The Pono Guide: Safety & Etiquette
Kailua is a community first. To keep the windward coast pristine, we follow the 'Pono' way—living in harmony with the ocean and the land.
Wildlife Distance
Stay 50ft (15m) away from Monk Seals and Green Sea Turtles (Honu). It is a state and federal law.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Oxybenzone and Octinoxate are banned in Hawaii. Use mineral-based (zinc/titanium) only.
Pono Waste Disposal
Pack it in, pack it out. Use the sorted bins near the parking lots. Never bury trash in the sand.
Respecting the Residents
If a seal is on the beach, lifeguards will set up a perimeter. Do not cross the tape.
Never feed fish or wildlife. It disrupts the natural ecosystem of the bay.
Keep drones at least 150ft away from marine mammals.
Community Integrity
Residential Awareness
Noise Control
Kailua Beach is surrounded by a quiet neighborhood. Please keep music levels low.
Flora Preservation
Do not climb or damage the Ironwood trees or beach naupaka.
Leave it better
Our goal is that every visitor leaves the beach cleaner than they found it. Join our monthly community beach cleanups on the last Saturday of every month.
Register for Cleanup