La'ie

Oahu Town Guide

La'ie

La'ie is a northeastern Oahu town known for the Polynesian Cultural Center, BYU-Hawaii, La'ie Hawaii Temple, La'ie Point and nearby beach parks.

Driving in Laie
Driving in Laie

La'ie, Oahu

La'ie is a small town on Oahu's northeastern shore, between Hau'ula and Kahuku, about 38 miles (61 km) north of Honolulu. It is a predominantly Mormon community. The town's cultural attractions include the Mormon Temple, the Hawaii campus of Brigham Young University and the Polynesian Cultural Center.

The temple is the fifth oldest Mormon temple in the world. And the Polynesian Cultural Center is Hawaii's number one paid visitor attraction. It's a large open-air museum and park featuring the cultures of seven Polynesian island nations.

Another natural sight of interest is La'ie Point (also known as Laniloa Point), a prominent lithified dune jutting out into the ocean. To reach it, go toward the ocean from Kamehameha Highway onto Anemoku Street. Then turn right and follow Napaka Street to the end. Two other lithified dunes (Kukuihoolua and Mokualai) lie just offshore as scenic islets. La'ie Beach Park (Pounders Beach) and Hukilau Beach are located nearby.

La'ie has a small shopping square with a Foodland grocery store and a Subway and Taco Bell restaurant, among others. It is mainly a residential community. In the Hawaiian language, laie means "ie leaf" ("ie" is a climbing pandanus: Freycinetia arborea).

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Location, Parking and Directions

La'ie is located on Oahu's northeastern coast, between Hau'ula and Kahuku along Kamehameha Highway. From Honolulu, drive north through the windward coast or central Oahu toward La'ie. Parking varies by cultural center, temple visitors' center, beach park, town center, school, church and residential access point.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is La'ie on Oahu?

La'ie is on Oahu's northeastern coast, between Hau'ula and Kahuku, along Kamehameha Highway in the Koolauloa district.

What is La'ie known for?

La'ie is known for the Polynesian Cultural Center, BYU-Hawaii, La'ie Hawaii Temple, La'ie Point, Hukilau Beach, La'ie Beach Park and its northeastern Oahu setting.

What does La'ie mean?

La'ie is commonly connected with the ie leaf, a climbing pandanus plant. The name reflects Hawaiian plant and place-name traditions.

Is La'ie Point easy to visit?

Yes, La'ie Point is reached from a residential road off Kamehameha Highway. Parking is limited, and visitors should stay back from cliff edges and rough surf.

Is La'ie a good place to stay?

La'ie can work well for visitors who want a quieter northeastern Oahu base near the Polynesian Cultural Center, beaches, Kahuku, Hau'ula and North Shore routes.