Lanikai Beach - Oahu, Hawaii

Address:Oahu, Hawaii

True to its Hawaiian name, "heavenly sea," an afternoon on Lanikai Beach will make you think you've died and gone to heaven. Coconut palms sway in the gentle breeze, turquoise waters sparkle in the mid-day sun, and the Mokulua Islands appear afloat out at sea. Situated on Oahu's windward side, Lanikai Beach is a favorite among sailors, kayakers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers. An offshore reef breaks the waves before they reach Lanikai's shores, providing some of Hawaii's best swimming and snorkeling. With its breathtaking beauty, Lanikai Beach is a favorite backdrop for the world's top commercial and modeling photos shoots.

Located off the beaten track, Lanikai.Beach is not frequented by the usual tourist crowds. Secluded and calm, the clear, shallow waters of Lanikai Beach offer easy swimming for the entire family. Snorkel Lanikai's offshore reef to keep company with clouds of colorful, tropical fish as sea turtles paddle past. If you prefer to be the one paddling, sea kayaking is the best way to take the Lanikai Beach plunge and stay relatively dry. You can kayak out to the Mokulua Islands for a magical day excursion. The islands are seabird sanctuaries, so bring your binoculars. Rent equipment a block from Kailua Beach Park or in Haleiwa; some of the outfitters even offer clear-bottomed kayaks for fish gazing. The sand on Lanikai Beach is so soft you might just want to sunbathe without the towel, but be sure to get out before mid-day as the Koolau Mountains block out the afternoon sun.

Because Lanikai Beach is a bit out of the way, there are no restrooms, showers, lifeguards or public parking lots. However street parking is available along Mokulua Drive.

On Lanikai Beach birds chirp a salute to the rising sun, colors spray across the sky, and flowers wave and bend with the sea breeze. Witnessing what can best be described as paradise, the beachcombers on Lanikai Beach toss their books aside to take in one of the world's most beautiful shores.