15 Best Things to Do in Haleiwa

Visiting Oahu's North Shore? Here, we unveil 15 of the best things to do in Haleiwa, offering must-do activities and attractions that will leave you with incredible memories!

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Best things to do in Haleiwa

1. Go Shopping in Haleiwa Town

Stroll along the main street, and you'll find so many shops in Haleiwa Town, from souvenirs and surf shops to art galleries and fine jewelry boutiques.

All are housed in cute wooden plantation-style buildings dating back to the early 1900s, which is so cool, giving us a glimpse of the past!

We recommend parking at one end of the town. We like to start at the Haleiwa Store Lots shopping center, walking half the street on one side, crossing the road, and then exploring the other half as you make your way back to your car.

Afterwards, hop back into your car and explore the shops further south, including the Haleiwa Town Center, North Shore Market Place, and beyond.

Although the town is small, returning to your car to unload your shopping bags before moving on to the next shop is convenient, especially considering the potentially warm weather.

With so much to see, take your time. Wander around exploring all the shops, and we assure you, you’ll stumble upon that item you never knew you wanted.

2. Dine at Food Trucks or Restaurants

There are many amazing food trucks and restaurants in Haleiwa Town. If you're hungry, you'll have a ton of options!

Some of our personal favorite places to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in our Haleiwa restaurant's guide and our list of the best food trucks.

Here in town is where you'll find the famous garlic shrimp trucks, the iconic Matsumoto Shave Ice, the popular Haleiwa Joe's restaurant, and the authentic acai bowls from Brazilian food truck Crispy Grindz.

3. Taste Farm Fresh Macadamia Nuts

Have you tried Hawaiian macadamia nuts before? They taste amazing, and you can find a local farmer right here in Haleiwa: the North Shore Macadamia Nut Company.

This is a must-stop for tourists visiting the island! Parking is free, and you can sample and shop for macadamia nut products and join their nut-cracking experience.

This farm is the only macadamia nut farm on Oahu, and its trees grow on the foothills of Mt. Kaala – the tallest mountain on Oahu.

4. Don’t Miss the Rainbow Bridge and Anahulu River

One of our highly recommended activities in Haleiwa is checking out the iconic Rainbow Bridge and either paddleboarding or kayaking along the Anahulu River that flows beneath it.

This activity is incredibly peaceful and suitable for all ages. It's an easy paddle, taking about an hour round trip. The stream is adorned with lush palm trees along its banks, and you're likely to spot sea turtles swimming around the mangroves.

Additionally, you can conveniently rent kayaks and paddleboards right there from one of the shops on the shore.

Jumping off the bridge into the stream is also a favorite among kids, making it a super fun addition to your experience!

5. Go on Illuminated Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tours at Night

Going on evening paddleboarding tours under the moonlight is a truly unique experience you won’t forget!

Everyone gets to use an LED-illuminated stand-up paddleboard. You start at Haleiwa Beach Park's sandy shores and paddle through the Rainbow Bridge and Anahulu Stream.

The tours are guided, making it an activity the whole family can enjoy year-round. We recommend the tours by Rainbow Watersports and Ke'alohi Surf.

6. Dive with Sharks in Cages or Cage-free

Joining one of the dive tours and swimming with the sharks, either in the cages or outside, is one of the most popular things to do in Haleiwa.

There are several highly-rated companies to choose from, all taking you on a boat to see the sharks right off of Haleiwa Harbor. They also provide snorkel gear!

This experience is unbelievable, and we absolutely recommend trying it. You'll see many sharks, the water is clear, and the thrill of seeing sharks so close is unmatched!

Tip: The earlier in the morning you book your trip, the calmer your boat ride will be as the trade winds start to pick up around 10 am.

7. Catch a Fish on a Private Fishing Charter

Want to catch a big pelagic fish? The North Shore is one of the best fishing destinations in the world.

You can hire a fishing charter that departs from Haleiwa Harbor for a private full or half day. You're likely to catch some ahi (yellowfin tuna), mahi-mahi, ono (wahoo), and if you're lucky, even a giant blue marlin.

8. Watch the Sunset on a Private Sunset Cruise

Go on a private sunset cruise and enjoy stunning views of the Hawaiian sunset. This activity is perfect for small groups of family, friends, and couples.

These two-hour tours depart from Haleiwa Harbor and allow you to bring food and drinks. It's a serene way to end your vacation day!

We really like the experience you get from going on a catamaran, but there are several charters you can hire year-round.

9. Take a Surf Lesson

If you're up for a surf lesson on the North Shore, Pua'ena Point is the ideal spot to catch your first waves! The waves there are super mellow, perfect for beginners.

Several surf schools offer lessons there, and the instructors are surfers themselves, knowledgeable, and guaranteed to make your experience unforgettable.

The best time of year for surfing and taking a lesson on the North Shore is between October and April, but surf schools operate at Pua'ena throughout the year. During the summer months, swells are less frequent, so plan your vacation accordingly.

Be sure to check out our advanced and beginner's guide to surfing on the North Shore!

10. Scuba Dive the Haleiwa Trench

Scuba diving at the Haleiwa Trench is one of the activities we like to do when the water is calm, day or night, especially in the summer months.

This is a unique shore dive, accessible from Ali'i Beach Park. The trench was created by the military in the mid-1900s, so the reef starts shallow and then drops off deep, sharply dropping to around 90 ft. (30 m.).

Keep an eye out for fish, turtles, octopuses, eels, lobsters, and sharks lurking around. You can rent scuba gear in one of the nearby shops in Haleiwa, such as Surf N Sea.

11. Go Off-Roading with 4x4 ATVs

Ready for an epic ride? Join the North Shore Eco Tours in Haleiwa with your friends and family and go off-roading.

It's not just a 4x4 adventure; it's a one-of-a-kind experience. Picture climbing red dirt hills, catching stunning North Shore views, and powering through rugged mountain terrain.

This is such a fun thing to do! They'll take you exploring on private trails and farm roads, scramble up steep ridgelines, and conquer muddy trails you can only experience with ATVs.

12. Take a Photo with the Iconic Haleiwa Sign

Don't miss taking a picture with the famous Haleiwa sign! This has become a tradition, and it's a must-do when visiting the North Shore. And for a good reason!

The sign is super cool and totally represents the North Shore surf scene, featuring a smiling female surfer on one side of the road and a male surfer on the other.

You can spot them on the side of Kamehameha Hwy. just before the traffic light – one facing north (male) and the other facing south (female).

13. Watch the Surfers at Ali'i Beach Park

If you're visiting Haleiwa during the winter months, head over to Ali'i Beach Park for a front-row seat to watch the surfers.

The waves at Ali'i break close to shore, which is mesmerizing to watch. You'll see the little kids surfing the inside reef and advanced surfers outside. If you're lucky, you may even see surfing competitions that are held at this surf spot every year.

This beach is really nice, offering amenities like showers and bathrooms, a spacious grassy area, and the assurance of on-site lifeguards.

14. Enjoy the Softest Sand at Haleiwa Beach Park

If you’re looking for a beach where you can sit, get some sun, and relax go to Haleiwa Beach Park.

The waters here are calm, the sand is soft, and there's less reef along the shore. Plus, you'll find plenty of free parking and amenities such as showers and bathrooms.

The views of the harbor and mountains are also stunning, so bring your beach chairs and umbrella and plan a relaxing beach day.

15. Plan for Relaxing Evenings Watching the Sunset

One of the best places to watch the sunset on the North Shore is in Haleiwa.

All beaches give you stunning sunset views. But in our opinion, the best places to watch the sunset are at either Haleiwa Beach Park or Pua'ena Point.

The setting there is perfect and relaxing, giving you a clear view of the sun setting in the ocean in the summer or behind the mountain (Ka'ena Point) in the winter months.

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