ALOHA!
So you’re staying in Waikiki because that’s where all the action is, but you also want to spend a day away from Waikiki!
Well, Kailua can make a good choice!
You’re going from one coast to another coast on Oahu, and the bus from Waikiki to Kailua really isn’t so bad!
How long does it take to get from Waikiki to Kailua Beach by bus?
Short answer: Around 1 hour to 1.5 hours
Long answer…
It depends! 😉
It depends on your timing, and it depends on where exactly in Waikiki you’ll be catching the bus from.
So, for bus directions from Waikiki to Kailua Beach, take a look here.
And to get a better idea of exactly how long it will take and what your exact bus options are, change the starting location to where you’ll be staying in Waikiki.
When you’re looking at your options, be sure that you have a start time that’s in the morning to get you a better idea of what your choices may be when you get to Oahu.
Also be sure to take a look at tips for taking the bus on Oahu.
As long as you have the Google Maps app on your phone, it can be really easy to get around Oahu by bus!
Waikiki Travel Guide:
- 2 mile walk on Waikiki Beach
- Best snorkeling spot in Waikiki
- Best hike near Waikiki
- Bike rental in Waikiki
- Free hula show in Waikiki
- Getting around by bus from Waikiki
what to pack for hiking in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – best shoes for hiking
near kailua beach >> things to do on east side of oahu
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Bus transfers to Kailua from Waikiki
When looking at the list of choices for bus directions, you’ll probably find options which won’t require any bus transfers, and options that require 1 or 2 transfers.
The option with no transfers may seem appealing, but you’ll want to expand the details to see how much walking is involved.
The option to get you to Kailua Beach from Waikiki on a single bus with no transfers likely involves a bit more walking than the option of having a transfer or 2.
Of course, if you don’t mind walking, then it doesn’t matter!
But when looking at how much walking you’ll need to do from the bus stop to the beach, you’ll also want to consider how much beach gear you’ll be carrying.
And it may also be a good reason to try to pack as light as possible.
Is it worth it to go to Kailua Beach by bus?
Well… it depends! 😉
It will ultimately depend on what you are looking for in your Hawaii vacation!
Things to do near Kailua Beach
If you’re making the journey out to Kailua Beach, you may also consider going to Lanikai Beach, doing the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, or maybe even kayaking to the Mokulua Islands from Kailua Beach.
Heading over to Lanikai will add more walking to your day, even if you don’t do the hiking trail.
It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from Kailua Beach to Lanikai Beach.
Your walk there will give you sweeping views of Kailua Beach!
So maybe you want to head in the direction of Lanikai just for the views of Kailua Bay!
HAPPY KAILUA BEACH PLANNING!
things to know about taking the bus on oahu
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
more things to do on oahu | map >> more things to do on east side of oahu
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling