6 Reasons Why You Should Not Visit Lanikai Beach

If you have read any of our Hawaii articles, you know that Lanikai Beach is our favorite beach on Oahu. 

However, while it is one of the top beaches in the world, there are a few reasons why this beach might not be the best one for you! 

In this article, we will discuss why some people may not enjoy Lanikai Beach as much as we do.

Make sure to read to the end. We will provide an alternative beach close to Lanikai that may be a better fit for you.

1. Lanikai Beach Can Be Crowded

Lanikai Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii and with that comes crowds. 

During peak season, the beach can become quite crowded, and enjoying it without feeling cramped or constantly surrounded by people may be difficult. 

To be fair, other beaches, such as Waikiki Beach or Sunset Beach, are just as crowded, if not more so. However, if you prefer a more secluded and quiet beach experience, Lanikai may not be the best choice for you.

Pro Tip: We usually go to Lanikai for sunrise, and the beach is not busy, so if you are an early riser and want to avoid crowds, this could be a good option.

2. Accessibility

As much as we love Lanikai Beach, we have to agree that it is not easily accessible for most tourists. 

Lanikai Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki, the main tourist area on Oahu. It’s about 1 hour and 13 minutes from the North Shore and 50 minutes from the Ko Olina Resort area.

This can be a deal breaker for some people who prefer to stay close to their accommodations rather than venture too far.

However, if you’re willing to make the drive, trust us when we say it’s worth it. The spectacular views and beautiful blue waters make Lanikai Beach one of our favorite places on Oahu.

3. No Parking

The beach does not have public parking, so visitors park on the street in the residential neighborhood (at the end of Kaelepulu Dr) and walk down to the beach. This can be a hassle, especially on busy days when parking may be limited.

Lanikai Beach also shares the same residential parking with hikers visiting the nearby Lanikai Pillbox Trail, making it even more challenging to find a spot. 

If you decide to park in the residential neighborhood, follow proper parking protocols to avoid getting a ticket. Unfortunately, we somehow managed to get ourselves two tickets here because we did not pay attention to the signs.

Also, there are times when the residential neighborhood parking is closed off, so pay close attention to any posted signs. I don’t know why we missed the below sign, but that’s how we got one of our tickets here.

Pro tip: We’ve had the best luck finding parking during sunrise and toward the end of the day after 3:30 p.m. You also have the option of parking at the nearby Kailua beach and walking about 15-20 minutes to Lanikai Beach.

Note: If you’re a local, you can take a different route called the Lanikai Pillbox Trail backway. This trail is longer than the main one that most people use, and we only recommend it for locals.

4. No Facilities

Compared to other popular beaches in Hawaii, Lanikai Beach has no facilities. This means no bathrooms, showers, or lifeguards on duty. So be prepared and plan accordingly before heading to the beach.

This is such a bummer, especially during emergencies or if you have little ones in your group. Be sure to pack extra water, snacks, and any other essentials you may need for your beach day.

As much as we love Lanikai, we can see why others do not. The lack of facilities can be a dealbreaker for some, but it’s worth it to experience the beauty of this beach, in our opinion. Just be sure to come prepared! 

5. No Commercial Establishments

Unlike other popular beaches in Hawaii, which are lined with restaurants and shops, Lanikai Beach has no commercial establishments. This means there are no places to grab a bite to eat or rent beach equipment.

While this may seem inconvenient to some, we see it as a blessing in disguise. The lack of commercial establishments keeps this beach’s beauty intact. 

6. Limited Shade

The scarcity of shade at Lanikai Beach adds another layer of planning for those who wish to visit. With very few trees to provide relief from the sun, visitors should come prepared with sun protection.

We always bring a beach umbrella and chairs to set up our own shaded area. This allows us to spend the whole day at this stunning beach without worrying about getting sunburnt.

Costco or ABC stores offer affordable beach umbrellas and chairs you can purchase. 

Should You Skip Lanikai Beach?

Absolutely not! While it may require a bit more planning and preparation, Lanikai Beach is definitely worth the effort. The stunning views, perfect blue waters, and white sand make for a perfect day at the beach.

This is the beach we always take our family and friends to when they visit us in Hawaii. And without fail, they always fall in love with it and want to come back.

So don’t let the lack of commercial establishments, facilities, crowds, or shade discourage you from visiting Lanikai Beach. Trust us, it’s a beach experience unlike any other, and you won’t regret taking the time to plan for it. 

Alternative Beach

If the parking situation and lack of facilities at Lanikai Beach are deal breakers for you and your family, there are other beaches on Oahu that offer similar views and experiences. 

Kailua Beach is just a 5-minute drive away and has clear blue waters and perfect white sand. 

It has facilities such as a lifeguard, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, making it convenient for families or those who prefer some amenities.

Kailua Beach might be windier, but this also makes it a popular spot for water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding. 

As always, please respect the land and its people when visiting Hawaii. Leave only footprints and take with you nothing but memories.

Please be safe and follow any posted signs or warnings at the beach.