Haleiwa Town History

Learn the history of Haleiwa Town from its humble beginnings as a sugarcane plantation village in the 1800s to becoming a renowned surfing mecca and thriving tourist destination today.

Located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Haleiwa is a charming beach town with a rich history that spans centuries. It is truly a "place in time."

From its humble beginnings as a sugarcane plantation village to its present-day status as the surfing capital of the world, Haleiwa has undergone a fascinating transformation over the years.

Here, we'll dive into the history of Haleiwa Town, exploring its origins, pivotal moments, and how it has evolved into a vibrant, sought-after destination for locals, tourists, and surfers alike.

Early Settlements and Plantations (1800s)

In the early 1800s, Haleiwa Town and Waialua were primarily used for agriculture, with Native Hawaiians cultivating taro, cane sugar, and other crops.

Around this time, the arrival of Europeans introduced new farming practices, contributing to the growth of the local economy. Sugar plantations began attracting a diverse group of settlers, changing the ethnic mix of the North Shore forever.

In 1832, American missionaries John and Ursula Emerson founded the first Christian church in Haleiwa Town. They served as missionaries on the North Shore for over 50 years and are now buried with three of their five sons in the church's cemetery.

Railways and Transportation (1880s)

In 1888, we saw the introduction of railways, connecting Haleiwa to other parts of the island.

This improved transportation facilitated the export of sugar and other agricultural products, further fueling economic growth.

Haleiwa became a hub for the North Shore, providing a vital link between the plantations and the rest of Oahu.

Plantation era legacy (1898)

The turning point in Haleiwa's history came with the establishment of the Waialua Agricultural Company in 1898, later known as Waialua Sugar.

The sugar industry played a pivotal role in shaping the town, bringing a surge in population from a wide range of ethnic groups to work the plantations.

Workers from Korea, Portugal, Japan, Sweden, Norway, and the Philippines were hired, and along with native Hawaiians, they played a role in defining the diversity and cultural blend present in Haleiwa today.

Plantation camps, worker housing, and infrastructure development transformed Haleiwa into a bustling community.

One notable site is the Waialua Sugar Mill, a testament to the town's plantation past.

Old Haleiwa Hotel (1899)

The Haleʻiwa Hotel opened its doors in 1899 and was the first hotel built on the North Shore of Oahu by businessman Benjamin Dillingham.

The two-story hotel was an elegant Victorian-style building featuring 40 rooms designed to accommodate visitors and businessmen.

In time, however, it started losing money and it got converted to a private beach club serving army officers during World War II.

Later, in 1952, the hotel had to be demolished, making way for a new restaurant in town called Sea View Inn in 1955. Then, in 1990, it became the Chart House. Today, it houses the restaurant Haleiwa Joe's since 1998.

Currently, Turtle Bay Resort is the only hotel providing accommodation for the entire North Shore region, stretching from Haleiwa to Kahuku.

Haleiwa Town's expansion (1900s)

In the early 20th century, Haleiwa Town underwent yet another transformation.

Where once fishing shacks and native huts stood, surrounded by taro fields and sugarcane, a shift occurred as field workers, predominantly Japanese families, found themselves relocating from housing provided by the Waialua Sugar Company.

The necessity for relocation spurred these field workers to take the initiative in constructing not only their residences but also various businesses within Haleiwa Town.

Establishments such as restaurants, banks, general stores, a photo studio, a barber shop, a community center, a courthouse, and a gas station were among the additions that transformed the landscape.

Many families lived in homes connected to their shops, contributing to the dynamic development of Haleiwa Town.

Haleiwa's Historic Rainbow Bridge (1921)

The historic Rainbow Bridge replaced an earlier wooden bridge spanning the Anahulu River in 1921, becoming one of Haleiwa's most recognizable symbols.

Characterized by picturesque double arches, it stands as one of Hawaii's oldest bridges.

Cars pause at each end to accommodate the passage of large trucks or buses.

Presently, the bridge is not only a historical landmark but also a favorite spot for kids who enjoy jumping into the stream.

The Anahulu stream itself is a hub for recreational activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.

In the past, this waterway was popular among Chinese and Japanese fishermen. Even Hawaiian Queen Lili'uokalani had her summer residence along its scenic banks!

Haleiwa's Military Presence (1940s)

Later in the 1930s and 40s, the North Shore witnessed the establishment of military installations and bases.

Notable among them were three army airfields: one located at Pua'ena Point in Haleiwa, known as Kawailoa Army Air Field, Dillingham Field in Mokuleia, and another at Kahuku.

Primarily used for flight training, these fields evolved during the 1940s to serve as emergency landing sites and simulated battle conditions.

With the advent of World War II, the runway at Kawailoa Army Air Field was paved, transforming it into a bustling reliever base for fighter aircraft patrolling the islands.

The significance of the Kawailoa Air Field base at Pua'ena Point came to the forefront during the December 7th attack on Pearl Harbor when two Army Air Corps fighter pilots played a crucial role in defending the United States, successfully shooting down seven attacking Japanese planes.

Today, the North Shore war memorial stands at Haleiwa Beach Park, honoring those who lost their lives in World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Surfing Boom and Tourism (1950s onwards)

The late 1950s marked a significant shift in Haleiwa's identity as surfers discovered the North Shore's perfect powerful waves.

The town's proximity to renowned surf breaks, such as Waimea Bay, Pipeline, and Sunset Beach, turned Haleiwa into a haven for surfers and gained international recognition as the world's surfing capital.

This surfing boom brought new energy to the town and laid the foundation for the town's transformation into a major tourist destination.

Preservation and Modern Haleiwa

Today, Haleiwa is a laid-back beach town with wooden storefronts from the early 1900s still lining the main street.

As tourism thrived, efforts to preserve its unique charm and history have been ongoing, ensuring the town retains its plantation-era heritage and distinctive architecture.

This coastal stretch combines natural beauty with historical significance, offering a tranquil escape. We encourage visitors to dedicate at least a day to exploring the North Shore!

Fun facts

• Haleiwa is pronounced hah-lay-EE-wah.
• The name Hale'iwa is derived from the Hawaiian language. The word "Haleiwa" can be broken down into two parts: "hale" and "iwa". Hale means "house" or nest of the large frigate bird referred to as iwa. Combining these two elements, Haleiwa translates to "house of the frigate bird".
• Haleiwa was designated as a Historic, Cultural, and Scenic District in 1984, further preserving its unique plantation look.
• The Haleiwa Theater was a classic landmark built in 1931 located at the southern end of town (currently McDonald's). It had 900 seats and was a great venue for live performances, movies, and concerts. Sadly it was demolished in 1983 to make way for other developments.

• The Anahulu Stream is Oahu's longest stream, flowing 20 miles from the Ko'olau Mountains to the sea.
• Haleiwa Boat Harbor was finished by the Corps in 1966, marking the first collaborative effort between the federal and state governments for harbor construction on Oahu.

• The Wailua Court House in Haleiwa Town was built in 1912 and still stands today. Back then, it served as a district court and police substation. Also, the basement served as a temporary jail.