We ventured to many beaches in Hawaii during our vacation. We rented a car for the last half of the trip and we visited the North Shore, Aulani, Ko'Olina Lagoons, Kailua and Lanikai Beach. Out of all of the beaches we visited our absolute favorite beach was Kailua Beach. If you are trying to find it just put in this address: 526 Kawailoa Road Kailua, Oahu HI 96734
Kailua Beach
Our second favorite beach was Lanikea Beach also known as "Turtle Beach". This is a must see for anyone visiting Oahu. We were on the way to the North Shore and noticed a lot of people were parking on the side of the main road at this little beach called Lanikea Beach. We weren't sure what was so special about this beach but we decided to stop and check it out. I am SO thankful we did!! When we crossed the road we noticed a big crowd of people standing on the beach. As we got closer and closer we realized they were watching the most gorgeous sea turtles! Read all about this beach on Trip Advisor We saw 5 + sea turtles on the beach and swimming in the ocean. This was such a special experience.
Sea Turtles are a protected species and it is a law in Hawaii that you must not touch them, feed them or get within 10 feet of them.
Lanikea Beach
Another great beach for families and especially young children is Ko Olina Lagoons. We visited Lagoon #4 which is located furthest from Aulani. The lagoons closest to Aulani had no parking available when we arrived. The parking lots offer free parking which is so nice. We spent several hours playing in the protected calm waters of this gorgeous lagoon. Then we ventured up the sidewalk for a nice walk to Aulani Resort. The walk only took us about 10 minutes from Lagoon #4.
Ko Olina Lagoon
Ko Olina Lagoon #4
After playing in the lagoon we walked to Aulani and visited the gift shop. Then we grabbed pizza at the quick service restaurant called Ula Cafe. We were able to sit outside and enjoy a gorgeous view of the ocean. The pizza was very affordable and big enough for our family of 5 to share. I believe the entire dinner cost about $40 for drinks, pizza and Mickey ice cream bars. We also stocked up on some Mickey rice krispie treat's and pastries to take back to our condo in Waikiki. Here are a few photos I snapped while walking around Aulani. We hope to actually stay a few nights at Aulani on our next Hawaiian vacation.
We visited around 5 pm and I think the pools had just closed or something because there were not many people out and about.
Pizza dinner at Aulani's Ulu Cafe
Stay tuned next up: Pearl Harbor & Battleship Missouri Memorial
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