Restaurants in Haleiwa

This guide to Haleiwa restaurants will help you find the town's best places to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Whether you're in the mood for Hawaiian or Mexican food or are eager to try the famous Haleiwa food trucks, we've got you covered.

Quick note: We update this post regularly to keep you informed as restaurants may close, move, or transition from food trucks to permanent locations, or new ones may open in town.

Haleiwa Town is the main center for dining on Oahu's North Shore, where you'll find a mix of restaurants, juice bars, local cafes, and food trucks, each offering international influences.

Many of these places use local, farm-to-table ingredients, much like those at our weekly Haleiwa farmers market, and prepare dishes with the freshest catch of the day.

With so many great options, we're here to share our favorite places to eat in Haleiwa for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, we’ll point you to restaurants with a view, where to grab dessert, enjoy a drink, and more.

Want to dine overlooking the harbor or Haleiwa Beach Park? Let’s dig in!

Breakfast in Haleiwa

We believe you'll really enjoy having breakfast in Haleiwa Town. The mornings here are usually calm and peaceful, and it's a great spot to enjoy a delicious breakfast and kickstart your day.

Most places open around 8 AM and serve breakfast and brunch until lunch. There are plenty of options for freshly brewed coffee, pancakes, eggs, burritos, sandwiches, smoothies, and cold açaí bowls.

Here are our favorite cafes and restaurants for breakfast in Haleiwa:

• Coffee: For a great morning cup of coffee in a cozy local cafe, go to Coffee Galley, Coco's Trading Post, or Island Vintage Coffee. We also have a Starbucks in town.

• Pancakes, eggs, breakfast burritos, and sandwiches: Cafe Haleiwa and 9th Island Vegan are our top choices. The Waialua Bakery has amazing sandwiches, fresh bread, and pastries daily. Also, Farm to Barn and Kono's offer great food with outdoor seating.

• Smoothies, juices, and açaí bowls: If you're looking for healthy smoothies or açaí bowls, our favorites are Haleiwa Bowls, Nalu Health Bar and Cafe, and the authentic Brazilian açaí bowl from Crispy Grindz food truck!

Favorite lunch spots

You’ll find plenty of places to eat for lunch in Haleiwa! Some have outdoor seating, others are cozy sit-down restaurants, but our favorite is grabbing takeout and enjoying it by the beach with an ocean view.

From local Hawaiian cuisine to pizza, burgers, Mexican, Thai, Japanese food and more, let us review our top spots:

Hawaiian food: In town, you can savor authentic Hawaiian flavors like traditional plate lunches, poke bowls, kalua pork, and fresh seafood. Our top picks are Poke for the People, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, and The Smoking Boar & The Coconut (just a few minutes outside Haleiwa Town).

Standard American cuisine: At lunchtime, several of the sit-down restaurants in Haleiwa that serve American-style cuisine include:

• Haleiwa Beach House - offers indoor seating with ocean views.
• Haleiwa Joe's - offers indoor and outdoor seating with ocean views.
• Uncle Bo's - offers indoor and outdoor seating.
• Stonefish Grill - offers indoor and outdoor seating with views of the town.
• Ray's Broiled Chicken - eat outdoors and try Ray's rotisserie chicken! So good!

Mexican food: Craving Mexican? Head over to Cholos Mexican Restaurant in the North Shore Marketplace for a big burrito and a margarita. Or, check out our favorite Mexican food truck, Surf N Salsa, known for its homemade, authentic dishes.

Thai food: If you're craving Thai, check out the Khan & Phim Thai food truck or Rajanee Thai restaurant. A quick tip for Rajanee Thai: their 'medium' spice level is on the hotter side, so be ready for some heat!

Japanese food: For a delicious Japanese lunch in Haleiwa, head over to No7 Japanese. Their food is so good that they went from a food truck to opening a restaurant in town!

Best place to get garlic shrimp: Big Wave Shrimp (featured on Food Networks DDD) and Giovanni's Shrimp Truck are two of the most popular places to eat in Haleiwa, both known for their garlic butter shrimp plates.

Burgers and more: Looking for the best burgers in Haleiwa? Check out Kua' Aina, Teddy's Bigger Burger, or our favorite, Seven Brothers. Each offers indoor and outdoor seating with great views of Haleiwa Town.

Pizza: In the mood for pizza? Spaghettini is a local favorite, but if you're after something a bit different, try Jax Wood Fire Pizza or our top pick, Wicked Pizza - a food truck serving delicious sourdough crust pizzas.

Sandwich shops: For a great sandwich in Haleiwa, check out Konos, Waialua Bakery, Farm to Barn, and Storto's Deli. All of these spots have outdoor seating with views of Haleiwa Town.

Top Haleiwa restaurants for dinner

There are plenty of great places to eat dinner in Haleiwa if you're looking for something casual or a nice spot to celebrate a special occasion.

Our go-to restaurants are Stonefish Grill, Uncle Bo's, Jorge's Taco & Ceviche Bar, and Rajanee Thai, but there are plenty more to check out.

Here are a few more top dinner spots we love, each known for their specialty cuisine:

Standard American cuisine:

• Haleiwa Beach House: One of the more upscale restaurants in Haleiwa, yet with a relaxed, casual vibe - ideal for enjoying dinner with ocean views across from Haleiwa Beach Park.
• Haleiwa Joe's is one of the most popular restaurants on Oahu. It’s a great place to dine outdoors while enjoying the sunset by the harbor.
• Uncle Bo's: With its inviting atmosphere, Uncle Bo's serves a diverse menu that blends the flavors of Hawaii, America, Asia, and beyond.

• Stonefish Grill: A great spot for celebrating special occasions, Stonefish Grill serves fresh, delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere, with occasional live music. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a bar. Don’t miss their crab cake salad - it’s one of our favorites!

Mexican food:

• Cholos: One of the oldest and most popular restaurants in town, with cool Mexican decorations on the walls and some seriously tasty chips and salsa.
• Jorges Taco & Ceviche Bar: Specializes in delicious tacos and ceviche dishes. We recommend trying their giant beer-battered fish burrito!
• Surf N Salsa (food truck): One of our favorite spots for Mexican food on the North Shore. Be prepared for long waits and lines, so it's a good idea to order ahead online through their website!
• Killer Tacos: A family-friendly, fast-casual spot serving up tasty and affordable tacos and burritos.

Sushi & Japanese food:

• No7 Japanese: Not only great for lunch, but it's also open for dinner! It serves some of the best Japanese food in Haleiwa, making it a good place to celebrate special occasions.
• Banzai Sushi Bar: A local favorite for fresh, high-quality sushi. Whether you sit inside or outside, the vibe is relaxed, and it is a great restaurant to celebrate special occasions.

Thai food:

• Rajanee Thai: This Thai restaurant in Haleiwa is a go-to for fresh papaya salads, curries, and stir-fry dishes. We love it for birthday celebrations and often see professional surfers dining there too.

• Khan & Phim Thai: Formerly known as Thai Bo, this Thai food truck is a local favorite for lunch or dinner. The prices are great, and their dishes, like curries and stir-fries, are packed with fresh veggies and full of flavor.

Spanish & Mediterranean cuisine:

• Maya's Tapas & Wine: An excellent Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant in the North Shore Market Place. The food is delicious, especially the lamb empanadas and ceviche! It’s a perfect spot for celebrating anniversaries or other special events. Highly recommend!

Pasta & pizza:

• Spaghettini: It's one of the best pizzas on Oahu. Their pizza rivals authentic New York-style pizza with a perfect crust and sauce. They also serve fantastic pasta dishes! This place has a great island vibe in the heart of town. Highly recommend!

• Jax Wood Fire Pizza: If you're craving pizza, this is one of our favorite spots in Haleiwa! They bake their pizzas in a wood-fired oven, which gives it that perfect crispy crust. Plus, they've got gluten-free options if that's your thing. The fresh ingredients, relaxed vibe, and friendly staff make it a great place to hang out. Definitely a must-try!
• Wicked Pizza Food Truck: We’re big fans of their pizza, whether for lunch or dinner. The thin, sourdough crust is the real standout - it’s seriously delicious.
• Jerry's Pizza: Just a quick 2-minute drive outside Haleiwa in Waialua, Jerry's is a local favorite. They serve delicious, thin, crispy crust pizzas, and their prices are hard to beat - especially with $5 slices on Tuesdays! Definitely worth checking out!

Burgers:

• Kua' Aina: This burger spot is one of Haleiwa’s oldest and offers great prices in a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Parking can be tricky in front, but there’s extra parking behind the building. The service is always friendly, and here’s a fun tidbit: it’s rumored to be Obama’s favorite burger joint!
• Seven Brothers: If you're in the mood for a big, tasty burger, this is the spot! It's a local favorite, and the food definitely lives up to the hype. The vibe is super chill, and even though there's often a line, it's worth the wait. Come hungry - you won't be disappointed!
• Teddy's Bigger Burger: This place is a must-visit! They offer customizable options, including vegan choices, in a fun, casual setting. Don’t miss out on their fries and onion rings - they're a perfect side to your burger.

Food trucks

There is no shortage of amazing food trucks scattered throughout Haleiwa Town, and their popularity is growing stronger and stronger on Oahu's North Shore!

There are so many food trucks in town that we recommend you drive around and try as many as you can, not just the well-known Giovanni's Shrimp truck.

Most are open for lunch, but many are also open for breakfast and dinner, so double check the hours before you head over.

Also, be aware that some of the most popular trucks can have very long lines and wait times, so go before you’re starving or order online, just in case!

Here are some food trucks in town we think you'll love:

• Surf N Salsa (Mexican)
• Haleiwa Seafood & Grill (sea food)
• Ry’s Poke Shack (local Hawaiian)
• Khan & Phim Thai, formally Thai Bo (Thai food)
• Hono’s Shrimp Truck

Desserts & sweet options

When it comes to dessert in Haleiwa, you're in for a real treat! While many sit-down restaurants have their own sweet offerings, a few dedicated dessert spots are worth checking out. Here's a list to satisfy your sweet tooth:

• IL Gelato Cafe: This is the place to be if you’re craving authentic Italian gelato. They also serve warm, delicious crepes, perfect for a sweet treat after a meal.

• Matsumoto Shave Ice: This place is world-famous for its shave ice, so don’t be surprised if you find a long line. It’s totally worth the wait though – the flavors are unbeatable!

• Sweet As: A super delicious newer ice cream shop near the Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge.
• Bananza!: Famous for their custom chocolate-dipped frozen banana.
• North Shore Crepes Cafe: This popular food truck serves delicious sweet and savory French crepes with a Hawaiian twist, using local, organic ingredients.
• Waialua Bakery: A charming bakery loved by locals and visitors, offering a variety of freshly baked pastries, bread, and other sweet treats. A must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth!

• North Shore Goodies: Not technically a dessert shop, but their homemade peanut butter is so delicious it could easily pass for dessert! Be sure to try the chocolate coconut or coconut peanut butter - trust us, they're amazing 🤤!

Best bars in Haleiwa

Haleiwa may not have the nightlife scene of Waikiki, but there are still a few great places to grab a drink.

Here are some of our top picks for restaurants with bars. Keep in mind that most close around 10 PM, and some even feature live music - be sure to check their websites for the latest details!

• Cholos Mexican
• Haleiwa Joe's
• Mayas Tapas & Wine
• Uncle Bo's
• Stonefish Grill
• Jorges Taco & Ceviche bar
• Teddy's Bigger Burger

Haleiwa restaurants with ocean view

We often get asked if there are any restaurants on the beach in Haleiwa. So, let's explore where you can have a meal with scenic ocean views. You'll have 3 options:

1. Haleiwa Joe's: This is a great spot for brunch or dinner, especially with its oceanfront location. You can enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful views of Haleiwa Harbor, the Rainbow Bridge, and those amazing North Shore sunsets. It’s got a relaxed vibe that’s perfect whether you're just hanging out or celebrating something special. They serve fresh, locally sourced seafood, juicy steaks, tasty appetizers, and have a killer selection of signature cocktails.
2. Haleiwa Beach House: This restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, is located in a prime beachfront spot just across from Haleiwa Beach Park. With a menu and atmosphere similar to Haleiwa Joe's, the two-story building offers beautiful ocean views. While the top floor, which provides an even better view, is currently closed to diners, the street-level floor is still open and well worth experiencing.
3. Picnic benches at the beach: Many restaurants in the area offer takeout, and a great way to enjoy your meal is by sitting at one of the picnic benches at the beaches in Haleiwa, with a beautiful ocean view.

FAQs

Looking for more dining options on the North Shore? Check these out: