Lanikai Beach Hotels: Here are the Details

Are there Lanikai Beach hotels? If you’re interested in enjoying the bright blue waters and lively atmosphere of Lanikai Beach, you may be looking for hotels along the shoreline. 

Well, we’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news: there aren’t any hotels at Lanikai Beach. The really really bad news… the beach is 30 minutes away from any actual hotel. 

Now for the good news: You can still fully enjoy Lanikai Beach, even without a hotel right by it. And we’re going to show you how. 

Today we’re sharing the hotels closest to Lanikai Beach, info on vacation rentals in the area, and tips for fully enjoying this awesome locale (no matter where you stay!). 

So come along with us for a quintessential Hawaiian vacation at Lanikai Beach. 

Lanikai Beach Fast Facts

You’ve seen Lanikai Beach ranked among the most gorgeous beaches in the world, and you’ve added it to your vacation bucket list. Here are some things to know so you can have the full experience:

1. Lanikai Beach is located on the island of Oahu, in the town of Kailua.

2. Lanikai Beach is about a half mile long.

3. In Hawaiian, Lanikai means Heavenly Ocean. And while we promised facts here, we’ve got a very popular opinion: Lanikai does feel heavenly!

4. Travelers and locals alike love Lanikai Beach for its excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions. You can also kayak and SUP here, and many people enjoy watching the sunrise and sunset from Lanikai’s soft sand. 

5. There are no lifeguard stands, restrooms, or parking lots at Lanikai Beach. 

Oahu Beach Vacation Info (Or, Why You Don’t Need a Lanikai Beach Hotel)

Let me say something for first-time Hawaii travelers who are used to beach vacation in the U.S. East Coast and Gulf area. Repeat vacationers will likely know this already, but it can be a surprise for families who come here with different expectations. 

In many places along the Eastern U.S., beaches stretch for miles and miles, and have entire towns associated with them. During your trip, you’ll stay in a beachside condo, walk down to the same spot on the beach day after day, and maybe explore the surrounding town. 

A Hawaii vacation is different for most families. Here in the islands, you’ll drive around and see lots of different beaches. Most of Oahu’s beaches are just a mile or less long, and they’re narrower than what you may be used to at other seaside destinations. 

And best of all, they’re each unique. Waikiki has calm waters and beginner-sized waves, while winter swells at North Shore Oahu beaches allow you to witness extreme big wave surfing. And at Lanikai Beach, you’ll get a little bit of everything – just no hotels. 

So while Waikiki Beach has lots of hotels and lots of shoreline to enjoy, you’ll likely want to explore the entire island. Having a one-stop-shop vacation at beaches like Lanikai or Waimea Bay is not only impossible, but also not appealing once you realize how many beaches you’ll want to experience on Oahu!

Finding a Hotel Near Lanikai Beach

Okay, you don’t want to only go to Lanikai Beach, but you want to make sure you plan a vacation that includes this hotspot. We can definitely help with that! At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we create vacations based on your unique vision and needs – and budget! 

Get in touch with us for help planning an Oahu vacation, and read on for more about Lanikai Beach, nearby hotels, and other options for your getaway. 

Closest Hotels to Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is in a residential neighborhood, so no hotels here!

There is a boutique hotel in Kaneohe called Paradise Bay Resort. It’s a little less than 30 minutes away from Lanikai Beach, and its windward coast location gives it a similar scenery and a relaxing atmosphere. 

Meanwhile, it takes about 35-45 minutes to get from Waikiki to Lanikai Beach. So it’s not worth staying at Paradise Bay just to be closer to Lanikai Beach, as the travel difference is minimal. If you are drawn to the hotel for other reasons (its small size and quiet setting, for example), then it could be an excellent place to stay for your Oahu vacation. 

Otherwise, staying at a Waikiki hotel will allow you to easily drive over to Lanikai to enjoy a beach day here!

Other Places to Stay – Close to Lanikai Beach

So, there’s a neighborhood by Lanikai Beach… does that mean there are some Airbnbs right in the area?

Hawaii is restricting vacation rentals in residential areas, so staying in these quiet neighborhoods probably won’t be a good option for you. 

However, there are some options for Lanikai Beach accommodations that aren’t hotels, but may be a little bit closer than Waikiki – and offer a unique type of vacation!

• Papaya Paradise is a licensed bed & breakfast located 7 minutes away from Lanikai Beach
• Waimanalo Beach Cottages is about 20 minutes from Lanikai Beach
• There are some legal vacation rentals in the town of Kailua, which surrounds Lanikai Beach.

Visiting Lanikai Beach (No Matter Where Your Hotel is!)

So, there are no hotels at Lanikai Beach… does that mean you should skip visiting this site? Absolutely not!  

A day at Lanikai Beach can be so much fun, and it’s certainly worth the 35-minute drive from Waikiki. But you need to plan it right and know what to expect. 

Follow these tips to have the best time at Lanikai Beach… even if your hotel is far away!

1. Visit on a Weekday

In Hawaii, local families flock to the beach to enjoy their home’s beautiful water and scenery (as they should!). But if you’re on vacation, you aren’t limited to weekend recreation. Plan your Lanikai Beach day for Monday through Friday, and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds. 

2. Arrive Early

There is no parking lot at Lanikai Beach, but there are a few street spots you can use – if they’re available when you arrive. The trick is showing up early, probably before 9 AM, and you may be able to snag a parking spot. Arriving early also typically allows for fewer people on the beach and calmer swimming conditions!

3. Consider Alternative Routes to Lanikai Beach from your Hotel

Don’t count on street parking, even if you arrive early on a weekday. You’ll want to have an alternative plan that still gives your car a place to park while you enjoy Lanikai Beach. 

• It’s about a one-mile walk from the larger Kailua Beach parking lot to Lanikai Beach. Drop off the family and beach gear, then park and walk back over. 
• The city bus route will take you from Waikiki to the Lanikai neighborhood – perfect if you don’t have a rental car or don’t want to deal with parking. 
• Kayak from Kailua Beach to Lanikai Beach. This plan is as much about the journey as it is about the destination! You can rent kayaks by Kailua Beach. 

Planning an Oahu Beach Vacation

If you want to fully enjoy your trip to Oahu, including beach days at Lanikai and jungle hikes and wow-worthy sights, you need the best help planning it. At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we’ll help with hotels, flights, and activities so your vacation will be totally worth it. 

So from Lanikai and beyond, your Hawaii vacation deserves the very best – we’ll give it the best attention and care!