Travel bloggers tend to rank Lanikai Beach among the best beaches in Hawaii. And I vouch for this claim, too. The combination of its powdery white sand, pristine turquoise waters, and astonishing scenic views of the Mokulua Islands makes it a dream hotspot for locals and tourists from around the globe. Unlike Waikiki, which is filled with never-ending excitement, Lanikai is beautiful yet calm, allowing beach-goers to indulge in relaxation. It is one of the famous Oahu beaches for a reason!
But where exactly is Lanikai Beach? This beautiful sandy beach is located on Oahu’s Windward Coast in a small town called Kailua. Despite how attractive it may sound, it is less developed and can be difficult to reach compared to some of the more commercialized places on the island. Here, there are no large parking lots, no luxurious resorts, and no facilities. Instead, there is an untouched beachfront located in the middle of a residential area.
Since Lanikai Beach is a bit tucked away, first-time visitors might have a hard time finding it. That’s why this guide covers everything you need to know to make your visit smooth and stress-free. This includes how I get there, what to do once you arrive, and some tips to help you maximize your time spent while enjoying a day at Lanikai beach.
Where Lanikai Beach Located
Lanikai Beach is located on the eastern side of Oahu in the town of Kailua which is approximately 30 minutes from Honolulu. It is situated within a calm residential neighborhood, letting it avoid the heavy tourist traffic unlike other famous Oahu beaches. “Lanikai” translates to “heavenly sea” in Hawaiian and these names could not be more suitable. Its tranquil waters with calming soft sand create a heavenly setting to relax.
Although usually grouped up with Kailua Beach Park, Lanikai Beach is a separate stretch of shoreline sitting directly South of it. Lanikai Beach, unlike Kailua Beach Park, doesn’t have restrooms, showers, or lifeguards, so it’s best to come prepared. This provides a more secluded hidden oasis feeling but visitors should be more prepared to plan ahead.
Although its length is around 0.5 miles, this stretch of beach is famously one of the most photographed beaches in Hawaii, thanks to the Mokulua Islands off the coast. The beauty of the beach makes up for its considerable short size.
How to Get to Lanikai Beach
Driving Directions: Lanikai Beach is a 30 to 40 minutes drive from Waikiki or Honolulu depending on traffic. The best route includes:
- Driving through the Koolau Mountains via the Pali Highway (Route 61)
- Taking Kailua Road, after reaching Kailua, towards Kailua Beach Park.
- Driving Mokulua Drive after passing Kailua Beach Park. This street leads into the Lanikai neighborhood.
Parking Tips
There is no dedicated parking lot for Lanikai Beach. Most visitors park in the surrounding residential area but as the area is patrolled, parking by the people is always restricted, particularly during the weekends and public holidays. No parking signs or blocked driveways are common in this area.
As an alternative, many people walk from Kailua Beach park to Lanikai Beach which takes 10-15 minutes, while parking at Kailua Beach park.
Public Transportation & Alternatives
- TheBus: From Kailua Town, take Bus #671 to Lanikai Beach.
- Bike Rentals: You can rent bikes in Kailua, and enjoying a bike ride to Lanikai Beach is a good idea.
- Getting an Uber or Lyft: This is an easy option if you would rather not deal with parking issues.
What Is The Highlight Of Lanikai Beach?
Unlike other beaches, Lanikai Beach has soft white sand that covers the whole beach. It symbolizes the natural beauty of Hawaii and you reap its full beauty while relaxing.
Gentle Sand And Warm Water
Lanikai is free from a few of the rougher Oahu beaches which are coarse. Its water is calm during almost every season throughout the year and is gentle enough for swimming. It’s also a great spot for families with little ones.
Stunning Views Of The Sunrise
Lanikai Beach has some of the best views of the sunrise on Oahu as it is on the eastern part of the island. It looks over the Mokulua Islands, which makes the view especially beautiful at sunrise.
Less Busy Than Waikiki
Even though Lanikai Beach can be busy, it is significantly less packed than Waikiki as tourists really enjoy its sense of quiet. It is perfect to escape the busyness of urban life without a lot of crowds.
What Makes Lanikai Beach Unique
If staring at the endless horizon is not enough for you, you can indulge further and enjoy a swim at Lanikai Beach, kayak in the ocean, or capture the sun when it is pristine, captivating the scenery through a camera lens. The ocean is home to plenty of beauty that is best enjoyed with a sense of calmness. Lanikai Beach is one of Oahu’s most stunning spots, offering breathtaking scenery and a peaceful vibe. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it stand out from the rest so you can plan for a great day of fun and relaxation here.
Snorkeling and Swimming
The calm, soothing waters at Lanikai offer great swimming opportunities. It might not be the best place for snorkeling due to less visibility, but small fishes around the reef could put a smile on your face.
Hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail
One of the most breathtaking views in Oahu can be experienced while hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, which comes in the form of military bunkers. This short hike incurs some elevation and grants a stunning redundant view on Lanikai Beach and the Windward Coast.
Best Times to Visit Lanikai Beach
- Weekdays: The least busy days
- Morning: The best time for still waters and empty parking spaces.
- Sunrise: Best place in Oahu to experience sunrise
- Summer: Weather tends to be sunny and warm, although there could be some strong breezy winds.
What to Bring & What Not to Do
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen is a necessity, especially for those reefs because certain sunscreen is absolutely banned (read our related guide on sun protection).
- Water is essential, but may be an inconvenience.
- Bringing an umbrella is a great option due to the lack of trees onsite.
- Snorkeling equipment if the user wants to dive.
What Not To Do
- Assist in keeping Lanikai clean and don’t pollute the place.
- Lanikai is a very quiet community area, hence loud music and partying is absolutely prohibited.
Nearby Eatery Places and Attractions
Lanikai beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Spending just a day here is a surreal experience that stays with you. However, being equipped properly makes it even better. Because this beautiful beach does not have any restrooms, visitors are advised to bring along everything that is required for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
What’s more, it is important to respect the local guidelines as Lanikai is part of a residential community so this helps retain the beauty and peaceful nature of the area. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of what to bring and what to skip for your trip.
Nearby Other Beaches
- Kailua Beach Park also offers restrooms, picnic tables, and rental shops for added convenience..
- Waimanalo Beach on the other hand is a much quieter and scenic beach with soft sand and less tourists.
Places to Eat After Lanikai Visit
- Kailua market serves great sandwiches and coffee.
- Famous for their macadamia nut pancakes, Boots & Kimo’s is perfect for breakfast.
- Buzz’s Original Steakhouse is more of a casual beachside pub and serves steak and it’s located
Final Thoughts
As already discussed, Lanikai Beach is not equipped but helps people get away from the buzzing life of the city. The phenomenal views, soft white sand, crystal blue water and stunning sunrise views allow people to reconnect with nature.If you happen to be travelling to Oahu, be sure to check out Lanikai. Just remember to respect the area by not leaving trash behind and following parking rules. From a peaceful swim to a scenic sunrise hike at Mokulua Islands, Lanikai Beach combines it all for an unforgettable experience.
