Lanikai Beach - the Best Beach in Hawaii?

During our time in Hawaii, I must have read 10 different lists of “best beaches in Hawaii.” There is always so much variability in opinions and preferences in these lists, but one beach that always makes the list is Lanikai Beach on Oahu’s eastern shore. In our quest for good surf breaks in Oahu, we found ourselves only 72 hours away from leaving Oahu and we still hadn’t made it to Lanikai, so we packed up and headed east for an afternoon at Lanikai followed by a hike to the Lanikai pillbox overlooking the beach. Turns out, the lists are correct. This beach definitely belongs on the list.

So, what makes Lanikai so awesome?

1. Extremely fine, soft, buttery sand.

2. A shockingly healthy and extensive protective reef. This was definitely the healthiest reef and best snorkelling we did in Hawaii. Other areas may be better in the summer, but this was our favorite winter snorkelling.

3. The Mokes. These two conical islands about 1 mile offshore add to the picturesque setting.

4. Calm waters. We went on a relatively windy day with choppy 3-5 foot waves on the east shore, but the water at the beach was calm and flat due to the large protective reef.

5. The size. This beach stretches on for half a mile. Even though there were a good number of people there, it didn’t feel crowded because everyone could spread out.

In the family vote for “favorite beach in Hawaii” this was part of a 3 way tie with Yokohama Bay and Hanalei Bay.

Tips for Lanikai Beach:

Parking is tough. Expect to have to circle the neighborhood streets for a while to find a spot. There are multiple public beach access sites along the beach.

Bring your snorkel gear. The snorkelling here is underrated.

There are no facilities, so bring your own drinks and snacks.

Consider renting a kayak in Kailua and kayaking along the beach or over to the Mokes. We did not kayak to the Mokes because some reviews made it sound too intense for kids. Turns out, most kids are soft and I should have known better. After seeing the smooth conditions of the water due to the protective reef, we absolutely could have done it with our kids and it will be on the top of my list if we return to Oahu.

Hike to the pillbox after the beach for sunset.

Hiking to Lanikai Pillbox

What:

This is a short, 1.8 mile out and back, unmarked, but heavily used trail that leads to two pillboxes on top of the nearby ridge with amazing views of Lanikai beach, Kailua Bay, and the Mokes. The view back inland of the Ko’olau mountains at sunset wasn’t half bad either.

Where:

The trailhead begins at the end of Kaelepulu road. You will see the trailhead just past the private club on your left. The only parking here is on the street, so you may have to circle for a bit to find a spot. We opted to move our car when we left the beach, but it would also be reasonable to just walk through the neighborhood to the trailhead.

Distance:

1.8 miles out and back

Difficulty:

Moderate. Like many of the trails in Oahu, this is a common use trail that is not maintained. As such, it is eroded in areas. It is composed of hard packed dirt that can get very slippery and the climb is pretty steep. Total elevation change is about 200 feet.

Payout:

10/10. These views were amazing and the length:payout ratio of this trail is through the roof.

Tips for the Pillbox Hike:

Wear footwear with good tread. I hiked this in chacos and would have been better off in trail shoes. I slid a few times coming back down the trail.

Do this hike at sunset or sunrise because it is completely exposed.

Hike to both pillboxes for slightly different views.

There is a second trailhead on the other side of the ridge on Kamahele Street and the trail can also be hiked in that direction.

Conclusions on Lanikai Beach and the Pillbox Hike:

I highly recommend visiting Lanikai Beach for the softest sand, calm water, and great snorkelling off the beach and doing the Lanikai Pillbox hike for the high payout of amazing views of the east coast and mountains!

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