Lāʻie Point State Wayside is a small coastal lookout at the end of Naupaka Street in Lāʻie, on Oʻahu’s northeastern shore. From the rocky point, you can look across the Pacific to an offshore islet pierced by a natural arch, with the Mokualai Islet Seabird Sanctuary and the Koʻolau Range in view. A granite plaque tells the Hawaiian legend of Laniloa the Moʻo. There is no sandy beach here; come for the waves, the coastal scenery and a short walk out to the viewpoint.
The sea arch and offshore islets
Lāʻie Point extends into the Pacific from the northeastern shore of Oʻahu. The small wayside park sits at the end of Naupaka Street in a residential area. From the rocky point, the main landmark is an offshore islet with a large opening through its center. Waves strike the cliffs and rocks below, and the view also takes in the Mokualai Islet Seabird Sanctuary and the Koʻolau Range.
This is a coastal viewpoint, not a sandy beach. The walk out is short, but the ground is rocky and the shoreline is exposed. Strong surf can make the water dangerous, so keep a safe distance from the edge. The point is also known as a spot for cliff jumping, but the conditions described here are a reason to be cautious, not to treat it as a casual swim.
The Laniloa the Moʻo legend
A granite plaque mounted on a lava rock at the point tells the story of Laniloa the Moʻo. In Hawaiian tradition, moʻo are lizard spirits. One account connects the offshore islets to the remains of a moʻo slain by the legendary brothers Kana and Niheu. The plaque gives you a way to read about the legend while looking toward the formations it concerns.
Accounts of the story differ, so the plaque is the most direct place to learn the version presented at the point. Take time to read it, and treat the site with care. Lāʻie Point lies in a residential neighborhood, where limited parking can make arrivals slower; keep the visit considerate of nearby residents.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Lāʻie Point State Wayside?
It is at the end of Naupaka Street in Lāʻie, on Oʻahu’s northeastern shore.
What can you see at Lāʻie Point?
The rocky lookout faces an offshore islet with a natural arch, the Pacific Ocean, the Mokualai Islet Seabird Sanctuary and the Koʻolau Range.
Is there parking at Lāʻie Point?
Parking is limited at the end of the residential street. Be considerate of nearby residents when you park and walk to the point.
How long do you need at Lāʻie Point?
About 20 minutes is enough for a short stop to walk out, look at the coast and read the plaque.
