Lanikai Beach - The most Pristine Beaches in the Universe

Lanikai Beach

Close your eyes and imagine the most perfect beach your mind can conjure up.  The sun is at a gentle angle gazing down on you.  It is the perfect temperature 78 degrees F or 26 degrees C.  You feel a warm yet gentle oceanic breeze course through your hair.  You see a clear white sanded beach.  What is even more remarkable is that as your feet step into the sand it is so fine that it looks and feels like baby powder!  The ocean is a clear turquoise with small rocks and coral that breaks the waves into a gentle ripple.  In the distance you see two green and lush hills jutting out of the ocean with birds flying by.  In the evening you see a spectacular moon rise over the ocean.  The water is still warm.  Imagine this beach has very few people yet it is close to a major urban center.

Now open your eyes.  

You have just arrived at Lanikai Beach.

Where Is It and How To Get There
Lanikai is actually the best hidden secret in Oahu, the most populated island of Hawaii.  It is tucked away in the eastern end of the island right behind a seaside community.

To get to it can be tricky.  Drive south past Kalua Beach.  Most visitors will end up here and that is a good thing for a "SecludedGlen.com" adventurer such as yourself.  You will have to find street parking in this neighborhood where there are no curbs.  Once you find a spot, find one of three footpaths nestled between homes.  There are no signs.

If you find the northern most footpath be warned that when it is high tide this part of the beach disappears underwater right up to the stone steps.  It is best to go to the middle or southern pathway.

Usually it is best to rent a car but you can also pay for a cab hailing service or even a cab.  Be warned that the cost can be a lot if you coming from the Waikiki area.   The bus is not as convenient as you would have to transfer buses to get there.

Pro Tip

Be sure to use the bathroom before you go from your hotel or rented condo or house.  Otherwise stop by the village nearby and go to the ABC Store or Foodland Supermarket.  There are zero restrooms at Lanikai.  We view this from a Cup is Half Full angle because the lack of restrooms and signless access and limited parking keeps this pristine beach quiet.

Best Time To Go

The beauty of Lanikai Beach is that you can go anytime of the year.  There is a rainy season but many of the showers are quick 15 minute type rain. Of course Oahu experiences typhoons and heavier storms occassionally so plan ahead and check weather forecasts.  The warm temperature range is eternally within a small band of 72 to 83 degrees F or 22 to 28 degrees C most days all year round.   

Cost
Other than transportation and any picnic food you bring on your own, it is entirely free to visit Lanikai which makes it even more magical.

If you can afford it, you can rent a house in Lanikai right up onto the beach.  We met a gentlemen who said he goes there every year and rents one of the houses right on the beach line.

Things To Do: