Lanikai Beach | Kailua, O'ahu

Looking for that powdery white sand beach? Lanikai is where it's at. Take the drive to the always-lush windward side, and you'll be treated to half a mile of beautiful white sand beach. The generally calm water makes it a great place for water activities like stand up paddling or kayaking. Be aware, though, that there aren't any public facilities like bathrooms or showers here. And always remember...keep the beaches beautiful by packing out what you packed in.

the drive.

beach access.

view of Na Mokulua, or "The Moks".

do you like powdery white sand?

see my periscope videos of lanikai beach on katch. also a drive thru kailua town here.

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parking: street parking

bathrooms/showers: no (nearest at kailua beach)

good for kids: yes

concession: no

activities: swim, stand up paddle, kayak

tip 1: be mindful when parking in the residential areas.

tip 2: you can kayak or paddle out to the mokulua islands. there are a few rental places in the area (kailua beach adventures and twogood kayaks to name a couple).

what to do before: lanikai pillbox hike

what to do after: shave ice at island snow (where president obama gets his shave ice) or grab a burger at teddy's bigger burgers. there on a thursday? check out the kailua farmer's market from 5-7:30 pm.

Kailua, HI | 96734

China Walls | East O'ahu

If you love cliff jumping, there are a few places on O'ahu that might satisfy your craving during your stay. While Waimea Bay is a popular spot on the north shore, you can test the waters at China Walls on the east side first before graduating to Spitting Caves a few blocks up the road. A few words of caution:

- never underestimate the power of the waves

- talk to locals about potential hazards

- keep children away from the edge

- if in doubt, don't jump

- go with a friend

beautiful view of the bay.

the entrance is at the end of this cul-de-sac.

make note of this emergency response location in case of trouble.

note: if the rocks are wet, you are within reach of the waves!

path to the cliffs.

grab a spot and take in the view. amazing place to watch the sunset. you can jump in and swim, but use extreme caution.

the beautiful lava layers.

are you one for extreme sports?

do you like to cliff-jump?

see my periscope video of china walls:

more on katch.

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must see: no

parking: street parking in neighborhood

bathrooms: no

good for kids: no

concession: no

approximate time needed: 1-2 hrs if you plan to swim

what to bring: sunscreen

tip 1: great place to catch the sunset.

tip 2: bring a knife and soy sauce and you can enjoy fresh opihi straight off the rock.

what to do after: shave ice or smoothies at kokonuts shave ice & snacks. or grab a loco moco or zip pac at zippy's.

Hanapepe Place | Honolulu, HI | 96825

Ehukai Pillbox Trail | North Shore, O'ahu

Want a quick workout before hitting the beach? The Ehukai Pillbox Trail in Haleiwa will give your legs a nice burn without taking up the whole day. Located next to Sunset Elementary School, this hike took us about 30 minutes to get to the first pillbox. We probably could have made it to the top faster, but it was our first time navigating the trail. It isn't clearly marked and there were several forks in the trail...just stay to the left. There is a second pillbox which is said to have better views, but we didn't go on this day.

The first half of the trail is uphill. Use caution if hiking after rain, as it will make the stairs and roots slippery.

a mostly covered trail.

at the first pillbox...beautiful view of sunset beach/pipeline.

lots of rooted path to cover, and the pine needles make it slippery.

a picnic table near the first pillbox gives you a peek at what you'll see from the top.

inside the bunker.

post-hike treat.

see my periscope video of ehukai pillboxes:

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parking: yes, lot in front of sunset elementary

bathrooms: yes, near parking lot

good for kids: yes because it's fairly short (2-ish miles). the first part of the trail involves climbing hills and stairs, then it flattens out.

(you know your child best)

approximate time needed: 1 hr round-trip to the first pillbox, depending on how long you take in the views.

suggested items to bring: camera, insect repellent when warm

tip 1: do not park in the sunset elementary school parking lot towards the back as they will lock the gate. stay towards the front near the bathrooms.

what to do after: take a dip in the ocean before grabbing a bite at ted's bakery. they are known for their pies, but i love their bread pudding. or head back to haleiwa for a juice or smoothie at lanikai juice.

59-178 Kamehameha Hwy | Haleiwa, HI | 96712