pronounced lah-nee-KAI
Calm shallow reef water with the iconic Mokulua islets view — beautiful but no facilities and strict parking restrictions.
NWS forecast for this exact lat/lon — forecasts can change, re-check before you go.
Mokulua Dr, Kailua, HI 96734
Lanikai is the postcard beach. Water is shoulder-deep and calm thanks to the reef. The trade-off is real: there are no bathrooms, no showers, no lifeguard, no picnic tables, and parking is now permit-only on most Lanikai streets. Best as a brief stop after Kailua Beach Park, not a day-long base.
Park at Kailua Beach Park, use the bathrooms there, then walk or bike to Lanikai (15 min walk along the residential road). Honest tip: bring water, towels, and snacks for a maximum 90-minute Lanikai stop. For a full day, stay at Kailua.
No lifeguard on duty. Water is shallow but children should be in arm's reach. The kayak crossing to the Mokulua islets is for confident adults and older kids only — currents pick up midway.
This beach sits in the Tsunami Evacuation Zone per Hawai‘i Statewide GIS. If sirens sound or shaking is felt, move inland and uphill immediately. Hawai‘i Emergency Management →
Most Lanikai streets are now resident-permit-only or 1-hour zones. Don't risk a ticket — park at Kailua Beach Park and walk. The bike share works well here.
None on the beach. Use the bathrooms at Kailua Beach Park before walking over.
Some scattered ironwoods at the back of the beach. Bring an umbrella.
Early morning is best — calmer water, easier parking compliance, fewer people. By 11 AM on a clear day this beach is fully crowded.
Accessibility: Beach access points are narrow paths between residential properties; not stroller-friendly.
The Windward family standard — wide white sand, mostly shallow bay water, trade-wind cooling, full park facilities.
Long stretch of fine white sand on the windward coast — quieter than Kailua, with mostly gentle entry.
Three miles of ironwood-backed beach inside the Bellows AFS — public access on weekends + federal holidays only.