Hale'iwa

Hale'iwa is a historic North Shore town on Oahu, known for surf culture, plantation-era storefronts, food trucks, shops, beaches and boat harbor access.

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Plan Your Visit

Hale'iwa is one of the main North Shore towns for food, shopping, surf history and beach access, so plan extra time for parking and slow traffic during busy surf season. Check ocean conditions before swimming or watching big waves, especially in winter. The town also makes a natural stop before or after Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Waimea Valley or other North Shore beaches. Bring patience for small-town roads, busy crosswalks and limited parking near popular shops and beach parks.

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Hale'iwa, Oahu

Hale'iwa is located on the North Shore of Oahu, about 30 miles (48 km) north of Honolulu. The little town was built by Rev. and Mrs. John Emerson in 1832. In 1898, businessman Benjamin Dillingham opened a hotel here and named it Hale'iwa (meaning "home of the frigate birds" in the Hawaiian language). With the building of the hotel and the Oahu Railroad, the town began to grow and flourish.

Today, Hale'iwa is the largest town and commercial center on the North Shore of Oahu with a population of 4,941 (2020 Census). It features an old plantation town atmosphere and is a popular destination among tourists. Here you can find unconventional and unique shops, art galleries and surf stores, such as the Strong Current shop where you can buy surfboards designed by North Shore surf legends Mike Diffenderfer and Dick Brewer.

If you like ice cream, you have to try the famous Hawaiian shave ice. The two local stores Matsumoto's and Aoki's sell this delicious treat, and often times there are many people standing in line – that's how good it is. There is a small boat harbor in Hale'iwa, as well as three beach parks: Hale'iwa Beach Park, Hale'iwa Alii Beach Park and Kaiaka Bay Beach Park.