Amazing Facts About Laie Hawaii Temple
Every year, almost 100,000 people go to this ancient Mormon temple in Laie, Oahu's northeast coast. The Laie Hawaii Temple, which was recently refurbished, is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). The Laie Hawaii Temple is conveniently situated near Brigham Young University Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center, which are both affiliated with the Mormon religion.
Laie Hawaii Temple History
The Laie Hawaii Temple, completed in 1919, is the first Mormon temple constructed outside of the continental United States. It is now the world's fifth oldest and the oldest outside of Utah. The temple's architecture was selected by Joseph F. Smith, the church's president at the time, who wanted it to resemble Solomon's Temple, as it is referred to in the biblical canon.
The temple's front facade is built in the shape of a Greek cross. The façade also has four huge friezes portraying God's interactions with man. Inside the temple, murals decorate the walls.
There are sculptures on the temple grounds depicting the Prophet Lehi in a scene from the Book of Mormon, as well as Joseph being blessed by his father. Visitors entering the temple will notice the Maternity Fountain in front of the highest pool, which is surrounded by many reflection ponds. Tropical gardens with exotic vegetation are among the beautifully manicured surroundings.
Surrounded by beautiful Hawaiian vegetation and set on a gradually rising hill with flowing pools and a huge fountain, the Laie Hawaii Temple is located on Oahu's north coast, less than a half mile from the Pacific Ocean. Travelers on Kamehameha Highway cannot miss the eye-catching Hale Laa Boulevard, which connects the highway to the temple. The magnificent avenue is bordered on one side by a tropical garden and on the other by palm palms and beautiful lighting.
Good to know about Laie Hawaii Temple
- The Laie Hawaii Temple was Polynesia's first temple (and in Hawaii).
- As the first temple consecrated outside of the state (or region) where Church Headquarters was situated, the Laie Hawaii Temple was the first temple "delivered to the people."
- The Laie Hawaii Temple was the first temple to be constructed outside of the United States.
- The Laie Hawaii Temple was the smallest temple ever built by the Church, at just 10,500 square feet, but it has subsequently been expanded to nearly 40,000 square feet.
- The Hawaii Temple was the initial name for the Laie Hawaii Temple.
- The endowment was first presented via live performance at the Laie Hawaii Temple.
