Lanikai Beach

Beach · Kailua

Lanikai Beach

Beach · Kailua

5

Kailua, HI 96734

Photos

Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by Photo Photo by Zoia Kostina
Lanikai Beach by
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null
Lanikai Beach by null

Highlights

Powdery white sand meets crystal turquoise waters; great for sunrise  

Placeholder
Placeholder

Kailua, HI 96734 Get directions

Information

Static Map

Kailua, HI 96734 Get directions

Features

Last updated

Sep 3, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@travelleisure

This U.S. Beach Was Named Best in the Nation for Its Turquoise Waters and Sunrise Views

"Lanikai Beach on Oahu is admired for its incredibly clear, turquoise waters and fine, powdery sand. The most iconic feature is the view of the Mokulua Islands, two islets offshore. Visitors love to relax under the towering palm trees and enjoy stunning views of the horizon. Despite its popularity, Lanikai Beach maintains a serene environment that feels private. The calm waters are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking, with the scenic backdrop of the twin islands enhancing the experience. The beach is perfectly positioned for visitors to watch the sunrise." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare

https://www.travelandleisure.com/lanikai-beach-oahu-hawaii-named-best-beach-in-united-states-8728846
View Postcard for Lanikai Beach
@travelleisure

10 Places Where You Can See the Bluest Water in the U.S.

"Googling photos of Lanikai Beach on the windward coast of Oahu induces wanderlust. Seeing — and splashing in — its warm, aqua waters that caress the palm-fringed white sand IRL will take your breath away. Pro tip: Arrive early to witness the sunrise over the sparkling sea and Mokulua Islands in the distance." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/places-with-the-bluest-water-in-the-united-states-7185526
View Postcard for Lanikai Beach
@afar

"Lanikai Beach is no secret to the locals, or to tourists, as it is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, and it's arguably the best beach on the island of Oahu. Chances are that if you're visiting Hawaii then you're probably on vacation which should make it easier to visit Lanikai during the week. This will increase your chances of finding a secluded spot to lounge in privacy. In fact this amazing beach is usually empty during the week (I would recommend avoiding this beach during peak tourist season or on the weekends). There is no parking, no public bathrooms, and no vendors of any kind within proximity to the beach so come prepared. Pack your sunblock, snacks, and drinks and lounge on this secluded, white-sand beach for the day. Enjoy doing nothing at all or read a book. Or you can fall in love like we did!"

The Best Beaches on Oahu
View Postcard for Lanikai Beach
@goop

"A coral reef off the shore of Lanikai Beach protects the water from big tides and waves, so this is a local favorite for a calm, relaxing swimming. The safe, warm water also makes it good for snorkeling—there are plenty of reef fish to be seen, and there are turtles once in a while, as well. And though it does get a bit crowded on the weekends, the stunning view of the Mokulua Islands and the powdery, white sand make for excellent sunbathing (though you’ll want to come early in the day, before the afternoon sun slips behind the mountains to the West, and also before all of the parking spots are taken). Note: It’s a great place to watch the sunrise."

The Oahu Guide
View Postcard for Lanikai Beach
@jopleta

We stayed at an Airbnb near this beach and it was awesome. Feels super quiet + private. We also did the Lanikai Pillbox Trail which is a great hike!

Oahu
View Postcard for Lanikai Beach

Ricardo

Google
Just never gets old to visit!!! One of the more beautiful beaches to visit and spend some time. Go with patience, as the parking situation is tricky. There is no shade at the beach, and no bathrooms, you are in a neighborhood. But the reward is serenity.

mathilde froustey

Google
My favorite beach in Oahu ! Parking is challenging but then you can access the beach by the small paths next to the houses on the beach. Sunset is amazing there even tho is on the east coast of the island

Peter Joseph Kuhn

Google
Lanikai beach was secluded, more quiet, and way more chill than Waikiki. It’s in a residential area so there’s no public bathrooms or any amenities so be prepared for that. I recommend doing the hiking trail and then the beach because it’s right next to each other

Nam Do

Google
Lanikai Beach is a slice of paradise. Powdery white sand meets crystal turquoise waters. Perfect for sunrise strolls or kayaking to the Mokulua Islands. Gentle waves and lush palm trees create a serene escape. Highly recommend! 😎🌸🏝️🍍

Isabella Oberto

Google
Lanikai Beach really met our expectations based on what we had seen online, the water was super clear and had almost no waves (very kid-friendly), we arrived after 3 pm and there wasn’t that many people so it was easy to find a spot for our beach umbrella and chairs. There are no services at the beach (no restaurants or restrooms) and I could see how parking could be tricky when there is more people. Overall we enjoyed our time here for a nice swim and enjoying the beach vibes!

M Z

Google
Public beach but without any infrastructure. No restrooms. Still it is a great beach. Just be prepared when you go there. It will be hard to find parking place. Be respectful of people who live there. you will be parking in residential area. Beach is great for kids, shallow calm water, no big waves. Color of water is truly amazing

KS

Google
This is our favorite beach on Oahu by far. The water is calm and sandy- no sharp reefs or rocks to worry about avoiding. The water is crystal blue and the small islands in the distance make for a breathtaking view.

Kristenne Agusto

Google
This is one of my favorite beaches on the island. The warm, crystal-clear turquoise blue waters, soft white sand, and the beautiful view of Mokulua Islands aka the Mokes are the reasons why this beach is so popular. I always make it a point that we come to this beach every time we’re in Oahu.
google avatar

Mic V.

Yelp
No parking lot, no bathrooms, and no food trucks nearby. Why do I give it 5 stars? It's the most beautiful beach on Oahu. The water is clear blue and warm. The sand is fine and soft. Make sure you go early to find street parking. It took us 20 min of driving around the residential area to find a spot. Bring your beach chair and food from Foodland to picnic here. We spent so many hours at this beach enjoying the sound of the beautiful waves.
google avatar

e n.

Yelp
Tip: if renting a car, rent a compact or intermediate size so you have better chances finding parking. Located at the east side of the island, about 40 min from Waikiki. There is no parking so you need to park on the street. Be mindful of the neighbors. This is a beautiful beach with turquoise water and white sand. Water is so calm. The beach is so peaceful and relaxing. One of the best beaches in Oahu The scenery itself is beautiful with the view of the Mokulua islands. Right next door you can also enjoy Kailua beach also beautiful, but much more crowded, but there is parking and services
google avatar

Leanne D.

Yelp
Lanikai in my opinion is one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu. You really do feel like you are in a tropical oasis. The water was perfectly warm and calm, the fine white sand is perfect in between your toes and the view of two little islands sitting out in the short distance in the pristine blue and turquoise colored waters was absolutely picture perfect. The one con is looking for parking. We circled around the neighborhood three times before we found an open spot. If you are lucky enough to find a spot this is definitely a hidden gem on the island. There isn't a parking lot for the beach. The only parking available is along the streets in a residential neighborhood. Once you do find a spot you feel like you hit the jackpot !
google avatar

Jenn N.

Yelp
Simply stunning and jaw dropping. This beach was so beautiful and quiet we felt like we had the beach to ourselves. The sand was extra soft and the water so clear it was definitely Mother Nature at her best. Oh how we miss Lanikai beach so much and it is what dreams are made of. Definitely screen saver worthy photos taken here. Thank you for the core memories.
google avatar

Joy F.

Yelp
You are still my favorite beach, Lanikai. Just as gorgeous since the first time I set foot on the white sands and laid eyes on the Mokes. Until next time...
google avatar

Rebecca T.

Yelp
Finally, finally, I got a chance to come here coz we got lucky with parking on a weekday! I gotta say, now that I've been here, I understand why it's such a beloved beach. The sand is powder soft. Might be the softest sand that I can remember. It's so fine that if there's slight wind, everything will be covered in silt. It's not a sandy beach, it's a silty beach. Also, everything in your house would have a light coat of grittiness for a few days after the beach lol. The water was calm and slightly warm with gentle waves on a weekday in October when waimanalo was getting waves that could beat you up. There were also enough trees for a shady spot. Most of all , because of the limited neighborhood parking, you don't get a lot of people at the beach, unlike the crowded neighbor Kailua beach next door. The only downside is really the parking and lack of facilities since it's a neighborhood beach, not a beach park. Other than that, it's amazing.

Sierra D.

Yelp
No restrooms!!! No parking. We drove to Kailua Beach Park to use those bathrooms to change. Then, we drove around the residential area until we found a place to park. The beach is beautiful. It's the best beach I've been to on O'ahu. The sand is soft and the water was warm. The waves weren't rough. There was no shade. It's very beautiful.
google avatar

Aleksandr F.

Yelp
Great beach - turquoise water, white sand. There are some reefs, but water visibility is around 7-10ft. We weren't able to find parking on street, so ended up renting kayak to get there. It was definitely worth it!
google avatar

Leanna E.

Yelp
Top beach on Oahu island! The water is warm, clear and calm, and there are lots of fishes and coral reef for snorkeling. Absolutely beautiful! I highly recommend spending a few hours to a whole day here. Keep in mind that there are no bathrooms, no food nearby, and no parking lot. It's in a residential area so parking is on the side of the road where you can find it and it's very hard to find parking here so going early as possible is highly recommended! Remember to take your own snacks, food and drinks as well!
google avatar

Doug L.

Yelp
Lanikai is still the family favorite beach when we visit Oahu. Blue water and soft sand plus less crowds. This time we drove over to Lanikai, arrived around 8:30am on a weekday and easily found parking. Our parking spot was next to one of the access paths leading to the beach. There were maybe half dozen people nearby when we dropped our stuff on our plot of beach that AM. Even though it was a small beach it was nice feeling like we didn't have to share it with many others! The waves were a little stronger that morning so we just splashed around. We tried to use our snorkeling gear but the water was too cloudy unfortunately. The beach was also good for paddle boarders who we watched get smaller and smaller as they headed towards the Mokulua Islands. The beach also had many outrigger canoes stored here and a couple of them sped by on runs with their crews. Overall quite relaxing for the couple hours we got in before the UVindex jumped.
google avatar

StaciLei T.

Yelp
I will admit.... I used to be a Lanikai beach hater but after my last couple of visits - I get it! For me, it's the sand. It's way too fine, there is absolutely no grit to it. It gets everywhere and it's almost impossible to get into your car without massive amounts of sand after coming here. Parking is also only neighborhood street parking, plus you have to also beat out folks doing the lanikai pillbox hike for parking as well. But yes, it's absolutely stunning here. The water is this amazing shade of blue and with views of the Mokulua islands- it really makes you feel like to be in Hawaii. It's also very shallow here with no reef, making it very easy to stand / walk in the water. The shallowness also makes the water a nice temperature, especially in the morning when the sun is hitting. There are pros and cons to this beach, especially since it's so picturesque and popular with tourist. But overall, it really is one of the most beautiful beaches. Full stop, period.
google avatar

Madonna M.

Yelp
Best beach we visited! The only cons were that it was difficult to find parking, no bathrooms or showers. But worth it if you're going on a weekday.
google avatar

Amanda K.

Yelp
A beautiful beach with amazing clear water! It was a relief stopping here after finishing the lanikai pillbox trail! We were quite wet after a spontaneous downfall so we didn't stick around long because we had other fun activities to do for the day. I could see myself staying here to enjoy more time though! Parking was hard to find!
google avatar

Gericka S.

Yelp
My oldest daughter's favorite beach. Waves were gentle when we went. The sand was super fine not rocky at all. Picture perfect beach but the parking is not ideal
google avatar

Yonnie C.

Yelp
We went to Lanikai Beach today. No parking along the streets between 10am to 3pm for the 3 days holiday weekend. Parking police patrolling every hour and giving out parking tickets at $85 per parking violation. $35 for parking violation and $50 for tow away zone. The beach was great, ocean water was so warm and soothing. Views were gorgeous and not very crowded at the beach either. Neighborhood is wealthy and I'm glad my family came to visit this time. My 2nd time here and just as turquoise as i remembered it 20 years ago.
google avatar

Alexander Y.

Yelp
Came to Lanikai Beach as I wanted to try a different beach from the other beaches I've previously been to. Unfortunately, the day we came here, it was pretty cloudy so there was nothing we could really do about that. I can tell this is definitely more of a local beach. It's literally right behind a bunch of houses. The sand is great and the water is really calm. Not too many people here at all. Perfect if you want to chill out and relax! Because it is literally just a beach, there are no amenities at all. If you want to use the bathroom or take a shower, you'll have to head over to nearby Kailua Beach Park. Also, there's zero parking. You'll have to find a spot in the nearby residential neighborhood. I'm sure everyone who lives here is totally thrilled about that. Not my favorite beach that I've been to on Oahu, but still worth coming to!
google avatar

Allen N.

Yelp
If you're looking for a special one of a kind beach, look no further than beautiful Lanikai Beach. Ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. Clear blue water and powdery white sand. Special Note: parking violations are strictly enforced and include no parking within four feet of a driveway, and within 30 feet of a stop sign.
google avatar

Lauren H.

Yelp
Beautiful and narrow white sand beach was lovely! Less people, probably due to lack of convenient parking options. We couldn't stay long since there are no public restrooms nearby but the sand is white and soft, the waters are the turquoise blue of my dreams and the views are spectacular! We went on a clear and sunny day and the waters were calm enough for the paddle boarders.
google avatar

Roseanne P.

Yelp
They were not kidding when they said that Lanikai Beach is the most beautiful beach on Oahu. The view is breathtaking. The sand was sooo soft and powdery. The water was so calm and clear. It wasn't even crowded and felt like everyone was on top of everyone. Does not compare the beaches on the Jersey Shore at all!! I had brought a float and sat in it for hours without floating too far away. When I say the water is calm...it's calm! I recommend everyone to visit Lanikai. If you want a peaceful day at the beach this is it! You will not be disappointed. With all those pros, there are cons. As everyone else has mentioned, there are not too many parking options. Parking rules are heavily enforced. I will not lie, we did get a parking ticket. But that beach was worth the ticket. I mean we didn't pay any admission to get in so I guess it kinda evened out. It is suggested to park at Kailua Beach and to walk about 10-15 minutes to Lanikai. There are also no bathrooms and the closest is at Kailua Beach. I will definitely come back to Lanikai! It was absolutely gorgeous!
google avatar

Ann M.

Yelp
From the moment you set foot on its soft, powdery white sand, you are transported to paradise. The warm water and small waves is great for swimming. Scenery and Atmosphere: Crystal-clear turquoise waters that gently lap against the shore. The beach is relatively small and less crowded compared to other popular destinations on Oahu, making it perfect for those seeking peace and relaxation. Although, many influencers been posting on social media about this location so now more people has come to this place. The view of the Mokulua Islands just off the coast adds a picturesque touch, making it an ideal spot for photo op. Activities: People tend to swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddle board. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for a refreshing dip or a leisurely float. Accessibility and Amenities: It does not have restrooms nor lifeguards. Parking can be a bit challenging as the beach is nestled within a residential area, but the effort is well worth it. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a good spot. Community and Vibe: The local community is friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall positive experience. Conclusion: This beach is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Oahu. Its pristine beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and array of activities make it a perfect destination for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or engage in some fun water activities, It offers an unforgettable beach experience that truly captures the essence of Hawaii.
google avatar

Courtney O.

Yelp
If Obama beaches here, you know it's a good one. But for real, Lanikai Beach is beautiful. There's no denying that. The white sand and crystal clear water on the east side of Oahu makes for the perfect place to spend the day. On my most recent trip, we picked up Zippy's and headed to Lanikai for a day of just relaxing. It was a little bit of a challenge to eat because it can get windy over here, so you gotta watch out with being pelted by sand. We set up with a great view of the Mokes and enjoyed the afternoon. One challenge is that there are a lot of people who know about this popular beach. I always say that tourists come to Hawaii like it's their Disneyland. They want the perfect day, even if it's at the expense of others. So, sometimes they'll cut you off or steal a spot you've been waiting for. Have some patience and we can all enjoy the beach!
google avatar

Maxine P.

Yelp
Gorgeous long white sandy beach. I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't for the lack of parking and very little shade. The beach is located along a residential area that has a number of openings for beach access. Problem lies in the parking. Which is in front of homes, some block off the area. Tough beach if you have to unload items. Also very little shade, bring an umbrella. The positives...it's a gorgeous beach with beautiful views, soft white sand, very little wave action. Great for kids, paddle boarding, swimming.
google avatar

Christina Y.

Yelp
When I came to Hawaii, I wanted to hit up the quietest and non-touristy beaches as much as possible, so I chose to check out Lanikai and wow, it really was nice and private feeling. I came here to watch the sunrise and there were groups of folks going out to canoe, dogs playing fetch, and someone was also meditating. Picturesque, much? The fact that I came here so early in the morning allowed me to easily find parking in a neighborhood right across the street. Otherwise, you can park in the lot right by Kailua Beach and do a semi long walk over to Lanikai.
google avatar

Gilbert R.

Yelp
Really a gem of a beach, but it's packed, packed, packed and parking is hell on weekends. For some reason, directions didn't show up on Google maps, so I had to pin it manually. Like I said, parking is hell. There is a lot there but it's small, so most will park in the adjacent residential area. Good luck with that. Just don't block driveways and be aware of the traffic signs. As for the beach itself, the waves are calmer on this side than say, Waimanalo down the road. So you can snorkel and there's some reef really close to the shore. Good spot to kayak and canoe as well. No bathrooms or showers though. If you want that, you have to go down the road to Kailua Beach. Very popular spot for good reason, just a real hassle to get to.
google avatar

Jazzy J.

Yelp
I love this beach! It's on the East side of the island...Sand is so soft and pure like baby powder. We were in the water for a while and chill there, it was so relaxing. Parking is hard to find tho coz it's in a residential neighborhood. You might have to go around to look for a place to park and wish for a spot to open when you get there.
google avatar

Tiffany M.

Yelp
It feels weird to rate this beach as I think I went at a time that was not super optimal. It's really popular but there is no public parking, so be prepared to drive around the neighborhood and streets if you arrive after early morning (which my husband and I had to do). I found this beach because it was apparently a snorkeling beginner-friendly place. I think parts of the shore were closer to the reef than other parts (see attached photo!). Ideally, I would have wished to come early morning, not later than 9:00, as maybe the waves would have been a lot more calm. As the waves were slowly getting more aggressive throughout the day, the water was kind of murky so it was hard to really see anything. However, my husband and I did manage to snorkel just a teeny bit and saw at least four species of fish, plus we saw some sea turtles floating at the surface of the water. If you're a real beginner, I would recommend Hanauma Bay for snorkeling (I went as a child and loved it). Lanikai was very lovely and had some nice views though.
google avatar

Mark S.

Yelp
It is a special place. When I was a kid, our family would take sunset and sunrise walks along the shores here. Some of my "most-favorite" memories come from time spent on Kailua Beach (Lanikai's sister) and at Lanikai itself. There are certain locations that carry with them an amazing energy... and this is one such place. *I really-really-really like being there. On the first day back, when I visit my homeland, I always wake up before the sun rises to walk solo along the sands, for some quiet contemplation and for some frolicking in the water and spontaneous running along the shore. I used to have a sea-kayak and paddling out to the Mokulas is a top-5 all time life-experience (just below the birth of my kids, my first kiss, and making onto my college Cross country team, and getting my first paycheck). The serenity of being out on the water and heading towards those iconic islands is almost unmatched. But, places like this can become lesser if too many people discover it, so...my real review is... Oh man, stay away. The place should have been called, "hungry shark beach". And the Portuguese man o'wars! Holy Smokes!--that's why the water is so blue here. And I don't know what's up with everyone pooping on the beach...have they no dignity or understanding of basic hygiene?! You can't take more than 5 steps without having to zig and zag over human "dumps"--so that your feet don't get all poopy. And the crime! I see guys pulling the tags off of pillow cases and bed sheets all the time... and I even once saw a woman willfully under-reporting her income. Again, "Stay Away! "--If you know what's good for you. Of course, I am kidding, as I do enjoy watching others enjoying the beach. It feels good to see others discover the place, and sense that they are feeling lucky for being there. I truly feel that if I am ever lucky enough to go to heaven, I will hear someone shout, "Jesus, Joseph, and Mary! This place looks just like Lanikai Beach! And Mary will say, "Yep.".
google avatar

Michael B.

Yelp
Excellent beach for swimming and playing in the water! The beach itself has mostly silty sand, but the water has extremely fine fluffy sand once you go out a bit. You can even paddle to a couple of offshore islands that have beaches if you're brave enough. Parking is a bit rough because you'll have to find a spot on the streets near the beach. It's tough but worth it. Snorkeling is possible but only worth it if you go far out. The water is very shallow for a long time so even people that can't swim will have a great time splashing around!
google avatar

Chris L.

Yelp
As I've said before, the most beautiful beach in the world. I kayaked over from Flat Island, beached myself up on the sand, and then spent the day here. I wish I could have kayaked out to the Mokes but it was a bit windy and I was hesitant to do so with the kiddo. But it's on my bucket list for next time. I'll be back!
google avatar

Margaret P.

Yelp
Such a beautiful and calm beach on Oahu. I'm so glad I got the chance to check this place out. It isn't crowded like Waikiki, and for someone like me that's not very good at swimming, this place is perfect! They have reefs where you can snorkel too if that's your thing. Parking is a bit tricky here (hence the four stars instead of the five), but the walk to get to Lanikai is definitely worth it. My brother dropped us off at an entrance and he parked 30-minutes away. Add this to your spot of beaches to check out in Oahu!
google avatar

Jeff D.

Yelp
My favorite beach in Oahu!!! Love the entire view the clear water, and the soft sand to walk on. Swimming and snorkeling here is also great! Street parking only so get there early. Take the pill box hike and then come and relax at this beach with plenty of drinks and food. ( you must bring all of that thought)
google avatar

Andrea L.

Yelp
STUNNING AMAZING BEAUTIFUL!!! Wow I have never seen a more beautiful beach in my life! So so so glad we decided to make the stop here. We had some free time in our day and were not too far away so we decided to make a stop here. We went in the middle of the day and let me just tell you - parking was HORRENDOUS. Like so bad. We almost left after 30 minutes of circling while looking for parking. After the 3rd circle, we were able to catch someone walking back to their car and wait for their spot. Definitely come early so you can avoid the parking mess. The sand was super white, the water was as clear as can be, perfect blue sunny skies. I cannot rave enough about it. I have seen a lot of beaches in my lifetime and I think this one is hands down my favorite. There wasn't a lot of people actually swimming in the water but there were quite a few people relaxing on the sand itself. It would be nice to pack a picnic and have a little day date here. Cannot wait to come back!
google avatar

Richard L.

Yelp
It's a beautiful area of the island. The beaches are clean and the water is perfect. Not a lot of amenities so you need to travel a little more into town.
google avatar

Kingston T.

Yelp
Best beach ever. Nearly impossible parking. Soft fine white sand beach and warm water. I dream of this beach everyday
google avatar

Ed U.

Yelp
Even under the most dismal weather conditions, there is no argument that this pristine beach deep in Kailua is a stunner. It's been identified as one of the most beautiful in the world. Jamie W. and I were tooling around Oahu in a rental car on a less than ideal Monday. Hanauma Bay was supposed to be our first stop, but it was closed. Our next stop was here, an eye-catching strand surrounded by aquamarine waters (photo: https://bit.ly/3Zy77lf). We were able to find parking at nearby Kailua Beach Park after navigating ourselves from Kalaniana'ole Highway. It was necessary to make our stay a brief one because of the inclement weather, but there is no doubt that we will return. RELATED - Exploring Hawaii? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3Kz5ksc
google avatar

Christine Y.

Yelp
We got to Lanikai Park around 8:15 to easily find street parking around the perimeter, on a weekday. Still lots of street parking and under a tree, which was an added bonus. We first went up and did the Pillbox hike which is also in that neighborhood and an hour later walked down to Lanikai beach through a public access walkway. It was beautiful, soft, white sand beaches that had lots of places to set your personal stuff down and enjoy the water. It was nice and clear calm waters. My daughter was hoping to find some sea shells for her collection but wasn't able to find much. We had checked beforehand to see if there was another surge of Portuguese man o' war expected. There were reports of it being pretty high for Kailua and Lanikai, but luckily only ran into a couple that floated to shore. We also got to see some interesting red and orange sea slugs floating around. We brought snacks to enjoy while hanging out. Only downside is there are no public restrooms there unless you walk to Kailua Beach Park. Other than that, we had a wonderful few hours there even with some overcast clouds.
google avatar

Madison-Rae W.

Yelp
Calmest waters in Hawaii it seems, great place to lay out and tan and swim. Sand is smooth but also seems like a good place to beach comb. Parking can be a challenge.
google avatar

Tiffany P.

Yelp
My FAVORITE beach on Oahu! The waters are pristine and turquoise, with a cerulean sky. The gentle tide reliably pushes us back into shore! We can safely and idily lie in our floaties with our eyes closed, with the utmost peace of mind that we would not drift to sea. The sand is clean, fine, and soft. It's a nice, quiet area to nap or to unwind with a good book. The beach and waters aren't crowded at all. Many beachgoers (people and dogs) play in the water and lounge on the sand. We have picturesque views of Moku'lua "Twin Islands." The atmosphere feels bright, happy, and serene. My only concern here are Portuguese men-of-war, so watch out. Otherwise, Lanikai Beach is the definition of tropical paradise!
google avatar

Angela C.

Yelp
Absolutely breathtaking beach in Oahu. We make a point to come to Lanikai or Kailua Beach every time we visit... it's so peaceful and pristine, with crystal clear waters and fine, soft sand. It truly is paradise here and never feels too crowded or touristy. Warning: My daughter did get stung by a jellyfish (Portuguese man of war) here though and I learned that they're common here, especially 8 days after a full moon. So be careful of that! I gave her Zyrtec and treated her with Neosporin and hydrocortisone and while her skin stung and burned at first, it got much better within hours.
google avatar

Quyen B.

Yelp
Easily my favorite beach in Oahu. Not crowded, peaceful, beautiful colors. Can chill here and listen to the waves or people/dog watch after hiking pillbox. Very close to the pillbox hike entrance. Street parking is nearby. I just love it!
google avatar

Roll N.

Yelp
This is probably the best beach I've ever visited. We came on a regular weekday around 10am and parking was difficult to find. It's all street parking and I would definitely come earlier. There's not a lot of sand area, but it was just beautiful. We had picture perfect weather and the water was clear/warm. I could have stayed there all day if I could. Amazing beach.
google avatar

Lin F.

Yelp
Soft sands, warm calm waters, easy to float for hours, little shade so bring umbrellas. No amenities. Park on side streets- make sure you eat and use restrooms at the plaza before coming here for a few hours. Water very clear here. I got a little sun burned. I floated easily in the water for a couple of hours - very calm and buoyant. Lots of beautiful people here and families. I did not see a big drinking crowd thank goodness! I went at 2-5 pm on a Sunday. October 2023. Read signs on streets for parking to make sure you do not get a ticket.
google avatar

Shayla B.

Yelp
Just flippin' gorgeous! I feel like a broken record when it comes to describing Hawaii beaches since most of them are so fabulous. However, Lanakai Beach is definitely in my top 3 of absolute favorites. This is one of the most stunning beaches on this island and many others will easily agree with me on this.   I should first mention that if you aren't a resident of Lanakai, you cannot park there. Not sure if this is all day, but when I went during the daytime, there were signs posted all along the streets warning tourists and non-locals not to park. Your best bet is to either get dropped off or to park near Kailua Beach Park and walk over (It's less than a mile walk from here depending on how close you park). I feel like because the access has been limited, this beach is way more secluded and stays miraculously clean.   I actually came here after hiking the Lanakai Pillbox Hike and I was in complete awe of how gorgeous this beach is! It's literally the perfect beach and I was only one of five other people/groups at the beach when I was there. I'm sure it's not like this all the time, but damn did I enjoy the seclusion. The sand is white and super soft and it gets really warm on this side of the island. The water temps are perfect though. It's not super cold and your body will warm up to the temperature pretty fast. Super peaceful and super charming. I could literally live at this beach and never ever leave. I felt so cheated because I didn't spend the amount of time that I really wanted to spend here. No wonder everyone raves about Lanakai Beach. It's flippin' ravishing! Cannot, cannot, CANNOT wait to spend more time here when I'm back in Oahu.
google avatar

Jeffrey R.

Yelp
Lanikai Beach is one of the best beaches on Oahu. The beach boasts clear, blue waters with pristine soft sand. The water was calm and swimmable during our visit. The only challenge is finding a spot to park. However, if you go after 2-3PM parking does open up. Make sure to use the restrooms and change before coming to the beach as there are no restrooms located here. Overall, we greatly enjoyed our time here.
google avatar

James B.

Yelp
BEAUTIFUL!!!! If you are in Oahu, you must find this beach! Lots of people laid out in the sun having fun! Beautiful ocean and the waves were not too crazy! It was a vibe! The views are amazing!!! You can see other Islands in the distance. Check this place out if you come to Oahu!
google avatar

Reine N.

Yelp
Such a nice beach! The water is a beautiful turquoise and the sand is super soft. Make sure to wear lots of sunscreen as the sand can reflect the sunlight and increase chances of sunburn. Came on a Tuesday around noon and it wasn't too crowded. Parking does tend to get more scarce as the day goes on so just something to keep in mind. Also be mindful of the parking signs in the residential areas to avoid getting ticketed! Overall, I highly recommend visiting this beach as it's a great spot to relax, go in the water, and take in the serene views.
google avatar

Roop K.

Yelp
Hype is worth it 100000%. Wish we could have came here more but didn't come because a local warned of the bugs that come onshore after a full moon and this beach also has jellyfish that can sting. Didn't happen to me but happened to a friend on a separate visit. Warm water clear and so zen. Highlight of my ten days of touring beaches in Oahu and Maui being a beach bum everyday. Get some poke from hibachi grill in the town and come here.
google avatar

Winston C.

Yelp
Lanikai Beach is a perfect place to head to after hiking Pillbox. The water is cold and the place is large for groups of many sizes. There were a lot of people after lunch sunbathing and playing in the water. Young and old. Parking is hard since it's mostly small residential spots. There's no bathroom so you gotta go in the water..
google avatar

Tiffani B.

Yelp
In my opinion, the best beach on the whole island!!! Parking is pretty crazy but definitely worth the fight. No public restrooms or showers.