The paradise beach of Lanikai has been steadily rising on the list of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and rightly so.

The pristine beach with white fine sand is located near the quiet town of Kailua with a spectacular view of the three green islands of Moku Nui, Moku Iki and Popoia.

Find the best hotel by the sea

Unlike the crowded beaches near Honolulu, Lanikai Beach is almost always half-empty on weekdays in a very tranquil setting of villas, palm trees and shallow clear waters. On the other hand, on weekends and around national holidays, Lanikai is crowded with locals and tourists alike, and because of its smaller size, it tends to be very, very crowded.

Swimming and beach facilities

Lanikai Beach is washed by the very shallow waters of Kailua Bay, with the shallows stretching for several hundred metres. That's also why the sea here is pleasantly warm and crystal clear.

Lanikai lies away from the larger towns and there are no sunbed rentals, restaurants or bars. You will find a few small snack bars and shops in the town of Kailua, about 1.5 km away, but in any case it is better to bring your own snacks to the beach.

The beach is popular during the early morning hours, when you can watch breathtaking sunrises against the backdrop of the islets of Moku Nui and Moku Iki, and moonrises in the evening during the full moon.

Accommodation on Lanikai

The area around the beach is filled with small villas owned by locals, some of whom offer them as holiday homes on the usual booking portals. However, availability is often sold out more than a year in advance and prices are around 293 eur per night for a whole house (usually for up to 4 people).

Accommodation at Lanikai Beach

How to get there

Although a car is the best means of transportation around Hawaii in general, not much of this rule applies when traveling to Lanikai. In fact, due to limited infrastructure, it's often impossible to park even in the more remote areas.

However, just a few metres from the beach is a stop for the 671 bus, which runs about once an hour from downtown Kailua, which can be reached several times an hour near Honolulu on the 66 and 67 lines.

For more on ticket prices and traveling around Oahu in general, see the Transportation chapter.