Lanikuhonua Paradise Cove Beach - Beaches On Oahu Kapolei, Hawaii

Lanikuhonua Beach, or Paradise Cove Beach as it's often called, is a small beach that's well protected from the open ocean and often a good place for smaller kids. This hidden beach can be found right behind Paradise Cove Luau but you'd never know it was here unless, well, you know it's here.

While not as nice as the Ko'Olina lagoons, and nowhere near as large, it's still a very relaxing spot. Note that there are no lifeguards or other facilities here and that you cannot park at Paradise Cove Luau or use their bathrooms. More on parking further down.

As I mentioned, it's perfect for small kids as it has a lot of shallow area to play and swim in and is well protected from the ocean. With that said, we met a guy who swam way too close to the roped off area (that leads to the open ocean) during a time when massive waves were hitting the breakwater and in a matter of seconds he got sucked out hundreds of feet after being dragged over rocks that cut him up fairly bad.

In his case, a lifeguard just happened to be there and spotted him and swam out to get him but then they both had no way to get back in due to the huge waves crashing on the rocks so they had to swim down further to another hidden cove behind the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. He told us that this lifeguard saved his life without a doubt so just keep in mind that even the most protected of beaches can be dangerous when the ocean is angry so stay away from any areas that are roped off because they're roped off for a reason! Also, don't let that story freak you out. It happened when the waves were seriously huge which is a time you shouldn't be in the water anyhow.

This is a great place to snorkel around and you might even see a turtle or two swimming around here as well.

To get here by car, take the Ko Olina exit off the Farrington Highway (93) and follow the road through the guard station (use the right lane, you do not need to stop or check in at the guard station). Once you pass the guard and railroad tracks turn right into the third entrance to the large luau parking area, head straight down toward the back of the lot and (not quite at the back) you will make a right and find a small parking area (15 or so spots) dedicated to this beach.

Note that the parking here fills up fast so come early in the morning for the best chance of finding a spot as they will not let you park in any of the other spots in the luau lot (which will be roped off during the day). Once you park, head towards the luau building and hang a left when the fence opens to a sandy walkway that will take you down to the beach.

Like all beaches in Hawaii, this one is completely public so you are allowed to be here. Paradise Cove Luau loves to talk about this beach as if it was their own, private beach but that is not the case at all.

If you're staying in the Ko Olina Resort then you're best bet is to walk here as there are only a few parking spots available and they fill up very fast.

• Type: Kid Friendly	• Type: Protected From Open Ocean	• Type: Shady	• Type: Tide Pools	• Sand Type: Regular
• Parking: Poor / Few	• Good For: Snorkeling	• Good For: Sunsets	• Good For: Turtle Sightings

Lanikuhonua (Paradise Cove) Beach