Laie without a temple

The Laie Hawaii temple went from overflowing with people and workers for its last open week to a lonely, empty building, soon to be renovated. The temple was open after-hours to accommodate the crowds of people coming to squeeze one last session in before the temple closed.

For hundreds in Laie and thousands on Oahu, life will be different for the next 18 months. Workers, missionaries, community members, students and tourists will surely miss attending the beautiful temple.
You never appreciate what you have until it is taken away. For now, the exterior can still be enjoyed if you can ignore some scaffolding on the side.

It has only been a few weeks, and still, many temple regulars are feeling a loss with the closure of the temple. With accommodations and travel to Kona still a little steep for students, many are forced to sacrifice and save up for a future trip. We were truly spoiled with the temple right next door.