A narrow ribbon of white sand in front of a residential neighborhood, facing the twin Mokulua islets. There is no beach park, no parking lot and no facilities, only signed public walkways between homes.
Why we love it
Sunrise over the Mokulua islets from this sand is one of the most beautiful sights on the island, and the water is usually gentle.
Current conditions: As of June 2026, the City plans permanent ‘No Parking Any Time’ zones on Mokulua Drive (no start date announced). Holiday-weekend parking bans continue.
What to expect
Lanikai is a neighborhood first. You reach the sand through narrow public paths off Mokulua Drive, and seawalls have eroded much of the beach, so at high tide the sand can nearly disappear. The water is usually calm and shallow. There are no restrooms, showers, shade or lifeguards; the nearest are at Kailua Beach Park. Parking is limited and tightly enforced, so the easiest approach is to park legally in Kailua and walk or bike in. Go on a weekday at sunrise for the quietest, most respectful visit.
Know before you go
- Holiday parking ban
- On holiday weekends the City bans parking 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on all streets and shoulders of Mokulua and ʻAʻalapapa Drives and the cross-streets.
- Coming changes
- The City’s Lanikai plan adds ‘No Parking Any Time’ signs on Mokulua Drive with loading zones at the beach paths; no construction date had been announced as of June 2026.
- No lifeguards
- Lanikai isn’t on the state lifeguard list. The closest guarded beach is Kailua Beach Park.
- No facilities
- No restrooms, showers or trash service. Pack everything out.
- Islets
- The Mokulua islets are state wildlife sanctuaries; landing rules can change, as they did in 2024 for a monk seal pup, so check DLNR before paddling out.
Photo: R. Sullivan via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
