Lanikai Beach and the Lanikai Pillbox Hike are two of Oʻahu’s most treasured places. Whether you’re visiting from around the world or enjoying a staycation here in Hawaiʻi, I hope your time here leaves you with memories that last a lifetime.
As someone who lives nearby and also loves to travel, I’m always grateful when locals share the little things that help me enjoy their home—where to go, what to know before I arrive, and how to experience a place while caring for the community around it.
So I thought I’d do the same for you.
Lanikai Parking Is Changing
Lanikai is a small residential neighborhood with narrow streets and very limited parking. The City & County of Honolulu is moving toward much stricter parking regulations to help with congestion, pedestrian safety and access for emergency vehicles.
The plan includes No Parking Any Time along the main Lanikai loop—Mokulua Drive and ʻAʻalapapa Drive—along with changes to parking and traffic patterns on some connecting streets. These changes are being implemented in phases, so please pay close attention to posted signs. Special holiday parking restrictions may also be in effect, with ticketing and towing.
My local suggestion? Skip the search for parking and make Kailua Town part of your adventure.
Park in Kailua & Take TheBus
A convenient public parking option is the municipal parking garage on Aulike Street, along with public metered parking around Kailua Town.
You’ll also find customer parking at Kailua Shopping Center, Kailua Town Center/Longs Drugs and Target if you’re shopping or dining there—just be sure to follow each property’s posted parking rules.
Where to Catch TheBus
From Kailua Town, hop on TheBus Route 671 – Lanikai at:
Kailua Road + Hamakua Drive — Stop #1125
Look for the bus marked:
671 LANIKAI
Route 671 runs seven days a week, generally about every 35–40 minutes, and the ride into Lanikai is only about 10 minutes.
Before you go, check the official current schedule here:
TheBus Route 671 – Kailua/Lanikai Current Schedule
Schedules can change, so I recommend clicking the link the morning of your visit for the most current departure times.
Where to Get Off
For the Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Get off near:
ʻAʻalapapa Drive + Kaʻelepulu Drive
From there, walk up Kaʻelepulu Drive toward the trailhead.
The hike begins in a residential area, so please keep voices down, stay on the designated trail and carry out whatever you bring in. There is not much shade so bring water and good hiking shoes with a good trek
Then enjoy those views—they really are spectacular.
For Lanikai Beach
Here’s something many visitors don’t know: Lanikai isn’t one continuous stretch of wide sandy beach. Some portions of the shoreline have very little sand, especially depending on the tide.
If you’re hoping to put down a towel, swim and enjoy the larger sandy portion of Lanikai Beach, get off around:
Mokulua Drive + opposite Kaʻelepulu Drive
or
Mokulua Drive + opposite Haokea Drive
From there, look for the marked public beach-access pathways between the homes.
Please stay on these pathways, as the surrounding homes and yards are private property.
One Very Important Local Tip: Restrooms!
This surprises many visitors:
There are no public restrooms anywhere in Lanikai.
Lanikai is a residential neighborhood rather than a beach park, so please plan ahead—especially if you’re traveling with children.
Use the facilities in Kailua Town or at Kailua Beach Park before heading into Lanikai. You’ll be glad you did!
Make Kailua Part of the Fun
One of the nicest things about leaving your car in Kailua is getting to enjoy our wonderful beach town too.
For breakfast, try Over Easy or Nomadic Sourdough Kitchen. Grab a wrap or smoothie from Nalu Health Bar & Café, a beach sandwich from Timmy T’s, or Mexican from Jalapeños 808.
Need to stock up before heading to the beach? Whole Foods Market and Down to Earth Organic & Natural are both conveniently located in the heart of Kailua Town—perfect for grabbing water, snacks, fresh food or picnic supplies for your day.
If you’re staying for lunch or dinner, Buzz’s Original Steak House, across from Kailua Beach Park, is a Kailua institution. Baci Bistro is another longtime favorite and a lovely choice for dinner.
And if you love to shop, Olive & Oliver is a must for that relaxed Kailua island style.
Grab a coffee, wander around town, enjoy a meal and support some of the local businesses that make Kailua special.
Visit With Aloha
We truly want visitors to experience and enjoy the beauty of Lanikai. It’s an extraordinary place and one we’re incredibly fortunate to share.
By planning ahead, parking in Kailua, taking the short bus ride, using the public beach accesses and respecting the homes around you, you can have a beautiful day while helping care for the community you’ve come to enjoy.
To me, that’s what traveling with aloha is about—enjoying a beautiful place while also caring for the people and community who call it home.
Mahalo for visiting thoughtfully. I hope you enjoy Lanikai, explore Kailua, support our local businesses and have a beautiful day in our little slice of paradise.
With aloha,
Denise
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