In one aspect, a compact, lightweight, high-intensity and long-life LED lighting apparatus is provided. The LED lighting apparatus includes: a lens array including a plurality of lenses; a first circuit board including at least one LED (e.g., a plurality of surface-mount type LEDs); and a second circuit board electrically connected with the first circuit board to control illumination of the plurality of LEDs, wherein the second circuit board is configured substantially perpendicular to the first circuit board. In another aspect, a heat dissipation assembly is provided for a lighting apparatus that includes a first circuit board with at least one LED, and a second circuit board configured substantially perpendicular to the first circuit board.