Lāʻie, Hawaii

Lāʻie is a special place on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaii. It is located in the Koolauloa District of Honolulu County. Though it is not a big city, Lāʻie is known as a census-designated place, which means it is a group of homes and buildings that together form a community. In the year 2020, when people counted how many live there, they found that 5,963 people called Lāʻie their home. This beautiful spot is part of the United States and has its own special charm and history.

History

Lāʻie has a long and important history. Long ago, it was a safe place called a puʻuhonua where people could go if they were being chased. They were protected there and could choose to either stay and help the priests or leave after some time.

The name Lāʻie comes from Hawaiian words meaning "leaf" and a special red-spiked plant that grows in the mountains behind the town. In Hawaiian stories, this plant is very special to their gods.

In the 1800s, the land was divided up, and later a sugarcane plantation was started. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bought the plantation and encouraged their members to move there. They built schools, churches, and even a temple, making Lāʻie an important place for them.

Community

Lāʻie is a well-known place for the LDS Church and is home to the Laie Hawaii Temple, the church’s fifth oldest temple in the world. Brigham Young University–Hawaii is also located here. The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is the largest living museum in the state and welcomes millions of visitors each year. The PCC features beautiful gardens and water features, along with six small “villages” that show the cultures and traditions of the Pacific islands. It offers family-friendly games, shows, and luau dinners.

In 2015, the PCC added a new area called the Hukilau Marketplace. This marketplace gives visitors a chance to enjoy food and goods that remind them of Hawaii in the 1950s. Also in 2015, Lāʻie got a new hotel called the Laie Courtyard by Marriott. This three-story hotel has 144 rooms with local island-style decorations. It replaced an older hotel called the Laie Inn, which was torn down in 2009.

Even though Lāʻie is small, it has played an important role in Hawaiian culture. Many of its residents come from countries like Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and New Zealand. In the late 1940s, beach fundraisers and feasts inspired “The Hukilau Song,” written and first recorded by Jack Owens and later made famous by Alfred Apaka.

Geography

Lāʻie is found on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaii. It sits north of Hauʻula and south of Kahuku along Kamehameha Highway.

The area of Lāʻie is about 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²). Of this, 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km²) is water.

The coastline has Lāʻie Point, a big old sand hill that reaches into the ocean. There are also two small rocky islands just off the shore. To the south of town is Lāʻielohelohe Beach Park, which includes Pahumoa Beach. This beach was once called Pounders Beach because of its strong waves, but its original name was brought back in 2021. Another fun beach for wave riding is Hukilau Beach, located at the north end of town.

Demographics

In the year 2000, 4,585 people lived in Lāʻie. Many different groups made up the community. Most people were from Pacific Island backgrounds, with many also from Asian, White, and mixed races. About half of the families had children under 18 years old.

The average family had almost five members. Most people were young, with many between the ages of 18 and 24. The area had a mix of incomes, and some families lived below the poverty line.

Education

Lāʻie is part of the Hawaii Department of Education. Children in the area go to Lāʻie Elementary School, and then they move on to Kahuku High & Intermediate School.

There is also a university called Brigham Young University–Hawaii in Lāʻie.

Culture

Laie, Hawaii is home to a pop/folk band called Speed The Band.

Notable people

Lāʻie is the hometown of several well-known people. Robert Anae, born in 1958, is an offensive coordinator for the Utah State Aggies. Eni Faleomavaega, who lived from 1943 to 2017, was a former Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from American Samoa. Joseph Kekuku, living from 1874 to 1931, invented the steel guitar. Other notable individuals include professional wrestler Neff Maiava, former head football coach of the United States Naval Academy Ken Niumatalolo, rugby player Roman Salanoa born in 1997, actress and singer Keala Settle, and American football linebacker Manti Te'o.