"Twin Seas" Kailua Beach

“Twin Seas”    Kailua Triptych

by Bill Braden

Kailua Beach is one of the longest continuous sandy beaches on Oahu.  The name Kailua means Twin Seas, although we are not sure if it refers to the two currents that flow through Kailua Bay or if it is a description of the bay and the now mostly filled in Kawainui Marsh that must have been a veritable sea when the place was named by early Hawaiians.  The fine sand of the Windward side as opposed to the coarse sand of the North Shore is explained by its origins.  We understand the sand here is mostly created by the Uhu, parrotfish that chew on coral and spit out sand.   The sand of the North Shore, which consists of larger pieces is made by the big waves eroding coral and shells.  Because there are gaps in the barrier reef offshore at this end of Kailua, the north end of Kailua Beach, has the surf break appropriately called “Shorebreak,” or “Kalamas” seen on the right, and “Castles” on the left, which is a longer ride.  Describing the beauty of Kailua Beach would not be complete without equal treatment of the typical sky here, the low flying, fair weather cumulus clouds blown onto our shore by the nearly constant tradewinds.   The swaying coconut palm fronds, dance flawlessly with their partners – their shadows on the wind rippled sand.  The original oil on canvas is a view from Laiki Street which means rice or a rice like small seashell.  The sand does look like a huge harvest of deliciously seasoned rice!