Two Wheels to the Sand: The Ultimate Guide to Biking Kailua and Lanikai

As you pedal toward the coastline of Kailua and Lanikai, the warm trade winds in your hair and the sound of the waves on the shore create a sense of calm that is hard to find in the bustle of city life. Parking near the beaches can be hard to find on busy days, and the City's Lanikai parking plan calls for "No Parking Any Time" zones along Mokulua Drive and Aʻalapapa Drive. That is why we put together this guide to help you explore the best of Kailua and Lanikai on two wheels.

Renting a Bike

If you are not bringing your own bike, rentals are easy to find in Kailua town. Commercial activity is not allowed inside Kailua Beach Park, so rental shops operate from town rather than on the sand. Shops we found that rent bikes include:

Kailua Beach Adventures: Located at 130 Kailua Road, about a block from Kailua Beach Park, this shop rents bikes as well as kayaks and boards. Its website lists free delivery in Kailua and Lanikai for rentals of three days or more.

Aloha Cyclery: A Kailua bike shop that rents cruisers and off-road bikes. It recommends reserving ahead.

Electric bikes: Several shops in town rent e-bikes, which make the short hills toward Lanikai easier.

Prices, hours and policies change, so check directly with the shop before you go.

Routes to Know

Once you have your bike, it is time to ride. A few routes worth knowing:

Town to the beach: The ride from Kailua town to Kailua Beach Park is short, which is exactly why biking beats circling for a parking spot.

The Lanikai Bikeway: The City and County of Honolulu designates the Mokulua Drive and Aʻalapapa Drive portions of the Lanikai loop as the Lanikai Bikeway. The views of Popoia (Flat Island) and Nā Mokulua are well worth the ride.

Kawai Nui Marsh: Local shops also point riders to a path through Kawai Nui Marsh on the inland side of town, a quieter ride away from beach traffic.

The Scenic One-Way Loop

The real highlight of biking here is the one-way loop through Lanikai. A Hawaiʻi State Department of Health activity map describes it as a level 2.5-mile loop, or about 3 miles if you start from Kailua Beach Park. Cars also travel one way around the loop, so ride with the flow of traffic and stay alert near the beach access paths, where people cross the road with boards and coolers.

Tips and Tricks

Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you fueled throughout your ride.

Consider renting a bike with a basket or rack to carry your gear.

Wear a helmet. Hawaiʻi law requires riders under 16 to wear one, and it is a good idea for everyone.

Be mindful of pedestrians and other cyclists, especially in Lanikai's narrow streets.

Kailua Beach Park closes nightly from midnight to 4 a.m., so plan late rides around it.

Do not be afraid to ask for help or directions if you need it.

Conclusion

Biking in Kailua and Lanikai is a simple, rewarding way to see the ocean, the offshore islands and the neighborhoods in between. By following this guide, you can skip the parking hunt and explore the area on two wheels. So why not give it a try? Grab a bike and enjoy the ride.