Get to know Haleiwa Beach Park on Oahu's North Shore and plan your beach day! This complete visitor's guide covers everything you need to know and includes invaluable local tips. See why this beach deserves a spot on your must-visit list in Hawaii!
Haleiwa Beach Park isn't your average North Shore beach. With captivating views, calm waters, fun activities, and unique features, it's no wonder tourists and locals keep coming back here daily!
Whether you're looking to relax on the beach or go for a swim, it has something for everyone to enjoy. Join us as we explore all that this beautiful beach park has to offer.
Where is Haleiwa Beach Park
Haleiwa Beach Park is located on the North Shore of Oahu, at the northeastern entrance to Haleiwa Town, between the iconic Rainbow Bridge and Pua'ena Point, and across the street from the Macadamia Nut Company farm.
Usually, it takes us about an hour's drive from Honolulu and Waikiki and approximately 40 minutes from the airport.
Its location is very convenient! Just a short walk away, you'll find a variety of restaurants and shops where you can grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir.
How to get there
The easiest and fastest way to get here is by car. It's convenient and gives you more flexibility in exploring the surrounding area.
You can also get here by bus. While this option is a budget-friendly alternative, it may take longer depending on your starting point and the bus schedule.
The good news: parking is free! On most days, you'll find ample parking spots near the WWII monument.
What's the beach like
Haleiwa Beach Park is known for its calm waters, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. It stretches 12 acres with a spacious grassy field that provides ample room for various recreational activities.
Water conditions: The water here is calm throughout the year, with gentle waves that softly wash on the shore.
Beach space: There is plenty of space available on the sandy shore for visitors to stretch out, relax, and play beach games.
Shoreline: Haleiwa offers a smooth sandy entry into the calm waters. While there are patches of reef, you'll mostly be walking on sand.
Sand texture: Bonus perk, the sand! It's coarse-grained and doesn't stick to you, so you can easily brush it off.
Shade: You will find some shade under a few trees scattered throughout the beach and ample shaded areas in the park itself.
Must-see at Haleiwa Beach Park
Haleiwa Beach Park stands out as one of the best locations on the North Shore for watching the sunset with unobstructed views.
Watch the video!
And it's clear why! The colors are incredible, and the park faces west, giving you straight views of the sun setting on the horizon.
Summer evenings offer a classic sunset with the sun sinking into the ocean, while in winter, the sun dips behind the silhouette of the beautiful Ka'ena Point mountains.
The surrounding views make the sunset here even more special: the Haleiwa Harbor, boats crossing the channel, fishermen, surfers, kayakers, and SUP paddlers in the water. It's a magical scene!
Truly one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen in my life happened here. Photos and video will never do this majestic place justice. You have to come here!
Activities & things to do
Beyond its mesmerizing sunsets, Haleiwa Beach Park offers many activities that keep visitors, families, and locals coming back for more. Here are 8 top things to do:
- Relax on the beach: First, the beach is a picture-perfect setting for relaxation. Stretch out on the sand, feel the warm sun on your skin, and let a good book whisk you away.
- Enjoy the calm waters: The calm waters are a unique feature of this beach, perfect for swimming and families with little ones who can safely play along the shore.
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding: This is a top spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the North Shore. During the day, a lot of people paddle here, and even at night, you can join guided tours on illuminated paddle boards to explore the area.
- Explore the Anahulu River: Here is the launching point for crossing the iconic Rainbow Bridge and exploring the Anahulu River with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. It's a must-try activity we recommend for everyone!
- Picnic and play: The large grassy area is perfect for having picnics, barbecues, playing games, and hosting parties such as birthdays and baby showers.
- Haleiwa Beach Park War Memorial: Steeped in history, the park also features the North Shore War Memorial. The monument honors those who lost their lives in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
- Surf 'Chocolates': During winter, when the surf reaches warning levels, small waves can break on the south side of the beach (known as "Chocolates"), creating an ideal spot for kids and beginners to surf. The water is a little brown here from the Anahulu Stream.
- Experience the Haleiwa Arts Festival: Finally, an annual event hosted here every summer is the Haleiwa Arts Festival. The event and local artists are worth checking out!
What about snorkeling?
A lot of visitors enjoy snorkeling here due to the easy ocean access and calm waters. However, the waters are not as clear and rich with marine life as Shark's Cove and Waimea Bay.
Amenities & facilities
You'll be pleased to know that Haleiwa Beach Park offers many amenities and facilities for your convenience and enjoyment. Here's what you can expect to find:
- Restrooms with changing areas
- Showers
- Picnic tables
- Playground for kids
- Basketball court
- Tennis court (bring your own net)
- Ample free parking
- Bus stop
- Note: It's worth noting that there are no lifeguards stationed at this beach.
Best time to visit
With the beautiful weather of Hawaii, you can enjoy this beach, its activities, and breathtaking surroundings any time of the year.
As for popular times and days of the week, we notice weekends are the most crowded, with locals and visitors spending the day there.
Also, mornings are generally quieter, while mid-afternoon and sunset times draw larger crowds.
Where to rent kayaks & paddleboards
There are three locations nearby to rent beach gear, including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards:
- We recommend checking out Surf N Sea. They have all the beach rentals you need!
- Blue Planet Adventure is located right across the street from Surf N Sea. When you rent their equipment, you can paddle directly from their dock on Anahulu Stream.
- Rainbow Watersports is a rental van offering kayaks and paddleboard rentals stationed on the beach, directly across from the Beach House restaurant.
Insider tips
Sea life you may see: It's probable to spot turtles swimming around! Keep an eye out on the water because they often surface to breathe.
Don't forget this before you go: Bring towels, a hat, reef-safe sunblock, sun shirt, sunglasses, beach chairs and umbrella, and snacks.
Must-do activity: One thing we can't recommend enough you do here is to rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and cross the Rainbow Bride to explore the Anahulu Stream! It's an easy, relaxing paddle with amazing views.
Dine with a view: The Beach House restaurant is directly across the street, and we suggest dining there with wide-open views of the beach.
Check out the shops just steps away: Walk over to the iconic Surf N Sea surf shop. You'll find gifts, souvenirs, clothing, surfboards, and so much more.
Bring your pets: Dogs are allowed here, so bring them! They'll love playing on the sand and dipping in the ocean 🙂
Fun fact: Haleiwa Beach Park is one of Hawaii's historic property sites, and it was built in 1939.
Conservation Etiquette
Let's keep Haleiwa's beauty pristine! While exploring the ocean, avoid touching coral or stepping on it - it takes years to recover. Similarly, admire sea turtles and other marine life from a safe distance, without touching them.
Remember to pack out all your trash and respect the residents to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Faqs
How late do the restrooms stay open at Haleiwa Beach Park?
Restroom facilities at Haleiwa Beach Park are open from 7 am to 10 pm, so plan accordingly. However, the park areas and beach remain open for visitors day and night.
Can I fish at Haleiwa Beach Park?
Visitors are allowed to fish here. You'll often see fishermen and their fishing poles by the shoreline or on the rocks lining the harbor.
This is a fantastic spot for a day trip, but overnight camping isn't allowed. However, Kaiaka Bay, just a short 3-minute drive away, offers overnight camping permits.
Ready to explore beyond Haleiwa Beach Park? We've got everything you need to know for an amazing trip to the North Shore. Check these out:
We'd love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment, and share your experiences during your visit.
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