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Dates on a budget: Laie edition

Isabelle (Izzy) Hanson, wearing a black and white squared shirt and Jaden Hills wearing a grey shirt, both in black pants smiling at each other with the Hukilau Marketplace in the background.
Isabelle (Izzy) Hanson and Jaden Hills demonstrate date ideas in Laie.
Photo by Mark Daeson Tabbilos.

Small town entertainment provides budget-friendly date opportunities for BYU–Hawaii students. Laie is filled with inexpensive and fun date opportunities provided by the University and surrounding community. Whether you are dating, engaged or married, these dates provide opportunities to get to know your partner in a fun and exciting way that doesn’t break the bank.

Bookstore rentals:

Check out the BYUH Bookstore for cheap beach day rentals. For only $6, students can rent a volleyball and net for a day. Take it on down to Hukilau Beach and enjoy the waves and the sand. The bookstore also offers bodyboards for only $5.

At home restaurant dish recreation:

Copycat recipes are easy to find online and will be cheaper than going out to the restaurant itself. Cooking together will also allow for time to get to know one another and requires team effort.

Isabelle Hanson smiles looking at a clear glass sitting besides Jaden Hills, sitting on a striped blanket on the grass with shrubbery behind them and a picnic basket in front of them.
Photo by Mark Daeson Tabbilos

Laie Falls:

One of the closest waterfall hikes the island has to offer in Laie is Laie Falls, a 7.9-mile hike that requires a permit for usage. Pack some snacks and a swimsuit and prepare for an exciting day trip.

Scavenger picnic:


Laie is lucky enough to have beautiful weather all year round and the beach is a great location for a picnic. Instead of spending money on basic PB and J sandwiches, visit your friends and ask for their help. Collect food and finish the date at Hukilau or Temple Beach with your mismatched picnic basket.

Window shopping:

Isabelle Hanson and Jaden Hills laughing at each other while sitting at a wooden table.
Photo by Mark Daeson Tabbilos.

The Hukilau Marketplace is home to many shops, but that does not mean you have to buy anything. A sneak peek into the Polynesian Culture Center, the Marketplace is a great place to window shop and find some treats.

BYUH Give & Take:


Thrifting is the new treasure hunting. For 30 minutes of service at the BYUH Give & Take, located behind the Temple View Apartments, students can take home all sorts of quirky items. From your finds, see who can put together the funniest outfit.