Oahu Snorkeling Guide
Lanikai Beach
This is one of the best Oahu snorkeling spots on the east side, or windward side of the island. The beach is wide and beautiful, the waters are shallow and warm, and there is a protective reef offshore. There are even two picture perfect little islands.
This is a wealthy area now, with big multimillion-dollar homes fronting the beach.
Site Snorkeling Details - Lanikai Beach
Oahu Snorkeling
The snorkeling here can be great. There are little patches of coral to snorkel around, and there are tons of fish, although most are immature and small, but still very interesting to see.
There are also a lot of bright colored corals, yellow, blue, pink, you name it. The only real downside to snorkeling here is that it is often kind of cloudy, a condition that is pretty common on the windward side of Oahu. That is the reason these pictures are kind of cloudy looking.
If you follow our directions below to get to the beach, the snorkeling is straight out and a bit to the left. This is also a popular landing spot for kayakers.
Bring a beach towel, but don't plan on spending all day, because there are no restrooms available here. The closest restrooms are up the road north at Kailua Beach Park.
Driving Directions - Lanikai Beach
Oahu Snorkeling
Driving Directions to Lanikai Beach from Waikiki
Getting on H-1 from Waikiki can be challenging! Here's a good way to get on heading west towards the middle of the island. Get on Kalakaua Ave (the one way beachfront main drag). You will be heading southeast. Turn left on Kapahulu Ave and keep on it and you will go under H-1. Veer to the left on Waialae Ave and shortly on the right you will see an on ramp for H-1 West. Follow H-1 west until you reach the turnoff for the Hwy 61 (Pali Hwy) and take it. This will take you over the Ko'olau Mountains into Kailua. When you reach the intersection with Oneawa St and Kuulei Rd, continue straight on Kuulei Rd. Follow that to Kalaheo Ave and turn right. Follow this (it becomes Lihiwai Rd and then Kawailoa Rd) and when you come to Alala Rd turn left. This will become Mokulua Dr and then split into two one-way roads Aalapapa Dr the one you are heading southeast on and Mokulua Dr is the one you will head back on going northwest. Turn left on Kaiolena Dr and go to Mokulua Dr. Turn left again and park. There is a path to the beach.
Explore the next spot - Punalu'u Beach Park
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