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Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert

Last Modified: January 5, 2026

Lanikai map

Lanikai Neighborhood Overview

The Mokes, Pillbox, Hopeless Parking

🧭Bordered by: Kailua Bay and Lanikai Beach to the north, Alala Point and Kailua Beach Park to the west, Ka'iwa Ridge and Mid Pacific Country Club to the south, Wailea Point and Waimanalo to the east, enclosed by Mokulua Drive and Aalapapa Drive.

📌Widely recognized as the place for: The Mokes, powder sugar sand, turquoise selfies.

👕You can spot a Lanikai local by: Salty hair, designer rashguards, sunrise swim, Nalgene full of ambition.

👍Move here if: Your designer dog prefers sunrise swims and acai bowls.

👎Don't say we didn't warn you about: Parking chaos, king tides, Instagram weddings.

The vibe around Lanikai is: Sun-drenched, bougie, athletic calm.

Sunrise chasers and sandy-toed showoffs.

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Moving to Lanikai - Make Sense Of Your Next Move

Whether you're new to Oahu or deciding which part of the island fits you best, Snappy Scout cuts through the noise and shows you what living here is really like. If you're still finding your way, start with our Moving to Oahu guide for the big-picture view — or compare Lanikai against other parts of the island in our Oahu neighborhood guide.