Oahu
by Jordan Green

Latter-day Saints have been in Oahu nearly as long as the pioneers have been in Utah. Known as “The Gathering Place,” this island is home to a variety of people full of faith, fun, and aloha.

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Missionaries who were serving in northern California were first called to preach in Polynesia in 1850. The first convert was baptized the next year, and in six months, there were five congregations with over two hundred people. In 1865, the Church purchased land in Laie for a colony, sugar factory, and schools. These structures, in addition to the temple completed in 1919, brought attention to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In fact, ten years after the Church developed Laie, the village became a favorite visiting place for King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani. The King even contributed to building the community chapel and laid the cornerstones in place during the dedication ceremony.

In 1921, Elder David O. McKay envisioned that a university—adjacent to the temple—would make Laie the educational and spiritual center of the LDS Church in the Pacific. At the groundbreaking ceremony in 1955, President McKay predicted the university’s students would influence millions of people over the coming years. Today, BYU-Hawaii is a four-year liberal arts school with 2,400 undergraduate students from more than seventy countries.

In 1914, a young missionary named Matthew Cowley was serving in New Zealand and developed a deep loved for the Maori people. He was concerned with the erosion of traditional island cultures. Cowley said he hoped “to see the day when my Maori people down there in New Zealand will have a little village there at Laie with a beautiful carved house. . . the Tongans will have a village too, and the Tahitians and Samoans and all those islanders of the sea.”

Unfortunately, Cowley didn’t live to see his dream realized. Over the decades, others worked to establish what is now known as the Polynesian Cultural Center, which was opened in 1963. This tourist attraction is owned by the Church and employs many BYU-Hawaii students as a means to help them pay for tuition.

Today, Hawaii has two temples (Laie and Kona) and nearly 65,000 members. With all prophecies fulfilled, Laie remains Oahu’s true “gathering place.” Although you should spend some time in the small town, you will likely want to visit additional places during your stay on the island.

Pearl Harbor
As another top tourist destination in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial remind visitors of the tragic attack on December 7, 1941. More than one million people visit the harbor annually to see the remains of the Arizona, where 1,177 crewmen lost their lives, and to tour the U.S.S. Missouri—the ship where General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s unconditional surrender on September 2, 1945, ending World War II.

It’s best to get to Pearl Harbor early in the morning before the tour buses arrive. While you’re there, you can view a 23-minute documentary film about the attack, check out the U.S.S. Missouri Memorial, and take a boat to the U.S.S Arizona Memorial. Allow 75 minutes for the tour. Also nearby is the U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial, where 423 crewmen died.

Chinaman’s Hat
If you’re driving on the east coast of the island, you’re bound to see a cone-shaped island off the shore. The outcropping of lava off Kualoa Point resembles a peasant’s hat worn by the rural Chinese, so it was named Chinaman’s Hat. The surrounding reef is home to a plethora of marine life.

Although you can see the island from a number of vantage points, the best view is on the island itself. You can walk to the island during low-tide, but during the wintertime, it’s best to use kayaks. On the island, you’ll fi nd a small beach in a secluded cove. There’s also a cave that’s perfect for exploring.

Diamond Head
As the most famous volcanic crater in the world, Diamond Head should absolutely be on your list of things to see. Located on the southeast coast of the island, Diamond Head got its name from British soldiers who saw the glimmering calcite crystals from a distance and believed there were diamonds in the soil.

The volcano has been extinct for 150,000 years, so there’s no reason to worry about hiking the Diamond Head trail. When the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898, they built a defense fort called Fort Ruger in the crater.

Waikiki Beach
If you don’t mind the crowds, take a stroll along Waikiki Beach, a two-mile stretch in Honolulu. Lined by hotels and resorts, Waikiki Beach is the tourist Mecca of Hawaii. For decades, people have gathered here to soak up some sun, splash in the surf, and go canoeing—outrigger style.

Waikiki Beach is a great place to learn how to surf, especially since the waves will be smaller in the summertime. Shops around the shore rent surfboards and offer surfing lessons. While you’re in Waikiki, you might as well check out the hotels and shops after the sun has set. It’s definitely an adventure!

Iolani Palace
The Iolani Palace is a Hawaiian national treasure and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States. The palace served as the official residence of the kingdom’s last two monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. It was the center of social and political activity during the monarchy period.

This national historic landmark is located in downtown Honolulu. It’s a great place to learn more about Hawaiian history and heritage. Go to www.iolanipalace.org to find times and prices for tours.

North Shore
The North Shore of the island is just packed with adventure. Sunset Beach boasts having the biggest waves, which means surfing competitions are always going on. Check out surfers as they ride (and wipe out) on twenty-foot swells. And make sure to stay for the amazing sunset—after all, it’s not called Sunset Beach for nothing.

No trip to Oahu would be complete without stopping at Matsumoto’s, the world’s most famous shave ice shop, located in Haleiwa. These inexpensive treats come in every flavor imaginable, and are a great way to cool off from the Hawaiian heat.

Nestled at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains is the peaceful Byodo-In Temple. This Buddhist temple is a replica of one in Japan, and houses the largest wooden Buddha made in over nine hundred years. You can walk around the gardens and enjoy a tranquil afternoon among lotus leaves and fi sh ponds.

Ted’s Bakery in Haleiwa makes an unforgettable Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie, so delicious people come from all over just for a slice.

Some believe that Laie’s Hukilau Café’s banana pancakes were the inspiration for Jack Johnson’s song “Banana Pancakes.” Their delicious food also inspired the filmmakers of 50 First Dates, who actually used the café as inspiration for the movie’s set.

Laie Hawaii Temple
Sitting on eleven acres, the Laie Hawaii Temple gleams as a beacon to Hawaii and Polynesia. This temple was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day in 1919 by Harold B. Lee and, until the Hamilton New Zealand Temple was completed in 1956, served as the temple for Hawaii and the Pacific islands. It is a smaller version of the Cardston Alberta Temple, although it was completed beforehand to be the fifth temple built during the last dispensation.

The Laie Temple is situated in the middle of a large plot of lush, landscaped ground and appears larger than it really is. The surrounding land is beautifully crafted with palm trees, a descending pool, and tropical flowers. Watch the sun set behind the temple and stop by the newly renovated visitors’ center.

Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is the number-one paid attraction in Hawaii, and for good reason, too. Just a short walk from BYU-Hawaii and the temple, the PCC has seven native villages where visitors can participate in daily adventures of the Hawaiian and South Pacific cultures. The tour visits the people and islands of Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, the Marquesas, Tahiti, and Tonga.

While you’re there, feast at Hawaii’s most authentic luau and enjoy the singers and dancers at the world’s largest night show. A definite must-see for all ages. Check out www.polynesia.com to purchase tickets.

Dole Plantation
The Dole Plantation, located in Wahiawa, boasts “Hawaii’s Complete Pineapple Experience.” This historic plantation was one of Oahu’s first pineapple plantations, where thousands of immigrants found their homes in Hawaii. Today, the plantation supplies much of the country’s pineapple products.

Some attractions include the Pineapple Express, a train that takes passengers on a tour of the agricultural lands of the plantation; the Pineapple Garden Maze, the world’s largest maze with 1.7 miles of paths; and the Plantation Garden Tour, a self-guided tour of the variety of crops grown on the North Shore. For a special treat, dig into some Dole Whip ice cream. Go to www.doleplantation.com to learn more.

Waimea Falls
Waimea Falls is located in the 1,800-acre Waimea Valley Audubon Center, a beautiful rainforest area on the North Shore of Oahu. After a short walk to the waterfall, you’ll find a breathtaking backdrop of tropical plants, a plethora of tropical birds, dark lava rock, and rushing water. Go to waimea.audubon.org to find out more.

Visitors are welcome to wade or swim in the pool and enjoy the waterfall. In ancient times, the Hawaiians believed that the falls had healing powers to help their wounded soldiers. In fact, the water has a reddish tint because of the iron oxide in the volcanic soil through which it flows, and water with iron oxide is known to bring people happiness and health.

LDS Living, July/August, 85-89

Comments on this article	ADD COMMENT
My Memories of Hawaii Posted by Bette from Oregon My husband and I went to Hawaii in the late 80s and experienced all the tours you spoke of. Such good memories. Your article is beautifully written. I can smell the flowers and taste the pineapple ice cream. Must go there one more time.
it's alright......... Posted by A. from O'ahu The names and places that you've written about in your article of places to visit while in O'ahu are correct. They are of interest. Just make sure you got lots of water, good shoes and a hat on. Another place, just to shop, is the elaborate Aloha Stadium Swap Meet on Wednesday's, Saturday's and Sunday's. Saturday being the best day, w/the most vendors. A'hui ho.........
Article on Oahu Posted by Leigh ann from Lake Worth, FL My husband & I & our then 17 year old son visited another son stationed at Pearl Harbor in Jan 2007. Your article was a flashback, as we did visit all of those places while we were there. It was a wonderful trip to a beautiful place, indeed. Thanks for the remembrance, this is a great basic guide for future visitors to follow.
Ah, I remember... Posted by Beverly from New York City It was fun to read your article and reminicse on my month long stay in Hawaii in 1984. I did many of the things you spoke of, snorkeling and the luau and sunset being among my favorites. The PCC was amazing and it is probably even better now. I will always remember the soft trade winds and the fresh smelling floral lais around my neck from the island of Oahu. Truly, paradise on this earth.
Oops... Posted by Michael from Laie, HI "This temple was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day in 1919 by Harold B. Lee" - actually the Laie Temple was dedicated in 1919 by Heber J. Grant.
I miss Hawaii Posted by Marianne from Lacey, WA We lived there for 5 years and like others I can still remember getting off the plane and the beautiful smell of the flowers. Going shopping at the swap meet and good friends. Getting to know the local families was the best. When I visited a few years back it was great to have friends and to go visit. It's well worth the visit.