Lanikai Beach is ranked among the best beaches in the world. The half-mile strip of Lanikai Beach is located in Lanikai, in the town of Kailua on the windward coast of Oahu, Hawaii. Like several beaches in Hawaii, Lanikai Beach is public property, not state land. The beach water temperatures are normally 24–26 °C so you can spend plenty of time in the water.
The beach itself position is very unique, as you can watch the moonrise over the Mokuluas, especially during the full moon. Sporadically during the year, the sun will rise directly between the Na Mokulua islands. This hidden gem is not connected to Kailua beach, so most tourists pass it up. Lanikai Beach is populated mostly by locals, the rich and famous, and the occasional wedding at Sunset. However, Lanikai Beach is most famous among Hawaii people but lacks several public facilities.
People are having problems like no parking lot, restrooms, shower, and lifeguards. The Lanikai means ‘Heavenly Sea’. Adjacent to Lanikai Beach is a mainly upper-class residential area, accessible through public beach access paths. This magnificent beach has extremely soft powdery clean white sand. People are constrained to violate the parking lot due to no near parking area. Although, parking violation fines have increased in order to keep people from illegally parking in the residential area.
There are legal parking areas in downtown Kailua, where you have to take the bus to the beach for a rational fee. Parking violations are strictly enforced and include, but are not limited to, no parking within four feet of a driveway entrance or apron, blocking the unimproved pedestrian right of way. The beach cove on one of the small islands and the surf between the two are big draws to kayakers and surfers.
The best time to go to Lanikai Beach is on weekdays due to being less crowded compared to weekends. Even it is still very problematic to find parking close to public beach accesses. So, one can imagine the plight of parking on weekends. Lanikai Beach is overcrowded during summer and winter vacation seasons. In those days, the beach is completely parked every single day. This is a great place to swim with the Hawaiian Green Sea turtles because the reef protects it from the big Hawaiian surf. Bring plenty of sunblocks as there is not much shade when on the beach.
Lanikai Beach is a famous spot for photo lovers; they regularly shoot videos on nice days. The special thing about this beach, having the two Islands in the background. Which attracts photographers to make their photoshoot plan here? The background is called Na Mokulua or Mokes. Lanikai Beach is consistently voted as one of the best beaches in the United States. This is the only beach in the USA that was voted as one of the best beaches in the world.
The beach is Flat Island which is a bird sanctuary and destination for swimmers and kayakers alike. Moreover, myriad shade trees line the sand and shade a large park with many picnic tables, a bike path, and bathroom/shower facilities.
The magical aqua blue calm waters are perfect for swimming, but not at all good for snorkeling. There is no reef to attract the fish. The water can also become a little cloudy from the fine sand stirring up from the bottom shoreline. Kayaking is a fantastic way to enjoy Lanikai’s calm waters. This is an exclusive two-hour adventure that you must plan and head to sign up for before arriving at the beach.Â
It includes transportation, lunch, snorkel gear, life jacket, and dry bag, and caters to beginners to more advanced kayakers. It’s a peaceful setting that promotes a relaxing setting for everyone to enjoy! Make sure, also remember to be well-mannered to the local residents, and clean up after yourselves when leaving the beach.