Haleʻiwa and Oʻahu's North Shore

This article was updated July 7, 2026

North Shore Huakaʻi June 29 to Sept. 26, 2026

For a limited time, visitors can take a new community-driven shuttle offering daily roundtrip service from Waikīkī and Ko ʻOlina to the North Shore for $5.

The 90-day pilot was developed by the Hawaiian Council in partnership with the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau, E Noa Tours, and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority in direct response to the economic impact of the March 2026 kona low storms on North Shore communities.

Riders will enjoy approximately six hours on the North Shore, including a stop at the historic Waialua Sugar Mill district and up to two and a half hours in Haleʻiwa, with onboard cultural narration from respected Hawaiian practitioners. Each participant receives a North Shore Passport to guide spending at local restaurants, shops, galleries, and coffee shops. Book online at NorthShoreHuakai.com.

Located on the legendary North Shore of Oʻahu, Haleʻiwa is a coastal town that blends laid-back island life with stunning natural beauty. Considered "country," Haleʻiwa feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu — although you'll find plenty of traffic and crowds here too. With its weathered storefronts, colorful art galleries, iconic surf breaks and famous food trucks, it’s no wonder both visitors and locals are drawn here.

Formerly a sugar plantation town, today Hale'iwa, or “home of the frigate bird,” is most known for surfing. While frigate sea birds fly over the ocean, surfers catch waves down below.

The weather tends to be warm and breezy year-round, with highs in the mid-80s°F and occasional showers that keep the landscape lush and green. If you plan your trip, spring and fall bring fewer crowds and excellent surfing conditions. Winter swells bring big-wave surf competitions.

Beaches Nearby

Haleiwa Beach Park

Just off the main drag, Haleʻiwa Beach Park is a North Shore favorite for scuba diving, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing. You'll often see honu, or sea turtles, glide through the shallow waters near shore. During the summer months when the surf has moved to the South Shore, Haleʻiwa Beach Park's gentle waves are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. With views of the surrounding mountains, it’s a beautiful backdrop for family picnics or simply relaxing in the shade of palm trees. The park’s amenities, include restrooms, showers and lifeguards.

Pupukea Beach Park

Pupukea is where you will find Kapo'o, or Sharks Cove, a marine life preservation site with tide pools and cove for snorkeling. Conservation efforts help preserve this ecosystem, with educational signage and programs guiding visitors on how to respect and protect it. Please remember not to take anything from the sand or sea, be mindful of stepping on coral reef, which can harm the ecosystem and destroy the reef and leave no trace behind, so future generations can enjoy this special place.

Laniakea Beach

Also known as Turtle Beach, this is where you will often see honu, or sea turtles, resting on the shore. These turtles are endangered and protected, so make sure you never come within 10 feet of them.

Waimea Beach Park

Continuing north on Kamehameha Highway you'll arrive at Waimea Beach Park. This wide open beach, with plenty of room in the sand is home to cliff jumping and legendary surf. In winter, massive waves draw experienced riders while onlookers gather along the shore to watch the action unfold. During the summer, you can swim here, but be mindful as the shore break can be rough. Across the highway is Waimea Valley where you can hike through botanical gardens to a swimmable waterfall.

Visit our Guide to North Shore Beaches

Dining in Hale'iwa

From food trucks to neighborhood institutions there is no shortage of good food on the North Shore. Many spots here focus on serving healthy options sourcing local ingredients. There is also the famous garlic shrimp and shave ice visitors line up for, along with acai bowls, sourdough pizza, poke and haupia chocolate pie. Here are some of our favorite spots to eat and where to get some of these iconic dishes.

Haleiwa Joe’s — Located along the North Shore's "Seven-mile Miracle" is the original location of this local institution. Come for the fresh seafood, steaks and cocktails, stay for the ocean view. Try the poke, ceviche and prime rib.

Banzai Sushi — Located in the heart of Hale'iwa, this open-air sushi spot serves Japanese small plates and cocktails with a laid-back surfer vibe. Worth driving from Town for.

Maya's Tapas & Wine — This sweet little tapas spot is perfect for a romantic date night. Order a bottle of wine, a plate of house-made pasta and a seafood crudo. If it's Wednesday night, come for the paella.

Haleiwa Bowls — The best acai bowls on the North Shore.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck — The food truck that made North Shore famous for garlic butter shrimp.

Kono’s Northshore — Known for its breakfast burritos with pulled pork.

Matsumoto Shave Ice — The most popular shave ice spot on the North Shore. Most people's first experience eating this classic Hawai'i treat. Eat it fast before it melts!

The Bird's Nest Coffee — Specialty coffee shop and neighborhood gathering place.

Ted's Bakery — Home to the famous haupia-chocolate pie.

Things to Do Around Town

Beyond beaches and restaurants, Haleʻiwa is a hotbed of creativity and culture.

Art galleries and stores: Support local artisans at Haleiwa Art Gallery, Wyland Galleries, or Polu Gallery.
Surf shops: Score gear or window-shop for vintage boards at iconic shops such as Surf N Sea.
Historic bridge: Take a photo at the iconic “Rainbow Bridge,” also known as Anahulu Bridge.
Water activities beyond surfing: Kayak or paddleboard up and down along the banks of the Anahulu River and appreciate the native vegetation.

Book North Shore Snorkeling

Best Time to Visit

Thanks to Haleʻiwa’s reliably pleasant weather, there’s really no bad time to visit. Winter (November through March) brings big waves and high energy, especially during surf competitions. Late spring (March through May) offers calmer waters and a laid-back vibe — ideal for paddling, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the sand.

Travel Tips:
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and Hawai‘i’s coral reefs.
Beach parking fills up fast — arrive early or consider biking through town.
Traffic starts to get bad coming back to town around 3 p.m., plan your trip accordingly.

How to Get There:
Haleʻiwa is a about a 1-hour drive from Waikīkī on the H-2 and Kamehameha Highway. While you can take TheBus (Route 52 or 55), renting a car allows more flexibility to explore other beaches and hiking trails nearby.

This article was originally published March 25, 2025