Lanikai Beach
Lanikai
Often ranked among America's most beautiful beaches, with powdery pink-white sand and turquoise water facing two small islands. Climb the pillbox trail at dawn to watch the sunrise.
Lanikai Beach lies in a residential area south of Kailua on Oahu's east coast, and its name means 'sea of heaven.' The sand is soft, the water shallow and calm, and right in front are two small islands, Na Mokulua, creating a postcard-perfect view. The beach has no parking lot, restrooms or lifeguards, so you can only park legally on roadside spots in the residential area. Weekends and holidays are often fully booked, so arriving early in the morning or walking over from Kailua is recommended. The nearby Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Kaiwa Ridge) takes about 40 minutes to reach the top, offering a view over the beach and the Mokulua Islands for sunrise. You can rent kayaks in Kailua and paddle out to the Mokulua Islands (only with a permitted tour).
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail)
- Kailua Beach Park
- Waimānalo Beach
- Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
- Mānoa Falls
- Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
- Koko Crater Railway Trail
- Hālona Blowhole