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.