Kailua is a great town on the east side of Oahu, about 25 minutes away from Honolulu.  Kailua is the biggest small beach town on the windward (east) side of the island.   It's best known for having 2 of the best beaches in all of Hawaii.   The town is small enough to feel cozy but large enough to have several good dining spots, a bookstore, five grocery stores, etc.   The beaches aren't crowded because they are away from the main roads and you won't find them unless you are armed with a map.  Kailua Beach Park is beautiful and is located on the south side of a 50ft wide, 2.5 mile long beach complete with very fine white sand,  very small surf, and a very typical 15mph wind.  The wind is so predictable, Kailua is well known for it's kite surfing and windboarding.  Kayaking is also very popular.   All of these fun toys can be rented minutes off the beach.   Local clubs practice and compete in the outrigger canoes - a more specialized, faster, but fragile craft.  A word to the wise, petty theft is a big problem in Hawaii and Kailua. DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR, TRUNK or even UNATTENDED ON THE BEACH!! This is a sad truth but one to be heeded. There are locker rentals in the Kailua Beach Center for $1.00.