Voted as the state’s favorite small town by Hawaii Magazine, Haleiwa seems like a world away from bustling Waikiki. This sleepy surfer town on Oahu’s north shore has a laid-back vibe and charming aesthetic, but also luxuries like killer beaches, mouthwatering restaurants, art galleries galore, adorable shops, and stellar vacation rentals. Haleiwa was also named one of the World’s Coolest Surf Towns by Travel + Leisure, and was recognized as a “Dream Town” by Coastal Living.
At Only In Hawaii, we tend to feature Haleiwa a lot – in the best places for creative people, charming small towns, best beachside towns, etc. – but I believe that it deserves all the recognition in the world. After all, it is one of my all-time favorite places to hang out. And after hearing about the town, we’re sure you’ll agree.
On your way into town, be sure to take a look at the iconic Haleiwa sign, and take a photograph if you must - just don’t stop your rental car in the middle of the road.
Rebecca Thompson/Flickr
This quintessential Hawaiian town established in 1898 when businessman Benjamin Dillingham opened a hotel on the north shore and named it Hale’iwa.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
This little Hawaiian town is not only full of history - but also incredible shops, restaurants, and activities. While you’re in town, here are just a few places you won’t want to miss.
Kurt/Flickr
Start your day in Haleiwa with a stop at the Coffee Gallery.
Coffee Gallery Hawaii/Facebook
Coffee Gallery Hawaii/Facebook Once you step inside, you will see the in-house Diedrich roasters where baristas can be found manually roasting small batches of coffee every day. Known for their fresh artisan brews, you must try their Hawaiian Paradise Blend.
Pair your coffee with an acai bowl from Haleiwa Bowls.
Haleiwa Bowls/Facebook
Haleiwa Bowls/Facebook For the perfect pre-adventure breakfast, Haleiwa Bowls serves up the best acai bowls and smoothies around. The small shack in Haleiwa may not look like much, but sometimes the best foods come from the most surprising locations.
Try your hand at Stand Up Paddle Boarding.
Tyson C./Yelp I suggest grabbing a rental from Tropical Rush – you’ll start out on the Anahola River where you can cruise down the river while you get used to the board before heading into the bay.
Or simply hang out at Haleiwa Beach Park.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
And you absolutely have to visit Haleiwa Harbor.
Annie/Flickr
Don’t forget to stop at the famous Matsumoto’s Shave Ice.
Albert Lynn/Flickr What once began as a small grocery story has transformed into so much more – t-shirts, souvenirs, snacks and, of course, their famous shave ice. On a hot summer day, the store produces more than 1,000 shave ices!
Not into shave ice? First off, that’s weird, second, no worries! Head to Scoop of Paradise instead.
Jessica P./Yelp
Paige S./Yelp This tiny shop is my go-to favorite after a long day on the water. The pineapple cheesecake and vanilla macadamia nut homemade ice creams are wonderfully Hawaiian, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
There is no shortage of hip surf shops and quirky souvenir stores.
Luciana Soldi Bullara/Flickr Full of killer surf shops, cute clothing boutiques, souvenir shops and specialty stores, the Haleiwa stretch of Kamehameha Highway is home to some epic shopping. Must-stops include
The town home to several incredible art galleries to explore.
Sue/Flickr
The Annual Haleiwa Art Festival, which takes place every July is a must-visit if you’re here during the summer.
Marco Forsten/Flickr
Be sure to head across the Anahulu Bridge.
Ron Jones/Flickr
And stop by Anahulu Shave Ice - if not for their shave ice, but so you can take a photograph in front of these iconic angel wings.
MrsMeganShute/Instagram Trust me, all of the cool kids have this picture on their Facebook - including me.
And you can’t beat dinner at one of Haleiwa’s incredible seafood restaurants, like Banzai Sushi Bar.
Criszalin P./Yelp
Banzai Sushi Bar/Yelp With traditional floor seating, a cool vibe, fresh fish, stellar specialty drinks and an impressive selection, Banzai Sushi Bar is the best spot on Oahu’s North Shore for sushi.
Or the famous Haleiwa Joe’s.
Jack/Flickr With a breathtaking setting, mouthwatering seafood dishes, top-notch service, and occasional live entertainment, Haleiwa Joe’s is the perfect spot for a dinner you’ll never forget.
While on Oahu’s north shore, be sure to check out these 17 must-stops, from Waialua to Kahuku.
Rebecca Thompson/Flickr
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
Kurt/Flickr
Coffee Gallery Hawaii/Facebook
Once you step inside, you will see the in-house Diedrich roasters where baristas can be found manually roasting small batches of coffee every day. Known for their fresh artisan brews, you must try their Hawaiian Paradise Blend.
Haleiwa Bowls/Facebook
For the perfect pre-adventure breakfast, Haleiwa Bowls serves up the best acai bowls and smoothies around. The small shack in Haleiwa may not look like much, but sometimes the best foods come from the most surprising locations.
Tyson C./Yelp
I suggest grabbing a rental from Tropical Rush – you’ll start out on the Anahola River where you can cruise down the river while you get used to the board before heading into the bay.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Annie/Flickr
Albert Lynn/Flickr
What once began as a small grocery story has transformed into so much more – t-shirts, souvenirs, snacks and, of course, their famous shave ice. On a hot summer day, the store produces more than 1,000 shave ices!
Jessica P./Yelp
Paige S./Yelp
This tiny shop is my go-to favorite after a long day on the water. The pineapple cheesecake and vanilla macadamia nut homemade ice creams are wonderfully Hawaiian, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Luciana Soldi Bullara/Flickr
Full of killer surf shops, cute clothing boutiques, souvenir shops and specialty stores, the Haleiwa stretch of Kamehameha Highway is home to some epic shopping. Must-stops include
Sue/Flickr
Marco Forsten/Flickr
Ron Jones/Flickr
MrsMeganShute/Instagram
Trust me, all of the cool kids have this picture on their Facebook - including me.
Criszalin P./Yelp
Banzai Sushi Bar/Yelp
With traditional floor seating, a cool vibe, fresh fish, stellar specialty drinks and an impressive selection, Banzai Sushi Bar is the best spot on Oahu’s North Shore for sushi.
Jack/Flickr
With a breathtaking setting, mouthwatering seafood dishes, top-notch service, and occasional live entertainment, Haleiwa Joe’s is the perfect spot for a dinner you’ll never forget.
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