Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE WINDWARD COAST
LANIKAI BEACH
If you are looking for a less crowded swimming beach for the kids, this is one of
Hawaii's best. Lanikai's crystal-clear lagoon is like a giant saltwater swimming
pool that you and your kids get to share with the resident tropical fish and sea
turtles. Too gorgeous to be real, this is one of Hawaii's postcard-perfect beaches:
It's a mile long and thin in places, but the sand's as soft as talcum powder. Pre-
vailing onshore trade winds make this an excellent place for sailing and wind-
surfing. Kayakers often paddle out to the two tiny offshore Mokulua islands,
which are seabird sanctuaries. Because Lanikai is in a residential neighborhood,
it's less crowded than other Oahu beaches; the perfect place to enjoy a quiet day.
Sun worshipers should arrive in the morning, though, as the Koolau Range
blocks the afternoon rays.
There are no facilities here, just off-street parking. From Waikiki, take the H-
1 to the Pali Highway (Hwy. 61) through the Nuuanu Pali Tunnel to Kailua,
where the Pali Highway becomes Kailua Road as it proceeds through town. At
Kalaheo Avenue, turn right and follow the coast about 2 miles to Kailua Beach
Park; just past it, turn left at the T intersection and drive uphill on Aalapapa
Drive, a one-way street that loops back as Mokulua Drive. Park on Mokulua
Drive and walk down any of the eight public-access lanes to the shore. Or, take
TheBus no. 56 or 57 (Kailua) and then transfer to the shuttle bus.
KAILUA BEACH
Looking for a day at the beach with lots of water activities? Windward Oahu's
premier beach is a 2-mile-long, wide golden strand with dunes, palm trees,
panoramic views, and offshore islets that are home to seabirds. The swimming
is excellent, and the azure waters are usually decorated with bright sails; this is
Oahu's premier windsurfing beach as well. It's also a favorite spot to sail cata-
marans, bodysurf the gentle waves, or paddle a kayak. Water conditions are quite
safe, especially at the mouth of Kaelepulu Stream, where toddlers play in the
freshwater shallows at the middle of the beach park. The water's usually about
78°F (26°C), the views are spectacular, and the setting, at the foot of the sheer,
green Koolaus, is idyllic. Best of all, the crowds haven't found it yet.
The 35-acre beach park is intersected by a freshwater stream and watched over
by lifeguards. Facilities include picnic tables, barbecues, restrooms, a volleyball
court, a public boat ramp, free parking, and an open-air cafe. Kailua's new bike
path weaves through the park, and windsurfer and kayak rentals are available as
well. To get here, take the Pali Highway (Hwy. 61) to Kailua, drive through
town, turn right on Kalaheo Avenue, and go a mile until you see the beach on
your left. Or take TheBus nos. 56 or 57 into Kailua, then the no. 70 shuttle.
KUALOA REGIONAL PARK
For a family beach picnic, this 150-acre coco palm-fringed peninsula is the
biggest beach park on the windward side and one of Hawaii's most scenic. It's
located on Kaneohe Bay's north shore, at the foot of the spiky Koolau Ridge. The
park has a broad, grassy lawn and a long, narrow, white-sand beach ideal for
swimming, walking, beachcombing, kite-flying, or just enjoying the natural
beauty of this once-sacred Hawaiian shore, listed on the National Register of His-
toric Places. The waters are shallow and safe for swimming year-round. Offshore
is Mokolii, the picturesque islet otherwise known as Chinaman's Hat. At low tide,
you can swim or wade out to the island, which has a small sandy beach and is a
bird preserve—so don't spook the red-footed boobies. Lifeguards are on duty.
