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Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach Directions

Lanikai Beach Directions

To get to Lanikai Beach from the tourist hub of Waikiki Beach or the capital city of Honolulu, you will have to cross the island of Oahu from the west to the east shore, where Lanikai Beach is located.

The best option to get to Lanikai Beach is by car, and here are the driving directions from various points on the island.

Planning to visit Lanikai Beach? Make sure you check our Lanikai Beach website home page for all the details you will need!

And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Oahu, check out the some of the top things to do in Oahu, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

Waikiki to Lanikai Beach

Distance: Approximately 16 miles
Time: About 35-45 minutes by car

  1. Starting Point: Head northwest on Kalakaua Avenue.
  2. Merge onto H-1 Freeway: Take the H-1 Freeway westbound.
  3. Take Exit 21B: Exit onto Pali Highway (Route 61) toward Kailua.
  4. Continue on Pali Highway: Drive through the scenic Ko’olau Mountains, passing lush greenery and stunning viewpoints.
  5. Turn Right onto Kailua Road: Follow Kailua Road into Kailua Town.
  6. Turn Right onto Kalaheo Avenue: Continue on Kalaheo Avenue, which will turn into Mokulua Drive.
  7. Arrive at Lanikai Beach: Look for parking along Mokulua Drive or nearby streets.

The Pali Highway route is much quicker than the coastal route, with plenty to see along the way as well.

Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

Along the way, make sure you stop at this historic site with jaw-dropping views of the windward coast of Oahu, lush and beautiful.

The lookout is perched atop a sheer cliff, offering views of the lush, verdant Ko’olau Mountains on one side and the sprawling, azure Pacific Ocean on the other.

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Kailua to Lanikai Beach

Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles
Time: About 5-10 minutes by car, 15 minutes by bike, or a 25-minute walk

  1. Head Southeast on Kailua Road: Follow Kailua Road as it curves and becomes Kuulei Road.
  2. Turn Right onto Kalaheo Avenue: Continue on Kalaheo Avenue, which will eventually turn into Mokulua Drive as you enter the Lanikai neighborhood.
  3. Arrive at Lanikai Beach: Look for street parking along Mokulua Drive or side streets like Aalapapa Drive.
Lanikai Monument on the road leading to Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Monument on the road leading to Lanikai Beach

Kailua Town

If you’re visiting the windward coast for the first time (or even otherwise), make sure you stop at Kailua town.

Previously a sleepy coastal town, with travel booming post-pandemic, Kailua has transformed into a lively beachside town with excellent eating options and a bustling marketplace.

Honolulu to Lanikai Beach

Distance: Approximately 15 miles
Time: About 30-40 minutes by car

  1. Merge onto H-1 Freeway: Take the H-1 Freeway eastbound.
  2. Take Exit 21B: Exit onto Pali Highway (Route 61) toward Kailua.
  3. Continue on Pali Highway: Drive through the scenic Ko’olau Mountains, enjoying the lush landscapes.
  4. Turn Right onto Kailua Road: Follow Kailua Road into Kailua Town.
  5. Turn Right onto Kalaheo Avenue: Continue on Kalaheo Avenue, which will turn into Mokulua Drive.
  6. Arrive at Lanikai Beach: Look for parking along Mokulua Drive or nearby streets.

How Far is Lanikai Beach from Waikiki?

Lanikai Beach is roughly 16 miles from Waikiki if you’re driving the Pali Highway route.

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