Laie

The town of Laie on Oahu's North Shore is a quiet, unassuming home to some of Hawai'i's most popular attractions. Although countless visitors pass through the area every year, the people of Laie maintain a mellow, island-style rhythm to life.

The most popular tourist attraction in Laie is the Polynesian Cultural Center, which showcases customs and traditions of people from around the Pacific. Nations like Samoa, Fiji, and New Zealand are just a few of the lands visitors can experience through authentic demonstrations and exhibits. Whether it is learning the hula, playing Polynesian games, or properly cracking open a coconut, the Polynesian Cultural Center gives a taste of what life is like for the people of the Pacific.

At night, the Center also puts on a luau that includes authentic Hawaiian food, music and dancing. The main course is a whole pig cooked in a traditional Hawaiian imu, which is essentially an underground barbeque pit.

Just down the road from the Polynesian Cultural Center is another popular Laie attraction, the Mormon Temple. Completed in 1919, the temple is the first one built in the Pacific and at 10,500 square foot, the smallest temple ever built by the Mormon Church. The church is also located adjacent to Brigham Young University-Hawai'i, making the area a hub of religion and education in the community.

Because of Laie's relative remoteness, the Malaekahana state park is a popular area for campers. Located directly on the beach, campers have the chance to enjoy a simple nature getaway. Several different cabins are available for rent and Malaekahana has long been a refuge for locals and tourists alike to kick back on the beach and relax.

Those looking for someplace to eat in Laie should try the Hukilau Café. The breakfast menu is always a delicious way to start a day and the plate lunches are ideal for eating on the beach. Best known for massive portions and a friendly staff, the restaurant is a hidden gem that draws an increasing number of patrons.

When merely driving through, Laie probably looks just like any other small town on Oahu. But if you are willing to slow down and look around you'll see that Laie has a whole lot to offer.

- Jason Kamimoto