Haleiwa North Shore Sign (Must-Stop Landmark on Oahu!)

There's more to the Haleiwa North Shore sign than a photo opportunity! Find out why you must add this stop to your Oahu itinerary and uncover the story behind this iconic landmark.

Symbolic icon of the North Shore

With its iconic image of a boy and girl riding a wave, the Haleiwa North Shore sign is more than just a roadside greeting - it's a symbolic landmark that captures the essence of Oahu's North Shore and Hawaii.

As you approach Haleiwa, the sign introduces you to the area's relaxed lifestyle, stunning beaches, historic town, and world-famous surf breaks that attract surfers from around the globe.

The design perfectly embodies the heart and soul and beach town vibe of the area. The two young surfers riding a wave symbolize Hawaii's surfing culture and the deep connection to the ocean that defines the North Shore.

The Hibiscus flowers, a classic Hawaiian symbol, add a touch of Aloha flair. The bold lettering invites visitors to explore the town's charming shops, delicious food, and beautiful beaches.

A beloved landmark for both locals and tourists, the Haleiwa sign truly embodies the spirit of the North Shore, making it a must-stop photo opportunity for anyone traveling to Oahu!

Haleiwa sign location

Cruising down Oahu's North Shore, you can't miss the iconic Haleiwa sign. There are two distinct signs - one of a boy riding a wave and another of a girl riding a wave. Both signs are large, brightly colored, and easy to spot.

They are located at the northern entrance to Haleiwa Town (Route 83), just before the traffic light. The boy sign stands on the eastern side of the town's entrance on Joseph P. Leong Hwy, while the girl sign is at the northern entrance to the town on Kamehameha Hwy.

So as you approach the North Shore from Waikiki or Honolulu through the pineapple road (Route 99), you first encounter the boy sign. Continuing north and passing the traffic light, you'll see the girl sign across the street.

Here you can see their positioning on the map with the red stars.

Photo opportunity

Taking a photo with this iconic sign is a tradition and a must-do activity on Oahu!

This landmark is one of Oahu's top Instagram-worthy spots on the island, so be sure to pull over for a quick photo with this welcoming sign!

Story behind the North Shore sign

The story of the Haleiwa North Shore signs began in 1996 when local business owners sought artist Carole Beller's creativity. They envisioned eye-catching landmarks that embodied the spirit of the North Shore.

Carole delivered with a vibrant design featuring a male surfer, which quickly became a favorite with residents and visitors.

The sign's popularity, however, came with a downside. Frequent theft and vandalism resulted in costly replacements for the town.

Understanding the sign's significance in attracting tourism and revenue, local businesses again partnered with Carole. This time, she created a companion piece - a female surfer sign.

The new addition was a big hit! Now, both the boy and girl surfer signs stand as iconic landmarks, welcoming visitors to Haleiwa Town and contributing to the continued growth of the local economy.

What to do nearby

After taking your photos with the sign, we highly recommend you go into Haleiwa Town before you do anything else on the North Shore.

Plan to eat at one of the best food trucks and restaurants in town! Grab a refreshing acai bowl or shaved ice, or try a delicious Hawaiian poke bowl.

Stop at the beautiful beaches near the town, and be sure to go swimming at Haleiwa Beach Park or at a minimum, put your feet on the warm sand!

We made a list of the top things to do in Haleiwa and the most popular activities on the North Shore, so be sure to check them out and explore the area!