Lanikai is the small, even more famous beach immediately south of Kailua — half a mile of fine white sand fronting calm turquoise water and the twin offshore islets of Nā Mokulua. It is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and the comparison stands up to scrutiny: the colour of the water on a sunny day is hard to believe.
There are no public facilities here and parking is severely restricted; access is via narrow walkways between the multi-million-dollar houses lining the inland side of the beach. Come early — the beach is small, the trade winds keep it cool, and by mid-morning the parking has filled. Mokulua beach is just offshore; experienced kayakers can paddle out to land on the larger of the two islets (Moku Nui), where there is a small sandy beach.