Lanikai Beach is located on the southeast shore of Oahu and has been ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, along with neighboring Kailua Beach. Aquamarine waters, soft white sands, and gently swaying palm trees represent South Pacific Paradise. There are even times when you can be there alone. Of course, when the wind blows, the hordes of energetic windsurfers quickly dissolve any fantasies of being stranded on a tropical island.
Still, most of the time, the beach is quite calm, and even when it’s not, one must be in awe at the natural beauty of it. Note: As with all Hawaiian beaches, conditions are subject to change. Check with lifeguards or locals before entering the water, and always with caution. Lanikai, which translates to “Heavenly Waters,” is a beachside community, featuring exclusive Lanikai villa and condo rentals nestled on a reef-protected, turquoise-blue bay. Right next door to Kailua Town, the two communities together offer the best that Oahu has to offer, without the hassle of crowds. You will find a variety of activities in the area, such as swimming, sunbathing on the soft white sand beaches, snorkeling and diving, sailing, walking and golfing. Kailua Beach is known as one of the best windsurfing beaches on the islands.
There is also a wide range of accommodation, unique dining experiences, boutique shopping and markets. All this and you’re only twenty minutes from the Honolulu airport and the beaches of Waikiki! For the ultimate in Hawaiian relaxation, Lanikai offers visitors a place where the past resides peacefully with the comforts of the present.
You may want to kayak to the offshore Mokulua Islands. Lanikai Beach has the best view of these twin islands, which are recognized worldwide. The Mokulua Islands are about half a mile off the coast of Lanikai. These islands are home to many birds such as the I`wa, as well as providing a destination for fun recreational activities such as surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Only Moku Nui, visible to the left when looking at them from Lanikai Beach, is open for landing. Visitors are restricted to the beach so as not to step on the many seabird nests. This beautiful island has a magnificent beach, an impressive double mountain and stunning views of the coast. Its slightly smaller twin, Moku Iki, is almost the spitting image of it, but you are officially not allowed to land on it (bird sanctuary). You can rent a kayak from a rental “van” in front of the park. The water is clear so you can see the sand and corals below you. We saw a turtle surfacing from a distance. There are a couple of islands near Lanikai that you can go kayaking to. We just kayaked to an island to rest and eat some snacks. It was a little tricky getting back in the water, but if you’re not afraid of getting wet and jumping back in the kayak, it’s doable.
My husband and I waited until the last day of our Oahu rental property to visit Lanikai, big mistake! If we had gone there on the first day, we would have spent every day there! This is the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. Hands down the best on Oahu. The sand is soft and fine, the water is warm, calm and clear, it is very calm and secluded.
