Lanikai Beach

O‘ahu, Hawaii, US

Lanikai Beach is a tranquil stretch of powdery white sand on O‘ahu’s windward coast, famous for its turquoise waters and the iconic view of the Mokulua islands. It offers swimmers and kayakers a picturesque setting that ranks among the island’s most photographed spots.

Why choose Lanikai Beach

You’ll find a rare combination of calm surf and striking island silhouettes that few other beaches provide, letting you soak up sunrise colors while paddling close to the Mokulua. The mellow atmosphere lets you linger longer than the busier shorelines nearby.

Best for: Photography · Couples · First-timers · Families

Start your Kailua coast morning here

Begin at Lanikai Beach to enjoy sunrise and calm waters, then stroll to nearby Kailua Beach Park for a relaxed midday.

1. Morning — Lanikai Beach
2. 11:00 — Kailua Beach Park

Visit tips

• Arrive before sunrise to avoid the mid‑morning crowd and catch the best light on the islands.
• Park at the small lot near the beach and walk the short path; bring a towel for the sand.
• Arrive early for sunrise; the beach fills quickly after 8 am.
• Bring a kayak or rent locally; parking is limited, so plan for a short walk.

Plan your visit

• Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Best time of day: Early morning, before 7:00
• Entry: Free to visit
• Category: attraction
• Rated 4.6 by 3141 reviewers
• Tags: sunrise views, kayaking, photography, family friendly

Nearby attractions

• Kailua Beach Park — attraction, 17 min walk

More things to do in O‘ahu

• USS Arizona Memorial
• Diamond Head State Monument
• Diamond Head Summit Trail
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
• Waikiki Beach
• Pearl Harbor

See all things to do in O‘ahu or plan a full O‘ahu itinerary with Next Getaway.