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

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 Centre if you were a Baywatch Hawaii fan, you might recognise 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 favourite: shave ice. This dessert has a shaved ice texture that absorbs flavour 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
The price is Rp2.181.333 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp2.181.333
Rp2.960.052 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,128 reviews)
"Very grateful they had a room available at short notice (my flight was delayed and left me stranded on Oahu), and equally grateful for the airport shuttle service. Thanks so much!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 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 Rp12.776.379 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
Rp12.776.379
Rp15.924.123 total
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kahuku. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Beautiful resort, we enjoyed our time there. Reason for 4 stars is because of the food and everything being overpriced. Bed pillows could have been better. Roy’s is the best restaurant there- the other places did not have great food and it’s very expensive. If you’re going to gouge on pricing - at ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 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 Rp2.781.610 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp2.781.610
Rp3.764.908 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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 their ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,224 reviews)
"Proximity to airport and shuttle options are nice."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Papaoneone Beach and Aki's Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (66 reviews)
"The property was super nice and quiet for a quick getaway from the tourist attractions but the surrounding area needs a lot help from the local community. We encountered many homeless people living near the beach . One night we were woken up by a homeless women yelling super loud through out the ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, 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 17 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, 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 29 Jul 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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