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.

Turtle Bay One Bedroom

Turtle Bay One Bedroom

Haleiwa
The price is €351 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
€351
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Haleiwa. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Sunset Beach are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (12 reviews)
Yes
"We had special occasion. It was recognized. And very appreciated. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Turtle Bay One Bedroom
Bright, clean, airy Rocky Point Beach 1 bedroom loft. Steps to beach & bike path

Bright, clean, airy Rocky Point Beach 1 bedroom loft. Steps to beach & bike path

Haleiwa
Stay at this cottage in Haleiwa. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Sunset Beach are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
"We stayed for two weeks and the property was the perfect place to stay on the North Shore. The property has everything you need for your stay. It is very open planned and with the windows open a refreshing breeze blows through. It is also located beside the beach, which from what we could make out ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Bright, clean, airy Rocky Point Beach 1 bedroom loft. Steps to beach & bike path
North Shore Getaway w/ Ocean Views steps to Beaches and Surf

North Shore Getaway w/ Ocean Views steps to Beaches and Surf

Haleiwa
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Haleiwa. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sunset Beach and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
You have to stay here to experience true Hawaii
"I cant say enough about how great of a stay we had. Yes there is only 1 bedroom but the kids all slept great on air matresses in the large living area. Location is ideal if you want to experience true hawaii! There were multiple beaches within walking distance. A small grocery store is only 2 miles ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

North Shore Getaway w/ Ocean Views steps to Beaches and Surf
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.
Turtle Bay One Bedroom

Turtle Bay One Bedroom

Haleiwa
Stay at this vacation home in Haleiwa. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Sunset Beach are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (12 reviews)
Yes
"We had special occasion. It was recognized. And very appreciated. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Turtle Bay One Bedroom
Bright, clean, airy Rocky Point Beach 1 bedroom loft. Steps to beach & bike path

Bright, clean, airy Rocky Point Beach 1 bedroom loft. Steps to beach & bike path

Haleiwa
Stay at this cottage in Haleiwa. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Sunset Beach are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
"We stayed for two weeks and the property was the perfect place to stay on the North Shore. The property has everything you need for your stay. It is very open planned and with the windows open a refreshing breeze blows through. It is also located beside the beach, which from what we could make out ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Bright, clean, airy Rocky Point Beach 1 bedroom loft. Steps to beach & bike path
North Shore Getaway w/ Ocean Views steps to Beaches and Surf

North Shore Getaway w/ Ocean Views steps to Beaches and Surf

Haleiwa
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Haleiwa. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sunset Beach and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
You have to stay here to experience true Hawaii
"I cant say enough about how great of a stay we had. Yes there is only 1 bedroom but the kids all slept great on air matresses in the large living area. Location is ideal if you want to experience true hawaii! There were multiple beaches within walking distance. A small grocery store is only 2 miles ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

North Shore Getaway w/ Ocean Views steps to Beaches and Surf
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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