This complete visitor's guide to Haleiwa Town is packed with information and insider tips. Explore all that Haleiwa has to offer, from its renowned beaches and local cuisine to shops, activities, accommodations, and so much more!
Haleiwa is a charming town on the North Shore of Oahu that every traveler must explore while visiting Hawaii. It's one of the most popular destinations on the island!
The town is full of history, has a lovely country feel, and a laid-back atmosphere. Its main street has a vintage surf-town vibe, lined with unique local shops and boutiques, art galleries, food trucks, restaurants, and more.
This is also where you'll get to visit world-famous beaches, and you'll have many things to do with the family. The surrounding natural beauty is stunning!
In this complete visitor's guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about Haleiwa Town, offering you our local insights and recommendations.
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Brief history of Haleiwa Town
As we step back in time, Haleiwa Town is full of history! We have some cool historical photos and a ton of info about it in our post about the history of Haleiwa Town. Here's a brief overview:
- What does Haleiwa mean - The word Haleiwa is properly spelled Hale'iwa and is pronounced hah-lay-EE-wah, which means "house of the frigate bird" in Hawaiian.
- Origins in the Early 1900s - The town traces its roots back to the early 1900s when it emerged as a community devoted to the sugar plantation industry on the North Shore of Oahu.
- World War II Significance - During World War II, it played a role, contributing to the war effort and leaving a lasting impact on its history as a resilient and adaptive community.
- Cultural Landmarks - The town is adorned with iconic landmarks, including the Haleiwa Bridge which carries historical significance and a unique identity.
- Transition to Surfing Capital - Over the years, Haleiwa evolved from its plantation past to become renowned as the surfing capital of the world, attracting surfers from across the globe.
- Aloha Spirit and Warmth - Beyond its historical landmarks, Haleiwa is characterized by the genuine warmth of its residents, embodying the aloha spirit that welcomes visitors with open arms, making it not just a destination but a heartfelt experience.
Getting to Haleiwa
Haleiwa is geographically located on the North Shore of Oahu. The drive to the town takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Honolulu or Waikiki by car, depending on traffic. Driving from the airport, you'll enjoy a shorter 35-minute drive.
You have the option to get here by car, bus, Uber, or taxi. There are also private or group tour buses that come to the North Shore daily that you can join.
You know you have arrived on the North Shore when you see the welcoming iconic landmark of the Haleiwa North Shore sign at the entrance to Haleiwa Town.
Best time to visit
If you're planning to go to Haleiwa, we've got some valuable information to help you decide the best time of year to visit. Here's what you can expect:
- Weather: Enjoy year-round sunshine with warm temperatures. Winters bring more rain and cooler nights at 60-70°F, while summer days can be warm and humid, reaching 80-98°F.
- Ocean conditions: Summer offers calm ocean conditions, perfect for activities like swimming, snorkeling/scuba diving, and fishing. However, from October to late April, the surf can become significantly large, ranging from 2ft to 40ft or more.
- Number of visitors: Haleiwa Town is a popular destination with travelers year-round, but in late fall and winter, we tend to see an increase in visitors and surfers coming to watch and surf the big waves, resulting in heavier traffic.
Outdoor activities & things to do
From relaxing on Haleiwa's beautiful beaches to eating tasty local food and shopping in charming boutiques, the town also offers many other things to do and see! Here are just a few you must consider:
Snorkeling with friends and family.
Paddleboarding or kayaking in the Anahulu River under the famous Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge.
Observing Hawaii's green sea turtles.
Hiking popular trails nearby.
- Watching giant waves in the winter.
- Whale watching.
- Diving with sharks in cages or cage-free.
- Fishing tours.
- Taking surf lessons.
- Horseback riding nearby.
- Visiting surf museums, art galleries and macadamia nut farm.
- Exploring the many popular food trucks.
- Swimming and scuba diving.
- Watching the most beautiful sunsets by the marina.
- Camping at Kaiaka Bay Beach Park.
- Skydiving and glider rides nearby with breathtaking mountain and ocean views.
- And so much more! Check out the top things to do in Haleiwa.
Beaches and surf spots
While there are many beaches on the North Shore, like the iconic Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach, there are four main beaches near Haleiwa Town and a few surf spots we recommend you check out - these include:
- Ali'i Beach Park is a great beach to hang out and watch the surfers, and it's a surf spot for surfers of all levels, from kids and beginners to advanced surfers.
- Haleiwa Beach Park is one of the best beaches to watch the sunset! Here, the water is calm year-round and perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Only on occasion does the surf get large enough to break here.
- Kaiaka Bay Beach Park has a large, grassy area near the shore, perfect for camping and enjoying a few nights at the beach with the family.
- Pua'ena Point has picturesque views where visitors can take surf lessons or watch the surfers.
- Avalanche is a surf spot that only breaks on large swells - for advanced surfers only. Visitors can watch this incredible wave from Haleiwa or Ali'i Beach Park.
- Walls is an intermediate to advanced surf spot between Ali'i Beach Park and Kaiaka Beach Park. It is a long right-hander that breaks offshore and is difficult to see from the beach.
Watch the Pipeline Surf Cam and Waimea Bay live!
Local cuisine and dining
As the main town on the North Shore, Haleiwa is the focal point for dining options in the area. From beloved spots like Cholo's Mexican and Haleiwa Joe's to the iconic Matsumoto Shave Ice, here is where you'll find a variety of restaurants and food trucks.
Haleiwa is brimming with food trucks scattered everywhere you turn! Giovanni's Shrimp Truck serves its renowned garlic shrimp plates, and there are a ton of other amazing trucks to dine and explore around town.
Our comprehensive Haleiwa restaurant guide gives you an in-depth overview of the dining options in the area and our top recommended spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus check out which are the best food trucks in town!
Shops and boutiques
Haleiwa Town is home to numerous shops and boutiques housed in charming plantation-era buildings.
You'll find several art galleries, surf shops, souvenir and gift shops, and so much more. Most of these are located in the North Shore Market Place, Haleiwa Store Lots, and Haleiwa Town Center.
Check out the shops in Haleiwa to find what you're looking for!
Grocery stores
Haleiwa has two grocery stores, Malama Market and Celestial Natural Foods. The two shops are small but carry almost everything you'll need.
Malama Market grocery store in the center of town.
Celestial Natural Foods is a vegan store selling organic produce since 1974!
You'll also find Longs Drugs in town, where you can pick up prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, health and beauty products, household essentials, snacks, and beverages.
Lastly, the only other supermarket along the North Shore is Foodland, about 15 minutes from Haleiwa, next to Sharks Cove Beach. And in the neighboring town of Waialua, you will find a small mom-and-pop market called Waialua Fresh.
Hotels and accommodation
In Haleiwa and the North Shore, there are only a few lodging options, including a hotel, a hostel, and selected vacation rental homes.
Here's a brief overview of some of the choices you have:
- Hotel: The only hotel in the area is Turtle Bay Resort, located 13 miles north of Haleiwa Town. It's a beautiful place to stay with full amenities, including golf courses, restaurants, and spas. These amenities come at a cost, and their nightly rates are on the higher side.
- Hostel: For a more budget-friendly and communal experience, consider Backpackers Hawaii. Their accommodations offer shared and private spaces right across the street from the beach.
- Vacation Rentals: There are very few short-term vacation rentals available. Your best bet is to check out the condo units at Kuilima Estates located at Turtle Bay Resort or find a few other homes listed on Airbnb.
- Other accommodations: Given the high demand and limited choices, our North Shore accommodations guide offers a variety of additional accommodations options, insider tips, and suggestions for you to consider when choosing a place to stay, so be sure to check it out!
Nearby Attractions
Waimea Valley
Just a quick drive from Haleiwa, Waimea Valley offers a scenic hike or shuttle ride through its lush botanical gardens, leading to a beautiful waterfall - perfect for a refreshing swim.
As you stroll through the botanical gardens, you will find various indigenous plants and trees found nowhere else on Earth. You'll also see the history and culture of the early Hawaiians who called this valley their home.
The valley also has the perfect setting for having lunch at one of their cafes and exploring local gifts and crafts at the weekly farmers market. We also recommend the Polynesian Luau with fire knife dancing!
Dole Plantation
A visit to Haleiwa wouldn't be complete without a trip to the nearby Dole Pineapple Plantation! It's a popular tourist destination you must check out!
Here, visitors can learn about Hawaii's pineapple industry, walk through vibrant gardens featuring various pineapple varieties, navigate through the unique pineapple maze, and enjoy pineapple-themed treats at the on-site restaurant and gift shop.
Tip: Check out the most popular activities on the North Shore of Oahu for more ideas!
Insider tips & suggestions
- Timing: Visit during the winter months to witness the impressive surf on the North Shore, or opt for calmer waters during the summer.
- Attire: Pack light, comfortable summer clothing, and don't forget your swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for beach days. Also, bring a sweatshirt for windier days and colder nights.
- Transportation: We highly recommend renting a car to explore the North Shore. See the FAQs below to understand why.
- Lifeguards: It's worth noting that lifeguards are present at most beaches on the North Shore, but in Haleiwa, only Alii Beach Park has a lifeguard on site to keep everyone safe. Be cautious of high surf, and always check the local surf report before heading out.
- Safety: For the most part, the town is safe and welcoming for tourists. While you may encounter some homeless individuals, they tend to keep to themselves and don't disturb anyone.
- Budget: In Hawaii, everything tends to be a bit pricier, including hotels, gas, activities, and food. So, be prepared for the higher costs and budget accordingly!
- What to be aware of: It's important to note that rental car break-ins are a problem statewide. So, to prevent any issues, avoid leaving valuables in your car or anything visible.
FAQs
In our opinion, it is much easier and more convenient to have a car to get around the North Shore and explore the entire area. In Haleiwa Town, some of the shops and restaurants are within walking distance, but we still recommend having a car.
There are very few Uber or Lyft in the area, and there are no taxis. Also, it's expensive to hire an Uber to come from Honolulu or the airport - it may cost you $50-$100 one way.
For budget-conscious travelers, utilizing the bus system for transportation is a viable option. However, it's important to note that bus rides can be time-consuming, requiring transfers along the way and additional walking from bus stops to your desired destinations.
There are several locations to rent snorkel and scuba gear, surfboards, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards in Haleiwa.
We recommend Surf N Sea, the shop near the iconic Rainbow Bridge for a wide range of water sports gear. Blue Planet Adventure is another option located right across the street from Surf N Sea.
Summing up why visit Haleiwa
Considering the drive from other parts of Oahu to Haleiwa Town or contemplating a stay in the area during your vacation? Let us summarize what Haleiwa is known for and give you a few compelling reasons to convince you to visit:
- Contrasting with the bustling atmosphere of Honolulu and Waikiki, Haleiwa Town has a country feel and offers a more tranquil and rural ambiance, creating an ideal setting for relaxation.
- With its charming historic town center, it offers visitors quaint boutiques and gift shops, popular food trucks, and local flavors.
- The area is a must-visit for outdoor activities, including hiking, water sports, and wildlife exploration.
- Haleiwa is recognized as the world's surfing capital, with renowned surf spots that offer an impressive display for spectators. It attracts surfers from around the globe and hosts major surfing competitions during the winter months, making it an incredible destination to watch the action.
Looking for more info? Check these out:
* Be sure to check out our advanced and beginner's guide to surfing the North Shore!
If you're planning a trip and have any questions or you've you been here before, we'd love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment below, ask your questions, and share your experiences during your visit.
Joanne says
Where are the public washrooms located in Haleiwa? Mahalo
Adriana says
Hi Joanne, there are public bathrooms in the North Shore Market Place near Cholos restaurant, another in the Haleiwa Town Center behind First Hawaiian Bank, and also at Haleiwa Beach Park.