When we were in Hawaii last year, we stumbled upon Lanikai Beach – a tropical oasis that’s been voted the best beach in America for numerous years running. With powdery white sand and clear aqua water, it’s not hard to see why. Located on the windward coast of the island of Oahu in Hawaii, Lanikai Beach looks like one of those photoshopped screensavers.
Before we made our way its palm-fringed shores, we hiked up the Lanikai Pillbox Trail to get a panoramic look at the beach from above. The steep dirt climb passes two World War II bunkers (pillboxes) and offers views over the beach and the neighbouring Mokulua Islands.
We hired kayaks from Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks on Kailua Beach and paddled our way into Lanikai Beach. As we paddled towards the shore, we noticed huge green sea turtles swimming alongside our kayaks. We grabbed our snorkels, dived in and followed them for as long as we could hold our breath. It was around the time that I decided my life goal was to have a holiday house on Lanikai Beach.
If the actual beach isn’t picture perfect enough, the Mokulua Islands (Moku Nui and Moku Iki) are just a short paddle out. With private beaches, secluded caves and a seabird sanctuary, the Mokulua Islands are everything you’d expect from an untouched tropical paradise. So take a break from the shopping in Honolulu or the surf on the North Shore and head over to Lanikai Beach for some real island life.
