Honolulu To Lanikai Beach
Honolulu to Lanikai Beach
A mere 17 miles from Honolulu lies one of the best beaches on Oahu, and maybe all of Hawaii: Lanikai Beach!
But visiting Lanikai Beach from Honolulu (where most visitors will stay) requires some careful planning, especially if you don’t want to get stuck in traffic or are looking for adventurous travel options.
All the details for traveling from Honolulu to Lanikai Beach are provided below!
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!
Driving from Honolulu to Lanikai Beach
Your most flexible option, especially if you rented a car, is to drive! The route is scenic, winding through lush valleys and picturesque lookouts.
Avoid the rush traffic, typically 7-9 am and 4-6 pm on weekdays, by starting early or later in the morning.
If viewing a spectacular sunrise from Lanikai Beach is on your bucket list, plan on reaching by 5:15 am or earlier!
Detailed Driving Directions to Lanikai Beach from Honolulu
- Take H-1 East out of Honolulu
- Take Exit 21A for Pali Highway (Route 61) towards Kailua
- Continue on Pali Highway through the Nu’uanu Valley and the Ko’olau Mountain Range
- Pali Highway transitions into Kailua Road when you enter the town of Kailua
- Drive through Kailua following signs for Kailua Beach
- You can park at Kailua Beach Park or try for free residential parking in Lanikai along the beach (take Mokulua Drive)
The total drive time is typically 30-40 minutes (assuming light traffic). Most people stop at Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, which offers sweeping, panoramic views of Oahu’s lush windward coast.
Don’t miss these top, 5-star rated, immensely popular Oahu experiences!
Ride Share (Uber / Lyft) from Honululu to Lanikai Beach
If you didn’t rent a car or don’t want the hassle of driving, taxis or rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are easily available in Honolulu.
Expect to pay about $50 one-way (depending on traffic and surge pricing), which works out quite well if you are in a group.
Pro tip: Reserve your return trip in advance since Lanikai Beach is in a residential area, and getting a ride back may be harder.
Tours that Stop at Lanikai Beach
For tourists who want a structured visit that includes multiple stops in addition to Lanikai Beach, a circle island tour may be better.
Guided tours provide transportation, local insights, and sometimes gear like snorkels or kayaks.
This Oahu Grand Circle Guided Tour stops at Lanikai Beach for an hour, offering plenty of time to soak in the natural beauty and explore, while allowing you to visit other spots like the Makapuu Lighthouse, Dole Plantation and Waimea Valley.
Bus from Honolulu to Lanikai Beach
A bus ride offers an affordable option to reach Lanikai Beach, but note that the journey will often take about 1.5-2 hours!
Hop on TheBus Route 67 or 57 from Honolulu to Kailua Town. From Kailua Town, transfer to Route 671, which will drop you close to Lanikai’s entrance.
Pro Tip: Bring exact change (currently $3 per adult for a single ride or $7.50 for a one-day pass). Pack light since you’ll be carrying your belongings during the short walk from the bus stop to the beach.