Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach
4.6
About
Also known as Kaʻōhao Beach, Lanikai Beach is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the world, and is famous for its stunning views of the Mokulua Islands. Book a kayak tour for a chance to see the green sea turtles that inhabit the 'The Mokes'. The beach is also a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to consistent and steady winds. Enjoy the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun rises and sets over the Pacific Ocean and admire the beautiful houses and gardens of the surrounding residential area of Kailu. Come prepared as there are no amenities at this beach.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
3,121 reviews
Excellent
2,323
Very good
587
Average
111
Poor
35
Terrible
65
christina
New York City, NY10 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Beautiful beach with calmer water that is better for swimming. No vendors around the area I was in. Parking was hard- id recommend going either early or late (when people may be leaving) to get a spot.
We came in April and the water was chilly but swimmable if you’re hot!
We came in April and the water was chilly but swimmable if you’re hot!
Written 23 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daloninak
Valdez, AK50 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
This is our 2nd visit to Lanikai and we enjoy walking the beach in the mornings and evenings. Lots of sand for people to just sit, relax and read or run around and play in the water. We enjoy taking photos of the scenery. The views from the beach provide plenty to enjoy. You can see people kayaking or wind surfing as well as view the Mokes toward the south and east. Holidays are busier as everyone heads to the water.
Written 28 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BG from CA
Baldwin Park, CA4 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
This beach is amazing I visited in 2022 and going back again 2024. If you are a beach lover this is a must see. Water is so beautiful I loved swimming and use goggles to see small fish. Has a park and benches. Also not far from store and restaurants!
Written 10 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica F
New York City, NY6 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Gorgeous beach, very fine sand, no rocks, less people. Arrived at 9am on a weekday and got a close parking spot (though we’ve read these fill up quickly). No shade on the beach, very happy we brought our umbrella/tent. Wind is strong and feels incredible. Bring your own snacks and drinks as this is situated next to a neighborhood without restaurants in walking distance.
Written 24 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steele C
Gilbert, AZ32 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
This is another “Must Do’s” on Oahu! So this is the east side of Oahu so the sun comes up first here. We got to Oahu from Phoenix at 5 pm so we were really at 2 pm our time. Because of the time difference we were wide awake at 4 AM, packed up our breakfast, coffee, beach chairs and blanket and wondered over to the beach to await the sunrise and what a sunrise it was!!!
Written 10 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaron S
64 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
Lanikai Beach - Stunning Scenery, Decent Snorkeling
Lanikai Beach is absolutely breathtaking with its calm turquoise waters, and iconic views of the Mokulua Islands. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty.
We went snorkeling here and had a good experience overall. The water is calm and shallow, which makes it ideal for beginners or families with kids. We saw a decent variety of fish.
The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is the water visibility, which could have been better. It wasn’t as clear as other snorkeling spots we’ve been to, making it harder to fully enjoy the underwater sights. That said, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning surroundings more than make up for it.
Definitely worth a visit for the beach vibes and a relaxed snorkeling experience!
Lanikai Beach is absolutely breathtaking with its calm turquoise waters, and iconic views of the Mokulua Islands. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty.
We went snorkeling here and had a good experience overall. The water is calm and shallow, which makes it ideal for beginners or families with kids. We saw a decent variety of fish.
The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is the water visibility, which could have been better. It wasn’t as clear as other snorkeling spots we’ve been to, making it harder to fully enjoy the underwater sights. That said, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning surroundings more than make up for it.
Definitely worth a visit for the beach vibes and a relaxed snorkeling experience!
Written 30 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue2000
Sacramento, CA574 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Looking for a less crowded non-city beach than Waikiki, we came to Lanikai beach. It has calm waters, soft sand, and incredible views. We even had a sea turtle come over to look at us twice.
Get there early and bring your own items. The beach itself has no services and it is behind a lovely residential area. Parking is on the street so be prepared to search for a while and walk with all your beach gear.
The water is clear with gentle waves. You can sit at the water’s edge looking at the beautiful water, or go in further turn around and see the beautiful beach line and green hills. It didn’t feel crowded, but it wasn’t empty either. For those who enjoy jumping waves, this beach will feel boring. If you like calm beautiful waters, this beach is heavenly.
Get there early and bring your own items. The beach itself has no services and it is behind a lovely residential area. Parking is on the street so be prepared to search for a while and walk with all your beach gear.
The water is clear with gentle waves. You can sit at the water’s edge looking at the beautiful water, or go in further turn around and see the beautiful beach line and green hills. It didn’t feel crowded, but it wasn’t empty either. For those who enjoy jumping waves, this beach will feel boring. If you like calm beautiful waters, this beach is heavenly.
Written 6 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Climber42549146381
5 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
The beach its self is 5 stars!! So beautiful. It is lots of cars driving around trying to find a parking spot thats hard. Its packed and parking is limited to side streets in front of houses. There is no parking lot.
Written 28 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shirley O
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
This beach was beautiful! The only reason I am rating a 4 is because there is no parking or restrooms. But, it was worth the drive. We spent a couple of hours there. The sand was soft and the water was so many shades of blues. There were also people who rented kayaks nearby. If you are planning to visit go prepared with beach stuff, towels, chairs (if can), snacks, and water. Take a bag for your trash.
Written 23 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WhereverIMayRoam
16 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Beautiful beach, absolutely worth a visit! We timed our arrival at the end of a full day driving the coast, and scored a perfect parking spot as someone was leaving. Enjoyed the snorkeling until a mild run-in with a jellyfish cut our visit short. Come prepared: tweezers and some hydrocortisone cream from the local drug store made for a quick recovery/ short scare.
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the recommended time to arrive during this time? Is is only open on the weekends which I have confirmed. We are heading there this week and trying to figure out best way to best the crowds
Written 18 July 2021
We went on the weekdays and had no problem going there
Written 20 July 2021
All water around Hawaii is always swimable and warm
Written 23 January 2020
which way is the more beautiful way to drive back to Waikiki from Lanakai? on the 61? or the 72? thanks!
Written 20 August 2019
Both routes are quite scenic depending on what you want to see. 72 will take you around the outside with views of ocean, beaches and small islands on the eastern and southeastern shores while also catching glimpses of mountain ranges and highlands to the west with scenic overlooks and stops along the way. 61 will take you through the mountains and more forest areas with glimpses of waterfalls down rock walls and also offers lookouts and stops.
Written 20 August 2019
Can you rent Kayaks at this beach, or only at Kailua?
Written 19 August 2019
We did see people kayaking right off Lanikai, they prebooked a kayak tour and their guide had their kayaks ready to go on Lanikai Beach. You may have to do some research online.
Written 21 August 2019
Hey, is there any kind of shelling on this beach? We're headed there over the holidays and that's our kids' favorite thing to do. If not, anyone know a better shelling beach on Oahu?
Written 2 August 2019
Didn’t really encounter shells just soft white sand. Absolutely beautiful but not for shelling.
Written 3 August 2019
Yes. Parking for cars is difficult but there. Bikes can be locked against the poles at the end of each beach access area. The earlier the better but it’s available. Enjoy!
Written 16 February 2019
What’s the best time to arrive in the morning to beat the crowds?
Written 4 December 2018
I guess it depends on your idea of busy. We arrived at 11 am and it was already too busy for me which for me means being close enough to others to hear their conversations (or music). It’s not that great a beach either. I’d go elsewhere.
Written 4 December 2018
What’s the best time to arrive in the morning to beat the crowds?
Written 4 December 2018
We have been there at around 10am and at 2pm on another day during the week and I would say there have been a few more people later but it made no big difference and you will enjoy the beach at every hour :-)
Written 4 December 2018
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