Haleiwa

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
The gateway to the seemingly endless stretch of beaches and waves of the North Shore is the cultural hub of O’ahu’s surf scene.

Hale’iwa got its start as a tourist spot with the building of the Hale’iwa Hotel in 1898. The hotel is gone, but many of the small town’s buildings have the same look they’ve had for over 100 years of laid-back living. Unlike Waikiki with its high-rises, you’ll find that Hale’iwa has small shops ready to serve the practical needs of surfers and surf-watchers.

Start with a visit to the North Shore Surf and Cultural Museum, also known as Hale’iwa Surf Museum. See surfing photographs and memorabilia, boards from the 1930s and old posters advertising surfing competitions. Watch a video and chat with the curator to find out what’s happening in and around town. Nearby, find gear for snorkeling, surfing, boogie boarding or kayaking in one of Hale’iwa’s several surf shops.

Picnic at Hale’iwa Ali’i Beach and watch the makai (ocean-facing) side of the park to see youngsters learning to surf. Then look over your shoulder at the Kalili Surf Center if you were a Baywatch Hawaii fan, you might recognize the headquarters for the brave and beautiful lifeguards. In July, enjoy the ArtFest with visual and performance art and numerous kids’ activities.

Walk along the shore and look for giant sea turtles. They often nest here and return to the same spot year after year. Remember that they are protected in Hawaii it is against the law to ride, feed, or even touch a sea turtle. You can still enjoy watching them.

For an old-fashioned experience, rent a paddleboard or outrigger canoe similar to those used in Hawaii for more than 2,000 years. Paddle up the Anahulu River, going under the Rainbow Bridge. Soon you’ll be in lush tropical jungle.

While you’re in Hale’iwa, be sure to sample a North Shore favorite: shave ice. This dessert has a shaved ice texture that absorbs flavor a variety of local syrup choices including lychee, lilikoi or guava and ice cream or bean paste at the bottom of a cone, with sweetened condensed milk on top. It’s not a typical snow cone.

Hale’iwa is about an hour’s drive north of Honolulu. Some would say it’s right next to Paradise.

Surfer's Cove - Steps to sand! AC
Surfer's Cove - Steps to sand! AC
Haleiwa
Stay at this apartment in Haleiwa. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Turtle Bay are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
Awesome place!!
"Great place and location! Would stay here again"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2025

Surfer's Cove - Steps to sand! AC
North Shore Paradise- Close to some of the BEST surfing
North Shore Paradise- Close to some of the BEST surfing
Haleiwa
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Haleiwa. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Turtle Bay are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
Very Nice Unit
"Very nice unit that had great accommodations: washer and dryer, wifi, cable tv, air conditioning, water toys, outside lounge chairs, great check in process. The manager Chuck was great and was on call for whatever we needed for the unit. Easy beach access."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2024

North Shore Paradise- Close to some of the BEST surfing
New Listing ❤️ Secluded Studio at Prestigious Sunset Beach
New Listing ❤️ Secluded Studio at Prestigious Sunset Beach
Haleiwa
The price is €372 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
€372
includes taxes & fees
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this vacation home in Haleiwa. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Turtle Bay are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (102 reviews)
Perfect, everything you need!
"Our stay was perfect. This cute studio has everything you need to enjoy your stay on the North Shore. There's a hot plate, blender, coffee maker, iron, microwave, and fridge. There was even a beach cooler in the closet that was super handy. Our nights here were so nice because everyone in the neighborhood ..."

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2025

New Listing ❤️ Secluded Studio at Prestigious Sunset Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
New Listing ❤️ Secluded Studio at Prestigious Sunset Beach
New Listing ❤️ Secluded Studio at Prestigious Sunset Beach
Haleiwa
Stay at this vacation home in Haleiwa. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Turtle Bay are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (102 reviews)
Perfect, everything you need!
"Our stay was perfect. This cute studio has everything you need to enjoy your stay on the North Shore. There's a hot plate, blender, coffee maker, iron, microwave, and fridge. There was even a beach cooler in the closet that was super handy. Our nights here were so nice because everyone in the neighborhood ..."

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2025

New Listing ❤️ Secluded Studio at Prestigious Sunset Beach
Surfer's Cove - Steps to sand! AC
Surfer's Cove - Steps to sand! AC
Haleiwa
Stay at this apartment in Haleiwa. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Turtle Bay are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
Awesome place!!
"Great place and location! Would stay here again"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2025

Surfer's Cove - Steps to sand! AC
BRAND NEW Upscale 1-bedroom Container Home at famous Sunset Beach
BRAND NEW Upscale 1-bedroom Container Home at famous Sunset Beach
Haleiwa
Stay at this vacation home in Haleiwa. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Turtle Bay are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Unique stay in container home.
"Overall it was a good option for us."

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2025

BRAND NEW Upscale 1-bedroom Container Home at famous Sunset Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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