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Lanikai Beach, also referred to as Kaʻōhao Beach, is celebrated globally as one of the top beaches. It is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Mokulua Islands. Consider booking a kayak tour to possibly spot the green sea turtles that make their home around ‘The Mokes’. This beach is also a favorite for enthusiasts of windsurfing and kitesurfing due to its reliable winds. Witness the spectacular sunrise and sunset over the Pacific Ocean, and take in the exquisite homes and gardens of the nearby Kailu neighbourhood. Remember to bring everything you need, as this beach offers no amenities.
Located in Kaʻōhao, a community in the town of Kailua on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii, Lanikai Beach, originally known as Kaʻōhao Beach, is a renowned coastal stretch. Contrary to popular belief, the name “Lanikai” meaning “heavenly sea” is a linguistic error in Hawaiian, where the adjective typically follows the noun. The name Lanikai was coined in the 1920s by developer Charles Frazier, who owned 300 acres of beachfront land there, a place traditionally recognized by Native Hawaiians as Kaʻōhao. This picturesque half-mile beach is often listed among the world’s top beaches.
Next to Lanikai Beach is a predominantly affluent residential neighborhood, making beach access possible only through public pathways. While the beach is public property, it isn’t part of state or county park systems, which means there are no amenities such as parking facilities, restrooms, showers, or lifeguards available.
Effective from July 1, 2014, the area has implemented steeper parking violation fines, escalating from $35 to $200, to deter illegal parking near the beach access points. Strict enforcement of parking rules is in place, prohibiting parking close to driveways, pedestrian paths, stop signs, fire hydrants, or crosswalks. Nevertheless, legal parking can be found in downtown Kailua, ensuring visitors can still enjoy this exquisite destination.
Lanikai Beach, situated on the Windward or eastern side of the island, offers a picturesque setting with less crowded weekdays compared to weekends. However, finding parking near the public beach access points is still a challenge even on less busy days. The weekends and holiday seasons, including winter and summer, see the beach bustling with visitors almost daily. The allure of Lanikai makes it a coveted location for professional photo shoots, frequently visited by prominent models and photographers on favorable days. The beach is particularly favored by photographers for its scenic backdrop featuring the two islands known as Nā Mokulua, or “the Mokes.”
Kayaking enthusiasts often paddle out to the larger northern island, though the southern island remains off-limits as it is a designated bird sanctuary. The beach boasts exceptionally soft, powdery, and pristine white sand, with water temperatures ranging from 75–80°F (24–26°C). Lanikai Beach is consistently ranked among America’s top beaches and is distinguished as one of the few beaches in the USA also recognized globally.
Snorkeling at Lanikai Beach presents a unique opportunity to experience its clear waters and diverse marine life, appealing to both tourists and locals. Additionally, the beach is an ideal spot for watching the moonrise over the Mokuluas during the full moon, and at certain times of the year, the sun can be seen rising directly between the Na Mokulua islands.