Top things to do

A wide arc of sand drapes around the jewel-colored waters of Kailua Bay, with formidable volcanic headlands bookending either side and interesting little islands rising offshore. It’s ideal for long, leisurely walks…

After barely a year, this beer bar is already a Kailua institution. It's a real community gathering spot and has an innovative concept. You choose from a huge variety of excellent microbrews and pour your own glass,…

With fresh fruit gathered from local farmers, this brightly lit, fruit-colored juice bar blends a tantalizing assortment of smoothies with names such as Ginger ʻOno or Kailua Monkey. Hang out at sunny sidewalk table…

Locals reading the paper or petting their dogs at the blue-checker-clothed tables are the norm at this open-air cafe. The famous lilikoʻi (passion fruit) pancakes and fresh veggie frittatas are mighty fine. It has p…

Cool off with a Lanikai Lime or a Banzai Banana shave ice at Island Snow, which serves up some of the best shave ice on Oʻahu; it's creamier than most. A favorite of the Obamas during their Kailua holidays, the tidy…

An excellent addition to the local farmers markets lineup, this one lasts all morning. Wake up with local coffee and browse fresh foods, prepared foods, crafts and more. There's live music and breakfasts from vendor…

Aficionados will be wowed by these award-winning Hawaiian-made boutique chocolates infused with island flavors: coconut and caramelized ginger, passion fruit, kiawe-smoked sea salt. Based in Kailua.

This fabulous and small indie bookshop has a great selection of used and new books, including a lot of Hawaiiana. Staff are great with recommendations; there are 'beach books' for $1 to $4.

Artisan breads, organic fruit and veggies and filling plate meals, from island-style barbecue to Filipino stew, are sold by vendors in the large parking areas behind Longs Drugs.

Locally produced tropically scented lotions and soaps. Anything accented with plumeria is addictive. Great for gifts.