Lanikai Beach is consistently named on the best beaches in the world for its soft, white sand, bright blue waters and the view of the of shore Mokulau Islands. Its a calm, safe beach year round as far as water and current is concerned. Stinging animals can always exist. But getting to Lanikai isn’t the easiest.
Here’s the low down how to get there and what to expect.
Quick tips on Lanikai Beach:
Public Access: Getting to the beach is only through narrow walkways between homes about every block.
Amentities: None. No bathrooms, no showers, no parking, no rentals.
Parking:Â Parking is near impossible on weekends or during vacation season but avoid parking illegally as fines are excessive. There are no lots, street parking only.
Best days to visit:Â The best time to visit Lanikai Beach on Oahu is during the week when it tends to be quieter and less crowded. But be early because its still popular!
Stinging creatures:Â Â Watch out for the Portuguese Man-of-War (jellyfish) and stinging limu (seaweed), especially from June through September.
No lifeguards:Â Keep an eye on your kids and yourself at Lanikai Beach – there’s no lifeguard on duty any time during the year.
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Hi I’m Alison, your chaos coordinator, family photographer in O’ahu Hawai’i.
As the ringleader of my own 4 boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be.
If I could dress your kids and literally hang your family photos on your walls, I would.
…but I can’t, so I do just about everything else in between.
That’s why I take the time to hold your hand from start to finish.
Because what good are family photos if your kids never see them?
Have you thought about family photos while you’re in Hawai’i?
Its photo season year-round here in Hawaii and I want you to take advantage of it!
Take home the bright skies, warm air and blue water to relive it over and over because you’ll never experience this place with the kids these ages ever again.
This is your one shot. Take it!
As the ringleader of my own 4 boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be. I’m here to change that.
If I could dress your kids and literally hang your family photos on your walls, I would …but I can’t, so I do just about everything else in between. That’s why I take the time to hold your hand from start to finish.
Because what good are family photos if your kids never see them?
I only accept two families a week, so if you have dates, reach out to Alison Bell, Photographer now.
Where is Lanikai Beach?
Lanikai Beach, Oahu is located in a neighborhood of a dead end loop. Its quiet, quaint and very little parking.
Why is Lanikai Beach so popular?
Lanikai Beach is popular because of its soft, white sand, bright blue waters and the view of the of shore Mokulau Islands. Its a calm, safe beach year round as far as water and current is concerned. Of course, stinging animals can always exist.
How to get to Lanikai Beach, Oahu?
There is one road into the neighborhood and one way out. It is a one way loop. There are no parking lots.
- From Waikiki, head west on the H1.
- Take the Pali Highway (61) until you reach Kailua.
- Continue on Kailua Blvd., merge left onto Kuhio Ave.
- Turn right onto Lihiwai Rd. and follow it until it turns into Kawaiola Rd.
- Turn right into Alala Rd., which will turn into Mokulua Drive.
- Follow Mokumanu Drive as it loops around to the ocean side of Aalapapa Dr. That’s where you’ll find all the beach access points, plus parking.
- Start to look for parking once you locate Kawailoa Rd. You can find a more secluded beach at the Kuailima Dr. access point (farther down Aalapapa Dr.)
Is Lanikai Beach safe?
Yes! Even in winter when the North Shore is raging with strong currents, Lanikai Beach on the windward side of Oahu is safe and calm – albeit more choppy than summer months.
Lanikai Beach Pillboxes
Up the hill from the beach sit WWII pillboxes (cement bunkers that houses a machine guns). It is a .9 of a mile round trip with no shade, gravel path and steep. The panoramic views are stunning! Park at Kailua Beach Park.
Kailua Beach Park
If all else fails, you’ll pass Kailua Beach Park on your way to Lanikai Beach. You can park in there and walk a 15 minute, easy walk on a paved path to Lanikai. Or you can rent a kayak from Kailua and paddle over!
Kailua Beach Park has all the amenities:
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Lifeguards
- Parking lot
- Rentals
- Grass fields
Photos of Lanikai Beach, Oahu
More resources for Lanikai Beach and others on Oahu
I find joy in chaos. The louder, the better!
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
