Lanikai OAHU
Lanikai is a small, walkable community that hugs the windward coast on Kailua Bay, adjacent to Kailua Town. Before it was developed, it was a dry, windswept land, and at one point it was known for raising turkeys and watermelons. Lanikai is one of the first residential developments built on the windward side. Many of the homes echo a classically Hawaiian, beachy cottage feel. The area is quite exclusive; basically, there’s only way in and one way out.
With views of Mokulua Islands in the distance, Lanikai is truly one of the most beautiful places in all of Hawaii. There are no commercial developments or high rises, which keeps the area quiet and adds to its allure. Residents are a mix of old timers and newcomers, all of whom treasure their community and work together through various clubs to actively advocate for it and to remain in touch with neighbors. A majority of the adult residents are wealthy educated executives.
| Population | 2,300 |
| Median Income | NA |
| Median Home Value | $3,000,000 |
| Median Rent | $4,667 |
About Schools in Lanikai
Lanikai enjoys service from a number of excellent schools. One of the best charter schools on the whole island is located there, Lanikai Elementary, which is one few schools in Hawaii to earn a distinguished Great Schools Rating of 10 out of 10. Nearby also is Kailua Intermediate School, Kalahea High School, and Windward Community College which provides a number of trades and skills programs.
About Shopping in Lanikai
Shopping is practically nonexistent in Lanikai, but everything a resident could need is easily accessible a mere mile away in Kailua, with its tons of stores, including Foodland, several Safeways, and a Whole Foods. Also found in Kailua is a hospital and several clinics.
Lanikai | Extras
- The word Lanikai means “heavenly” or “sea heaven”.
- Watching the moonrise over the Mokulua Islands is a special treat, especially when the moon is full. Sometimes the sun rises between the islands in the mornings, a beautiful sight.
- Rated as The Best Beach in America, Lanikai Beach is distinctively beautiful and inviting with its torquoise waters and the twin Mokulua Islands on the near horizon. Turtles are also common in the water and on the beach. Lanikai Beach was made for swimming, kayaking, canoing and paddle boarding. Its sand is soft and the ocean water is clear and calm, making this beach the quintessential tropical paradise. Many outsiders find the beach irresistible, so weekends can be crowded.
- Hiking in Lanikai is very popular, especially the Keolu Ridge Hike, a 4.2 mile moderate level hike with stunning views of the ocean, the beach and the Mokulua Islands.
- Another hike that is almost too popular is the the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, more commonly known as the Pillbox Trail. This trail can attract as many as a thousand hikers a day! The trail, built by the military, has several lookout structures. At the top, one has a 360 degree view. On clear days on can see Kaneohe Bay, Waimanalo Bay, and the Koolau Mountain Range. Be advised that while the allure of the breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean is there, bathrooms, trash facilities, and water are not.
About Real Estate in Lanikai
Congratulations if you are looking for a home in Lankikai, and also, good luck. There are only 500 homes, and about a fifth of those are oceanfront. The community is a mix of homes on the flat land near the shore and some situated higher up on the mountainside. Property is expensive, starting at $1M up to $10M, but you won’t find large estates with gates and walls, just gorgeous homes. These homes hold their value.
There is one townhome community, Bluestone, that sits above the Mid Pacific Country Club and has views over the golf course and the ocean.