Laie Point State Wayside Park lies on a peninsula south of the town
Laie on Oahu’s northeastern coast. This place is steeped in Hawaiian
legend, one of which according to William Rice in his Hawaiian
Legends goes like this:
Laniloa is the name given to a point of land which extends into the
ocean from Laie. In ancient times this point was mo‘o, standing
upright, ready to kill the passerby. After Kana and his brother had
rescued their mother from Molokai and had taken her back to Hawaii,
Kana set out on a journey around the islands to kill all the mo‘o.
In due time he reached Laie, where the mo‘o was killing many people.
Kana had no difficulty in destroying this monster. Taking its head,
he cut it into five pieces and threw them into the sea, where they
can be seen today as the five small islands lying off Maleakahana.
This legend of the Laniloa mo‘o can be read on a sign on a boulder
in the beach park. Tour buses with visitors often times stop here
because of the park’s nice view, including the five offshore islands
of Kihewamoku, Mokuauia, Pulemoku, Kukuihoolua and Mokualai. The
peninsula is also frequented by fishermen, who primarily fish for
trevally, or ulua.
Laie Point is very scenic. I was there with a bus tour. There were big waves there though. I would not dare to swim at that point but it is nice to visit it and take some pictures.
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List of Oahu Beaches
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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