Lanikai Beach is located on the southeast coast of Oahu and has been ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, along with neighboring Kailua Beach. The aquamarine waters, soft white sands and gently swaying palm trees represent South Pacific Paradise. There are even times when you can be there alone. Of course, when the wind blows, the hordes of energetic windsurfers quickly dissolve any fantasy of being marooned on a tropical island.

Still, most of the time, the beach is fairly quiet, and even when it’s not, one must be amazed at the natural beauty of it. Note: As with all beaches in Hawaii, conditions are subject to change. Check with lifeguards or locals before entering the water, and always with caution. Lanikai, which translates to “Heavenly Waters,” is a beachside community with exclusive Lanikai villa and condo rentals located on a reef-protected turquoise blue bay. Right next to Kailua Town, the two communities together offer the best that Oahu has to offer, without the hassle of the crowds. You’ll find a variety of activities in the area, including swimming, sunbathing on the soft white sand beaches, snorkeling and diving, sailing, walking, and golfing. Kailua Beach is known as one of the best windsurfing beaches in the islands.

There is also a wide range of accommodation, unique dining experiences, boutique shopping and markets. All of this and you’re just twenty minutes from the Honolulu airport and Waikiki beaches! For the ultimate in Hawaiian relaxation, Lanikai offers visitors a place where the past resides peacefully with the comforts of the present.

You may want to kayak to the Mokulua Islands offshore. Lanikai Beach has the best view of these twin islands, which are recognized worldwide. The Mokulua Islands are about a half mile off the coast of Lanikai. These islands are home to many birds such as the I`wa, as well as providing a destination for fun recreational activities such as surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Only Moku Nui, seen on the left when looking at them from Lanikai Beach, is open for landing. Visitors are restricted to the beach so as not to step on the many seabird nests. This beautiful island has a magnificent beach, an impressive double mountain and some impressive views of the coast. Its slightly smaller twin, Moku Iki, is almost its spitting image, but officially you’re not allowed to land on it (bird sanctuary). You can rent a kayak from a rental “van” across from the park. The water is clear so you can see the sand and coral below you. We saw a turtle surfacing from a distance. There are a couple of islands near Lanikai that you can kayak to. We just kayaked to an island to rest and eat some snacks. It was a bit of a hassle getting back in the water, but if you’re not afraid of getting wet and jumping back into the kayak, it’s doable.

My husband and I waited until the last day of our Oahu rental to visit Lanikai, big mistake! If we had gone there on the first day, we would have spent every day there! This is the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. Hands down the best on Oahu. The sand is soft and fine, the water is warm, calm and clear, it is very calm and secluded.

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