Lanikai Beach – Oahu, Hawaii

Which beach do locals vote as best? Hands down it would have to be Lanikai off Mokulua Drive on Oahu. The beach is over a mile long and, yes, bring the camera, this is the most spectacular beach for photographs on the island.

Postcard perfect, the water is amazingly crystal clear. Couple that with the swaying coconut palms and you have the makings of a photo op you won’t soon forget.

Okay, so why is Lanikai Beach so very cool?

It’s sheltered by a wide, protective offshore reef, the kind you see in those pictures of Fiji. So the shoreline is a natural swimmers paradise. You will find kayaking and outrigger canoeing (gotta try it!), sailing and surfing all within view of this gem in the Pacific.

Or, do like the locals and just come down here for a relaxing day at the beach - tan, read, enjoy the break. This is a gem and much recommended.

And did we mention windsurfing?

Because of the reef, wind- surfing conditions are almost always perfect. You can try your skill by renting a board or taking lessons from the local shops, or grab that camera again for some memories to take back to the mainland.

Lanikai Beach certainly is “heavenly sea” – translated from Hawaiian.

Lanikai Beach - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand – white/gold, medium grain, soft
• Facilities – full service
• Shade – palms and other adult trees
• Sports – local rentals
• Notes – clean, usually surf-free, beautiful small islands close by

Now - which beachs tops off the Number One spot in Hawaii? Next >>