Best Places to Eat in Kailua
Traveling to Oahu? You’ll want to add Kailua town to your list.
A good central point for hits like a day trip to Waimanalo Beach, kayak tours for the Mokuleia Islands and boat charter to the Kaneohe sandbag, you’re sure to pack a full day on our Windward side of the island.
We’ve gathered up a list of our favorite places in Kailua to wine, dine, caffeinate, snack and recharge for your next adventure or wind down the day.
Best Coffee: Chadlou’s Roastery
Chadlou’s is a local, independent, farm-to-cup specialty coffee company that excels in flavor and ambience. Enjoy your brew out on the sunny lanai or book a group tour in their coffee tasting room! You’re sure to receive a warm welcome here.
Breakfast & Brunch: Over Easy
Over Easy is the easy choice for the best place to get breakfast in Kailua. With a broad variety of light to savory breakfast options, everyone will be happy. Open daily, this is a locals and visitors hotspot so it might be best to plan ahead and make a reservation. Don’t pass up on the crispy edge pancakes - make it a “table cake!”
Light Eats: Nalu Healthbar & Cafe
This is a great spot for a light lunch and short stop. Located on Hekili Street in the heart of Kailua, you can’t miss the bright yellow storefront. If you’re going for an açaí bowl, try out the Nalu Bowl. And the ahi sandwich is hard to beat! They’ve got wraps, salads, coffee and kombucha on tap, too.
Snacks: Kalapawai Market
It’s hard to miss this emerald green building right at the entrance to Kailua Beach Park. In fact, you’ll probably see a few of them around the island but the one in Kailua is the original from 1992 and has a locals vibe that makes it worth the stop. This is a great place to stop in for snacks, quick bites, coffee and drinks for a beach day. Forgot your sunscreen or hat? You can find that at the market, too.
Craft Cocktails: The Boardroom
If you want to dress a little fancy and enjoy a unique cocktail experience, take your “meeting” to the Boardroom. The first farm-to-table cocktail bar in Kailua, you’ll find local, organic ingredients featured in beautiful presentations like the “Lycheehoo” or the “O’hia Revival” that donates back to environmental conservation. Get a reservation for the limited bar space for an intimate experience with lead mixologist, Rebecca Delaney, or patio seating beneath romantic lighting and a secluded plant paradise. You’ll pay a taller ticket, but it’s well worth the experience.
Family Friendly: Maui Brewing Company
It’s not exactly “local,” but it’s a Hawaiian favorite nonetheless. MBC has a deep variety of handcrafted food and drink in this open-air bar and patio that the whole family can appreciate. They use locally-sourced produce for island-inspired cuisine and regularly rotate their independent, craft brews. Most nights you’ll probably find a cheer-y ambience set by a local music artist playing live music.
Dinner: GOEN Dining & Bar
This chef-driven bar showcases unique Hawaiian flavors in a “new American” style collection of dishes in a refreshing, open-air atmosphere. From seared ahi to roasted meat and pasta selections, award-winning Roy Yamaguchi has innovated something special at GOEN that you’re likely to go back to more than once.
