Lanikai Beach

What to know

Snorkeling and Activites: While snorkeling is a popular activity among visitors, there are many other things to do at Lanikai Beach. Take a leisurely stroll along the shore, soak up the sun on the soft sand, or explore the nearby hiking trails that offer incredible views of the area. And for those looking for a bit more adventure, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding to the nearby Mokulua Islands is a must-do activity.

Respecting the Community and Environment: When visiting Lanikai Beach, it's important to respect the environment and the local community. The beach is surrounded by residential areas, so visitors should park in designated spots and be mindful of noise levels. Remember to pack out all trash as ther eare limited trash cans and respect the fragile ecosystem, including the living coral heads located just off the beach.

Where to Eat: While there are no facilities on the beach itself, nearby Kailua town offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Buzz’s Steak house is the closest restaurant to Lanikai Beach.

Leash Laws: Lanikai Beach allows dogs but only on leash.

Smoking: Smoking (including vapes/e-cigarettes) is illegal on Lanikai Beach with fines for violations.

Commercial Activity: Commercial activity, including guided tours, shuttle services and drop offs, food and retail sales, recreation equipment delivery, photography and weddings is heavily restricted or banned at Lanikai Beach and nearby city-owned access points due to local ordinances.

History & Name

Lanikai Beach, means heavenly sea, but the original and true name of the area is Kaʻōhao. The name Lanikai was named by the land developer who incorrectly added the Hawaiian words for “heavenly” and “ocean” together. Unfortunately, in actual Hawaiian, to say “heavenly sea”, one would actually say “Kailani” instead of “Lanikai.” Snorkeling is popular among the coral heads located in the shallow water just off the beach. Please remember that regardless of their appearance, coral heads are living organisms and they should never be touched. The signature view of the Mokulua Islands is breathtaking and even views of the next islands in the Hawaiian chain like Molokai and Lanai can be seen on clear days. Located on the windward coast within Kailua Bay, it can be a little bit tricky to find Lanikai Beach by bus or car. The access and parking is limited by residential properties and care should be given to respect local residents. The best way to see this out of the way beach is by kayaking or stand up paddling there from Kailua Bay. This trip takes 30 to 45 minutes and is usually quicker on the return due to the predominant tradewinds acting as a tail wind pushing you back toward Kailua Beach. There are no restrooms, lifeguards or facilities in Lanikai.

Location

How to get to Lanikai Beach

By Car from Waikiki/ Honolulu:

1. Take the Pali Highway towards Kailua

2. Turn right on Kailua Road

3. Continue on Kailua Road for about 2 miles until you reach a stop sign

4. Turn left at the stop sign onto Kawailoa Road

5. Follow Kawailoa Road until it ends at a T-intersection with Mokulua Drive

6. Turn right onto Mokulua Drive and continue for a few blocks until you reach Aalapapa Drive

7. Turn left onto Aalapapa Drive and look for a place to park

8. Walk to the beach access path located between two houses on Aalapapa Drive

Note that parking is limited and is only allowed on certain streets. It is important to respect the residential properties in the area and to not block any driveways or park in areas designated for residents only.

By City Bus from Waikiki/ Honolulu:

Download DaBus2 App which provides real-time tracking and arrival info and costs $3 one way. Make sure to ask for you free transfer as you will need to take at least two buses from Waikiki.

Parking FoR LANIKAI BEACH

Parking at Lanikai Beach can be a challenge due to the limited availability of parking spaces. There are only a few designated parking areas, and they can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. Most of the parking spots are located on the residential streets surrounding the beach, but visitors should be careful to avoid parking in areas marked as no parking zones or driveways. Visitors should also be mindful of local regulations and respect the privacy of the nearby residents. It is recommended to arrive early in the morning to secure a parking spot or to consider alternative transportation options such as biking, walking, or taking a shuttle service. The City will often close all parking on holiday weekends to decrease congestion for emergency responders.

Note: A PARKING BAN was approved in 2025 for Lanikai but will likely not go into place for several years. Check the City and County Lanikai Transportation Management Plan for updates.