Laie Beach Park Photos

Laie Beach Park

Laie Beach Park (Pounders Beach), Oahu

Laie Beach Park (see more photos), located on Oahu’s northeastern coast, has a white-sand beach with waves year-round, but the waves are usually more consistent and higher in the winter months. The beach fronting the beach park is known as Pounders Beach because of its often times pounding shorebreak. In some areas of the beach, there is a sandbar that drops abruptly after a few feet.

To the left of the surfers’ area is a calmer spot for swimming. An offshore coral reef provides natural protection from the high surf, making the water less turbulent. In fact, locals often call it the “bathtub beach” – an obvious reference to its comparatively still waters. However, this area is sometimes completely covered during high tide, so you check the tide timetable in advance.

If you prefer to stay dry, the shore makes an excellent spot for sunbathing, reading, or simply enjoying the view. The beach is lined with large ironwood trees which provide plenty of shade. The limestone cliff on which the waves break is called Pali Kiloi'a, which means "fish-spotter cliff" in the Hawaiian language. It is a popular spot for shoreline fishermen who fish for o'io, moi, papio and ulua (giant trevally).

There are no facilities on the beach, but some shops and a grocery store is located just across the street in Laie. The beach park is close to Brigham Young University and the Polynesian Cultural Center.