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.

Pacific Marina Inn Airport Hotel

Pacific Marina Inn Airport Hotel

2 out of 5
2628 Waiwai Loop, Honolulu, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,513 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P6,513
P9,030 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,139 reviews)
Tripping
"First time to hawaii"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Pacific Marina Inn Airport Hotel
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 P44,463 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
P44,463
P55,417 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"This resort is top notch. The rooms are extra large and I loved the workout room…this is not the typical resort, but absolutely earned the 5-star rating."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
Airport Honolulu Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Airport Honolulu Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

2.5 out of 5
3401 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI
The price is P9,543 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P9,543
P12,941 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,226 reviews)
"Nice hotel closer to the airport."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Airport Honolulu Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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.
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! (67 reviews)
"This was a beautiful condo. The beach area was breathtaking. It is an hour drive from any of the tourist attractions so if you are wanting to see the sights, keep that in mind. If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is perfect. There are some homeless tents across the beach area, but I never ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Hawaiian Princess at Makaha Beach
Oceanfront Vacation Villas at Turtle Bay

Oceanfront Vacation Villas at Turtle Bay

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 Sunset Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (107 reviews)
"Amazing with ease of access to the beach and restaurants"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Oceanfront Vacation 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"We had such a great time here. The villa has everything we needed and enjoyed it so much."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Beach Villas at Ko Olina by Real Select Vacations
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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