Located on the north-east coast of Oahu, Laie is a laid-back town that holds close ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In addition to its beautiful beaches and pounding surf, it’s home to the privately owned Brigham Young University-Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Things to do in Laie
No visit to Laie is complete without visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center, which encompasses eight themed villages where traditional arts and crafts are showcased. It was created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1960s and is famed for its evening show known as the “Hā–Breath of Life”. As you explore the complex, discover what traditional life is like in Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti and Tonga before enjoying a luau feast accompanied by Polynesian song and dance.
Also associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Laie Hawaii Temple, which is the oldest LDS temple outside of Utah. It was designed to resemble Solomon’s Temple, as described in the Bible, and is decorated with four large friezes sculpted by J. Leo Fairbanks. As you stroll through the tropical grounds, you can admire the reflective pools that descend to the Pacific Ocean.
During the heat of the day, you can refresh with a swim at Hukilau Beach Park, which extends north of Laie to the Mālaekahana State Recreation Area. Alternatively, head south to Clissold’s Beach or tackle the big wave surf at aptly-named Pounders Beach. A scenic ridge trail leads inland to Laie Falls and its picturesque pool.
Getting around Laie
Laie is around an hour’s drive from Honolulu and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Laie while the town is compact enough to explore on foot.