Kailua Beach is just down the road from the famous Lanikai Beach, which Forbes was ranked #14 among the most beautiful beaches in the world and CNN ranked it #10 for most beautiful beaches in the world. Both beaches boast stunning turquoise waters and soft, sandy shores, with gorgeous views of the Mokolua Islands (often called “the Mokes”). I’ve been to both, and if I were to rate them on a scale of 1 to 10—Lanikai being a solid 9 for beauty—I’d give Kailua an 8.9 . The difference is minimal, but there are some great reasons to choose Kailua.
First, Kailua Beach has a designated parking lot, which makes getting there much easier. You won’t have to circle the Lanikai neighborhood waiting for a parking spot to open up. Plus, rentals are way more accessible. Kailua Beach Adventures is just a block away from the park and provides everything you need, from kayaks to paddleboards. I highly recommend them because we had a great experience—they even provide carts so you can easily walk your gear to the beach. (I have no incentive other than personal experience to recommend Kailua Beach Adventures.)
While Lanikai Beach may have the views, it lacks basic amenities like restrooms, showers, or lifeguards. Kailua Beach offers all of these, so you can comfortably spend the whole day there without any inconvenience.
Remember it’s always wise to check the weather and surf report before heading out! Even if the ocean looks calm, appearances can be deceiving when it comes to currents, etc…
Closer to shore, the water is typically safer and great for paddling and kayaking, but if you’re aiming for the Mokes, be aware that currents can be unpredictable. All in all, Kailua Beach offers a fantastic mix of beauty, convenience, and activities—just be sure to respect the ocean’s power!
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