Lā'ie is at the northern end of Oahu's windward coast. It is the center of Hawaii's surprisingly substantial Mormon community. The Latter Day influence is evident in the stately 1919 temple, which is a smaller version of the main temple in Salt Lake City. Lā'ie also boasts a local branch of the Brigham Young University (BYU). The Mormon-run 'nonprofit' Polynesian Cultural Center is Oahu's second-most-popular attraction (behind the USS Arizona Memorial). BYU's Pacific Island students earn their college by dressing in native garb and demonstrating Polynesian crafts, dances and games to tourists. The cultural center also includes a re-creation of a 19th century mission house and chapel.

There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Lā'ie. The town is 35 km north of Honolulu.

Lā'ie ©Josh Glauser

Lā'ie ©Josh Glauser

Lā'ie ©Wesley Riddle