Hukilau Beach Park - Beaches On Oahu Laie, Hawaii

Hukilau Beach Park was once known as Laie Beach which would easily be confused with La'ie Beach Park (Pounders). Now just called Hukilau Beach, this is small beach park primarily enjoyed by residents near Laie and students at Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

The park has a large grassy area near the parking lot, with several shady trees surrounding it. To the north side of the parking lot is a gated area where tents are set up for the day and families will BBQ and enjoy the day at the beach.

During the summer months the swimming and snorkeling can be good. During the winter the currents can be strong which can make swimming less safe and snorkeling a no-go. The beach is relatively narrow but that doesn't deter sunbathers from enjoying it. When things are calm it can be a good family beach where children will boogie board during the summer months with the small surf. There are showers and restrooms here as well.

Off in the distance, you can see Mokuauia Island, known as Goat Island, and on a calm day with a low tide you can walk out out to it. But that's only for those who know what they're doing and not something we suggest you try.

From 1948 to 1971, the beach was a popular tourist attraction. Tourist could participate in a "Hukilau" event which included fishing, enjoying a luau, buying handmade arts and crafts, and watching Polynesian dancing. The Hukilau was conceived of as a fundraising venture by local members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) to help build the chapel in this community. The chapel still stands today as a tribute to the past and present residence of Laie.

There are some rules here to follow since the park area is on private land. First up are the limited hours and fact that the parking lot is closed on Sunday (you can probably thank the Mormons for that one). All beaches in Hawaii are public, of course, so if you plan to come here on a Sunday when the lot is closed you'll need to park elsewhere. No camping or fires are allowed here and if you leave your car in the lot after hours they'll tow it.

• Facilities: Grassy Area	• Facilities: Picnic Tables	• Facilities: Showers	• Type: Shady	• Sand Type: Regular
• Parking: Good / Plenty	• Good For: Fishing	• Good For: Sunrises