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Kailua
Things to Do in Kailua
Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach, Kailua: Address, Lanikai Beach Reviews: 4.5/5

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Lanikai Beach

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Lanikai Beach
4.5
3,048
#2 of 18 things to do in Kailua
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Top ways to experience Lanikai Beach
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
142 within 3 miles
Buzz's Original Steak House
1,488
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Island Snow
396
1 mi$ • Dessert
Kalapawai Market
183
0.9 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Bob's Boston Pizza Kailua
273
1 mi$ • Quick Bites • Italian • Pizza
K & K Barbeque Inn Incorporated
50
1 mi$ • Quick Bites • Barbecue • Hawaiian
Maui Mike's Fire-Roasted Chicken
102
1.3 mi$ • American • Fast Food • Barbecue
The Shack
123
1.3 mi$ • American • Bar • Pub
The Food Company
110
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly
Saigon Noodle House
60
1.4 mi$ • Asian • Vietnamese • Soups
Yamas Mediterranean Cuisine
37
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Middle Eastern
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Attractions
35 within 6 miles
Pillbox Hike
931
0.3 miHiking Trails
Kailua Beach Park
3,039
0.5 miBeaches
Lanikai Pillboxes
78
0.5 miLookouts
Bellows Field Beach Park
419
2.9 miBeaches
Waimanalo Beach
728
Beaches • Parks
Kailua Farmers Market
166
1.7 miFlea & Street Markets
Kalama Beach Park
158
1.7 miBeaches
Makapu'u Beach
325
Beaches
Nu’uanu Pali
923
Lookouts • Valleys
Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens
410
Gardens
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,048 reviews
Excellent
2,278
Very good
569
Average
105
Poor
35
Terrible
61
kanicon
Los Angeles, CA719 contributions
Best beach
Friends
By far the best beach on the island. Relaxing secluded beach, calm waters, beautiful views. I think the lack of parking helps to keep this beach very secluded and private. I think we strolled almost a mile to get to our little hideaway. We went on a Sunday and felt like there weren’t a lot of people nearby. Restrooms and food weren’t so readily available. So wished I had the amenities of an all inclusive beach with a nice pina colada or a mai tai…but at the same time, enjoyed just being a beach bum, working on my tan and taking quick dips in the ocean when I needed to cool off.
Written January 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DomCanada
Toronto, Canada296 contributions
One of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii!
We stopped here while following the Shake guide app (highly recommend it for driving navigation and as your own private tour guide) and loved it. Such a beautiful beach off a quiet street. Finding parking might be tricky (like anywhere in Hawaii) but just drive around a couple of times and you'll find something. We only stayed for a bit to enjoy the view and loved it.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
scottofhawaii
Honolulu, HI7,877 contributions
I moved here
I got a place in a house the road over from the beach. I've been to the Lanikai Beach a dozen or so times so far I've been here. I get it now why I'm paying way too much rent. It's so awesome being a part of it all. Always hearing people from everywhere speaking different words and languages here and there. Sounds to me like poetry. I watch their huge effort to get here on their once in a lifetime trip. 3 young people this evening were dancing and singing playing Latino music while laughing and videoing; so much fun to watch these happy young people ad hear their music. I purposely sat near them cause wanted to hear music and the sound of the ocean together. I felt a little bit part of it. There are others soon to include me that are always here too. Beginning to see some of the same people over as well. I xox a few final ones I hope tonight - wanna try the pillbox hike bad soon - need to work up to it I guess. I watch em like ants rolling up and down the ridge. The beach though! Perfect sand; perfect water; perfect views; perfect sounds. Lanikai! Wanna make this work nicely til December and then split.
Written July 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Westley G
Campbellsville, KY5 contributions
Beautiful beach, did not feel welcome
Family
It is a beautiful beach to visit and the water is so beautiful. We really enjoyed our time at Lanikai beach. Do bring food, sunscreen, and beach towels. After having a beautiful day we were walking back to our car and it is a decent walk from where we had to park when someone in a VW bus yelled “get out of here” and gave a group of people taking pictures at Lanikai sign the middle finger. That is what we will remember about Lanikai beach. We had planned on making a day and visiting the stores in the town but after that we left. That was our experience at Lanikai.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tashinah B
Honolulu, HI3 contributions
Picturesque Perfection
Couples
Lanikai is definitely one of those “Wow” beaches, soft sand, miles of blue water, clear sky’s and an absolutely stunning treat for anyone that wants to spend a day on a perfect beach. There isn’t any restrooms nearby, nor is there any place to shower BUT! It’s so worth it! We came during a day we got lucky, the waters were calm, the sun was shining, and there was no wind. The next day we came back and it was super windy, cloudy and the current was a bit rougher. So, just make sure you check the surf reports if you plan to snorkel as with the wind picking up and the clouds made for a less clear water experience. Still fantastic though! Highly recommend for kiddos, or family just because there is plenty of beach to spread out in. Bring some snacks, bring an umbrella and plenty of sunscreen! I ran pretty easily and I actually got pretty burned from the suns rays from 6a.m. To 8 a.m.! But couldn’t recommend this beach more!!

Also! Leave early to get parking spaces nearby! There is a lot of spaces closer to Lanikai that is closed down. So park by the other beach and walk over to Lanikai.

Parking fills up fast!
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OceanLovingCouple
San Francisco, CA1,998 contributions
Best beach on Oahu
Yesterday was perfect. The three days before not so much because cloud and wind.

Go in morning to avoid strong winds and tougher parking. Rather than risk a ticket and frustration trying to find a spot in Lanikai, park at the boat ramp lot where there is lots of space then walk along the road .3 of a mile enjoying the fabulous views of Kailua beach park.

If you want restrooms, lifeguards, and places to buy things, stick to Kailua beach park or Waikiki. This is an exclusive RESIDENTIAL neighborhood.
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joseph Robba
Charlotte, NC2,080 contributions
Lanikai Blues
Lanikai easily is my favorite beach on Oahu. It has a natural protection just from the shape of the island, the water is very calm and shallow, generally speaking. The beach is fantastic, and the water glows blue. The only issue here can be parking, as there is nothing dedicated, you need to be careful to park in designated areas, and make sure not to block driveways or gates to the residents in the area. In general, when we came the beach was fairly crowded, and we had to drive a few circles around the area, but it didn't take overly long to find a parking spot.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Phim B
Columbus, OH102 contributions
A Picturesque Testimony of God’s Magnificence!
Couples
Gives you a front-seat view of the majestic and spectacular show of Sunrise from the Pacific Ocean! Truly a presentation of one of God’s magnificent and breathtaking daily blessings and miracle!
Pristine White sand. Reminds me of the wonderful white beaches of my beloved province of Bohol in the Philippines!
No restaurants or business establishments in the vicinity. No public restrooms. No entrance fee as with the other beaches in Oahu!
Remember to use beach shoes!
Written February 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
surf
Oahu, HI1 contribution
Don’t waste your time
Couples
The beach was crowded, no bathrooms, no parking and traffic was so bad we spent two hours sitting in the car when we could have been on another beach. Kailua beach is just as good and much larger with no traffic. Went to Kalamas down the road and had a much better time. Don’t waste your vacation time.
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ruschell88
Jarrettsville, MD22 contributions
Beautiful Beach
Said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It was nice. I had a picnic lunch here. The beach is long enough that, while there were a lot of people there, it didn't feel too crowded. A bit of a walk from where we parked. My friend said there are closer spots but they are often taken and the traffic to get there is bad so that could have been our fault that the walk was so long.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lanikai Beach
We recommend booking Lanikai Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 18 Lanikai Beach tours on Tripadvisor