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.

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5 out of 5
92-1001 Olani Street, Kapolei, HI
The price is ₹85,869 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
₹85,869
₹101,292 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kapolei. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
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The price is ₹77,584 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹77,584
₹96,007 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
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 ...
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3 out of 5
3253 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI
The price is ₹18,706 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
₹18,706
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includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free breakfast, a free airport shuttle and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,814 reviews)
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Best Western The Plaza Hotel Honolulu Airport
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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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)
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Oceanfront Vacation Villas at Turtle Bay
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3.5 out of 5
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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! (65 reviews)
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The Beach Villas at Ko Olina by Real Select Vacations

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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! (68 reviews)
"Beautiful condo!"

Reviewed on 16 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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