La'ie Beach Park
La'ie Beach Park, also known as Pounders Beach, is a scenic white-sand beach on Oahu's northeastern shore. Known for its powerful shorebreak, this beach is popular for bodyboarding, surfing, and fishing, with shady spots for picnicking and a calmer area near the north end for swimming.
La'ie Beach Park (Pounders Beach), Oahu
La'ie Beach Park (view panorama)× , located on Oahu's northeastern shore, 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. A shallow sandbar is responsible for the pounding surf and strong currents. Be cautious because this sandbar drops off abruptly.
The limestone cliff at the south end of the beach 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).
A calmer area for swimming is at the north end of the beach near the old pier pilings. And if you walk along the shore around the corner, there is another small beach which locals call "bathtub beach." An offshore coral reef buffers incoming waves, making the water less turbulent here (except during high surf season when you may not even be able to walk to this area along the shore).
If you prefer to stay dry, the beach is lined with large ironwood trees which provide plenty of shade for a picnic. There are no facilities on the beach, but some shops and a grocery store is located in La'ie. The beach park is close to Brigham Young University and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Key Features of La'ie Beach Park
- White-sand beach: Expansive shoreline with soft sand and scenic views of Windward Oahu
- Pounders shorebreak: Known for its strong waves, especially in winter, ideal for bodyboarding and surfing
- Shaded picnic areas: Ironwood trees line the beach offering natural shade for beachgoers
- Local fishing spot: Pali Kiloi'a cliff is a favorite shoreline fishing location
- Hidden "bathtub" beach: Calmer swimming area around the corner, protected by a coral reef
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is La'ie Beach Park good for swimming?
Yes, but caution is advised. The main shorebreak can be rough, but the north end has a calmer area for swimming.
Why is it called Pounders Beach?
The beach earned its nickname due to the pounding shorebreak created by a shallow sandbar offshore.
Are there shaded areas for picnics?
Yes, the beach is lined with large ironwood trees that offer natural shade for picnicking or relaxing.
Are there facilities at La'ie Beach Park?
No, there are no restrooms or lifeguards at the park, but shops are available nearby in La'ie town.