I have 1/2 day only to spend at either Lanikai Beach or Waimanalo Beach with my wife, which 1 should I choose?|151726

I am planning a trip to Oahu, which one of these beaches should we visit instead? I_ve heard Lanikai is really beautiful but that you have to park in a neighborhood. And I_ve heard that Waimanalo is a nice quiet beach but that it could be dangerous with the locals. I want to make a good choice. We really wouldn_t have enough time to check out both.

It depends on what you_re looking for. They are both beautiful beaches.

Lanikai is the nicer of the two beaches as it has whiter sand and is in general cleaner. That being said however, there is no parking lot and you will have to find legal street parking and access the beach through the public accessway (please don_t park on people_s lawns or in their driveways, they tend to be very upset about that and you don_t want to return to your car to find it towed away!) AND there is no public restroom facilities at Lanikai.

Waimanalo is a more _local_ beach (meaning more locals frequent this beach) that has a parking lot and public restroom facilities, however, it tends to be windy there and depending on the weather that day can be quite choppy to swim in.

If you visit Waimanalo Beach, there is a local eating place right next to the beach park called Keneke_s that has awesome local food with big portions for small prices. I would HIGHLY recommend you try it! Lanikai has no eating facilities nearby and if you want food, you_ll have to bring it with you.

Hope that helps....good luck and happy travels!

I love Waimanalo Beach, especially where the Shriner_s Beach house is. I grew up at that beach. But, you may be missing one of the nicest beaches just past Laie, called Hukilau Beach. Nice sand, long beach and not crowded. With a parking lot right their, you can bring you drinks, snacks, etc. And the body surfing for beginners and advanced beginners is good too.

By the way, I hate what they have done to Hanauma Bay. Grownig up it was nice, it was great. Now--I am dissappointed--Auwe to the city and county.

lanikai beach.. heard its beautiful. you_ll might get a good chance to see some sea turtles on the shore basking. hehe.

i would go with lanikai, its much nicer, this one is safer too.

It is true you have to park along people_s driveways and front yards for Lanikai Beach, which is accessible by sanded walkways from the street. There are no restroom facilities at Lanikai, only private residences...no little snack shops or any business at all. Coolers and umbrellas are allowed. The water is crystal clear with shades of turquoise green.

Waimanalo Beach is more of a city park and is lined with types of pine trees, with needles and cones in the sand but they also provide shade for you and your vehicle. There are public restrooms and BBQ pits and some picnic tables which are first come, first serve.

Waimanalo is a little rougher of an area than Lanikai but still very nice. There is also a nearby McDonald_s, gas station, post office, convenience store and plate lunch plate if you need something.

No matter where you go, lock your car and keep windows up. Theft from cars is very big in Hawaii no matter where you are. Put all valuables in your trunk if you must bring them but remember thieves will use your trunk pop handle in order to search the trunk too.

I personally think that with half a day, Lanikai Beach is best. You have to go through Kailua town to get there which will give you even more to do/look at, restaurants, gas stations, etc.