A Local’s Guide to Laie Point, Oahu, Hawaii
Searching for the ultimate guide to Laie Point? This guide written by a Hawaii local has everything that you need to know about Laie Point.
If you find yourself having a day trip on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Laie Point is definitely a stop worth your time. As a matter of fact, it may be one of the coolest things to do in Laie. Officially called Laie Point State Park, this natural landmark is unlike any other on the island. Here’s everything you need to know about your visit.
What Is Laie Point?
For a long time, the stunning views of Laie Point were a local secret. Now this peninsula in the Pacific Ocean is beginning to gain a bit of popularity.
What Is the Legend Behind Laie Point?
As with many of Hawaii’s natural landmarks, there’s a Hawaiian legend to go with it. According to the legend, there was a giant lizard (mo’o in Hawaiian) who lived in Laie, who would kill anyone who dared to trespass on its property. This mo’o was formidable, and no one would go near it.
Then, when Kana, a legendary warrior, and his brother returned home to Oahu from the island of Molokai after rescuing their mother, Kana decided he would get rid of all of the giant lizards in the Hawaiian Islands. So he went to Laie, where he easily defeated the giant lizard. Then, he chopped up its head into five pieces and tossed it into the ocean, which then become the five islands you can see from Laie Point.
Where Is Laie Point?
Laie Point is located on the North Shore of Oahu in a little town called Laie. Rather than being on the main road, it is tucked away in a little residential area, so for a while, it went rather unnoticed.
Laie Point Parking
Since Laie Point is in a residential area, the parking is rather limited. There are only about eight or so parking spaces. If there are no spots, please patiently wait for someone to pull out, rather than blocking the driveways of the locals who live in the area.
As an alternative, you could park at Laie Shopping Center, grab something to eat from Foodland (the local grocery store) or one of the local restaurants (I recommend Seven Brothers for burgers) and walk over the Laie Point.
How Can I Get to Laie Point?
As with most Oahu sites that are a bit off the beaten path, the easiest way to access Laie Point is by car. However, it isn’t too hard to reach Laie Point by public bus! If you get off at the Kamehameha Highway and Anemoku Street stop, it’s only a half a mile way to Laie Point.
What Is There to Do at Laie Point?
Check Out the Views
Easily my favorite thing to do at Laie Point is check out the view. No matter what the weather, it’s consistently stunning. The waves crashing onto the jagged rocks are a breathtaking sight. And let’s not forget about those fun-shaped islands just right off the coast.
Just be sure not to get too close to the edge when checking out the views. As I’ve said time and time again, the ocean is a powerful force. So you don’t want to be standing on the edge and get swept into the ocean by a big wave. So keep your eye on the tide and don’t get too close to the edge.
Try Out Your Photography Skills
Each time you visit Laie Point, odds are you’ll catch a glimpse of an amateur photographer or two. I mean, with such a beautiful landscape to capture, it’s hard to capture a bad shot. So why not try out your photography skills here?
This is also the perfect place to get a great group or couples’ photo of your trip to Hawaii! There won’t be hordes of crowds in the background, and you’ll still get a stunning ocean view in the picture! Plus, one of the amateur photographers hanging out have to know how to get a good shot.
Cliff Jump
After Waimea Bay, Laie Point is up there as one of the most popular places to cliff jump on Oahu. That said, please ask a local who is present where exactly to cliff jump at Laie Point. If you try to cliff jump at another part of Laie Point, it can be very dangerous.
The prime cliff-jumping area is on the right side when you enter, towards the very beginning. (Don’t walk far out at all.) Because it’s very hard to describe the precise location of where to cliff jump at Laie Point, once again, please ask a local who is present!
After you cliff jump, you’ll then swim up underneath the rocks (right below where you jumped) and take a skinny little path back up to the top of the cliff.
Also, please have some discretion doing the Laie Point cliff jump. If you think, “hmm, those waves look pretty high,” don’t jump in. The tide changes depending on the time of day and on the time of year. So if you see that the water is rather calm, go for it! If it’s not so calm, maybe check if the tide will go down in the near future.
*Bonus: In the film, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Mila Kunis and Jason Segel cliff jump here!
Do a Little Fishing
In addition to the amateur photographers, you’ll probably also see a couple of local fishermen. They’ll perch themselves out on the point with a line or two cast out into the water, and they’ll just sit and wait. Maybe see what they’re enjoying so much and do a little fishing yourself! Who knows? Maybe you’ll even reel something in!
Hoping to spend some more time on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii? Here’s my Ultimate Guide to the North Shore of Oahu!
Restaurants Near Laie Point
Laie Point is kind of out of the way. So every time I’ve gone to Laie Point, I want my next stop to be a restaurant, because I’m already hungry! In case you find yourself in the same boat, here are a couple of the best restaurants near Laie Point.
Seven Brothers
Seven Brothers is right next to Laie Point. As in, a one-minute drive from Laie Point. And this spot just so happens to be one of the best restaurants on the North Shore of Oahu! What great luck!
As the name implies, this restaurant was actually started by a group of seven brothers. And these seven brothers learned to whip up some delicious burgers.
All of the burgers at Seven Brothers are filled to the brim!! They’re filled with so many delicious toppings. The most popular burgers are the Shem Burger and the Paniolo (cowboy) burger. And all the burgers are reasonably priced with no burger exceeding $15 (not including extra toppings of course), which is a steal in Hawaii.
Kahuku Farms
Kahuku Farms is my go-to restaurant on the North Shore. As a matter of fact, it made it onto my list of the best restaurants on Oahu! Their farm fresh foods are so filling and delicious, they always have me coming back for more! Their acai bowls, garden pizza, fruity smoothies, and lilikoi butter mochi are all fantastic.
*Fun fact: Kahuku Farms is the only place on Oahu where you can get an acai bowl made from locally grown acai berries!
Hotels Near Laie Point
If you absolutely adore Laie Point, you might want to hang out in the area a little longer. Luckily for you, there are a couple of hotels right around the corner.
Courtyard by Marriott
The Courtyard by Marriott is located just a couple of minutes from Laie Point. The amenities include both a fitness center and a pool. Room rates start at $218 per night, although this price does depend on the season.
Book Here: Courtyard by Marriott
Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay Resort is the local-pick for where to stay on the North Shore. Whenever locals want to feel like they’re on vacation, they go to the North Shore and stay at Turtle Bay Resort.
With tons of amenities and activities, including a fitness center, a spa, and a golf course, there is a ton to do! There are even a few fantastic hiking trails that take you to hidden beaches.
Room rates start at $288 per night, although this price does depend on the season.
Book Here: Turtle Bay Resort
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Have you ever been to Laie Point? Tell me about your experience in the comments! (I promise I’ll respond!)
Awesome! Love the forgetting Sara Marshal movie! Such a beautiful place 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed!
Ooh I missed Laie Point! It looks so wild. Definitely a different image of Hawaii to the usual ones. Love that you always draw attention to more off-the-beaten-path Hawaii spots!
Thank you so much, Clazz! That support really means a lot!