Kailua Hawaii, USA Travel Guide
The main airport serving Kailua and all of Oahu is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. It is approximately 17 miles, or 27 kilometers, to the southwest of Kailua. This is the principal gateway for every international and inter-island flights.
Flight prices to Hawaii fluctuate significantly based on demand and seasonality. Mid-week flights are generally cheaper than weekend flights. Consider flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays for potential savings.
HNL offers free Wi-Fi, diverse dining, duty-free shops, retail stores, currency exchange, ATMs, and airline lounges. The inter-terminal Wiki Wiki Shuttle connects terminals.
A rental car is highly recommended for flexibility on Oahu. Major rental car companies have counters at HNL. Shuttles transport you to their off-site rental car lots. Booking a car in advance is strongly advised.
Shuttle services (Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle, SpeediShuttle) offer transfers. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft operate at HNL (~$60-$80 to Kailua). Public bus (TheBus) is cheapest but time-consuming with luggage.
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Oahu's public bus system, TheBus, serves as the main land transport option between towns. It connects Kailua to Honolulu and other parts of Oahu. The system is comprehensive, but travel can be slow due to frequent stops.
A valid driver's license from your home country or state is needed. If if your driver's license is In another language, an International Driving Permit is also necessary. Most rental car companies require drivers to be 21 or older, with surcharges often applying for those under 25.
Expect traffic congestion on the H-1 freeway during peak hours. Speed limits in Hawaii are generally lower than on the continental landmass U.S. (e.g., 25-45 mph on surface roads, 45-60 mph on freeways). Obey posted limits.
Most visitors arrive by air. Sea travel is less common for general tourism to Kailua. No ferry services connect Oahu to other Hawaiian islands for passenger transport. Inter-island travel requires flying.
Delays or gate changes can occur, and having real-time information allows you to adjust your plans.
Once you arrive at HNL, you have several options to reach Kailua. Planning your transfer in advance can simplify your arrival experience and ensure a smooth journey to your accommodation.
Arrive at HNL with adequate time for check-in and security, typically 1.5-3 hours before departure depending on flight type.
Security screening lines can be long, specifically during peak travel periods. Factor this into your arrival time at the airport.
Ensure all liquids comply with TSA regulations. For international flights, anticipate customs procedures upon re-entry back to your home country.
Expect traffic jams on the H-1 freeway during peak hours. Speed limits in Hawaii are generally lower than on the mainland U.S. (e.g., 25-45 mph on surface roads, 45-60 mph on freeways). Obey posted limits.
Oahu's municipal bus service, TheBus, serves as the main land transport option between towns. It connects Kailua to Honolulu and other parts of Oahu. The system is comprehensive, but travel can be slow due to frequent stops.
A valid driver''s driving license from your country of origin or state is needed. An International Driving Permit is also necessary if your license is not in English.
Most rental car companies require drivers to be 21 or older, with surcharges often applying for those under 25. A major credit card in the driver's name is also necessary.
A GPS device like a Garmin DriveSmart 55 Traffic Navigator or smartphone apps like Google Maps or Waze are useful for navigation.
Plan your travel around rush hours (typically 6-9 AM and 3-6 PM) to avoid significant traffic congestion on the H-1 freeway when entering or leaving Honolulu. This approach helps minimize delays.
