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Located on Oahu’s North Shore, Haleiwa is the town that surfing built. Haleiwa has become a cultural hub, home to restaurants, food trucks, boutiques, art galleries, and, of course, surf shops.
Surfers from all over the world flock to the Banzai Pipeline as well as events like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. While you may not be a world-class surfer, there’s plenty to do in historic Haleiwa town.
Beaches
The North Shore is known for beaches including Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach Park, Laniakea Beach, Haleiwa Beach Park, and more. Haleiwa Beach Park has calmer waters, which is the best option for families and beginner surfers.
Food
If you’re looking for great food, Haleiwa is known best for two things: shaved ice and huli huli chicken. Shaved ice is like a Hawaiian snow cone and a favorite with shops all over Oahu. Matsumoto’s in Haleiwa is a local favorite. Huli huli chicken, which means turn turn, is a grilled rotisserie chicken dish usually glazed with teriyaki-like sauce.
Haleiwa Art Gallery
Haleiwa is an artistic community with several art galleries including the Haleiwa Art Gallery. The Haleiwa Art Gallery is a gathering place for all the best artists on Oahu to display their work. You can also find better deals for art in Haleiwa than places like Waikiki. If you’re looking to purchase something, this is the place to do it.
Snorkeling at Sharks Cove
There are plenty of great places to snorkel throughout Oahu, but Sharks Cove is ideal for families and intermediate swimmers (despite its scary sounding name). Keep in mind, there is not a lifeguard on duty, but it’s still safer than other North Shore beaches. Sharks Cove is a great place to spot sea turtles and schools of fish.
Dole Pineapple Plantation
Located about 12 minutes from Haleiwa, the Dole Plantation is the biggest tourist attraction on the North Shore. If you’re sightseeing in Haleiwa, this is a must see location. The plantation includes the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, the world’s largest maze, and the world famous Dole Whip.
Explore historic Haleiwa on an Oahu tour or head out to Haleiwa with a local rideshare service like holoholo and visit at your pace.