UPDATED FEB 2020. Close your eyes and imagine Hawaii. Usually fluffy sand, turquoise waters, and palm trees come to mind, don’t they? These are images of the Hawaiian dream and I can tell you this place you are imagining actually exists. It’s called Lanikai and is constantly rated as one of the best beaches in the world making it a ‘must do’ while you are in Hawaii. In today’s post, I’m sharing a practical guide on how to get to Lanikai beach, as well as everything else you need to know to plan a day trip out to this dreamy spot on the east coast of Oahu. I hope it can help you plan your own adventure.
HOW TO GET TO LANIKAI BEACH (And Everything You Need To Know)
Disclaimer
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FAQ for visiting Lanikai Beach
Where is it located?
Southeast coast, about 40 minutes drive from Waikiki.
Is there a cost?
No, it’s free.
What skill level is required?
Beginner.
What should you bring with you?
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Umbrella or small tent (if you have kids/like extra shade – there’s not much shade at the beach)
- Food (more notes on this under ‘facilities’ heading)
- Waterproof camera (I use this one
with this floaty selfie stick) - Dry bag for valuables if you won’t have anyone to watch your stuff while you swim
)
for valuables if you won’t have anyone to watch your stuff while you swim
When it comes to how to get to Lanikai Beach, parking is the trickiest part.
How to get to Lanikai Beach using the bus
From the Ala Moana Center, take the #57 bus towards Kailua. You can take it to Wanaao Rd + Opp Pouli Rd and then walk to the beach – the walk is about 30 minutes, though it would be longer the further you want to walk down the beach.
Or you could take the #57 bus to downtown Kailua and transfer onto the #70 bus to take you closer to the beach. The #70 doesn’t run as frequently, so check how long the wait is in case it is quicker to walk.
Check the best way to get there with the staff at your hotel to make sure you get the most current advice.
An Uber will set you back about $40USD.
Where to park
Parking can be a little tricky here as it gets quite crowded, particularly on weekends and holidays.
There is only street parking.
Be prepared to drive around the streets there until you can find a spot on the side of one of the streets and be prepared to park further back and walk down to beach access.
I usually park back by Lanikai park and walk to the beach, but sometimes I’ve had to park further back, it just depends on the day.
Also, be mindful of where you park and be sure that the residents can get out of their driveways – sounds like common sense but it is often a problem for residents who live here, unfortunately.
How to access Lanikai beach
Beach access is on Mokulua Drive so you could put that into your GPS, or even just Lanikai beach, then it is a matter of finding a park wherever you can and walking down to the beach.
There are multiple beach access entries along the street with some taking you straight into the water and some taking you along the sandy beach.
What to do there
Swimming
The water is warm and the current is calm which means it is a great spot if you are not a confident ocean swimmer and for kids. It’s more like a big, beautiful, salty bathtub that’s perfect for everyone.
This is one of my favorite places to go at the end of an adventure day to relax, or when I lived on the windward side for a quick swim after work.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling here is not the best.
Beach lounging
With the long stretch of golden sand, it’s a perfect spot for lounging on the beach with a book.
There is hardly any shade though, so you will be out in the sun and may want to avoid the hottest part of the day or bring an umbrella.
Kayaking to the Mokes
The twin islands that rest out on the blue water are quite possibly the most photographed islands in the world.
Named Na Mokulua, or more commonly referred to as The Mokes, these picturesque islands are an iconic image of the windward side. You will see a lot of kayaks on the water with people paddling out to get a closer look.
You can also kayak out to them by renting a kayak in Kailua or doing it on a day tour like I did with The Real Hawaii.
As you stand on the beach facing them, you can only go to the left island as the other is protected.
When is the best time to go
Lanikai puts on a breathtaking show at sunrise and if you don’t mind the early wake-up, it’s worth going there to watch it.
You could even hike the Lanikai Pillbox Trail to watch the sunrise then go to the beach here for a swim afterward.
Otherwise, it’s a good idea to go earlier in the day or in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part since there is not much shade.
Try to avoid the weekends if you can but, if you can’t, go early.
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What facilities are available
There are no facilities such as parking lots, lifeguards, restrooms, food or drink suppliers.
This one is important because if you plan to stay for a while, it’s a good idea to bring snacks.
To leave for food you would have to drive out of the beach area and you’d be giving up your parking spot and have to go through finding another one when you get back.
I recommend either eating before you get there and/or bringing snacks to make it easier for you.
Other things to do nearby
I recommend getting a photo with the Lanikai monument on the way in.
This beach is great to combine with the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, Kapaa Quarry Hike (intermediate), Maunawili Falls or Lulumahu Falls.
It’s a great end of the day spot after cruising the coast from Waikiki out and stopping at hikes and beaches along the way like the Koko head stairs, Sandy’s beach, Waimanalo beach, and Makapuu tide pools.
For food, there’s not much at the beach area but there’s a lot of options in Kailua. My favorite spot is Paniolos, but you’ve got a lot to choose from. Some other good spots are Maui’s Tacos for another lunch option, Lanikai Juice for juices and smoothies, and Morning Brew for a coffee.
Make sure you get a shave ice from Island Snow too.
I hope this can help give you some tips on how to get to Lanikai Beach and help you plan your visit.
As always, use your best judgment, protect yourself from the sun, and swim to your limits to make sure you stay is safe and memorable.
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