Okay, I'm going to be real with you — Lanikai might actually be the most beautiful beach in Hawaii. This half-mile stretch of impossibly soft sand in Kailua faces the iconic Mokulua Islands, and the water is that turquoise color that makes people think your photos are fake. The snorkeling here is incredible, especially for spotting sea turtles gliding through the crystal-clear, calm water. Just know there are zero facilities — no restrooms, no lifeguards, no snack bars (though sometimes a local lady sells snacks for cash). You're accessing this slice of paradise through narrow walkways between million-dollar homes, which keeps it feeling wonderfully secluded. Fair warning: watch for jellyfish and sharp rocks in some areas.
💡 Insider Tip
Get here early — like 7am early. Park at Kailua Beach Park and walk the 15 minutes over, because parking in Lanikai is basically impossible. Look for the small blue signs marking public access paths between houses on Mokulua Drive.
Open 24 hours
Free
None — park at Kailua Beach and walk
Sunrise for photos, early morning for solitude
