Where Is Byu-Hawaii Located? A Detailed Overview

If you’ve heard of Brigham Young University-Hawaii and wondered where exactly this university is situated, you’re not alone. Many prospective students and visitors often ask – where is the BYU-Hawaii campus located?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: BYU-Hawaii’s campus is located along the north shore of Oahu island in Laie, Hawaii.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll give you an in-depth look at the location of BYU-Hawaii. We’ll cover specifics like the address, city, island, region – even providing a map. You’ll get a full picture of where this university campus is situated.

BYU-Hawaii is Located in the Town of Laie on Oahu’s North Shore

Laie’s Geographic Coordinates

Brigham Young University-Hawaii is situated in the small town of Laie, located on the northern shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Specifically, the campus is located at 55-220 Kulanui Street in Laie, HI 96762.

Laie has the geographic coordinates of 21°38′15′′N 157°55′54′′W. For those not familiar with geographic coordinate systems, the numbers indicate Laie’s precise latitude and longitude location on earth.

The quaint beach town is flanked by the breathtaking Turtle Bay Resort to the west and Malaekahana Beach State Recreation Area to the east. Towering emerald mountains provide a picturesque backdrop to the quiet community settled below sea level near the ocean shore.

Driving Directions to Campus

The most common way to access the BYU-Hawaii campus is by vehicle. Here are step-by-step driving directions from Honolulu International Airport:

1. Start out heading northeast on N Nimitz Hwy toward Iwilei Rd
2. Take the H-1 freeway east toward Kaneohe
3. Continue on H-1 through the lush Koʻolau mountain range for about 30 miles
4. Take exit 7 to merge onto Kamehameha Hwy/HI-83 toward North Shore
5. Drive north for 15 miles along Oahu’s eastern shoreline
6. Turn right onto the Kamehameha Hwy/HI-83 ramp to Laie
7. Turn left onto Anemoku St and continue as it becomes Laie Rd
8. Turn right onto Kulanui St to reach the BYU-Hawaii campus entrance

The total drive time from Honolulu International Airport to BYU-Hawaii is normally 60-75 minutes, covering approximately 45 miles. Of course travel times may vary due to traffic conditions.

Flying into Honolulu and renting car is generally the most efficient method for getting to campus. However, the island also has public bus systems, shuttles, taxis and other transportation options available.

The town is relatively small but offers amazing beaches, hiking trails, and attractions for students. For a map view of Laie in relation the BYU-Hawaii campus, visit https://map.byuh.edu/.

The Campus Sits Alongside the Laie Hawaii Temple

A Brief History of Laie

The small town of Laie on the north shore of Oahu has a unique history intertwined with the Church of Latter-Day Saints. In 1865, after facing persecution in the continental US, Mormon pioneers purchased 6,000 acres of land in Laie to establish a gathering place and temple site.

The town grew over the decades as a central hub of the LDS faith in the Pacific. The striking white Laie Hawaii Temple was dedicated in 1919 after years of construction, establishing Laie as a vital spiritual center for Mormons across Polynesia.

Today over 70% of Laie’s residents are Mormon, drawn by the presence of the temple and Brigham Young University’s Hawaii campus.

The Temple and University Complex

The Laie Hawaii Temple and BYU-Hawaii campus sit side-by-side, connected by a shared walkway called the Temple Way. This proximate location enables students to easily attend the temple between classes if they wish.

About a fifth of BYU-Hawaii’s 3,000 students are from outside the US, hailing from 70 different countries. Many make the long journey to Laie specifically to study in the special spiritual environment the area offers next to the temple.

For visitors and students alike, the temple grounds provide a peaceful, well-maintained open space with lush tropical landscaping. Botanical gardens near the temple showcase native Hawaiian plants and trees.

The temple itself has an east-facing mural depicting a Hawaiian landscape with images of coconut trees and the sea. Its architecture combines modern construction with nods to Hawaiian culture, including designs echoing the shape of a volcanic cinder cone.

Together, the campus and temple form the cultural and spiritual heartbeat of Laie. Their storied presence continues to shape the town’s unique identity as an LDS haven nestled on Oahu’s famed North Shore.

The Island of Oahu and Its North Shore Region

Oahu’s Distinct Regions

As the most populated Hawaiian island, Oahu features several distinct regions. The South Shore, including Honolulu and Waikiki, is the economic and tourism hub. Central Oahu has suburbs, farmland, and military bases like Schofield Barracks.

The Windward Coast gets ample rainfall and is a haven for seaside living. Finally, there is the famed North Shore with epic surf breaks and a slower pace of life.

The North Shore’s Famous Surf Breaks

The North Shore is a surfing mecca cherished for big winter swells and a variety of reefs creating renowned waves like Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, Pipeline, and Banzai Pipeline. Shortboarders, longboarders, bodyboarders, and bodysurfers from Hawaii and around the world flock here between November and March when waves can reach over 30 feet.

Locals are protective of these breaks and there is a code of respect among surfers. The surf culture here highlights community, passion for riding waves, and living close to nature. Non-surfers enjoy spectating waves,Learning about the North Shore’s distinctive surf areas offers more insight into this unique coastal region of O’ahu.

Description of Iconic Breaks

Here are some of the North Shore’s most notable surf spots, treasured for offering both incredible waves and rich history:

• Pipeline: One of world’s most famous and dangerous waves, breaking over shallow lava reef in 6-8 ft faces. Site of many pro competitions.
• Waimea Bay: A wide sandy bay with waves from 5-25+ ft during winter months. Hosts prestigious Triple Crown events.
• Mavericks: A treacherous break formed by underwater canyon channeling swell, with massive 20-30 ft waves around late fall through winter.

Statistical Data Related to Oahu’s North Shore

Here are some interesting statistics related to Oahu’s famed North Shore region (source: Visit Oahu Tourism Site):

As these statistics suggest, those seven miles of Oahu’s famed North Shore packs incredible scenic natural beauty and hosts world-class surf breaks that fuel a thriving surf culture each winter season.

Locals, Hawaiians, wave-riders, and visitors from around the globe all cherish this unique coastal area.

Mapping BYU-Hawaii’s Campus Location

Latitude and Longitude Coordinates

BYU-Hawaii’s campus is located at 21°39’33″N 158°1’41″W in the town of Laie on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. More specifically, the campus coordinates pinpoint the George Q. Cannon Activities Center, which sits at the heart of campus.

Satellite View of Campus

Getting a bird’s eye view via Google Maps satellite imagery shows the full span of BYU-Hawaii’s campus. Stretching from Laie Point on the east to Hukilau Beach on the west, the grounds encompass around 170 acres of buildings, outdoor spaces, and scenic coastline.

Notable landmarks visible from above include the iconic Hawaii Temple, the McKay Building (the main administration building), the George Q. Cannon Activities Center, the John A. Widtsoe Building (the central classroom building), and the two residence hall complexes – Hale 1st and 2nd along with the Lanihuli dorms.

The tropical landscape is also readily apparent in the satellite photography. Lush green vegetation abounds throughout campus, including grassy quads, towering palm trees, and dense shrubs and bushes.

With both the beautiful Polynesian Cultural Center and the pristine shores of the Pacific Ocean bordering the grounds, BYU-Hawaii’s location is truly one-of-a-kind with a picturesque campus nestled between natural and cultural wonders.

Conclusion

In this article, we took an in-depth tour of where exactly the BYU-Hawaii university campus is situated – right in the heart of Laie town on Oahu island’s famed North Shore.

With the background provided on the geography, history and maps of this unique location, you now have a full picture of where to find BYU-Hawaii. Whether you’re a prospective student or planning a visit, you’ll now easily be able to locate this one-of-a-kind university campus alongside the iconic Laie Hawaii Temple.

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