Here are five ideas specially tailored to life in Laie that can set you apart from the typical cliché box of chocolates.1. Brunch at Hukilau CaféLocated on the corner of Loala Street and Wahinepee Street, the somewhat small and intimate Hukilau Café offers a wide variety of local home-style favorites including banana pancakes and fried rice with eggs and bacon. Although more of a casual dining location, the Hukilau Café provides amazing meals for an even more amazing price. The average dish usually will cost no more than $10. The hours for Hukilau Café are from 6 a.m. to 2: p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.2. Picnic in the Temple GardensSurrounded by the lush Hawaiian flowers and manicured lawns, the Laie Hawaii Temple offers the perfect grounds for a nice intimate Valentine’s Day picnic. The Temple Garden located immediately behind the Temple provides an array of tropical flowers and aromatic breezes. The gardens are ideal for a couple, but can work for groups as well. The Temple grounds are open to the public from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.3. Hike Laie FallsIf you are looking for a more adventurous Valentine’s Day then challenge yourself and your Valentine to one of the few hikes located in Laie. Laie Falls is one of the more popular hikes; it has received an 85% and is ranked as the #5 attraction in Laie, according to Trip Advisor. It takes approximately an hour and a half to reach the summit, but provides views that are breathtaking. The trail begins at the very end of Poohaili Street.4. Beach treasure hunts Creativity goes a long way and on Valentine’s Day. Being creative just may be the way to winning that special person over. A beach scavenger hunt is always a fun thing to do, but having a successful beach scavenger hunt takes planning. To begin planning you need to figure out what beach you will be having the hunt at. Laie offers a variety of beaches including Hukilau Beach, Temple Beach and Bikini Beach. Next, decide on the type of prizes you want to have at the end of the hunt or, in some cases, during the hunt. Finally, compile a list or map of items that need to be found.5. Scenic bike rides For the outdoorsy pair, a scenic bike ride might just be the perfect Valentine’s excursion. To the south of Laie, various beach parks gain the attention of the common passerby with their white sand beaches and gleaming blue water, while to the north of Laie rolling hills and shallow valleys cover the horizon. Depending on what the mood calls for, a bike ride to the north or south could be the ultimate Valentine’s memory.Uploaded Feb. 13, 2015.
Writer: Jared Roberts
