for that matter) without our leisurely early morning walks on the beach. It sets the tone for a great day.”

According to the Honolulu Board of Realtors, single-family homes in Kailua are selling for $800,000 (median sale price) with a median 38 days on the market. The median price of a condo is $465,000 with 35 days on the market.

“Lack of inventory is usually the biggest challenge in Kailua since Kailua real estate is in such huge demand,” says Cooper.

Proximity to town, on the Pali or LikeLike highways or the H-3 takes 20 to 25 minutes to town or maybe 30 minutes in rush hour. And it’s a gorgeous drive.

With some of the world’s most beautiful shorelines, residents enjoy a laid-back, beachy, and unassuming lifestyle. The roughly 42,000 residents in Kailua might just be the happiest on the planet.

Beaches

Kailua Beach is located adjacent to a 30-acre public park and is a popular place for locals to picnic and spend the day. Not only is this a great spot for kayaking, kite surfing and swimming, the 3 to 4 mile unobstructed stretch of sandy beach, starting at the high-end beach cottages in Lanikai all the way to Kaneohe Marine Corps Station, is a rejuvenating walk.

“The beaches are so special because they feature something for everyone,” says Cooper. Kayaking to the ‘Mokes,’ calm water for the kid’s, boat launching, and of course the great beach park across from Buzz’s, which is perfect for a barbecue or to rent for parties — I had both of my kids’ baby luaus there.”

“Kailua Beach is dog friendly, there is plenty of free parking and for those who don’t want to be in the direct sun, plenty of trees to take refuge under,” says Olkowski.

Lanikai Beach belongs on everyone’s bucket list. Its sugary-fine sand, blue water and remote setting is what has earned Lanikai Beach the reputation of being one of the best beaches in the country. And for any true-blue real estate buff, nobody does beach bungalows better than Lanikai.

Golf

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (formerly Luana Hills Country Club)
Nestled within the tropical rainforest at the base of Mount Olomana, the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club was Oahu’s first Pete Dye designed course. It is also one of the island’s most beautiful. Golfers describe the 18-hole challenge as a love-hate relationship — as the setting is spectacular, while the golf experience can be, well, humbling.

The course’s signature hole is the par 3 at number 11. Royal Hawaiian Golf Club has a gorgeous clubhouse that is a popular venue for wedding receptions and parties — offering a fabulous après golf cuisine.
Bring plenty of golf balls with you to Koolau Golf Club, as it may be one of the toughest courses in the country. Slice a ball on this mountainous course and kiss it goodbye.

Start out on the fantastic practice range and then turn your sights to this monster of a golf course. Carved into the lush foliage, Koolau’s 18 holes are the ultimate golf challenge. Despite the ball-eating character of the terrain, you’ll find breathtaking scenery at every hole — bring your camera. And make sure to stop at the pro shop on the way home for an appropriate Koolau Golf Club “Got Balls” bumper sticker.

Other area golf courses include Olomana Golf Course, Mid-Pac Country Club and the military course at the Kaneohe Marine Corps Station. It’s a golfer’s paradise.

Hawaii B-cycle

What does Kailua have in common with Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain? A bike-sharing program.

As of May, Hawaii’s first bike-sharing venture was launched in Kailua as part of a $100,000 pilot project sponsored by the State Department of Health, Healthy Hawaii Initiative.

The concept’s goal is to get more people on bikes and out of their cars.

“Bike sharing programs around the world have proven successful at reducing traffic, enhancing public transit ridership and promoting a healthy lifestyle,” says Nguyen Le, founder of Hawaii B-cycle. “We hope a successful pilot program in Kailua will help bring bike sharing to communities throughout the state, and make them better, more sustainable places to live.”

Kailua was selected for the pilot program because of its favorable geographic characteristics: small area, high population density, and short commute distances.

Similar programs have alleviated traffic congestion and improved public health in Europe as well as Denver, Portland, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.

Kaneohe Ranch has partnered with the state to provide, at no charge, land for the first two bike stations in prime Kailua locations: At the Davis Building at 767 Kailua Rd., and Hahani Plaza at 515 Kailua Rd.

Riders can subscribe online at HawaiiBcycle.com for a monthly membership for $30 or an annual membership for $50. A one-day pass can be purchased for $5 at each station. Riders can check out a bike for free for the first 30 minutes. Check out www.hawaii.bcycle.com for details.

Le says, as of mid September, the program in Kailua is already responsible for 234,000 calories burned and 5,560 carbon offsets. He hopes to expand the project with more stations in Kailua and then to other neighborhoods on Oahu and in the state.

Interested in sponsorship? Contact Nguyen Le at bikesharehawaii@gmail.com.

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Listings and statistics included in this story are as of May 20, 2011 from Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (CBPP) and the Honolulu Board of Realtors (HBR).