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Lanikai Beach vs Iolani Palace
Both are rated highly by expert writers. On balance, Iolani Palace ranks significantly higher than Lanikai Beach. Iolani Palace is ranked #1 in Hawaii with praise from 9 publications like Travel + Leisure, goop and Fodor's.
Lanikai Beach
Fodor's
Michelin Guide
U.S. News & World Report
Frommer's
Independent
Mokulua Drive, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734
From $0 /night
Fodor's
"Peaceful jade green waters, powder-soft white sand, families and dogs frolicking mindlessly, offshore islands in the distance. It's an ideal spot."
Full review
i
Be sure not to park in the marked bike/jogging lane.
Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"Picture paradise: a white, sandy beach fringed with palm trees and fragrant tropical plants, licked by crystal-clear, aqua-blue surf."
Full review
U.S. News & World Report
3.0
"Lanikai is more tranquil, offering relatively calm waters and a mile of white sands. This family-friendly beach is also within view of the Mokulua Islands, a haven for kayaking and surfing."
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Frommer's
"This is one of the best places on Oahu to greet the sunrise. Watch the sky slowly move from pitch black to wisps of gray to burnt orange as the sun rises over the two tiny offshore islands of Mokulua."
Full review
Independent
"The crystal waters of Lanikai Beach sparkle under water sports enthusiasts on kayaks and paddleboards. If they’re lucky, a Hawaiian green sea turtle may pop its head out to say hello"
Iolani Palace
Fodor's
Concierge
Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine
Travel + Leisure
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364 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
From $0 /night
Fodor's
"America's only royal residence was built in 1882 on the site of an earlier palace."
Full review
Concierge
"King David Kalakaua built this palace in 1882, as a symbol to the world that Hawaiian royalty was as grand as any in Europe."
Michelin Guide
2 Stars
"If you're intrigued with kings and queens, join the 90-minute docent-led tour... with plenty of history provided."
Full review
i
Peek at rare treasures and crown jewels
Afar Magazine
"The only royal palace in the United States, it has plenty of lavish decor to ooh and ahh over."
Full review
Travel + Leisure
"Hawaii is the only state that was once a monarchy...and the best place to get a sense of how Queen Lili’uokalani and the royal family lived is with a visit downtown to ‘Iolani Palace."
Full review
