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Haleiwa Things to Do
Things to Do near Haleiwa Town on Oahu
Take a trip to the island of Oahu, which is part of the Hawaiian island chain and home to Hawaii's capital, Honolulu. Haleiwa is a much calmer town in comparison to Waikiki, taking on the relaxed beach town vibe that attracts many locals and tourists looking for an authentic and relaxing experience in a historic island town.
Haleiwa is filled with island-style attractions and culture while staying true to its place in the surfer's heart. Of course, you’ll find countless surf shops in the town. Even if you’re not grabbing a surfboard during your trip, there’s plenty for you to explore in Haleiwa. Spend an afternoon perusing art galleries and local boutiques filled with the perfect unique gift to commemorate your trip to the island.
There are even food trucks to try throughout the town! And of course, join many tourists and locals alike in finishing off your day in the tropical sun with some shaved ice. What’s more beach town than that?!
Haleiwa, A Surfer’s Paradise
Haleiwa is well-known among surfers as the surfing capital of the world, offering various levels of waves that challenge the expert and help the beginner learn. Haleiwa is referred to by many surfers as part of Hawaii’s Seven-Mile Miracle, a reference to the impeccable surfing conditions along the North Shore of Oahu.
Haleiwa Beach Park is a very popular destination for surfers and is known as one of the most crowded spots along the North Shore. This particular section of the beach is known for the “hollow rights,” “rippable sections,” and “powerful closeouts” that many advanced surfers dream of.
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Directions to Haleiwa
Haleiwa is located on the northwest corner of Oahu, nestled conveniently along Highway 99. In fact, the town is located only about an hour’s drive from Waikiki. From the airport, Haleiwa is a short 35-minute drive. To arrive in Haleiwa from the Daniel K Inouye International Airport, start on Highway 1, taking Highway 2 north to Wilikina Drive. Continue Wilikina, taking Highway 803 to Haleiwa Road. Then, get your best beach gear ready because you’ve arrived!
A brief history of Haleiwa
Haleiwa is an old community that began around the early 1900s and, like many towns in Hawaii, started as a sugar plantation town.
The town holds more history beyond its role in Hawaii’s sugar plantation industry. In 1928, the Haleiwa Airfield was used for flight training. Later on, the area served as an emergency landing and battle simulation area. Haleiwa’s Airfield was used throughout World War II as a relief base for pilots that were patrolling the islands during wartime.
Haleiwa Beach Park
Haleiwa Beach Park
Hawaii is a surfer’s paradise! While some beaches offer challenging waves, Haleiwa Beach Park is a popular destination as it offers much calmer waters. Calmer waters mean much better conditions for swimmers and beginner surfers or the perfect spot to relax on the beach with the family.
Haleiwa Beach Park is located along the island’s North Shore and is a mere 2-minute drive from the center of the town or a short 10-minute walk. To get to Haleiwa Beach Park, simply take the Haleiwa Road towards Kamehameha Highway, where you will turn left to arrive at your beach destination!
Haleiwa Art Gallery
Haleiwa Art Gallery is a must-see during your trip to Haleiwa. The gallery offers a gathering place for many island artists to display their work. As Hawaii offers stunning inspiration at every turn, many artists gather along the islands to create works that end up in the Haleiwa Art Gallery!
Haleiwa Art Gallery can be found right within the town, among many other lovely boutiques and eateries. The gallery is a mere 2-minute drive from the center of the town or a short 10-minute walk. To get to Haleiwa Art Gallery, take the Haleiwa Road towards Kamehameha Highway, where you will turn right to arrive at your destination!
Waimea Beach Park
Waimea Beach Park
While outside of Haleiwa town center, Waimea Beach Park is a beautiful stop during your Haleiwa trip that offers stunning beach scenery. The beach is a surfer’s paradise. Even if you aren’t a surfer, watching countless advanced surfers take advantage of the waves is a sight worth seeing!
Waimea Beach Park is located north of Haleiwa, just along the shore. To reach Waimea Beach Park, head north on Kamehameha Highway, then turn left onto Highway 83 until you reach your destination. Luckily, the park is only 10 minutes away, making it a great destination to visit before heading back into town for a nice island-style dinner.
Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley offers a historic place of learning during your trip to the North Shore of Oahu. Waimea Valley is recognized as a place of significance in sacred Hawaiian mythology. Ancient Hawaiians were thought to take part in many religious activities in the area, including human sacrifice. Now, the historical park can be visited to take in the cultural aspect of the area and the beauty of nature at the botanical gardens.
To get to Waimea Valley from Haleiwa, take Kamehameha Highway, turning left onto Highway 83 and right onto Waimea Valley Road. The destination is overall just a short 10-minute drive from Haleiwa.
Haleiwa Beach House. Image provided by Haleiwa Beach House.
Haleiwa Beach House
Haleiwa Beach House is a popular restaurant in Haleiwa, located just north of the town center near the Chocolate Surf Break area and the Haleiwa Yacht Club.
The restaurant offers island-style dishes to enhance your experience on Oahu. Begin your meal with one of the appetizers like Blackened Ahi or Tuna Tartare, before moving onto one of the delicious main courses. Some of these dishes include the Beach House Loco Moco, Quick Seared Ahi, or a Kalua Pork Sandwich. Finish off your meal with a well-deserved dessert, such as Lilikoi Cheese Cake or a Bruléed Banana Split!
