Table of Contents
Introduction
Located at the northern shore of Oahu, Lanikai Beach regularly tops the list of the ‘Best Beaches in the World’. Encountered as an icon of a tropical paradise, the fine white sand, and the clear shades of blue on the water are perfect for swimming, and a magnificent view of the Mokulua Islands has been attributed to Lanikai Beach. Lanikai Beach is close to Kailua Beach, which is very touristic, which means that it does not attract numerous tourists and is a perfect place for a leisurely day spent at the Hawaiian beach.
Nor did Haunani have any recollection of ever owning the land that was now known as Lanikai Beach.
Lanikai Beach is the translated name from Hawaiian, meaning heaven and sea. Originally it was called Kaohao Beach. In the early part of the 1900s a private owner of the land limited access to the beach to the people of Llandudno only. It was sold in the 1950s in a plot where the public was allowed to access this beautiful land that is now a famous vacation destination.
Its Beauty and Scenery
It measures half a mile in length and approximately one hundred feet in width, Lanikai Beach is another example of natural beauty. It is a smooth Powdery white sand with a slowly descending tint into the multicolored water body. Depending on the sunlight and tide pools the sea has colors that vary from bright blue to deep teal and blue-green.
Along the coast, the ‘Mokes,’ or the Mokulua Islands, mysteriously rise on the horizon wherever one would place him/herself on the leeward coast of Oahu, and are perfect wings for photo sessions and snorkeling and paddling. If there is little wind and no large swells, then the sea appears almost glassy in the morning time. But standing against the green volcanic backdrop, Lanikai is quite probably the quintessential Hawaiian brochure photo.
Sea-related activities and Leisure activities
Though it is a small beach, Lanikai has many types of activities that are ideal for the serene environment of the beach. Mornings seem to have good chances for activities, which call for smooth, sheer coastlines. Early morning, go for a leisurely jog with bare feet on that soft sand, close to those expensive beachfront mansions and dancing coconut trees.
For the most tranquil water, it’s best to enter the water knee-deep in the shallow water near the shoreline. Get a soft-top board and sail to the Mokulua Islan. Have your kayak paddle off with your kayak and explore the underwater reef with the tropical fishes and the green turtles it has inside of the ocean. Standup paddle boarding and snorkeling conditions are also preferred best at these early hours of the day.
As the day proceeds into mid-morning, particularly when there is a warm wind blowing, the waves become a little bigger to boot. Combined with boogie boards, getting to work on the floating becomes pleasing while surfing in the waist to chest-high waves along the strip of the shore. The same offshore winds also make this section of the beach ideal for sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
There is still one way that is always best, to reach Lanikai every so often and then take a calming beach walk just enjoying the beauty of the surroundings, or to wake up early and rush over to Lanikai to grab a lovely pair of towels, spread them on the sand and bask in the tropical sun.
Check Out: Napili Kai Beach Resort: Maui’s Serene Escape for Relaxation and Oceanfront Luxury.
Lanikai Beach Visitors’ Guide and Practical Advice
The number of visitors to Lanikai Beach has skyrocketed in the last ten years alone. After paying a visit to the area you will be able to agree with the above statement. Today the beach is significantly less populated compared to Waikiki but here are a few tips that will help to make a great day at the beach.
- Start early – often by 7 or 8 am, you can park right along Mokulua Drive if you don’t mind the terminal end nearest the Pali Lookout. As early as mid-morning when the weather is fine, challenges start arising in terms of where to park the car on weekends. Beach access spots are sold out by 10 AM. Beat the crowds to the site by adjusting your alarm clock.
- Pack snacks – There isn’t a single canteen or restaurant on the beach, so don’t expect to get snacks in between the games. They ranged from a small cooler filled with sandwiches, snacks, fruits, and chilled drinks to bottled water.
- Change your sunscreen – Hawaii just recently banned sunscreens that contain elements toxic to the coral reefs and other sea creatures. Select an environmentally friendly non-oil-based mineral sunscreen as a way of protecting your skin while preserving the rich underwater beauty.
- Be careful of shore breaks – Big shore break waves are sometimes found on shores in the afternoon. Heed warning signs and flags. Instead of swimming, take a view of the currents especially when they are strong from the shoreline.
- Respect residents – Most of the fabulous houses of luxury are situated on the shore. Why not appreciate other neighbors’ property by avoiding lingering on their private lawn or driveway or any other areas close to the house? Remove all trash and do not make the noise past what it’s worth as you might go against your agreeing to be a great guest.
- Night photography — the last inspiring idea is that vloggers must stay till the sunset because the most stunning picture for Instagram is exactly at that time when the clouds of the brightest shades of colors are painted in the sky. In order to make your visit to this divine beach end on a good note, try to hang around for a golden hour experience.
Conclusion
Now it is clear why Lanikai Beach is one of the most beautiful in Hawaii and this article will aim at informing the reader why that is the case. The exciting water activities on this beach include; snorkeling and swimming, standup paddle boarding, and even basking on sand, clearly the beach of Lanikai has something special for anyone.
Get up early to get your share of the soft and white sand-blessed island. Experience breathtaking reflections of the bluest waters you can only suspect may be engineered. Take a couple of shots of famous Mokulua Islands scenes before sipping the beautiful Hawaiian day when the sun begins to set. But, a visit to Heavenly Lanikai Beach is a perfect destination and worth a trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What about parking at Lanikai Beach?
There is free public parking along Mokulua Drive. You should be early in the morning to be able to park the car on the road ideally before 7 – 8 o clock. The population is relatively stationary during weekdays and it swells up, especially during sunny weekend days in the case of parking lots.
Is there any provision for a restroom or shower at the beach?
Unfortunately, there are no public restrooms and private beaches have no showers. The use of facilities precedes the visitors’ arrival in the camps most of the time. Public showers and restrooms are available a 5 to 10-minute walk from Kailua Beach Park.
What can one do at Lanikai Beach?
Some of the things that people can do here include swimming, standing paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, walking and jogging along the shore, boogie boarding, surfing, sailing, windsurfing and just sunbathing in the sand. Rentals for water gear are found in Kailua town which is near the kayaking site.