07/17/08

Discover a secret mile-long stretch of beach that locals treasure as an uncrowned retreat.

by Contributor

In Short
This pristine beach is nestled beyond a residential area on Oahu's windward (eastern) shores. Lanikai, meaning "heavenly waters" in Hawaiian, is just that. Drift through the aqua lagoon, beach-comb on golden sands or simply soak up the sun. In the distance, tiny pyramids of the Mokulua Islands sit atop crystal waters to perfect the picturesque scene. Finding the beach, however, can be tricky, but well-worth the effort. A scenic ocean-side drive north on Highway 72 will lead you to Kailua Road, where you'll take a right. Backtrack south past Kailua Beach Park and the country club and you'll end up on Mokulua Drive. Follow the surfboard-toting cars for the best parking, then just head for the water.

• Pros: SceneryCalm WatersQuiet, Uncrowded
• Cons: Difficult to Find

10/29/05

LaniKai uncrowded? Not in the last few years.

by dandadiver

With all the publicity it has received recently, Lani Kai has become very congested in the last few years. Always tons of tourists there. One description says follow surfboard loaded cars for parking, huh? Lani Kai has no surf. During winter there is a break at the islands, but it's about a 3/4 mile paddle. Someone else said good snorkeling. The reef there is pretty much dead, with poor visibilty, not an ideal snorkel spot. It is still a beautiful beach with good swimming for those not acustomed to waves. Unfortunately (like Hanauma Bay) Lani Kai is becomming a victim of it's popularity.

• Pros: scenic, calm water
• Cons: parking, many tourists, no facilities

08/16/05

heaven

by joymont

The flight to HI is hell ... this beach rights the wrong. It's absolutly incredeble. Heaven on earth. I'd rent a house here next visit . A must see. Beautiful, calm, blue water.

• Pros: everything wet
• Cons: parking street but mi, no bathrooms

07/07/05

Lanikai - a home retreat

by hulamom450

I grew up on Lanikai Beach and it is still a "must-visit" every time I am on Oahu. It is beautiful, pristine and uncrowded on weekdays. There are no facilities so if you aren't one of the locals with a house to use, it is probably not good for an extended visit. Also, Portuguese-Men-of-War (jellyfish) are plentiful during certain times of the year and their stings are excrutiatingly painful. The picturesque Mokulua Islands are a bird sanctuary and it is best for the wildlife if they are admired from a distance. Parking is difficult on weekends as the road through Lanikai is a residential one. Residents do not take kindly to having their driveways blocked. Better to park at Kailua Beach Park and walk around "the point" and down the beach that way.

• Pros: Private, Pristine
• Cons: Jellyfish, Street parking, No facilities

07/07/05

Lanikai-Heaven by the sea

by kuukama

A great beach with snorkeling, swimming, windsurfing opportunities. No waves or rocks, jelly fish or sharks, but the occasional man-o-war to sting unwary swimmers. The beach is actually part of a residential neighborhood and is not a public beach

park as is the adjacent Kailua Beach park. The beach is public, however with several public access paths to the beach. You need to be mindful that you are in a neighborhood community.

• Pros: scenery, no waves or rocks
• Cons: poor parking, no bathrooms or shade, not a park

06/08/05

A real find!

by joanne3482

My friend and I went to Lanakai Beach based on Citysearch's recommendations. It was simply beautiful! We spent hours bobbing around in warm water with beautiful fine white sand under our feet. I loved it! One thing to know, though, is that much of the beach is gone. At the very end of the road where the road doubles back on itself (It is a one way loop, you go out past a bunch of houses and then the road turns back and you are able to find the beach access paths.) the beach is basically gone. The closer you get towards Kailua, you find more beach. There was less than 8 feet between the water and the wall of one of the houses. According to some residents, much of the beach has eroded so it seems like high tide, but that's how it always is. Still very worth while!

• Pros: Private, Warm Water, Not rocky
• Cons: Not much beach left

08/05/04

Thank you!

by nycdannyboy

Thank you for your review. I took your advice and went to Lanikai Beach in my rented Jeep on a recent business trip to Honolulu. What a find! I felt like I had the entire beach to myself. The water was clear and warm and it was the perfect escape from the city - thanks!

• Pros: Beautiful, Clean, Picturesque
• Cons: , No facilities

07/22/04

The greatest

by surfinbaby3

I grew up just a couple of blocks away from this beach and my dad and I would always go on walks there. It is the best family beach and never over crowded. I love it!

• Pros: the sand is wonderful, great parking, very private feeling

07/03/03

Lanikai no ka oi!

by lanikaibabe

I just love Lanikai! I've been going to Hawaii since 1987 -- and it wasn't until a few years later that I discovered this true gem on the island of Oahu. I have been to many places on this earth and Lanikai holds a true place in my heart for being my favorite beach. Calm waters perfect for all members of the family. Relaxation is key. Especially when you want to explore the hidden beauty of Oahu.

• Pros: no crowds!, calm waters, natural beauty
• Cons: no lifeguards, no facilities

03/31/03

oh, lanikai!

by CCanazares

This is the BEST beach on oahu, for many reasons: the windsurfers are fabulous, there's an island you can swim out to (if you are a good swimmer) and it is that pure white, powdery fine sand that you dream of. Get off the beaten path and trek out for an afternoon - the secret place to hang out on the beach is right below the 'point'. you'll know where it is.

• Pros: ample parking, not touristy, scenic
• Cons: can be windy, watch out jellfish