Located approximately two and a half miles north of Haleiwa, Laniakea, also known as Lani's, is a spacious, right-breaking reef where the primary takeoff zone sits 400 yards offshore. The reef forms one half of a vast lava hammerhead flanking a small point of land, with the other half constituting the left-breaking reef known as Jocko's, situated a quarter-mile northeastward. Access to Lani's is facilitated through a channel adjacent to the point, cutting through the hammerhead and enabling swift passage across the narrowest point between closeouts.

Lani's thrives under the influence of northerly angled swells, allowing waves to wrap down the line in a rapid succession of bowling sections. On typical winter days, it transforms smaller NW winter swells into a series of manageable peaks, offering a comparatively easier and less crowded surfing experience than the higher-profile breaks past Waimea. However, when graced with a rare, straight N swell, Laniakea reveals its true essence as perhaps the North Shore's finest wave. Lightning-fast with incredibly hollow sections, it demands precise judgment and a readiness to navigate wide-swinging sets capable of propelling surfers back to their original paddle-out point. Beware of shallow areas on the inside reef, as they can catch unaware surfers off guard. During significant N swells, a robust rip current extends off the end of the break to the west, best avoided, especially for those without their boards.