Haleiwa Travel Guide

Tourist 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

Surf shacks and a pristine beach make up this North Shore town that is at the centre of O’ahu’s surfing scene.

The northern settlement of Hale’iwa is much less developed than some of its southern counterparts on O’ahu. The small town’s first building was the Hale’iwa Hotel that went up in 1898. The hotel has since been knocked down but the area has retained its small-town charm and laid-back atmosphere. There are no high-rises here, just surf shacks, board shops and beautiful beaches.

Visit the low-key North Shore Surf and Cultural Museum to browse photographs and memorabilia all dedicated to surfing. There are 1930s boards, old advertisements and souvenirs from surfing competitions. Volunteer staff are friendly and helpful and will gladly share insight into what’s going on around town.

You don’t have to go far to find shops with snorkels, surf and boogie boards and kayaks for hire or sale. Take your pick of equipment and head to the beach. If you want to explore inland, hire a paddleboard or canoe and go up the Anahulu River into tropical jungle.

Hale’iwa Ali’i Beach is family friendly, with a large park facing the water. It’s a popular spot for children and young people learning how to surf. Look for the Kalili Surf Center, the set of the television show Baywatch Hawaii and home to lifeguards. Come in July for the annual ArtFest, when there are visual and performing art displays and activities for kids.

Giant see turtles nest along the beach and are easy to spot year-round. Photograph and admire these beautiful creatures but don’t get too close it is illegal to feed or touch sea turtles in Hawai’i.

Be sure to try shave ice, a popular local cuisine. The refreshing dessert is made from syrups poured over shaved ice or ice cream and bean paste covered in sweetened condensed milk. Ask for tropical flavours such as lychee, guava and lilikoi.

Get to Hale’iwa by car from Honolulu. The 1-hour trip is a scenic drive. Once here you can get around town on foot. Use a car to explore more of the beautiful North Shore.

BRAND NEW Upscale 1-bedroom Container Home at famous Sunset Beach

BRAND NEW Upscale 1-bedroom Container Home at famous Sunset Beach

Haleiwa
The price is AU$702 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
AU$702
31 July - 1 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

BRAND NEW Upscale 1-bedroom Container Home at famous Sunset Beach
Epic Forest View, A/C, Fruit Trees, Beach 5m drive

Epic Forest View, A/C, Fruit Trees, Beach 5m drive

Haleiwa
Stay at this apartment in Haleiwa. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Sunset Beach are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
Awesome mountain cubby
"Stayed for our honeymoon and it did not disappoint!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Epic Forest View, A/C, Fruit Trees, Beach 5m drive
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
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.
Epic Forest View, A/C, Fruit Trees, Beach 5m drive

Epic Forest View, A/C, Fruit Trees, Beach 5m drive

Haleiwa
Stay at this apartment in Haleiwa. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Turtle Bay Beach and Sunset Beach are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
Awesome mountain cubby
"Stayed for our honeymoon and it did not disappoint!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Epic Forest View, A/C, Fruit Trees, Beach 5m drive
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
Beachfront | Sunsets | Spa | Surf Spot

Beachfront | Sunsets | Spa | Surf Spot

Haleiwa
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Haleiwa. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"Kitchen was Nice with plenty of Refrigerator space, plenty of seating in the living room and plenty of bedrooms for a large family staying together on a trip. While being asked to shower before using the Hot Tub we found glow sticks and sand in the Hot Tub itself. Beach was non existent, nothing ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Beachfront | Sunsets | Spa | Surf Spot
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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