Lanikai Beach

Mokulua Dr, Kailua, HI 96734

A half-mile of powder-soft sand on Oahu's windward side, looking out at the Mokulua Islands ("the Mokes"). Often ranked among the top beaches in the world. Calm, snorkel-friendly water inside the reef; the Mokes can be kayaked to from the south end. No public facilities — neighborhood beach.

Great day for photography.

7.2ft waves · 80°F water · 80°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Isolated rain showers before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. East northeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

Isolated rain showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. East northeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Weather

  • 80°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 24% rain — pop-up showers possible
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

  • UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
  • 7.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
51 /100
ok
37 Swim
59 Sunbathe
72 Walk
75 Photo

Best for photography today

Air Temp
80°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
17 mph
ENE
Rain
24%
Today
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
80°F
Scattered Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
7.2 ft
8s · NE swell

Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference

No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (PHZ114)

The HFO office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.

  • HIZ003 Kauai n/a
  • HIZ006 Oahu n/a
  • HIZ017 Maui n/a
  • HIZ052 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ053 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ054 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ023 Big Island Leeward n/a

NWS SRF · HFO · Issued Jul 18, 7:34 PM

Sunrise
11:58 AM
Sunset
1:15 AM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Time Type Height
1:37 AM Low 0.1 ft
7:41 AM High 1.2 ft
12:44 PM Low 0.5 ft
7:11 PM High 1.8 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 1612340, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Jul 18
80°

Isolated Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

24%
71
Sun Jul 19
80°

Scattered Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

25%
74
Mon Jul 20
80°

Scattered Rain Showers

43%
63
Tue Jul 21
80°

Scattered Rain Showers

50%
60
Wed Jul 22
80°

Scattered Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

36%
71
Thu Jul 23
80°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

23%
78
Fri Jul 24
80°

Scattered Rain Showers

27%
70
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

Free residential street parking — limited and often distant. No public lots. Bike from Kailua or pay for a parking spot at the Kailua Beach Park lot and walk.

Dogs

Dogs allowed leashed in Hawaii state law; respect Lanikai's quiet residential character.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Mokulua Dr, Kailua, HI 96734

no facilities — quiet residential beach
Is it safe to swim at Lanikai Beach today?

Lanikai Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Lanikai Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs allowed leashed in Hawaii state law; respect Lanikai's quiet residential character.

Is there an entry fee at Lanikai Beach?

Entry to Lanikai Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Lanikai Beach?

No lifeguards are stationed at Lanikai Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Lanikai Beach?

Amenities at Lanikai Beach include no facilities — quiet residential beach.

When is the water warmest at Lanikai Beach?

Hawaiian water is consistently 75-82°F year-round, with the summer peak in August-September. Swimming comfortable every month; rip currents and shore-break hazards drive the safety picture more than temperature.

Where is Lanikai Beach located?

Lanikai Beach is in Honolulu County, HI, at Mokulua Dr, Kailua, HI 96734.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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