Alala Point extends as a low bluff separating Kailua Beach from Lanikai at the southern end of Kailua Bay, named for the Hawaiian fishing god Alala who guarded offshore waters alongside Wailea, with alala also meaning awakening in Hawaiian. The point features a distinctive 25-foot white stone monument resembling a lighthouse, officially known as the Lanikai Marker or Alala Point Coast Guard Marker, built in 1924 by developers of the Lanikai subdivision and designed by renowned local architect Hart Wood. This concrete and stone obelisk serves as both navigational aid and cultural landmark marking the transition from public Kailua Beach to the exclusive residential enclave of Lanikai where beachfront estates line the shore. The point sits adjacent to the Kailua Beach Park bike path making it easily accessible for cyclists, joggers, and walkers seeking picturesque views of Kailua Bay, Mokapu Peninsula, Flat Island, and the twin Mokulua Islands offshore. A natural stone formation on the ridge above the point served as an ancient Hawaiian fishing shrine where practitioners honored the fish gods and sought blessing for successful fishing expeditions. Today Alala Point attracts photographers capturing sunrise over the Mokulua Islands, couples seeking romantic oceanfront settings, and beachgoers launching kayaks from the public boat ramp on the point's west side for paddles across Kailua Bay or out to the Mokes, as locals call the Mokulua Islands.
Alala Point itself offers no swimming beach, consisting instead of rocky shoreline and the low bluff topped by the historic monument. The adjacent waters along Kailua Beach to the north provide excellent swimming during calm conditions with sandy bottom and gentle waves suitable for families and beginning swimmers. Lanikai Beach immediately south of the point features calm, clear turquoise water protected by offshore reef making it among Oahu's most popular swimming and snorkeling destinations, though public access through the residential neighborhood can be challenging with extremely limited parking. The public boat launching ramp on the point's west side provides the primary beach access point for kayakers heading to the Mokulua Islands, a popular 2.5-mile round trip paddle across Kailua Bay's generally calm waters. No lifeguards patrol directly at Alala Point though Kailua Beach Park lifeguards are nearby. The point serves primarily as a scenic viewpoint, bike path waypoint, and kayak launch site rather than a swimming or sunbathing destination. Trade winds blow consistently from the northeast creating pleasant breezy conditions. The area's cultural significance as a fishing shrine site requires respectful behavior and acknowledgment of Hawaiian spiritual traditions connecting this point to ancient resource management practices and religious observances that sustained communities for centuries.
Access Alala Point via the Kailua Beach Park bike path or by driving to the public boat ramp parking area off Kawailoa Road in Lanikai, approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki via the Pali Highway through the Koolau Mountains. From Kailua town, follow Kawailoa Road into the Lanikai neighborhood until reaching the boat ramp and small parking area near the point. Parking is extremely limited with only a handful of spaces, filling quickly especially on weekends and holidays. Alternative parking exists at Kailua Beach Park with a 10-minute walk along the coastal bike path to reach the point. The bike path provides the most scenic and stress-free access method, avoiding Lanikai's notorious parking challenges. No facilities exist at the point including no restrooms, showers, or picnic areas, though full amenities are available at nearby Kailua Beach Park including restrooms, outdoor showers, covered pavilions, lifeguards, and ample parking. The monument and surrounding point are open for public viewing and photography. The boat ramp operates for small watercraft launches including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Bring kayaking equipment if planning to paddle, cameras for photography, and appreciation for the point's cultural and architectural significance. Sunrise offers the most dramatic lighting for photographs with the monument silhouetted against the eastern sky and the Mokulua Islands glowing in golden light.
Dining options concentrate in nearby Kailua town, 10 minutes away. Kalapawai Cafe and Deli serves Hawaiian-grown coffee, housemade sandwiches, fresh salads, and full dinner including burgers and local seafood in their original Kailua Beach location with market offerings. Buzz's Original Steakhouse has overlooked Kailua Beach since 1962 serving fresh fish, steaks, mai tais, and island classics in a legendary beachfront setting. Paia Fish Market presents generous grilled fish plates, fish tacos, and poke bowls with casual service and oceanfront outdoor seating. Kono's Northshore Kailua brings North Shore flavors to the windward side with kalua pork breakfast burritos, acai bowls, and Hawaiian plate lunches. Morning Brew offers acai bowls, bagels, and specialty coffee for breakfast and brunch. Cinnamon's Restaurant serves renowned guava chiffon pancakes, red velvet pancakes, and island-style breakfast in a casual diner atmosphere. Down to Earth Organic and Natural provides healthy prepared foods, smoothies, and groceries for beach picnics. Alala Point represents where Kailua Bay's public beach transitions to exclusive Lanikai, where an architectural landmark honors 1920s subdivision development while standing on land sacred to ancient Hawaiian fishing traditions, where the monument guides modern kayakers and photographers while the fishing gods Alala and Wailea continue their eternal watch over the offshore waters they have guarded since time immemorial, and where windward Oahu's stunning beauty concentrates in views encompassing turquoise bay, white sand beaches, verdant mountains, and twin islands rising from Pacific waters just offshore.
