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.

Best Western The Plaza Hotel Honolulu Airport
Best Western The Plaza Hotel Honolulu Airport
3 out of 5
3253 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI
The price is P9,187 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
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P10,837 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 25 - Nov 26
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free breakfast, a free airport shuttle, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
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Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

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The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
5 out of 5
57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, HI
The price is P45,811 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
P45,811
P57,098 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kahuku. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
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The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
Pacific Marina Inn Airport Hotel
Pacific Marina Inn Airport Hotel
2 out of 5
2628 Waiwai Loop, Honolulu, HI
The price is P6,841 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
P6,841
P9,455 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 5 - Dec 6
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,872 reviews)
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Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

Pacific Marina Inn Airport Hotel
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.
Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay
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4.5 out of 5
57-020 Kuilima Drive, Kahuku, HI
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury villa in Kahuku. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Banzai Pipeline ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (95 reviews)
Ocean Villas
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Reviewed on Nov 13, 2024

Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay
The Beach Villas at Ko Olina by Real Select Vacations
The Beach Villas at Ko Olina by Real Select Vacations
4 out of 5
92-106 Waialii Place, Kapolei, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Kapolei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Ko Olina Marina and Honu Lagoon are ...
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Reviewed on Jun 25, 2024

The Beach Villas at Ko Olina by Real Select Vacations
Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach
Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach
3.5 out of 5
84-1021 Lahilahi St, Waianae, HI
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Waianae. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Papaoneone Beach and Aki's Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (40 reviews)
"Got the job done. Nice stay. We would return."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2024

Hawaiian Princess at Makaha 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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