Experts' Choice Award Lanikai Beach
What the experts agree on
Lanikai Beach delivers pristine white sand and impossibly clear turquoise waters perfect for sunrise watching and water sports. The offshore Mokulua Islands create a postcard backdrop, while calm conditions and residential tranquility make it ideal
“Picture paradise: a white, sandy beach fringed with palm trees and fragrant tropical plants, licked by crystal-clear, aqua-blue surf.”
– Michelin Guide
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
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Be sure not to park in the marked bike/jogging lane.
U.S. News & World Report3.0
"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." Full review
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
Lonely Planet "Just southeast of Kailua, Lanikai is an exclusive residential neighborhood fronting a gorgeous stretch of powdery white sand overlooking two postcard-perfect islands, known locally as the Mokes" 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"
Condé Nast Traveler "Though it's only a half-mile long, Lanikai is one of the prettiest stretches of sand on Oahu. It's the archetypal Hawaiian beachscape: powder-white sands melting into shimmering turquoise..."
Rough Guide "Small, at just half a kilometre long, Lanikai Beach has clear waters perfect for snorkelling and panoramic views out over the bay"
New York Times "Then head over to Lanikai Beach, a quiet, family-friendly stretch of white sand and one of the prettiest spots on this side of Oahu"
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Lonely Planet "This gorgeous beach is smaller and often more crowded than Kailua Beach, as people flock here to catch the sunrise over the twin Mokulua Islands"
The 14 best beaches in Hawaii
March 1, 2021
Independent "In contrast, Lanikai Beach along Oahu's Windward Coast is a mile of golden sand bordering waters that are calm all year round"
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