Aloha!
HaleiwaTown is a locally run travel guide to Haleiwa and the North Shore of Oahu, created by Adriana and Chuck Harlan, who have lived here for nearly 30 years.
What you'll find on HaleiwaTown
We share what it's really like here, along with detailed, up-to-date information to help you get to know the area before you arrive.
You'll find in-depth guides to beaches, surf seasons, restaurants, local shops, hikes, and the best things to do on the North Shore.
Everything on this site is based on our experience living here. We personally visit the places we write about and take the photos you see throughout the site.
We update our guides regularly so they reflect current conditions, new openings, and seasonal changes.
Who we are
We're Adriana and Chuck Harlan, a married couple who have built our lives here on Oahu's North Shore.
Surfing is what first brought us here, and it's still a big part of our lives. Over the years, we've built our careers, friendships, and businesses in this community, and Haleiwa has truly become home.
Adriana
- Editor-in-Chief
The North Shore of Oahu first won me over at 15, when I traveled from Brazil to compete in professional bodyboarding at Pipeline. I moved here in 1997 and have called the North Shore home ever since.
I studied marine science at Hawaii Pacific University and later worked as an oceanographer at UH. In 2004, I launched HaleiwaTown.com, combining my love for this community with an interest in web development and storytelling.
When my food blog, LivingHealthyWithChocolate, grew into a full-time business, HaleiwaTown took a back seat for several years. In March 2024, I relaunched the site and now run it full-time again, drawing on over two decades of living here and years of experience in content creation, photography, and video.
When I'm not working, you'll usually find me in the ocean with Chuck - bodyboarding, surfing, kitesurfing, or traveling to surf destinations around the world.
Chuck
- Photographer
I moved to the North Shore in 1996 after falling in love with surfing. Originally from Central Florida, I've called this place home ever since.
Surfing and photography have shaped much of my life here, and I'm behind the lens for all the photos and videos you see on HaleiwaTown.com.
My photography has been featured digitally and in print publications worldwide. Through HaleiwaTown, I share the landscapes, surf, and everyday moments that make the North Shore unique.
When I'm not shooting photos, I work in Hawaii real estate. Outside of that, you'll usually find me in the water with Adriana, surfing, kitesurfing, traveling, or spending time with our pets.
Why we started HaleiwaTown
We founded HaleiwaTown.com in 2004 because we saw how many visitors were arriving on the North Shore without clear, up-to-date information about the area.
We wanted to create a practical, locally written guide that reflected what it's actually like here, not just a list of attractions, but real context about the beaches, businesses, and seasonal changes that shape this side of the island.
From the beginning, we've cared about supporting local businesses and encouraging visitors to experience the North Shore in a thoughtful way.
We also believe in protecting the environment and respecting the culture and community that make this place home.
Our vision
Our goal is to create a reliable, long-term resource for visitors who want to understand the North Shore beyond just a quick stop.
We care about sharing accurate information, supporting local businesses, and helping visitors experience this side of the island in a thoughtful way.
We also believe in respecting the land, the culture, and the community that make the North Shore what it is.
What sets us apart
HaleiwaTown has been locally owned and operated since 2004. Everything we publish is based on firsthand experience, years of living here, and ongoing involvement in the community.
We combine nearly three decades of North Shore residency with professional backgrounds in marine science, photography, content creation, and real estate, giving visitors practical insight rooted in real life here.
Our work has been featured in HuffPost, LATimes, Popsugar, CBSNews, Marriott, Men's Journal and other global publications.
Feedback & comments
We always appreciate hearing from our readers, whether it's feedback, questions, or suggestions. You can email us at info@haleiwatown.com and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Want to stay in the loop? Join our mailing list to get our latest articles, local updates, and occasional deals sent straight to your inbox.
Marketing opportunities
Interested in partnering with us? For business inquiries, collaborations, or marketing opportunities, send us a message at info@haleiwatown.com. We'd love to connect.
Start planning your trip
New here? Begin with these guides to get a clear picture of Haleiwa and the North Shore before you arrive.
Want our North Shore cheat sheet?
We've created a practical North Shore cheat sheet to help you plan your visit with key tips and local insight.
If you'd like a copy, join our newsletter and we'll send it your way, along with occasional updates we share with our community.
Liz
Island hopping to North Shore area after a few days in Maui. We (3) ladies would like to stay near Hale'iwa town. We were looking at renting a studio or ???? for 2 nights.....Can you recommend anything for us? Mahalo
Adriana
Hi Liz, please check out our post about places to stay on the North Shore for all the options and let me know if you have any more questions.
liz
Thank you very much for your help !!! We greatly appreciate it.
Liz