Lanikai Beach lies along Mokulua Drive in the Lanikai neighborhood of Kailua, on Oahu, Hawaii, about 13 miles northeast of Waikiki. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. The sand is fine, white and powdery, and the water is calm, shallow and a vivid turquoise, protected by an offshore reef that keeps waves small for most of the year. The two Mokulua Islands rise just offshore and make the view from the sand among the most photographed on Oahu, especially at sunrise. The beach is a narrow strip, roughly a mile long, bordered by private homes, with public access points between houses. Erosion has narrowed the sand in places, and at high tide there may be little dry beach in some stretches. Because the beach faces east and is shielded by the reef and the islands, it is gentle for swimming and popular for kayaking and paddleboarding out to the islands. The atmosphere is quiet and residential, with couples, photographers, paddlers and neighbors, and no commercial development on the sand. There are no lifeguards and few facilities: no restrooms or concessions on the beach, and visitors should plan accordingly. Access is by car, and parking is limited to residential streets with strict rules; signs restrict parking, and illegal parking is ticketed. Narrow public paths between houses lead to the sand, and the neighborhood expects respectful, quiet behavior. Kailua town, a short drive away, has restaurants, groceries and kayak rentals. Weekday mornings are the best time, when light is soft, crowds are smaller and parking is easier. The Lanikai Pillbox hike, nearby, offers views over the beach.
| Distance | About 13 miles northeast of Waikiki |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Drive and park on residential streets; narrow access paths |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | Year-round; best on weekday mornings |
| Address | Mokulua Dr near Aala Pl, Kailua, HI 96734 |
Amenities
- No lifeguards
- Calm turquoise water
- Kayak access to the Mokulua Islands
- Limited parking
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, photographers, swimmers, sunbathers, solo
Location
Mokulua Dr near Aala Pl, Kailua, HI 96734
21.3925, -157.7140 View on map
Highlights
- Calm, shallow turquoise water behind an offshore reef
- Iconic views of the Mokulua Islands, especially at sunrise
- Kayak and paddleboard access to the islands
- Quiet residential setting with public access paths
Tips for visiting
- Arrive on a weekday morning; parking is limited to residential streets and ticketed if illegal.
- Bring everything needed, since there are no restrooms, lifeguards or concessions.
- Use the public access paths between houses and keep noise low.
- Check the tide, as high tide narrows the sand in places.
When to visit
Weekday mornings, especially sunrise, when the light is best and parking is easiest.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Are there lifeguards at Lanikai Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed here, so swimmers should take care, although the water is usually calm.
Where do visitors park?
On residential streets with posted restrictions. Limited space means early arrival is important.
Are there restrooms?
No public restrooms are on the beach, so visitors use facilities in Kailua town.