Haleiwa Harbor is a beautiful marina on Oahu's North Shore, offering year-round recreational activities. Whether you're a visitor or a local, this guide covers everything you need to know, from boat tours and ocean activities to local facilities and more.
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Where is Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor
The Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor is located in historic Haleiwa Town on Oahu's North Shore.
It takes about an hour to arrive from Honolulu or Waikiki and only 40 minutes from the airport.
Built in 1966 at the mouth of the Anahulu Stream, the harbor is surrounded by great spots for outdoor activities. To the west is Ali'i Beach Park, while Haleiwa Beach Park and Pua'ena Point Beach are just across to the north.
Getting there
While the bus is an affordable way to get to the harbor, we recommend renting a car or joining a tour shuttle for a quicker trip. The fastest route from Honolulu is inland via the H1 and H2 freeways.
Harbor activities
Haleiwa Harbor is a top spot on the North Shore for various recreational and ocean activities. Here are some of the most popular ones that visitors come for:
Haleiwa Shark Tours
One of the top activities people come to Haleiwa Harbor for is joining a dive tour to swim with sharks, whether you're in a cage or free swimming outside.
Several highly rated tour companies will take you out on a boat right from the harbor and provide all the necessary snorkel gear!
The experience is unlike anything else, and we highly recommend trying it. You'll see many sharks swimming around you!
Haleiwa Fishing Charters & Jetty Fishing
Enjoy sport fishing? At Haleiwa Harbor, you can book a fishing charter or you can fish off the jetty at the mouth of the harbor.
The harbor's jetty is a favorite among local fishermen. We often see them there catching plenty of fish, and there are many spots to set up your pole.
If you want to catch bigger fish like ahi (yellowfin tuna), mahi-mahi, or even a giant blue marlin, here is a great place to hire a fishing charter for you and your friends for the day.
Snorkeling Tour
A popular activity is chartering a boat for a snorkeling trip with a small group of friends and family.
The boat departs right from Haleiwa Harbor and takes you to great snorkeling spots, where you might see reef fish, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and more.
It's a fun way to snorkel compared to just going to the beach. The experience is excellent; they provide all the snorkeling gear you need!
Private Sunset Cruise
Hop aboard this beautiful sailboat at Haleiwa Harbor for a relaxing evening watching the sunset and creating unforgettable memories during your Hawaiian vacation.
This activity is perfect for small groups, whether you're with family, friends, or that special someone. It lasts about two hours, and you're welcome to bring along your favorite drinks and food!
Ocean Activities Around the Harbor
The shoreline surrounding Haleiwa Harbor is also used for many ocean activities. You can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding through the iconic Rainbow Bridge, surf at Ali'i Beach Park, or relax and swim at Haleiwa Beach Park.
If you're interested in learning to surf, Pua'ena Point is the best place to take surf lessons, while the Haleiwa Trench is a great deep-water scuba diving spot.
Additionally, this location is excellent for taking photos of the Rainbow Bridge or watching the sunset.
Things to Do Nearby
- Dining: Treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Haleiwa restaurants and food trucks, with some just a short walk from the harbor. Or explore the food scene on the North Shore.
- Shopping: Go shopping in Haleiwa Town and explore the local boutiques, gift shops, surf shops, art galleries, and more.
- Photo Opportunity: Don't miss your chance to take a picture with the iconic Haleiwa North Shore Sign. It's a must-do when you're on Oahu!
- Sacred Site: Visit Kaiaka Bay Beach Park just west of the harbor. This beautiful peninsula is a holy spot where Hawaiian kings and chiefs once honored their gods.
- Beaches: While in the area, explore the most popular beaches on the North Shore, such as Waimea Bay, Pipeline, and Sunset Beach, which are just a few miles away.
- More Activities: Here are the best things to do in Haleiwa and the best activities on the North Shore.
Can't wait to visit us? Check out the live webcams at Pipeline and Waimea Bay!
Facilities & Amenities
Here are the facilities and amenities you'll find at Haleiwa Boat Harbor:
- Public restrooms
- Ample free parking
- Vessel washdown
- 64 berths
- 26 moorings
- 2 loading docks
- 3 ramps
- Fish hoist
Contact & address
For any general questions, as well as inquiries about berth availability or slip fees at Haleiwa Harbor, contact the Department of Land & Natural Resources at (808) 637-8246 or email [email protected].
Address: 66-105 Hale’iwa Road, Hale’iwa, Hawaii 96712-0178
Local insights
- The boat ramps and washdown facilities are open to everyone, and you can launch your boat or jet ski at any time with no associated costs.
- You'll also find plenty of spacious free parking for trucks and trailers.
- While the marina itself is quite beautiful, it's worth noting that you may occasionally encounter homeless individuals in the area.
- Heading out on a shark tour? Don’t forget to bring your GoPro camera! You’ll definitely want to capture those close-up moments with the sharks as they swim by the cages!
- If you decide to spend a few nights in the area, here are your options for accommodations on the North Shore.
Haleiwa Harbor FAQs
Haleiwa Harbor is about 12 feet deep and has an entrance channel that is 740 feet long and 100 to 120 feet wide. This makes it suitable for small boats, fishing vessels, and ocean tours operating in the area.
Haleiwa Harbor was built in 1966 and cost $1.2 million. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining the project structures and depths in the entrance channel and turning basin, with the last dredging done in 2010.
Fishermen at Haleiwa Harbor are permitted to catch legal-sized fish in season with one rod and no more than two hooks, crabs using up to 10 nets (each no larger than two feet), shrimp for bait with a hand net no bigger than three feet, and authorized baitfish like nehu and iao if they have a Bait License. Licensed pond owners can also take young mullet (pua) or small fish for stocking their fishponds.
Got questions about Haleiwa Harbor? Let us know in the comments, and we'll be happy to help!
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