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.

Skip the beach today.

8.2ft waves · NWS alert active · 46% rain

Full NWS forecast for Sunday

Scattered rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. East northeast wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. East northeast wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 79°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 46% rain — rain likely at some point
  • 21 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything

Water

  • 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

  • UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
  • 8.2ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
  • NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 12 at 3:10am hst until july 13 at 6:00pm hst by nws honolulu hi
skip
0 Swim
29 Sunbathe
50 Walk
63 Photo

Best for photography today

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued July 12 at 3:10AM HST until July 13 at 6:00PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI

NWS · In effect through Jul 14, 4:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...East winds, except in Maalaea Bay where winds will be north, 20 to 25 kt with higher gusts. * WHERE...All Hawaiian waters. * WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Monday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

Air Temp
79°F
Cloudy
Wind
21 mph
ENE
Rain
46%
Sunday
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
79°F
Scattered Rain Showers
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
10:38 PM
0.2 ft · in 7.4h
Wave Height
8.2 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 12, 1:25 PM

Sunrise
11:56 AM
Sunset
1:16 AM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
1:56 AM High 0.6 ft
7:22 AM Low -0.3 ft
3:09 PM High 2.7 ft
10:38 PM Low 0.2 ft

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

Today Jul 12
79°

Scattered Rain Showers

46%
49
Mon Jul 13
79°

Scattered Rain Showers

46%
54
Tue Jul 14
79°

Scattered Rain Showers

46%
58
Wed Jul 15
79°

Scattered Rain Showers

46%
59
Thu Jul 16
80°

Scattered Rain Showers

46%
58
Fri Jul 17
80°

Scattered Rain Showers

46%
56
Sat Jul 18
80°

Scattered Rain Showers

46%
59
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°F
  • optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 46% rain chance

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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