This was my favorite beach on Oahu. Number one beach on the Travel Channels Top Ten Hawaiian Beaches. It does not disappoint. It is stunning. The white sand is so soft and powdery. The coral attracts the fish and makes for good snorkeling. I saw my first sea turtle here. It's very easy to swim far out. I would go back to this beach in a heartbeat. I was there the first week in May and it wasn't crowded at all.

My wife and I have been lucky enough to stay in the town of Kailua-Lanikai a few times. I cannot think of a better beach to relax, swim, kayak or stroll on the white sand than Lanikai Beach. Kailua Beach Park is very good, but can sometimes be windy. The water is beautiful and clear and the views of the nearby islands are great. It is the most photgraphed beach in Hawaii and appears in many ads.

Parking is limited and you may have to walk 5 minutes or so, but it is worth it. Stop in Kailua and pick up some snacks or lunch. drive the 5 minutes to Lanikai and relax in paradise!

Swimming is easy here-no rip currents or steep drop offs. I wouldn't recommend Lanikai for snorkeling as there is not much coral to be found. I am visiting Oahu next month and believe me, I will make the trip from Honolulu over the hill to Lanikai beach.

Lanikai Beach is the best on the island of Oahu, in my humble opinion. It has everything - a pleasant view, placid crystal clear water (depending on the weather and the season, of course), fine white sand, snorkeling, a degree of seclusion in a residential area, off the beaten tourist track. If you go to Oahu you must rent a car to drive around the island. A stop here is a must.

I have more info and pictures of Lanikai on my personal travel blog, if you are interested: http://risamay.blogspot.com

We decided to do a vacation rental last year in Lanikai, because it was close to where we were getting married on Waimanalo Beach.
Saying we lucked out is an understatement. We stayed right across the street from the most beautiful, calm beach I have ever stepped foot on.
The sand is soft as silk, the water is warm and gentle, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Waking up and walking on the beach at sunrise was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It's quiet, the only people walking on the beach are the people who live there, walking their dogs, or going for a morning jog. One morning as we sat watching the sunrise over the islands off shore, it started to rain a little, I look up and there is a full rainbow right behind me. I couldn't believe it, a sunrise and a rainbow, I was in awe.
I can honestly say, this beach is true paradise, and I will be back.