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RE/MAX Honolulu
338 Kamokila Blvd. Suite 206
Kapolei, HI 96707 |
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Lanikai Beach
"Breathtaking" is an understatement
when describing Lanikai Beach, located on
the Windward side of Oahu in Kailua. Not only
does the beach seem postcard-perfect—it
truly is.
A long strip of sparkling sand, palm trees
swaying from side to side, lush tropical
plants, endless sunshine and the deep turquoise/green
water make Lanikai one of the most scenic
beaches in Hawaii. Lanikai is considered
by many Oahu residents to be the best swimming
beach in the state. Not only is the water
clear and not clouded by stream run off,
but the beach is also clean, wide and surf-free.
The setting is picturesque, with palm trees
lining the backshore and the nearby twin
islands of Mokumanu and Mokulua off shore.
Visitors to Lanikai can kayak to the nearby
twin islands, both noted bird sanctuaries.
The larger of the two islands is very popular
with the boaters, kayakers, surfers, paddlers
and sailors. Its small beach is visited
daily and especially on weekends and holidays,
when people land, swim or picnic. The islands
are a little less than a mile from the south
end of Lanikai Beach. Do not attempt the
crossing if you are not experienced in the
ocean. The crossing is a long upwind and
upcurrent swim for novice swimmers. The
islands are located seaward of Lanikai Reef,
where they are subject to high surf, especially
during the winter months. Be careful walking
on the windward sides of both islands.
In the Hawaiian language, Lanikai literally
means "royal sea" or "heavenly
sea." However, people believe that
its real name is actually Kaohao, which
means "the tying." Legend says
that there once was a high chief named Hauna,
who used to beat up two women in Konane.
Hauna took the women and tied them together
with a loincloth and led them to the beach
where the canoes were. Eventually the name
Kaohao was given to the beach because of
the incident that took place.
Having lured many models and photographers
over the years, Lanikai is a very popular
spot for photo shoots. No surprise considering
the breathtaking scenery and surreal surroundings
that the locale has to offer.
History of Kailua Town
Kailua is located in Windward Oahu in the
judicial district and the ahupua'a named
Ko'olaupoko. It is located 12 miles northeast
of Honolulu - over Nu'uanu Pali, tallest
mountain peak in the Ko'olau mountain range.
The town is a typical suburb spawned by
post-war development and improved highways
bringing thousands home from their workplaces
in Honolulu. Many small businesses and community
organizations support this unique town with
its beautiful, protected beaches, Kaiwanui
Marsh, and Enchanted Lake. The Kailua Chamber
of Commerce supports the communities within
the triangle from Marine Corp Base Hawaii
to the edge of Kaneohe to the outskirts
of Waimanalo.
Historians and researchers believe that
it is possible that Kailua was home to Hawaiian
families at least 1,500 years ago. The earliest
settlers are thought to have lived fished
and played on the slopes surrounding Kawainui
Marsh. A Bishop Museum report on archaeological
excavations of the marshland concludes that
when the marsh slopes were first occupied
about 500 A.D., agriculture was not possible.
The report said that early Hawaiian occupants
of Kailua apparently lived beside a lagoon
or bay open to the sea hundreds of yards
shoreside of today's shoreline.
In the 16th century, Kailua attracted the
ali'i giving birth to many rich Hawaiian
legends, some of which may be found in written
and oral reminiscences in Hawaii State Libraries.
Many legends were born here including the
menehune who were known for working at night
in Kaiwainui Marsh and mo'o who took the
shape of a large lizard that attracted fish.
Kailua was densely populated before the
arrival of Captain Cook and was the ancient
capital of O'ahu's kings. The biggest event
in Kailua and the entire Windward side was
in 1795 when King Kamehameha I conquered
O'ahu in his quest to unite the Hawaiian
Islands. The King granted Kaiwainui Marsh
and old Kailua, which included large freshwater
fish ponds and saltwater ponds at Mokapu,
to the warriors and chiefs that had helped
him. The land was used in various forms
for agriculture from sugarcane to rice to
taro and eventually was used primarily for
cattle raising.
Kailua was a sleepy town of barely 3,000
in the 1940s. However, the events of World
War II changed the appearance of Kailua.
Kaneohe Ranch sold portions of land to the
government for expansion of the Navy base
(now Marine Corps Base Hawaii) and the Army's
Fort Hase. Finally in 1942, Kaneohe Ranch
closed down its cattle raising operations
entirely, freeing thousands of acres for
post-war development. Harold K.L. Castle,
owner of Kaneohe Ranch, donated the land
for many churches, schools, and for a new
hospital. A new four-lane highway, tunneling
through the Ko'olau Mountains, was completed
in the late 1950s. In 1946, a small Liberty
House (now Macy's) shop opened with three
employees and upgraded to a full-line department
store in 1953 with nearly 50 employees.
The first bowling alley, a branch office
of the telephone company, and the very first
supermarket in Hawaii opened in Kailua in
1947. By the end of the 1950s, Hawaii had
become a state and Kailua became the official
postal designation (previously known as
Lanikai). Castle Hospital (now Castle Medical
Center) opened in 1963. By 1960 the population
was up to 24,400.
The town has grown more than 100 percent
since 1960 when its population was 24,402.
It has a compact, easy-to-shop business
district surrounded by mostly single-family
homes. By 1992 50,000 residents encompassed
a central urban core with surrounding residential
areas.
In 1994 the Kailua Chamber of Commerce organized
the Kailua Urban Design Task Force to develop
a vision for the Kailua central business
district for the enjoyment of both our residents
and visitors. The "sense of place"
shopping and dining experiences you have
today are the result of cooperation between
the City & County of Honolulu, local
businesses and community volunteers in the
renovation of our malls, buildings and streets.
There is still more is to come. Stroll around
our town and enjoy the ambiance of our revitalized
Kailua Town. |
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| If you live, own, want to
own, or simply just want to receive periodic
Lanikai Real Estate Updates, please email
us below! |
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