Lanikai Beach an Oahu Gem

Lanakai Living Provides Relaxing and Peaceful Vacation

Lanikai is a suburb of Kailua located on Oahu’s windward coast at Kailua Bay. Lanikai Beach is just a small beach – only about ½-mile long – yet it has been consistently ranked as one of Hawaii’s nicest beaches, and indeed one of the best beaches in the world.

It is no wonder that Lanikai means “heavenly sea,” as the dreamy blue/aquamarine waters of Lanikai Beach are bordered by fine white sand and swaying palm trees.  A wide and protective offshore reef keeps the water near shore very calm.

Lanikai Beach is a great beach for snorkeling and swimming, and plenty of colorful fish and coral reefs can be seen here. The best snorkeling is in the area between Haokea Drive and Mokumanu Drive.

Many photo shoots have taken place on this postcard-perfect beach and photographers and models are a fairly common sight here.  Indeed it is a local secret that this area is the reclusive hideaway of many rich and famous people, yet Lanikai vacation rentals in this area are actually affordable for such a perfect location.

For beachfront villas in the area, check out these luxury rentals in Lanikai

Offshore of the sparkling sands of Lanikai Beach are the scenic islands known as Mokulua (Two Islands).  The larger island is often visited by kayakers, paddlers, and sailors, especially on weekends and holidays.  Located about one mile from the south end of Lanikai Beach, the island is upwind and upcurrent, so the adventure should only be attempted by those who are very experienced in the ocean as the offshore area is subject to currents and high surf, especially during the winter months.

Surrounding Lanikai Beach is an upper-class residential district, so the only access to the beach is along six public access paths. This makes Lanikai a relatively quiet beach and a nice place to get away from it all and relax.

Lanikai Beach is a great place to watch the sunrise, and the calm azure waters of Lanikai Beach also make it an ideal beach for little children. The Koolau Mountain Range blocks the afternoon sun so come in the morning if you are trying to get a tan.  On most weekdays the beach is practically empty, making it a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet.

I prefer the beach access path at the intersection of Mokulua Drive and Kaiolena Drive, and you can get and print directions from this Google map.

The upscale and very quiet neighborhoods surrounding the idyllic beach makes a great Oahu vacation destination.