Lanikai Beach

Situated on the windward coast of Oahu in Hawaii is Lanikai beach, which translates as “heavenly sea”. With its fine white sand and brilliant aqua blue water this name seems quite fitting. Lanikai is fringed with palm trees and with water temperatures rarely dipping below 75° F (24° C) there is no mistaking you are in the tropics. Unlike many of Oahu’s other great beaches, Lanikai is not designated a beach park. This means it is short on facilities such as showers and parking, however, this hasn’t stopped it being one of the most popular beaches on the island.

What makes Lanikai beach instantly recognizable are the Nā Mokulua or “the Mokes” - these are the twin islands which sit less than a mile offshore. Both islands are nature reserves and part of the Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary which means the smaller of the islands is completely out of bounds. You can swim or kayak out to the larger of the two islands but the seas can be dangerous and tiger sharks are known to frequent the ocean side of the islands!

If (unlike me) you are an early riser then Lanikai is a great spot to take in a sunrise. On the right day the sun even obligingly pops up right between the Mokes. Fortunately, for the rest of us Lanikai beach is also a great place to see the moon rising.