Lanikai Beach, Oahu

Where Hollywood celebrities mingle

Lanikai Beach Park, located on the windward coast of Oahu, has long since been a favorite spot amongst Hollywood celebrities who escape to Hawaii in search of a peaceful getaway. And what better place to escape to than a place whose Hawaiian name means “heavenly sea”? This half-mile stretch of pristine white-sand beach and its picturesque shores have been captured in a host of photographs, calendars, travel guides and postcards—and for good reason, too, as Lanikai Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States.

The waters of Lanikai are quite popular amongst snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The coral reef that protects Lanikai Beach has created beautiful underwater gardens that host a variety of lush marine life. Many visitors also bring kayaks and head all the way out to the lovely Mokulua Islands, which are located just offshore and contribute to the tropical ambiance of Lanikai. The trip out to the Mokuluas is a deceptively difficult one, though, as the waters look peaceful, but are actually quite challenging, especially for those who have not done much ocean kayaking.

During storms, as well as during the days that follow a full moon, visitors are cautioned to look out for Portuguese Man-of-War (jellyfish) and stinging limu (seaweed), whose sting can leave you incapacitated for up to a day. Perhaps the only downside of visiting a small, quiet, isolated beach such as Lanikai is that there are no lifeguards on duty; nor are there any showers, bathrooms or freshwater facilities. Beachgoers should bring food and water before heading out to Lanikai.

Parking is only available on the side of streets, so visitors are advised to come early on weekends and holidays. A small public walkway leads from the road down to the beach. Those looking for a genuinely isolated experience should visit the beach park during weekdays, when it is most likely empty.