Welcome to the "Heavenly Sea"
Fringed by white sand and swaying palms, Lanikai is an exclusive enclave on the windward coast of Oahu. In Hawaiian the name translates to "Heavenly Sea", a nod to its jewel-colored water. While it spans just half a mile, the pristine stretch of sand is consistently ranked among the best on the planet. Scores of privately owned mansions line the beach, with emerald-green lawns that stretch right down to the sand. Lanikai vacation rentals unlock access to a handful of these coveted properties, complete with million-dollar views.
Beach hopping on Oahu
Kailua Beach Park is a 5-minute drive up the coast, and is known for its dramatic volcanic headlandsÊand turquoise water. The long sandy beach is ideal for swimming, beachcombing or enjoying a fiery sunset. For a glimpse at Oahu's rich local ecosystem, don't miss a day trip to Kawai Nui Marsh. It's an important habitat for endangered water birds, including Hawaiian stilt, coots,ÊgallinulesÊandÊducks. Meanwhile, perched at the top of Kaiwa Ridge are a pair of World War 2 military bunkers _ a fascinating find for history buffs. If you feel like stretching your legs, the epic Pillbox Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views over Lanikai Beach.
A Pacific paradise
A pair of postcard-perfect islands sit just offshore, known locally as the Mokes. With powdery sand and lush coconut palms, they're the definition of paradise. On calm days, kayakingÊand SUPing are fantastic ways to explore the islands. If you're lucky, you could spot whales or dolphins frolicking in the bay. Lanikai is also close to a few patches of coral reef that are ideal for snorkeling. For a lively street scene head to Kailua, where you'll find laid-back poke bars, organic juice cafes and breezy microbreweries. On Sundays the Kailua Town Farmers' Market is a great place to stock up on local island produce.
Discover Hawaii's most beautiful beach
It may be small, but Lanikai has a big reputation. It's celebrated as one of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches and with its gleaming white sand, swaying palms and dreamy offshore islands it's easy to see why. Access is via a series of public beach paths that lead from the main road down to the sand. Of course, if you've secured a Lanikai vacation rentals property you'll be just steps from the beach. Thanks to its position on the island, Lanikai is a fantastic place to watch the moon rise over the glassy Pacific Ocean.
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