Here is a satisfied guest of Turtle Bay Vacation Rentals.  Apparently when he stayed in our condos he got surf lessons.  Now he surfs all the time in Costa Rica.  We love to hear feedback from guests especially cool videos.

Lanikai Beach
Mokulua Drive
Kailua, HI 96734
Distance from Turtle Bay Resort: 35 miles to the East

Although Waimea Bay is my favorite beach on Oahu, many people’s favorite beach, including locals, is Lanikai. Located on the east side of Oahu in Kailua close to Kaneohe, locals love the isololation (relative to Waikiki) and the pristine white/soft sand.  The water is also very blue or greenish blue.

Lanikai is a small beach but has consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world.

The beach is also very close to the closest offshore islands in Oahu. The islands are called Mokuluas.  A great adventure is to Kayak to the island from the beach.

There are no public facilities like restrooms or showers available.  Street parking is the only parking.  Remember not to leave valuables in the car – especially in clear site.

Driving directions:
Drive east on the Kamahameha highway for about 29 miles.  Turn on Kaneohe Bay Drive, continue on Mokapu Saddle Road, right on Kalaheo Avenue, continue on Lihiwai Road, continue on Kawailoa Road, left on Alala Road, continue on Mokulua Drive, continue on Aalapapa Drive, left on Kaiolena Drive, left on Mokulua Drive.

If you just arrived at the Honolulu airport and have time before checking into your Turtle Bay Vacation Rental Condo, I would suggest traveling about 12 – 25 minutes (traffic can be bad) east to Waikiki Beach.

Ok, so the huge touristy feel may not be your thing but this is the best place to learn to surf in Hawaii.  The waves are very consistent, usually 1 to 2 feet, and once you’re up, it’s a long ride.

You should be able to find boards to rent for just $10.  My favorite spot is the furthest west rental spot.  Tell them you want the kama aina (local) discount.  You should rent at least a 10 foot board if you’re a rookie.

They may even give you a few lessons as well.  But if they don’t, here are a few quick tips:

1 -Practice lying on the board in the sand before venturing out.
2 – Practice getting up by first kneeling, then quickly jump up to your feet – one leg at a time if needed.  Remember balance is key.
3 – Once your are in the water and have paddled far enough out where the waves are breaking, start watching for waves.  You don’t want to be caught by surprise.
4 – Learn to sit on your board.  It will take some time to balance but that is the easiest was to turn you board once you see a wave coming.
5 – Start paddling way before the wave hits you.  You must generate speed to catch the waves.
6 – Once you feel that the wave is pushing you, stand up.  You’ve done it.

Now after surfing Waikiki a few times or a few thousand times you may be ready for the big waves on the north shore.

Here are a few safety tips:
1 – the boards are dangerous.  Make sure you wear an ankle strap and try not to let the board get too far away from you.
2 – don’t let the board get between you and the incoming wave
3- try to stay about 10 feet away from others to avoid collision.  This may be difficult at Waikiki but try your best.
4 – don’t surf alone
5 – it’s a good idea to wear a rash guard for your first several times.  Board rash can be nasty.

Good Luck Barney!

Did you know the beach from the TV show Lost is close to Turtle Bay Vacation Rentals?  That’s right, stay in Turtle Bay and you can visit the location of the crash-landing of Oceanic flight 815.

Mokuleia Beach, also known as Army Beach, on Oahu’s North Shore can be easily visited when staying at Turtle Bay.  In addition to the Pilot episode airplane crash-landing, Mokuleia beach was also used in later episodes.

Unfortunately, the lush green tree on Mokuleia Beach the characters sat beneath in multiple episodes has been burned down.  The balance of the beach is still pristine.

Mokuleia Beach Scene From Episode 1 of Lost

Mokuleia Beach borders some of the last undeveloped parts of the North Oahu shoreline, which makes it a great beach.  The morning is a prime time to visit.  The coral sand and clear blue water is beautiful in the morning sun.  You may even see kite surfers and hang gliders in the distance.

From Turtle Bay, take Farrington Highway930 West.  Look for Dillingham Airfield on the left hand side.  When the vegetation on the right hand side of the road ends, you’ll see Mokuleia Beach Park.  The beach location where the set was is near the end of the paved road as the beach extends down to Kaena Point.  Keep going west to see the beaches for the tail section crash site.

Mokuleia Beach:  Lost TV Oceanic Flight 815 Crash Site