Is Lāʻie Point worth it?
Worth it if…Underrated · +26Free clifftop lookout at the end of a Lāʻie street facing the Kukuihoʻolua sea-arch islet
Worth it, with conditions. 4.8 across 2,599 reviews; reviewers say the sea arch looks like the photos. The only recurring complaints are parking and wind.
Hype39How famous and hyped it is
Reality65Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.8 ★ Google · 2,599 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Lāʻie Point? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote
An easy, free, photogenic stop if you're already driving the north or windward coast.
Why Reality is 65
Lives up to its fame4/54.8 across 2,599 reviews; reviewers say the sea arch looks like the photos. The only recurring complaints are parking and wind.
Value for money4/5Free and delivers a striking view for minimal effort; there's nothing else to do there, so the value is in pairing it.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5The sea-arch islet is distinctive, but dramatic coastal lookouts are common on Oʻahu (Lānaʻi Lookout, Hālona).
Easy to do3/5No hike or booking, but it is about 75 minutes from Waikīkī and parking is 'extremely limited' on a residential street.
What people loved
Dramatic cliffs, crashing surf and the sea-arch islet; reviewers say it looks like the photosQuick, easy stop with no hike requiredFree and a natural add-on to the Polynesian Cultural Center or a circle-island driveBeautiful at sunrise, with a small Hawaiian-history display installed by an Eagle ScoutWhat wore them down
Parking is tiny and in a residential neighborhood; you may have to waitNo restrooms, water or shadeStrong wind and uneven rocky ground; keep back from the cliff edge during big swellsNot worth the drive from Waikīkī on its own; it is a short viewpointKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: No reservation or fee; open daylight hours
EntryFree; no entrance feeSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursDaylight hoursSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ParkingExtremely limited, on a dead-end residential street; don't block drivewaysSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
FacilitiesNone (no restrooms or water)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Sea archOffshore islet Kukuihoʻolua, a seabird sanctuary with a hole through itSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
CrowdsCircle-island tours tend to arrive in early afternoon; come early for parkingSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
From Waikīkīabout 75 min by car to LāʻieSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
In their words
“Yes, the pictures are real. You can really see a hole-in-the-wall here.”
“Fabulous look out. But it’s an in a neighborhood. There is little to no parking. So just be patient.”
“If you have the chance to get up early enough it is beautiful and worth wait for the sunrise.”
“It’s a quick and easy stop with no long hike required, yet the scenery feels wild and spectacular.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
Is Lāʻie Point free?
Yes. It is a state wayside with no entrance fee, open during daylight hours.
Where do you park for Lāʻie Point?
In the small area at the end of Naupaka Street in Lāʻie. Parking is extremely limited; don't block residents' driveways, and come early before tour groups arrive.
What is the rock with the hole at Lāʻie Point?
It is Kukuihoʻolua, an offshore islet and seabird sanctuary with a natural arch through it.
How long do you need at Lāʻie Point?
Most visits are a quick stop of 15–30 minutes; there is no trail or facilities.
Are there restrooms at Lāʻie Point?
No. The state lists no facilities.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Hawaiʻi State Parks (DLNR) – Lāʻie Point State Wayside
- Go Visit Hawaii – Take me there Tuesday: Laie Point State Wayside (Aug 2022)
- The Hawaii Vacation Guide – Things to do in Lāʻie
- Google Maps – Lāʻie Point State Wayside