Welcome to Lanikai
Relish an unbeatable quality of life in this world-famous coastal community
Picture paradise on earth, and we’d hazard to suggest that some semblance of Lanikai will spring to mind — if not the hamlet itself. Situated on the windward shore of Hawaii’s third largest island, the district is globally renowned for its immaculate, powdery-white sand, turquoise waters, lofty palms, and perennially gorgeous weather. Look “mauka,” and you’ll find the lush, undulating slopes of the Koolau mountains. Peer “makai,” and you’ll find the vast expanse of the glimmering Pacific Ocean and the tiny isles that make up “The Mokes.”
As such, Lanikai Beach ranks in list after list of the world’s top beaches, while its community itself is characterized as the ultimate in luxury. Pristine streets, cloaked in verdant greenery, are filled with glamorous estates that call the outside in and feature exquisite, island-inspired details. All the while, residents of this tony enclave are mere minutes away from Kailua, a quintessential beach town treasured for its relaxed ethos. They are also less than half an hour away from the exhilarating sights and venues in Honolulu. Above all, Lanikai is off many tourists’ radar, which adds to its peacefulness, particularly once the sun goes down and its crown jewel of a beach clears.
What to Love
- Proximity to one of the most glorious beaches in Hawaii
- Near a panoply of excellent restaurants, bars, and boutiques
- Quiet, serene, and restorative
- An ideal fit for those who love golfing, hiking, and watersports
Local Lifestyle
Hawaii’s most high-profile residents, from physicians and lawyers to writers and actors, choose Lanikai for the privacy and seclusion it provides its residents. The homes in this region are pristine and the properties coveted, and the affluent residents here take great pride in keeping their neighborhood tranquil and lovely. You’ll find a wonderful assortment of aloha-spirited individuals, including professionals, retirees, and families with children.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Oahu is revered for boasting the most thrilling culinary scene in the Aloha State, and the eateries near Lanikai are a testament to this. Buzz’s Original Steakhouse has been delighting residents on the windward side since it first opened its doors in 1962. With its tropical decor, festive feel, and waterfront location, it’s an optimal spot to spend “pau hana” with your friends and family or share a plate or surf and turf with your partner on date night.
Wailea Grill at the Mid-Pacific Country Club is just as enticing, particularly if you pair a meal with a session on their impeccable championship golf course, which presents stunning views in every direction. GOEN Dining + Bar is another Lanikai mainstay. Located in downtown Kailua, the chic, luminous venue, helmed by acclaimed chef Roy Yamaguchi, plates out succulent dishes, like mussels steamed in lemongrass and coconut milk, spicy tuna rolls with shiso ume puree, and fresh, tender beets with Humboldt Fog goat cheese and cilantro pesto.
Luxury shopping is just a short drive away for Lanikai residents. Waikiki’s Royal Hawaiian Center, for one, features more than 90 upscale retailers in a breezy outdoor plaza.
Things to Do
Oahu abounds with delightful activities, and its windward side is no exception. Lanikai Beach tempts residents and visitors onto its golden sand and into its balmy water, where you can enjoy everything from stand-up paddleboarding to kayaking to Na Mokulua, which brim with wildlife.
People from around the island and around the globe rise early to savor the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. As one of the most popular treks in the Hawaiian Islands, it awards adventurers with epic, swoon-worthy views of the coastline and water. Meanwhile, the annual Lanikai Craft Fair in Kailua displays Oahu’s artistic side, with 100-plus vendors showcasing everything from glass sculptures to lei.
Schools
Children who reside in Lanikai may have the chance to attend one of several schools in the area, such as:
