The Windward Oahu town of Kailua population 36,513 is only a 30-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Honolulu, but it may as well be a world away. There are Oahu residents who go for years without making the drive over to this part of the island.
And to be truthful, Kailua residents are perfectly okay with that. They rather enjoy having a scenic slice of Hawaiian heaven all to themselves.
Getting to Kailua was always a challenge. Ancient Hawaiians only had two options: hiking over the Koolau Mountains or sailing around Makapuu Point along the island's eastern shores. More often than not, they chose the direct route and climbed a trail up and over the pali (cliff).
Today, most drivers reach Kailua via the Pali Highway (Route 61). No matter how rough of a day Kailua residents may have, the feeling they get as they emerge from the highway's tunnel and take in the sweeping panorama in front of them is one of instant comfort and reverence.
Kailua is first and foremost a beach community. In fact, the steady onshore trade winds makes Kailua Beach one of the world's preeminent windsurfing destinations. Robbie Naish, regarded by most observers as the sport's greatest champion, grew up at Kailua Beach.
Kailua is a self-sufficient town with a strong sense of community. Christmas and Fourth of July parades are held here every year. There are Little League games, block parties and canoe paddling events. For its residents, Kailua represents the good life.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $458,372
Demographics
Population in July 2007: 11,458. kailua covers 35.5 square miles. Zip codes: 96734
Weather
Kailua (Honolulu County), HI climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and warm during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 70's.
The warmest month of the year is September with an average maximum temperature of 84.90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 68.80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be small during summer with a difference that can reach 9 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Kailua (Honolulu County) is 41.61 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is January with an average rainfall of 5.23 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
