Come Visit Laie, Hawaii

Laie Hawaii is on the Island of Oahu. It is on the Northshore and known as the "windward" side. This is because the trade winds hit the mountains and cools the air, thereby creating strong winds. Approaching Laie on Kamehameha Highway with your windows down, the cool, oceanic trade wind breezes are inviting to your body. The sea air refreshes the soul.

Accommodations

Laie Inn

Laie Inn is an Inn that has been around since 1963 and renovated 2005. When you walk inside the Inn you are greeted with the real Hawaiian spirit of the people of Hawaii. There are native Polynesian women working up front with flowers in their hair. In the corner, there is a small chalkboard with a Hawaii word for the day, to help visitors with Hawaiian word pronunciation and meanings.

Laie Inn is one of the rare hotels on Oahu with reasonable hotel prices. When reserving a room at Laie Inn, keep in mind that rates range from ($89-$99) per night. This price is one of the cheapest you'll find on Oahu. People from neighboring Polynesian islands and other countries with a variety of cultures make Laie Inn their home away from home. Large family's visit here and just get several rooms. The good thing is there is no limit on how many guests can stay in your room at one time. Most of the other hotels on Oahu want to know how many guests so that they can charge you more. Laie Inn does not do that. They are there to be welcoming and accommodating. There is a swimming pool. People have given large family BBQs, and pool parties at Laie Inn. The staff assists you with plates, napkins, and plastic utensils. The maids are extremely hospitable. Laie Inn is an older place with old carpets in some of rooms and furniture begging to be replaced, but the place is exceptionally clean. You will get fresh towels, shampoo, and soap daily. There is a complimentary breakfast consisting of muffins, guava juice, fresh fruit, and coffee. Get your complimentary newspaper, it isn't free anywhere else. One of the great things about Laie Inn is that it is right next door to The Polynesian Cultural Center. McDonald's is walking distance away. Take about 20 steps, hooray you are at McDonald's. This McDonald's is no average McDonalds it has historic Polynesian artwork and carvings inside and out. Instead of the mainland breakfast at McDonald's try the Portuguese sausage rice and egg breakfast platter.

Laie Inn
55-109 Laniloa Street
Laie, HI 96762
Phone #808-293-9282
Website:www.laieinnhawaii.com

Turtle Bay Resort

Turtle Bay Resort is a very lavish resort on two golf championship golf courses. The resort has been host to the PGA and LPGA Tournaments. This place has all the extravagance you are awaiting. It is tranquil. It stands alone on 5 miles of a beachfront land.

Golf

Turtle Bay is a "Golfer's Haven."Not only are individual lessons available, but you may choose from a "Golf Fitness or Golf Playing Lesson". Isn't enough? Just go ahead and take the whole day to take courses in the on-site "Golf Academy" If you don't need either, just reserve a day of "Golf Immersion" and play golf on your own terms.

Activities and Main Attractions

If golfing isn't your cup of tea, maybe Tennis and Horseback Riding are. Horseback riding on the north shore's beaches isn't something you do every day. Choose a "trail ride", or "private ride". If you are traveling with children 7 years old or younger, they will adore the "pony walks" where they can walk alongside the pony and take pictures with it. There are definitely activities for children. They will be well taken care of in the "Turtle Club" This club is for the entire family with activities ranging from lei making, night sand crab walks, Hawaiian games, arts, and crafts, and much more.

You could ride high, in the sky on a Helicopter Tour of the island of Oahu. After your tour of the islands head over to the resort shops and shop til' you drop.

Beach Activities

The Sand Bar has all the surfing and water equipment you need. Rent boogie boards, skim boards, snorkel sets, snorkel vests, volleyballs and underwater cameras, even suntan lotion.

If you need to brush up on your surfing skills, go to the Daily Free Surf Clinic you will learn proper paddling techniques, how to maneuver waves etc. Paying for a Private Surfing Lesson is also available. There's always just basic swimming in the two swimming pools at your disposal.

Fitness and Spa

Work off all the calories you've allowed yourself since you're on vacation, at the"Spa Luana Fitness Center" The fitness center is outfitted with the latest cardiovascular equipment. Personal training sessions or private yoga lessons can be taken.

Spa Luana will take you to a state of mind that reflects balanced harmony. Pure relaxation is giving your body an invitation to relax your entire mind, body, and spirit at Spa Luana.

Dining

Fine dining at its best isn't descriptive enough for the restaurants at Turtle Bay Resort. There are 7 restaurants, on the grounds of the resort. Choose whatever is to your liking.

21 Degrees North

The chefs in this establishment prepare only delightful, gourmet dishes. Indulge in refined cuisine as you taste the wine chosen from their extensive wine list. For starters try the local "Kahuku Shrimp, Avocado and Hearts of Palm", served with organic Pupukea greens.

Hang 10 Bar and Grill

Drink down one of the best Mai Tai's you've ever tasted at the bar. Or have lunch. Take hearty bites of the"Pan seared Cajun & Jerk Seasoned Ahi Salad" made with gourmet greens and lemon cream dressing. Try the "Hawaiian Ahi Sashimi "? It is served with pickled ginger, wasabi & shoyu. After your entrée, cool down with "Paradise Ice" a tropical Hawaiian ice made with real mango and passionfruit.

Sunday Brunch

You don't have to wait for Sunday to eat a Sunday brunch. Sip your complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling cider slowly, so it lasts. Then give your taste buds the splendid treat of Belgian waffles and made to order omelets. Every sense will awaken as the live music tickles your ears.

Turtle Bay Resort ranked 4 stars on reviews

****Cleanliness

****Rooms

****Service

****Pool

Turtle Bay Resort
57-091 Kamehameha Hwy.
Kahuku, Oahu, HI 96731
Phone# 808-293-6000
Fax# 808-293-9147
Website: www.turtlebayresort.com
Check out customer reviews at Website: www.tripadvisor.com

Laie Shopping Center

Foodland

This small shopping center is the only one in Laie, but it will benefit you as it does the locals. Inside Foodland you can get a temporary Maikai savings card to benefit from the store sales. You will need this card because the prices in Foodland are extreme when it comes to some products. I priced a spin toothbrush at nearly $10.00. Please bring your own toiletries from the mainland they will be cheaper than in Hawaii, especially in Foodland. They do have pre-made warm meals that are priced reasonably such as, rotisserie chickens, spam & chicken musubi (spam or boneless chicken & rice rolled in seaweed wrap), and local lunch plates. As well as cold deli products like delicious crab salad made with an island twist. I purchased crab salad with broccoli and olives in it, it was very good. Aloha Maid, Hawaiian Sun, and Diamond Head carbonated and non-carbonated local drinks are very good and much cheaper if you purchase them as a 6 pack rather than singles at 7 eleven. There is also a section to purchase souvenirs, buy flip-flops or what the locals call "slippas". Local Macadamia Nut chocolates straight from the factory can be bought at this grocery store for reasonable prices as well. Tip: Most things shipped from the mainland cost more. While in Hawaii, buy local.

There are 2 (atm) machines in this shopping center as well as a Bank of Hawaii for your banking needs. Taco Bell,Subway, Pizza Hut, familiar mainland chains, are alongside local eateries called, L&L Drive-Inn and Laie Chop Suey that serve local delicacies, all are there for your eating needs. Try some Hawaiian BBQ at L&L. The town's laundry mat, a small movie theater is in the same shopping center. Last but not least, "Angel's Ice Cream". Angel's Ice cream serves the best shave ice. A local favorite is the large rainbow ice, drizzled in creamy condensed sweet milk. Delicious.

Polynesian Cultural Center

This is the main attractions of Laie. You will not only learn Hawaiian customs from the past and the present, but learn culture from the neighboring Pacific Islanders. The Culture Center has recreated villages, huts, and exhibits to illustrate the lives of 8 Polynesian cultures from Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Marquesas, Tonga etc. Audience participation is welcomed. A favorite authentic Hawaiian tradition is the Hawaiian Luau. The Polynesian Cultural Center has price lists of all the different types of Luau's and all-you-can-eat buffets. The most popular and reasonably priced Luau is the "Alii Luau". Make comparisons on line on the website listed below. You will get better deals purchasing packages ahead of time, on line. Enjoy the shops and the IMAX Theater.

Tip: If you do not want to participate in the cultural center festivities. You can stop by for a hearty lunch from12:00 noon-1:30p.m..Its a BBQ luncheon buffet which includes a salad bar,sushi bar, barbeque chicken and fresh steamed local Kahuku shrimp, sweet corn and an assortment of desserts to finish off your meal.

Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Hwy.
Laie, Hawaii 96762
Phone# 808-293-3333
Toll free phone# 1-800-367-7060

Mormon Temple

The Laie temple rests on a hill on the northshore. It has cascading pool and a large fountain. The boulevard leading to this awe-inspiring temple that has been open to the public since 1978, is adorned with a tropical garden setting on one end and shady palm trees. Decorative lights are on the other side making this sight a superb one. Near the temple sharing the sight is the public visitors' center. This wondrous religious holy place is a must see. It means very much to the people of Laie. It was the first temple built in Polynesia, a church brought to the people. It sits on the original Mormon landholdings of Hawaii known as the Laie Plantation. The inside walls feature hand painted murals kept intact to resemble its original paintings.

Mormon Temple
55-600 Naniloa Loop
Laie, HI 96762
Phone # 808-293-2427

BYU Campus and University

The Campus is in the same area as the Mormon temple. In February, 1955 a portion of Laie was dedicated for the (BYU) building It was founded by and is supported by the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints (LDS). BYU's intercollegiate program is one of the best athletic programs in the country. The athletics department has received countless national rankings and with their continued success they will continue to earn recognition.

Website: www.byu.edu

Laie, Hawaii was a tiny isolated village long before the Polynesian Cultural Center was built. Now Laie has become known for some of the best beaches on the Northshore. It has culture, entertainment, and relaxation all in one. Come visit Laie you'll be glad you did.