Lanikai Beach at a glance
Lanikai Beach lies on Oahu's windward coast, in a residential neighborhood next to Kailua, with the two Mokulua islets just offshore. Many visitors come for exactly that view. The practical side is harder: there is no public parking lot, no restroom, no shower and no lifeguard at Lanikai Beach.
That is why the key question here is how you arrive. The city has published plans to tighten the parking rules, and the rules change, so follow the signs on the street. If you only want the view and a swim with a lifeguard nearby, start at Kailua Beach and treat Lanikai as a short extension of the day.
Lanikai parking rules
The short version: do not park on the grass or the sidewalk, and do not count on finding a spot.
What is already the rule
Parking on unpaved shoulders and on sidewalks is illegal, according to the City's transportation department.
Planned changes, phase 1
"No Parking Any Time" signs on Mokulua Drive and loading zones at the beach accesses between Kaʻelepulu Drive and Kuaʻilima Drive.
Planned changes, phase 2
"No Parking Any Time" on Aʻalapapa Drive, parking spaces on side streets and a one-way system. As of 15 June 2026 the construction schedule was not yet set.
Holiday weekends
On three-day holiday weekends, parking on unpaved shoulders is banned. Over New Year 2026 (1 to 4 January) no parking was allowed on any street or shoulder of Mokulua Drive and Aʻalapapa Drive from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Because the rules are being rolled out in stages, read the signs where you park. If a sign says no parking, believe it.
Windward coast tours and activities
Tours and activities on Oahu's windward side around Kailua and Kualoa, with live prices and availability.
Getting to Lanikai without a parking spot
The City recommends TheBus Route 671, which runs from Kailua Town via Kailua Beach Park to Lanikai. It is the simplest answer to the parking problem. Check the current timetable before you go, and arrive early on weekends.
The second option is to park at Kailua Beach Park and walk to Lanikai, roughly a mile. Opening times for the Kailua Beach Park parking lot can change, so look for the posted hours.
Either way, bring everything you need for the day, including water, shade and a bag for your trash. Without restrooms, showers or lifeguards, you are on your own once you are there.
Kailua Beach next door
Kailua Beach is the practical neighbor. It has lifeguards every day from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, which Lanikai lacks. Many visitors base themselves here and walk or ride the bus to Lanikai for the view.
Kayak rentals are in Kailua, not at Lanikai Beach. Ask the rental shop about the route and the conditions, and about whether a guided trip suits you better.
The windward side also includes Kualoa Ranch, a drive north along the coast. See the Kualoa Ranch guide for tours and prices.
Lanikai or Kailua Beach?
Two beaches side by side, with very different facilities.
| Lanikai Beach | Kailua Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguards | – | Daily, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm |
| Public parking lot | – | At Kailua Beach Park; check the posted hours |
| Restrooms and showers | – | Check at the park |
| By bus | TheBus Route 671 | TheBus Route 671 |
Lanikai is a residential neighborhood. Keep to the street rules, do not block driveways and keep the noise down on the way to the sand.
The Mokulua islets (the Mokes)
The two islets, Moku Nui in the north and Moku Iki in the south, form the Mokulua Islets Seabird Sanctuary. They are a nesting site of the wedge-tailed shearwater, and the state's wildlife division manages them for the birds.
- Where you can go: only below the high-water mark, never into the interior of the island.
- When: between sunrise and sunset.
- Landing: commercial landings are allowed only on Moku Nui and need a state permit. If you paddle out on your own, land only on the small beach of Moku Nui.
- Sundays: commercial activity on the islets is not allowed on Sundays.
If you book a guided kayak trip, ask the operator whether it holds the state permit for landing on Moku Nui, and what the plan is if the wind or the swell is up. Bird colonies are easily disturbed. Stay on the beach, keep your voice down and leave nothing behind.
Lanikai Beach: frequently asked questions
Is there parking at Lanikai Beach?
There is no public parking lot. Parking on unpaved shoulders and sidewalks is illegal, and the City has announced no-parking zones on Mokulua Drive and Aʻalapapa Drive. Read the signs where you stop.
Does Lanikai Beach have restrooms or lifeguards?
No. There are no restrooms, showers or lifeguards at Lanikai Beach. Kailua Beach has lifeguards daily from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm.
How do I get to Lanikai by bus?
Take TheBus Route 671 from Kailua Town via Kailua Beach Park to Lanikai. Check the current timetable before you go.
Can I walk out to the Mokulua islets?
No. They are a seabird sanctuary reached by water. Visits are allowed only below the high-water mark between sunrise and sunset, and the commercial landing is on Moku Nui only.
Where can I rent a kayak for the Mokes?
Kayak rentals are in Kailua, not at Lanikai Beach itself.
Which beach is better, Lanikai or Kailua?
Lanikai is about the view of the islets. Kailua Beach is easier, with lifeguards and a park nearby, so many visitors use it as the base.