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 epitomize the paradise of the South Pacific. There are even times when you can be alone. Of course, when the wind dies down, hordes of energetic windsurfers quickly dissolve any fantasy of being stranded on a tropical island.
Still, most of the time, the beach is fairly quiet, and even when it is not, one must gape at the natural beauty of it. Note: As with all beaches in Hawaii, conditions are changeable. Check with lifeguards or locals before entering the water and always use caution. Lanikai, which translates to “Heavenly Waters,” is a beachside community with exclusive Lanikai villas and condo rentals in a turquoise, reef-protected bay. Right next to Kailua Town, the two communities together offer the best Oahu has to offer, without the hassle of crowds. You’ll find a variety of activities in the area, including swimming, sunbathing on soft white sand beaches, snorkeling and diving, sailing, hiking, and golf. Kailua Beach is known as one of the best windsurfing beaches on the islands.
There is also a wide range of accommodations, unique dining experiences, boutique shopping, and markets. All of this and you’re only twenty minutes from the Honolulu airport and Waikiki beaches! For ultimate 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 Mokulua Islands, offshore. Lanikai Beach has the best view of these twin islands, recognized around the world. The Mokulua Islands are approximately half a mile off the coast of Lanikai. These islands are home to many birds like the I`wa, as well as providing a destination for fun recreational activities like surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and rowing. Only Moku Nui, seen on the left when facing 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 impressive views of the coast. His somewhat smaller twin, Moku Iki, is almost his spitting image, but officially it is not allowed to land on him (bird sanctuary). You can rent a kayak in a rental “van” in front of the park. The water is clear so you can see the sand and coral below you. We saw a turtle emerging from a distance. There are a couple of islands near Lanikai that you can kayak to. We just kayaked to an island to rest and eat some snacks. It was a bit tricky getting back into the water, but if you’re not afraid to get wet and jump back into the kayak, it is possible.
My husband and I waited until the last day of our rental property on Oahu to visit Lanikai – big mistake! If we had gone there 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.