Beaches in Kailua | Kailua Beach | Lanikai Beach

Kailua Beach

Kailua Beach been voted the Best Beach in America in several different surveys, with special attention to it’s walking aspect. The 3 miles of beautiful fine, soft white sand along this crescent shaped bay borders the clear turquoise waters which have a consistent year round temperature of about 75 degrees F (25 C). The steady off shore trade winds, water temperature and protective reef make this bay a popular arena for all sorts of water sports. Looking to the north from the beach, you will see the Mokapu Peninsula (pic of the base) which houses the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base. To the south are the world famous Mokulua Islands. A little less than half a mile out from the beach, is Flat Island which is a bird sanctuary and destination for swimmers and kyakers alike. Many shade trees line the sand and shade a large park with many picnic tables, a bike path and bathroom/shower facilities. Plenty of parking makes it easy to access the beach and park. Come for a walk or stay all day.

Kailua beach by Tomas Del Amo Lanikai by Tomas Del Amo

Lanikai Beach

Lanikai means "heavenly sea" in the Hawaiian language and when you see it you will know why it was given this name. It is a pristine beach and a favorite of many Kailuans and visitors alike. Its mile long beach of fine white sand and surfless, turquoise water is perfect for a beach day with the kids and for enjoying the view of the world famous Mokulua Islands, about a mile off shore. The beach cove on one of the small islands and the surf between the two are big draws to kyakers and surfers.

Directions

Lanikai Beach is just past Kailua Beach. Take Kawailo Rd to Aalapapa Drive. Aalapapa and Mokulua make a large one way loop that encompass Lanikai. Aalapapa leads into Lanikai and Mokulua leads out. To get to Lanikai Beach find parking along Mokulua or one of its many side streets. There are many public access points to the beach.

Twogood Kayaks Lanikai moon by Tomas Del Amo Lanikai by Tomas Del Amo

Directions

Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach are not hard to find. From the Waikiki take H1 to the Pali Highway (61). Take the Pali over to the Windward side of Oahu. Stay on the Pali at Kamehameha Highway the Pali Highway turns into Kalanianaole Highway and take it to Kailua Rd. You will not need to make a turn onto Kailua Rd, just bear to the left where Kailua rd meets Kalanianaole Highway. At the triangle intersection of Kailua Road and Kuulei Road, bear to the right to stay on Kailua Road. At the second signal intersection, make a left turn to stay on Kailua Road. Go through the intersection of Kailua Rd and Kawailo Rd and you will be in the park. If this lot is full simply go back out to Kawailo Rd and follow it around the park. There are lots of places to park.

Need to Know

Lanikai beach offers no public facilities such as restrooms, showers or water fountains although some of the beach accesses to have faucets and hoses provided by residents to wash your feet. It also does not have any handicap parking or ramps. If you are in need of such facilities Kailua Beach Park is a wiser choice.

The best part of Lanikai beach is before Onekea Dr. So try and find parking before this street. When parking in this neighbor hood try and keeping mind that this is a residential area. Please do not block people's driveways or trample their yards.

Never leave valuables in your car.

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Professional photography courtesy of: Tomas del Amo & HVCB
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