Kailua is a census-designated place in Honolulu County that lies on the windward coast at Kailua Bay. It is located twelve miles northeast of Honolulu (less than a thirty minute drive) and is a beautiful, mainly residential area. It got its name because two separate ocean currents run through Kailua Bay and it is known for its spectacular sunsets. It used to be a sleepy fishing village but now it is a booming cultural center that is home to the Kona Coffee Festival, the Ironman World Championship triathlon and the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.
If you like simple living you will love the layout of this small town which features residential homes spanning out from a main road with a compact business district. People live here to enjoy the beauty of Kailua Beach Park and the Kawai Nui Marsh. It is also very near the Marine Corps Base in Hawaii. Geographically it is isolated from other parts of the islands by the Koolau Mountains. Before the Pali Highway was built (Route 61) the main way to get to Kailua was to sail from Honolulu around Makapuu Point. The highway goes straight through a tunnel through the mountains.
Kailua Beach is often described as the best beach in all of the islands. It is a crescent shaped two and half mile beach with clear, coral-free waters. This makes it the perfect place for windsurfing and other water sports. The nearby marsh is one of the largest wetlands in the United States.
The area is known for being a posh retreat for millionaires and the most posh neighborhood is Ka ohao. The homes here and in particular along the Keolu Ridge and Lanikai Beach are art deco palaces. To give you an idea of the ambience, the shows Magnum, P.I, Lost and some episodes of Hawaii Five-O were filmed here. It is also known for its strong sense of community including many block parties, canoe paddling events and parties on the beach.
This resort-like area is not as openly gay as other areas of the United States, which is why it is important to consult with a resident gay Kailua realtor before you start looking for property. Kailua has one main gay bar called The Masquerade Baron on Kopiko Street. Most gay residents go to bars in nearby Kona or Honolulu. There are gay pride parades in nearby Kona, Honolulu and Hilo.
The average listing price for a home in Kailua was $2,083,651 for the week ending August 7, 2013. The average price per square foot for a home here is $552 per square foot as of the period of May 13 to July 13, 2013. There were only 38 home sales during that period and since then the median home sales price has increased 16.8%. The homes worth millions are mostly on the windward southern hooked coast of the beachfront and the more affordable homes in the $615,000 to 1 million range tend to be on the city streets that ring the bay.
For more information about the attractions, economy and fascinating history behind this beautiful place see the town’s website at www.kailuachamber.com.
