Kailua Urban Design Task Force

Current Town Projects
Neighborhood Study
Demographics

Population in Kailua by sub-district between 1970 - 2000

Kailua town development began in the 1920’s, with the development of Coconut Grove subdivision and the establishment of a few stores, Farming was the main occupation of those living in the area. Early in the century rice and pineapple, among other crops, replaced taro as the main produce grown in the area. Dairy cattle were also raised, providing milk for the local population. In the 1920’s, watermelon became the cash crop of the area as pineapple and rice production diminished. With the opening of a market and tavern and the addition of electricity, Kailua, known then as Lanikai, slowly established itself as a village.

People really began moving to Kailua after World War II. Between 1940 and 1950 the population of Kailua increased by five times from 1,540 to over 7,700. The opening of the Pali Tunnel Road in the late 1950’s attracted more residents to the windward side of Oahu. The population of Kailua tripled from 1950 to 1960 to over 25,000. Since 1980 the population has remained relatively stable at around 40,000 residents.