Secure parking near Lanikai and Kailua beaches

Question

Still trying to educate myself about Oahu. From what I understand, there is no parking specifically for Lanikai beach, although there is some limited parking on the streets in the residential area that is adjacent to it. Kailua beach is close by, has facilities, and a parking lot, but the parking lot can fill up.

Is there secure parking away from the beach in Kailua town--even a pay parking lot--where one could park and then uber over to Lanikai and/or Kailua beach if parking wasn't available at the beach itself? Is Uber or taxi widely available? How safe is parking in these areas, that is, taking normal precautions like not leaving valuables visible, etc.? I'm not usually concerned about that kind of thing, but as I have been preparing for the trip I keep reading that car break ins are a thing in Hawaii, and on Oahu in particular. How concerned should I be about this?

Answer

Aloha,

You're correct that parking near Lanikai Beach can be a bit tricky, as it is a residential area and there are limited street parking options. While Kailua Beach has a larger parking lot with some facilities, it can indeed fill up quickly, especially during peak times. To answer your questions, here are a few options and tips for parking and transportation in the Kailua and Lanikai areas:

Secure Parking in Kailua Town
There are a few options for parking in Kailua town that would allow you to park and take an Uber or taxi to the beaches if needed:

Kailua Town Parking: There are several public parking lots and garages in Kailua town, including some along the main street, Kailua Road. These are often free or offer affordable rates. You can park in one of these lots and then use a rideshare service to get to Lanikai or Kailua Beach if you can’t find parking at the beach itself.
Kailua Shopping Centers: The Kailua Town Center and the Kailua Shopping Center (which includes stores like Whole Foods and Safeway) typically offer parking, and some of these lots may allow you to park for longer periods. You may need to check for specific time restrictions, but these areas are generally safe for parking during the day.
Pay Parking Lots: If you're looking for more secure parking, you could consider parking in a pay parking lot in Kailua town. These lots are often monitored and may have better security than street parking.

Uber and Taxi Availability
Both Uber and taxis are available in Kailua and can easily be called to take you to Lanikai or Kailua Beach. However, rideshare availability can vary based on demand, so it’s a good idea to have the Uber app ready to go or ask your driver to pick you up after your visit to the beach. In general, Uber and Lyft are widely used throughout Oahu, including Kailua.

Safety and Parking Concerns
Parking and car break-ins are a concern on Oahu, as in many other places, but there are precautions you can take to minimize risk:

Park in Well-Lit, Busy Areas: When parking in public lots or on the street, choose well-lit areas that are in view of other vehicles or foot traffic. Parking lots in commercial areas or near businesses tend to be safer than more isolated locations.
Don’t Leave Valuables in the Car: Always take valuables with you, especially electronics, bags, or anything that could attract attention. If you must leave something in the car, make sure it is out of sight, preferably in the trunk.
Lock Your Doors: Always make sure to lock your car doors when you leave the vehicle. This may seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating.
Check Parking Restrictions: Some parking areas in Kailua may have time restrictions, so always check for signs that indicate how long you can park and whether the area is monitored by security or cameras.

How Concerned Should You Be?
While car break-ins can occur in any urban area, taking basic precautions like the ones listed above will help reduce the chances of any problems. Many tourists park in Kailua and Lanikai without issues, but it’s always best to be aware of your surroundings and take care when leaving your vehicle. In general, as long as you don’t leave valuables in plain sight, you should feel comfortable parking in Kailua’s public lots or town center. If you want extra peace of mind, consider using a pay parking lot with better security features.

In summary, there are parking options in Kailua town where you can park securely and then use Uber or a taxi to reach Lanikai or Kailua Beach if necessary. Just take the usual precautions to avoid leaving valuables in your car, and you should be good to go. Enjoy your time on Oahu!