Best beach in the world
Lanikai Beach has made lists for being among the best beaches in the world and the best beaches in the United States. See here and here for those designations. That should be a good enough reason to head to Lanikai Beach as a top beach destination! You’ve made it all the way to Hawaii, and you’re so close in proximity to one of the best beaches in the world, how can you not visit, right? 😉
It’s at Lanikai Beach and around Lanikai that you can see those picture perfect Mokulua islands too! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can kayak to the islands from Kailua.
things to do in oahu | map >> waikiki – east oahu – north shore – central oahu
best short oahu hikes – best oahu snorkeling spots
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Lanikai Beach pictures
Path to Lanikai Beach
Mokulua Islands as seen from Lanikai Beach
End of Lanikai Beach looking towards Kailua Bay
Things to know about Lanikai Beach
Parking isn’t always the easiest around the beach.
Another thing is that this beach doesn’t have facilities. So there are no bathrooms or showers. After your visit to Lanikai Beach, take a short drive over to Kailua Beach Park which does have beach facilities. Kailua Beach Park is also walkable from Lanikai Beach. It would be about a 20-30 minute walk.
How to get to Lanikai Beach
The best way to get to Lanikai Beach is by car. If you’re not already renting a car, consider renting a car for the day. It will typically take around 45 minutes to reach Lanikai from Waikiki. You may also encounter traffic that may add to the time. When in the vicinity of Lanikai Beach, be aware of any “no parking” signs, and don’t park there!
If you are committed to the bus, you can reach Lanikai Beach by bus too. From Waikiki, you can expect it to take around 1.5 hours by bus which will likely include 1-2 transfers and waiting time. You also want to keep in mind that the bus is less frequent around Lanikai and Kailua compared to Waikiki, so you’ll want to time the bus well when departing Lanikai.
Be sure to have a look at how to get to Lanikai Beach by bus for more tips and things to know!
Things to do near Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Relaxing or swimming at Lanikai Beach would make a perfect follow-up to the Lanikai Pillbox Hike.
The pillbox hike can be a short hike to get up to the ridge of the mountain range, or you can make it into a longer hike by hiking the full Kaiwa Ridge Trail. See more info about the Lanikai Pillbox Hike!
Here’s a pocket guide to the best short hikes on Oahu.
Kayak to the Mokulua islands from Kailua Beach
If those islands seem extra inviting to you, you can see them up close and personal! Have a look at look at how to kayak to the Mokulua islands from Kailua Beach!
Interactive map around Lanikai
Plan your trip to Lanikai Beach using the Lanikai map below!
Things to maybe pack for your trip to Hawaii!
Now, here are some things that you just may want to add to your Hawaii packing list for Lanikai Beach and more!
- This case so you can take pristine underwater pictures with your phone when swimming! (It’s cheap!)
- This waterproof pouch so you don’t have to worry about leaving valuables on the beach
- These types of beach shoes so you don’t have to worry about hidden rocks under the sand!
- This type of beach bag that’ll help you dry things out so you can be ready for the next beach day!
- For your beach outfits, take a look at…
- These swimsuits and cover-ups for women
- This swimwear for plus-size women
- These swimsuits for men
- These types of UV protection clothes for more sun protection
- These packing cubes so you can find the stuff in your suitcase easily once you land in Hawaii so you waste no time getting out and about!
And these are popular guidebooks for all Hawaiian islands!
HAPPY LANIKAI BEACH PLANNING!
Lanikai Beach is in East Oahu!
oahu >> more things to do in east oahu – north shore – central oahu – waikiki beach
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking – what to wear to a luau
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling
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