Waikiki To Lanikai Beach
Waikiki to Lanikai Beach
| Waikiki to Lanikai Beach Options | Details |
|---|---|
| Driving | Your best bet, especially if you are renting a car. Follow Lanikai Beach directions given below. |
| Ride share (Uber / Lyft) | Second best option, provides flexibility for families. About $40-80 depending on time of day and traffic. |
| Lanikai Beach tours | Some island tours stop at Lanikai Beach, ideal for the visitor short on time! This Oahu Grand Circle tour stops for about an hour. |
| Bus from Waikiki to Lanikai Beach | Time consuming but economical, with bus stop right next to the beach. |
Vacationing in the tourist hub of Waikiki, but hankering to spend some time on a quieter beach on the windward coast of Oahu?
No doubt you’ve heard of Lanikai Beach, one of the world’s most gorgeous beaches, and that’s likely your first choice!
Getting to Lanikai Beach from Waikiki is easy if you have rented a car and don’t mind a scenic 30-45 minutes drive!
Don’t have a rental car? Don’t worry, you can still choose from a bus trip (cheap but time-consuming), Uber or a tour.
All the details for traveling from Waikiki 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 Waikiki to Lanikai Beach
While the distance is a short 17 miles, the driving time can be anywhere from 35 minutes all the way to an hour and a half depending on when you leave!
The best time to drive is early morning (6 am to 8 am) when you will beat rush hour traffic and the crowds on the beach or midday (12-2 pm).
If you’re planning to view the sunrise at Lanikai Beach, one of the best spots on Oahu to view sunrises, make sure you plan of reaching there by 5:15 am or earlier!
Rush hour traffic is from 7-9 am and 4-6 pm on weekdays.
Step-by-Step Driving Directions:
- Start in Waikiki: Head west on Kalakaua Ave.
- Get on H-1 East: After 1 mile (5 mins), turn right onto Ala Moana Blvd and follow the signs for H-1 Freeway East.
- Follow H-1 Freeway East for about 7 miles: Keep an eye out for the exit to Pali Highway (Route 61). You’re about to witness some of the lushest, most jaw-dropping scenery Oahu has to offer.
- Take Exit 21B to Pali Highway (Route 61): Now you’re climbing into the Ko’olau Mountains, a dramatic ridge of steep green cliffs that split the island in two. You can make a pit stop at the Pali Lookout (5 miles from the H-1 exit) for panoramic views over the Windward Coast.
- Descend into Kailua: Take a right on Kailua Road in Kailua town (signs will direct you to Kailua Beach) and follow it for about 1.5 miles.
- Continue onto Mokulua Drive: Once in Kailua, you’ll see signs for Lanikai Beach. Follow Kailua Road until it turns into Mokulua Drive.
Check our Lanikai Beach parking page for your best options.
Don’t miss these top, 5-star rated, immensely popular Oahu experiences!
Ride Share (Uber / Lyft) from Waikiki to Lanikai Beach
If you’re with family, a ride share service like Uber or Lyft may be a great option, with costs running between $40 – $80 depending on time of day, traffic and demand (surge pricing).
An added bonus is that you don’t have to find parking!
Tours to Lanikai Beach
Some Circle Island tours stop at Lanikai Beach, offering a convenient way to hit all the highlights on one trip!
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.
If you’re planning to kayak or standup paddleboard, check with the company offering the tour or experience (linked above) for transportation options from Waikiki to Lanikai Beach – many are connected and can offer a combo deal.
Bus from Waikiki to Lanikai Beach
While Oahu has an excellent bus system, TheBus, taking a bus from Waikiki to Lanikai Beach, though economical at $3 / ride or $7.50 for an all day pass, takes a lot of time – about 1.5 to 2 hours due to the multiple stops, transfers and traffic.