11 Things to Do in Laie: Near the Polynesian Cultural Center!

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We would drive from Waikiki to Laie with one thing on our to-do list: explore the Polynesian Cultural Center. Now, after many trips, we have discovered more things to do in Laie that are worth your time. Here is our ranked list of our favorite stops in Laie. 

Add one or two to your Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) day out! Better yet, make a stop in Laie on your Oahu island tour.

Laie is located on Oahu’s North Shore. One must be dedicated to come out here as it is 35 miles from Waikiki, about a 75-minute drive. That is far for island driving. 

Yet, annually, millions of visitors flock to this little town of 5,568 people (2020 census) to visit the world-famous Polynesian Cultural Center. This beachside community is home to hiking, beaches, waterfalls, and horseback riding. 

Let’s get into my list of things to do in Laie, but first, let’s discuss whether a visit to Laie is worth it.

Jordan’s Take on Things to Do in Laie

We always tell folks that visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is a full-day activity. Arrive when it opens at noon so you have time to do all the activities and see all the islands in the Island Villages.

The HA: Breath of Life show is the climactic end to the day that ends at 8:45 PM. Read our full review for more on visiting the PCC.

My point is, you won’t have time to do another activity in Laie. You could squeeze in a beach visit or go on a hike before the PCC opens, but that may be the best you can do after driving out from Waikiki or Ko Olina Resorts.

This list of things to do in Laie is best used when making a circle island drive of Oahu or heading to the North Shore. Laie is a perfect stop on your exploration of Oahu.

The PCC’s luau is a wonderful overall experience. It is on our list of favorite Oahu Luaus. Our favorite part of the PCC is the Polynesian Villages! There is nothing like them in America, as they smoothly blend entertainment, activities, and real people sharing their traditions.

Renting a car and paying Waikiki parking fees ($40 to $55 a night) isn’t pleasant. Consider booking an Oahu Circle Island Tour! Let a local show you around Oahu. On a private tour, you can request to make a stop in Laie for the activities listed here.

The drive along the Windward Coast from Kailua to Laie is my favorite drive on Oahu. It is Route 83, or better known as the Kamehameha Highway. The cliffs, coves, and lush jungle can’t be beat. FYI, Oahu camping is great on the Windward Coast. 

Make a stop on your Oahu drive in Laie to do some of these things near the Polynesian Cultural Center!

We feature an excursion day in our soon-to-win awards Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary. Our Windward Coast day will take you as far north as Kualoa Ranch: The Jurassic Valley. You can add in some of these Laie things to do if they speak to your heart!

Laie: History Lesson

I found this fascinating! In ancient Hawaii, Laie was a small village. What made it unique was that it was a pu’uhonua, a place of refuge. 

A Hawaiian who broke the religious system of kapu could be punished by death. But the fugitive could escape to safety. After passing treacherous grounds or making a long swim, they would find sanctuary by the priests in the pu’uhonua.

The most intact pu’uhonua in Hawaii is on the Big Island. The Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is worth visiting if you’re in Kona.

Pu’uhonua were abolished in 1819 when Christianity replaced Kapu per the decree of the Hawaiian Royal Kingdom. Today, you might find the remains of two heiau (Hawaiian temples) in the city of refuge. The remains of a heiau are scattered in the taro field at the Laie Hawaii Temple (Mormon Church). Another has its coral foundation up on a ridge over Laie. 

Laie is home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as Mormons. In 1865, the church purchased a 6,000-acre plantation that encompasses modern-day Laie, where sugar and taro were grown. Hence, the town, people, and the church are intertwined. This is a secular list of things to do in Laie. We have no affiliation with the LDS community.

The Laie Hawaii Temple is the fifth-oldest operating temple in the LDS worldwide community. Brigham Young University-Hawaii is also located in Laie. If you are interested in learning about the Mormon faith or just want a relaxing place to go in Laie, you can visit the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors’ Center.

Lāʻie is the proper spelling of Laie. For clarity in reading this article, I will spell it as Laie.  Lāʻie is pronounced laa-ee-ay with a glottal stop (a pause like in uh-oh) between the a and i. Vowels are pronounced like consonants in Hawaiian.

How to Get to Laie

Laie is about 75 minutes from Waikiki and 80 minutes from Ko Olina. 

When you depart from Waikiki or Honolulu, you will take Route 63 (Likiliki Highway) over the pali (cliffs) to Kaneohe. Then, you will drive up the Windward Coast to Laiea. 

From Ko Olina Resorts on the leeward side of Oahu, you will drive up the central valley to the surfing town of Hale’iwa. Then you will drive through Oahu’s famous North Shore to Laie. Do your best not to stop at Waimea Valley or at one of the great places to eat.

We prefer to get a discounted rental car when we are on Oahu. That way, we can be efficient with our time to see all our favorite places. Oahu does have a good public transportation system. You can hop on The Bus to get to Laie, but it will require patience and transfer(s). See our article on How to Get Around Oahu Without a Rental Car for details.

The Polynesian Cultural Center has a bus that will pick you up in Waikiki and take you to the PCC. While this isn’t meant to be a tour of Laie, I can’t help but mention this service.

Polynesian Cultural Center Fact: I grew up watching Full House. As a boy from Northern Michigan, Hawaii was on another planet as far as I knew. The 3rd season of Full House included the show “Tanner’s Island.” The show has a grand finale when they stumble upon a luau. The luau was the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was a great scene!

Weather in Laie

Laie is on the rainy, tropical side of Oahu. We enjoy Laie for the lush, jungle landscape and green mountains. But you can expect to have showers during your visit. It is better to mentally prepare for rain and be pleasantly surprised when you have a beautiful, sunny day.

The temperature in Laie is warm year-round. Thank goodness for Hawaii! You can expect temperatures in the 70s during your visit. 

If visiting a beach is on your things to do in Laie list, then let’s discuss ocean conditions. Laie doesn’t get huge waves like you will find around the corner on Oahu’s North Shore, but you can still expect strong currents and rough shorebreaks during the winter months. 

Understand the conditions before heading into the water any time of the year. But during the winter, take extra caution. The mighty Pacific Ocean shall not be trusted. Talk to the lifeguards before you go out. If in doubt, don’t go out. 

See Hawaii Beach Safety for ocean conditions.

The ocean is warm offshore Laie! You can expect the ocean temperature to be 70 degrees Fahrenheit in February and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in August.

Things to Do in Laie

Here are my favorite things to do in Laie, ranked from best to worst. 

Laie is a coastal town with Kamehameha Highway running along the coast. There is a thin strip of shoreline makai (oceanside) of the highway, and the town is mauka (landward) of the road. Laie doesn’t have a historical downtown strip of shops like Haleiwa. Shops and houses line the highway and go inland. 

These Laie things to do are along the Kamehameha Highway, except for the hikes, which will take you into the mountains.

Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center are two of the most visited sites in Hawaii. Both are worth visiting, hence, the PCC is starting our things to do in Laie at the #1 spot.

1. Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is in the center of Laie, with the entrance directly off Kamehameha Highway. You can’t miss it. The large parking lot is inviting. 

You must book tickets in advance as the luau packages sell out a week or two in advance during the winter and up to a month or more in advance before June, July, and August.

The PCC is on 42 acres in Laie. Six miniature Polynesian villages of Tonga, Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Rapanui (Easter Island) line a man-made waterway. 

Our family’s favorite part of the PCC is visiting the villages. You will find live demonstrations from performers who are from those islands. You will not only learn Polynesian culture but also learn to make a fire, play ancient games, and be amazed at the dancing, singing, and coconut tree climbing. 

The main events at the PCC are the Ali’i Luau (buffet dinner show) and the HA: Breath of Life show at the end of the day. These are the main reasons visitors come to Laie and the PCC.

Read our full Polynesian Cultural Center Review for more details on visiting this living museum.

You already know a luau is worth the visit. If you enjoy dinner shows and a bit of Polynesian culture, then book the PCC! Watch our video below as we discuss what you can expect at a luau while touring the Polynesian Cultural Center.

2. Malaekahana Beach

Believe it or not, this is one of my favorite beaches on Oahu. It didn’t make our 10 Best Oahu Beaches article, as I keep this one to myself. And those going to Laie for the best things to do.

Click here for directions to Malaekahana Beach.

Park the car in the decent-sized dirt lot. Follow the path to the beach to soak up the views, the solitude, and to watch the surfers. The beach is great for walking. We enjoy the ocean views with the Ironwood trees lining the beach. It isn’t great for kids. During the summer, you might be able to find calm conditions. 

Erica and I often find ourselves escaping here when we stay at Turtle Bay Resort. It is a 12-minute drive north from the resort and is far less busy than Kuilima Cove.

Malaekahana Beach Park Information

• Rough shorebreak and large waves, so be careful! 
• Popular beach for surfing
• A bird sanctuary is offshore on the islands
• No lifeguard on duty
• Public parking at the beach
• Public showers
• Public toilets
• Lots of shade!
• Camping! See the Laie thing to do below.

3. Kahuku Sugar Mill

This is the furthest north of our things to do in Laie. It is so far north that it is in the town of Kahuku. But, the towns do share a middle and high school! Click for directions to Kahuku Sugar Mill.

The Kahuku Sugar Mill is home to some of my favorite food trucks and restaurants on Oahu. Make a stop here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! You can’t go wrong. From Seven Brothers’ burgers to Ry’s Poke Shack, this is the place to come for local grindz (food).

I’m afraid the Kahuku Sugar Mill itself is no longer around. This area was home to the mill and continues to go by the same name despite its closure in the early ’70s. Nowadays, you can find a sugar cane train parked out front and gears and cogs of the old mill strewn across the shopping area.

See our Oahu North Shore food tour video below to get inspired to stop here.

4. Hukilau Market at the Polynesian Cultural Center

You can’t get any closer than this when it comes to things to do near the Polynesian Cultural Center. And you don’t even need a ticket to the PCC to visit the Hukilau Market! Park your car and walk right into the marketplace. 

Built in 2015, Hukilau Market is a throwback to 1950s Hawaii. You will find comfort foods, local goods, and island hospitality. 

The market, along with the PCC, has Disney-esque vibes of an amusement park. The restaurants, shops, and streets lined with stalls are overproduced. But the food trucks and restaurants provide a large selection of places to eat for your group. 

Hukilau Market is a fun and easy stop in Laie if you’re driving through town. Plus, it will give you a taste of the PCC. 

Tip: if you are going to the PCC, your food options will be limited once you’re inside exploring the island villages, especially for anyone with dietary restrictions. So, if you come hungry, be sure to get a bite at the Hukilau Market before heading in to explore the PCC. The luau and buffet both have plenty of options for all dietary preferences.

5. Hukilau Beach Park

Located on the north end of town is a quiet beach with about a mile of shoreline. This beach is a great place to skip the tourists of Waikiki. It isn’t as beautiful as Waikiki or our list of the Best Beaches in Hawaii, but you’ll find solitude, a good walk, sticks to build a house, and fun for the kids. 

Hukilau Beach is just past Laie Wayside State Park. Click here for directions to Hukilau Beach.

Hukilau Beach Park Information

• A good beach for kids during low tide and in the summer months
• No lifeguard on duty
• Public parking at the beach
• Public showers
• No public toilets
• Minimal shade

This beach is relatively famous for The Hukilau Song. You will hear it at luaus and on the best Hawaii Music Spotify Playlist on the internet.

The Koloa Stream flows into Hukilau Beach. A fisherman from Laie kept his nets on the beach and was generous in giving his fish away to Laie residents. He followed the Hawaiian tradition of the community going to the beach to cast and pull nets. These regular community net fishing events were the inspiration for ‘The Hukilau Song. ‘

6. Laie Falls Trail

Hike this forested ridge trail to a waterfall and swimming hole. Click here for directions to the Laie Falls Trailhead. The trail is inland from central Laie and provides lovely ocean views.

The challenging trail seems easy, besides the length, until you get to the final quarter mile. You will have to descend a steep, muddy, single-track to the waterfall.

The waterfall is a beautiful place for pictures. Swim at your own risk, and please don’t swim under the falls as rocks can kill.

Laie Falls Trail Information:

• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• 7.3-mile out-and-back trail
• 1,761 ft elevation gain
• 4 hours estimated duration
• No dogs allowed

7. Laie Point State Wayside Park

Here is a perfect, quick stop while you are driving through Laie, or if you arrive at the PCC early. Laie Town has a prominent peninsula jetting out from it. At the tip of the peninsula, you will find the Laie Point Wayside Park, a scenic viewpoint.

Click here for directions to Laie Point State Wayside Park.

The main thing to see is the sea arch on the nearby island. 

As it is a wayside park, parking is limited. If a spot is available, walk the rocky trails for stunning cliff views and a sea arch on the island just offshore.

The popular time to visit is in the early afternoon as Oahu circle island tours arrive. If you arrive early for the PCC, you should be able to find parking.

Caution!

• Wear closed-toe shoes
• Please respect the residential area by not blocking driveways
• Keep your distance from the cliff edge during large swells (big waves!)

8. Camping in Laie

Camping can be hard to find in Hawaii, but we have you covered! Laie has three good choices for campsites. See our Oahu Camping article to make reservations and learn more!

• Kokololio Beach Campsite is a County of Honolulu campsite. It is located just south of Laie. It is rustic tent camping along the beach.
• Maleka Farm Glamping is fancy camping. Located in Laie Town, this is the place for our family! Glamping tents, camper-van parking, and cabin stays are available.
• Malaekahana State Recreation Area has cabins for rent, and tent camping is available. The family that runs the cabins also has limited camper-van parking. This is at Malaekahana Beach, which I mentioned above as my favorite beach along the Laie coastline.

9. Gunstock Ranch

Hawaii has a long ranching tradition, dating back to when the first cows were gifted to King Kamehameha the Great. Paniolos, Hawaiian cowboys, continue the tradition at Gunstock Ranch. You will find grass-fed beef, livestock, horses, and more on this protected forest and ranching area.

The ranch is located just a 3-minute drive north of central Laie. Home to horseback riding, ATV rides, and eco-tours. Eco-tours are excellent for the whole family as they focus on land management and planting. Horseback riding is the main attraction, with numerous types of tours available. 

Full disclosure, we haven’t done a tour at Gunstock Ranch. We have enjoyed a beachfront horse ride just up the road on the North Shore. If you’re interested in a beach ride, check out this Oahu Horseback Ride on the Beach.

10. Hau’ula Loop Trail

If you aren’t up for the challenging Laie Falls Trail, check out this loop trail to cool off in the forest after the long drive from Honolulu.

Parking is limited near the Hua’ula Loop Trailhead. You can park at the Hua’ula Beach public parking lot and walk to the trail. Showers are at the beach to rinse off before you head to the PCC! 

Hau’ula Loop Trail Information:

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• 2.6-mile loop trail
• 853 ft elevation gain
• 1.5 hours estimated duration
• Pro Tip: Hike the trail clockwise

11. Pahumoa Beach (Pounders)

On the south side of town is another beach called Pahumoa Beach. This beach is not suitable for children as it is locally known as Pounders Beach. Click here for directions to Pahumoa Beach.

You might find a rope swing on the stream entering the beach. Swing at your own risk!

Students from Brigham Young University called it Pounders for the pounding shorebreak. Hence, the beach is good for bodyboarding enthusiasts. I only recommend swimming here in calm conditions, and if you understand the shorebreak. If that is not you, then this is another long stretch of beach for walking.

Enjoy the sand and the views from this secluded beach.

Pahumoa Beach Information:

• No lifeguard on duty
• Public parking at the beach
• Public showers
• No public toilets
• Minimal shade

The Final Thing to Do in Laie

I hope you can visit Laie when you’re on Oahu. We always recommend escaping from Waikiki to see the scenery and countryside of Oahu. Laie provides that experience and answers the question of things to do near the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Your final thing to do in Laie is to book your PCC tickets! I know, that was cheesy. But, tickets do sell out weeks or a month in advance. Click here to get 10% off luau and show packages with a direct booking.

If the PCC isn’t on your agenda, then I hope one of these things to do near the Polynesian Cultural Center speaks to you. I believe the town warrants a stop on your drive to the North Shore or your circle island drive.

Erica and I are all about finding the best things to do in Hawaii. We go on adventures, plan perfect days out, find the best tours, stay in all the hotels, and then share it all with you in our Wayfinder Itineraries. Click below to finish your planning for Oahu. 

Have a wonderful trip to Laie and Hawaii!

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