
Haleiwa Oahu
A charming historic surf town on Oahu's North Shore, known for its unique shops, art galleries, and legendary food trucks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Haleiwa Oahu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming historic surf town on Oahu's North Shore, known for its unique shops, art galleries, and legendary food trucks.
"One of the cutest towns I’ve ever been to. Total bliss."

🚗 Park Smartly
Utilize the Long's parking lot for access to Seven Brothers Burgers and nearby spots.
🍤 Don't Miss Shrimp Trucks
Giovanni's and Honos are popular choices for delicious garlic shrimp.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Haleiwa Town
Haleiwa Town Center
Wander through charming streets lined with plantation-style buildings, unique boutiques, and art galleries.

Iconic Acai Bowls
Haleiwa Bowls
Savor the freshest, most vibrant acai bowls on Oahu's North Shore, a must-try for a tropical treat.

Garlic Shrimp Trucks
Various food trucks
Indulge in the legendary North Shore garlic shrimp, a flavorful and satisfying local delicacy.

Waimea Bay
North Shore, near Haleiwa
Witness the power of the ocean at this famous bay, known for big waves in winter and calmer waters in summer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the North Shore Vibe
Foodie Paradise Awaits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smartly
Utilize the Long's parking lot for access to Seven Brothers Burgers and nearby spots.
🍤 Don't Miss Shrimp Trucks
Giovanni's and Honos are popular choices for delicious garlic shrimp.
🍧 Try Local Shave Ice
A refreshing treat after exploring the town or beach. Look for local favorites.
🛍️ Shop Local Finds
Explore unique boutiques and art galleries for souvenirs and local crafts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smartly
Utilize the Long's parking lot for access to Seven Brothers Burgers and nearby spots.
🍤 Don't Miss Shrimp Trucks
Giovanni's and Honos are popular choices for delicious garlic shrimp.
🍧 Try Local Shave Ice
A refreshing treat after exploring the town or beach. Look for local favorites.
🛍️ Shop Local Finds
Explore unique boutiques and art galleries for souvenirs and local crafts.
🌊 Embrace the Surf Vibe
Haleiwa is the heart of Oahu's surf culture; enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Haleiwa is consistently praised as a charming and picturesque surf town with a laid-back atmosphere. Visitors love the unique shops, delicious food trucks, and the opportunity to experience authentic island life. Some find parking challenging, and the town can get crowded, especially on weekends.
"One of the cutest towns I’ve ever been to. We had just snorkeled early morning, with a company in the local harbor, and walked around early morning, with nobody around. Total bliss. We loved it so much we came back in the early evening and enjoyed some fresh fruit and banana bread. Yum!"
Adriana Y
"Haleiwa is a charming surf town on Oahu’s North Shore, known for its laid-back vibe, historic plantation-style buildings, and local shops. It’s a great place to explore art galleries, grab a bite from food trucks or local eateries, and enjoy iconic shave ice. With beautiful beaches nearby and a welcoming atmosphere, Haleiwa perfectly blends small-town charm with island adventure."
Jaaron Johnson
"It nice to see thw Old Haleiwa Town. Many shops to buy from. You cannot go hungry because thre are many food stalls."
Jun Bagoyo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Haleiwa from Waikiki is by car, taking about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, TheBus (public transportation) offers routes, though it can be a longer journey. Many visitors also opt for ride-sharing services or organized tours.
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Look for public parking lots or utilize the Long's Drugs parking lot for access to several eateries. Be mindful of street parking restrictions.
Yes, Haleiwa Town is very walkable! The main streets are lined with shops and restaurants, making it easy to explore on foot once you've parked your car.
Yes, TheBus routes connect Haleiwa to other parts of Oahu, including Waikiki. It's a more budget-friendly option but takes significantly longer than driving.
Having a car is highly recommended for exploring the wider North Shore, including famous beaches like Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. Haleiwa serves as a great central hub for these excursions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Haleiwa Town itself is a public area and does not require tickets for entry. You can freely wander through the streets and browse the shops.
Most beaches near Haleiwa, like Waimea Bay, are public and free to access. Some state parks or specific attractions within the North Shore might have parking fees or admission costs.
Shop hours can vary, but most boutiques and galleries are typically open from mid-morning to late afternoon. Food trucks and restaurants often have extended hours. It's best to check individual business hours if you have specific places in mind.
Yes, many North Shore tours include a stop in Haleiwa Town, offering a convenient way to experience the area and its surroundings.
The Malama Hawaii Makers Market, which sometimes takes place in or near Haleiwa, is generally free to enter. It's a great place to find local crafts and goods.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Must-dos include exploring the historic town, trying local food trucks (especially garlic shrimp and acai bowls), browsing art galleries, and visiting nearby beaches like Waimea Bay. Paddleboarding on the river is also a popular activity.
Yes, Haleiwa offers a relaxed atmosphere that's great for families. Kids will enjoy the beaches, the unique shops, and the fun food options.
Haleiwa boasts a variety of shops, from surf brands and local boutiques to art galleries featuring Hawaiian artists and shops selling crystals and jewelry.
Absolutely! You can go paddleboarding on the Anahulu River, surf at nearby breaks, or even go shark diving with guided tours.
Haleiwa is known for its laid-back, charming surf town vibe. It's a place to slow down, appreciate local culture, and enjoy the natural beauty of the North Shore.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Haleiwa is famous for its food trucks, especially for garlic shrimp like Giovanni's and Honos. Haleiwa Bowls offers iconic acai bowls, and Seven Brothers Burgers is a local favorite. Haleiwa Joe's is recommended for a sit-down meal.
Yes, many acai bowl places and some food trucks offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Look for fresh fruit bowls and vegetable-based dishes.
Garlic shrimp from the food trucks is arguably the most iconic dish. Acai bowls are also incredibly popular and a must-try.
Yes, Green World Coffee is a popular spot on the North Shore known for its coffee and local treats.
Food trucks offer some of the most affordable and delicious meals in Haleiwa. Look for shrimp trucks, plate lunch spots, and local eateries for budget-friendly choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The colorful buildings and murals in Haleiwa Town, the iconic surf breaks at Waimea Bay, and the vibrant acai bowls make for great photos. The historic Haleiwa Bridge is also a picturesque landmark.
Golden hour, both in the early morning and late afternoon, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the charm of Haleiwa Town and its surroundings.
During winter months, Waimea Bay and other North Shore beaches are famous for massive waves, attracting professional surfers and offering dramatic photo opportunities.
A versatile camera with a good lens for landscapes and street photography is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive beaches, while a standard zoom is great for town exploration.
Yes, you might spot sea turtles while paddleboarding on the Anahulu River or see various birds. Always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beach time is a must, with calmer waters in the summer at nearby bays providing safe swimming opportunities. Paddleboarding on the Anahulu River is another fantastic family-friendly activity, offering a chance to see turtles and enjoy nature. The unique shops in town also provide fun browsing opportunities for all ages.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Beach Lovers
Even if you're not a surfer, the beaches offer stunning scenery and opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and watching skilled surfers ride the waves. The laid-back atmosphere of Haleiwa perfectly complements a day spent by the ocean.
🛍️ Shoppers and Foodies
The culinary landscape is equally diverse, with famous food trucks serving up delicious garlic shrimp and acai bowls being a major draw. Exploring the various eateries and food stalls is an adventure in itself, offering a taste of authentic Hawaiian flavors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Haleiwa Town
Exploring Haleiwa Town is best done on foot. Wander down Kamehameha Highway and its side streets to discover hidden gems. You'll find everything from surf shops selling local brands to art galleries showcasing the work of talented Hawaiian artists. Don't miss spots like Lemuria, known for its crystals and jewelry, which many visitors highlight as a favorite.
The town also serves as a hub for local culture and community events. Keep an eye out for makers' markets or local performances, which add another layer to the Haleiwa experience. It's this blend of history, art, and local life that makes Haleiwa a truly special place to visit.
A Culinary Journey Through Haleiwa
Beyond shrimp, Haleiwa is famous for its acai bowls. Haleiwa Bowls is frequently mentioned as serving the most iconic and delicious bowls on the North Shore, packed with fresh fruit and healthy toppings. For burger enthusiasts, Seven Brothers Burgers is a highly recommended spot, conveniently located near the Long's Drugs parking lot.
For those seeking a more traditional dining experience, Haleiwa Joe's offers a sit-down option with a prime rib recommendation. The town also has various eateries and cafes, including Green World Coffee, providing diverse options to satisfy any craving.
North Shore Beaches and Water Adventures
For a more relaxed water experience, consider paddleboarding or kayaking on the Anahulu River, which flows through Haleiwa. This is a fantastic way to see the local flora and fauna, and you might even spot sea turtles.
For the adventurous, Haleiwa is also a launching point for unique ocean excursions. Shark diving tours offer an exhilarating encounter with marine life in a controlled environment, providing a thrilling perspective on the ocean's apex predators.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit