Haleiwa The Best Small Town In Hawaii For A Weekend Trip

From Hanapepe, the charming Kauai town that inspired the Disney classic Lilo & Stitch to the tiny community nestled near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless small towns worthy of exploring. Truthfully, Hawaii is a collection of charming small towns – including the capital city of Honolulu, there are only 6 towns with a population of more than 30,000. 

Across our beautiful islands, you will find rural villages nestled along mountain slopes, historic plantation towns stuck in time, and coastal communities with epic beach access, but none are as incredible as Hale’iwa – and our readers agreed. Whether you visit for a day or an entire week, there is so much to love about this charming coastal community in the Aloha State. Here are our favorite things to do in Haleiwa.

From the Hawaiian Island of Oahu to the coast of Massachusetts and everywhere in between, come along with OnlyInYourState as we introduce you to the best Small Town Getaways you can take this year. From nature lovers and foodies to history buffs and shopaholics, there’s something for everyone within these unforgettable, two-day itineraries curated by our local travel experts just for you.

Is Haleiwa worth visiting?Nestled on the northern shore of Oahu and serving as the gateway to some of the world’s best beaches for surfing, Haleiwa – population: 4,589 – was established in 1898 when businessman Benjamin Dillingham opened a hotel on the north shore of Oahu and named it Hale’iwa.

Kelly Headrick / EyeEm via Getty Images In the Hawaiian language, “hale” translates to house and an “iwa” is a frigate bird, so Haleiwa means simply “home of the frigate birds.” Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

With a laid-back vibe and plenty of charm, Haleiwa town is home to incredible beaches, art galleries galore, adorable shops, stellar vacation rentals, and more mouthwatering restaurants than you could possibly visit in one trip – but here is our favorite two-day itinerary for exploring this charming small town and Oahu’s north shore.

Anthony Quintano/Flickr Haleiwa is a safe, sleepy small town best known for its creative vibe, Aloha Spirit, and magnificent surroundings. It is also a mecca for big wave surfers – especially in the winter months when massive waves crash against the shore. Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

How To Get To Haleiwa

John Seaton Callahan / Moment via Getty Images Located just an hour outside of the bustling tourist mecca of Waikiki, Haleiwa is easily accessible when driving from anywhere on the island of Oahu. If you fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) from a neighboring island, the mainland, or beyond, visiting Haleiwa is as simple as grabbing a rental car from any of the companies at the airport and driving 40 minutes into town.

Getting Around Haleiwa

Google Maps It’s easy to walk around the short stretch of Haleiwa Town, but you’ll definitely want to rent a car for this weekend – to experience the best of the North Shore, you’ll need to do a fair amount of driving. Our furthest destinations are 12 miles apart, and public transportation in this area is inconsistent at best.

Best Time To Visit Haleiwa

John Seaton Callahan / Moment via Getty Images There is never a bad time to visit Haleiwa. This north shore Oahu town is busiest during the month of July, and the best time to visit for optimal weather – and manageable waves – is April through June. Surfers flock to the area in the winter, but if you’ve never been surfing before, you might want to stay out of the water November through February.

Where To Stay In HaleiwaFirst things first, let’s discuss lodging: while there are no hotels in Haleiwa proper, there are several unique Airbnbs in the area as well as the luxurious Turtle Bay Resort, just 12 miles away.

Management/TripAdvisor Set on 850 lush acres and overlooking a stretch of pristine beach and turquoise waters on Oahu’s breathtaking north shore, Turtle Bay Resort offers 443 island-inspired accommodations, from villas and cottages to guest rooms and suites. Turtle Bay Resort, Kawela Bay, HI 96731, USA

Courtesy Of Turtle Bay Resort Self-proclaimed as Oahu’s most experiential resort, there is so, so much to love about Turtle Bay Resort, including everything from live entertainment and ukulele lessons to kayaking, horseback riding, and sunset meditation. You might even want to spend an extra day here just to explore all of the amenities this luxury resort has to offer. Rooms range in price from $300 to more than $1,000 per night, so we understand if you’d prefer a local Airbnb instead.

Morning One: Coffee, Shopping, And ExploringWe’ll start our first morning in Haleiwa at the Coffee Gallery.

Coffee Gallery Hawaii/Facebook This cozy coffee shop has been named one of Hawaii’s premier coffee roasters, and as soon as you step inside your senses will be delighted by the smell of coffee roasting on the in-house Diedrich roasters by baristas who roast small batches of Hawaiian coffee each and every day. Coffee Gallery, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy c106, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Coffee Gallery Hawaii/Facebook Their fresh artisan brews are delicious, but their lavender lattes are my absolute favorite. Order an acai bowl with your coffee and you have a scrumptious breakfast that will fuel your adventures all morning. Gorgeous artwork and cozy seating at The Coffee Gallery will make you feel right at home, and you’ll love browsing through an eclectic selection of coffee mugs, souvenirs, and coffee. Coffee Gallery, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy c106, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Once you’ve secured your morning caffeine fix, it’s time to do a little admiring and shopping. A haven for creative spirits, Haleiwa is home to countless incredible art galleries and boutiques.

Haleiwa Store Lots/Facebook Haleiwa Store Lots, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

When you’re ready for lunch, you can’t go wrong with any of the food trucks found along Kamehameha Highway. Hawaii is known for its food trucks, and the best are found right here in Haleiwa.

Sharon Hahn Darlin/Flickr Camaron Shrimp Truck is popular for its scrumptious shrimp, but I personally love the Mexican flavors served at Surf N Salsa. In my experience, Hawaii’s food trucks are fairly stationary, so you’ll always find tasty food at these locations. Surf N Salsa, 66521 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Afternoon One: Shave Ice, Paddleboarding, Beach Hopping, And SushiAfter lunch, it’s time to indulge in a treat from the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice.

Matsumoto Shave Ice/Website This little shop was founded as a small, family-owned grocery store in the 1950s and is now one of Oahu’s must-visit destinations, with more than 2,500 reviews on TripAdvisor alone. On a hot summer day, Matsumoto’s produces upwards of a thousand shave ices! Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Matsumoto Shave Ice/Facebook Featuring more than 40 flavors, and the ability to choose up to three flavors in each cup, as well as a variety of extras including condensed milk, mochi, azuki beans, and vanilla ice cream, the combinations are endless. Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

There’s no better way to beat the heat than jumping in the crystalline waters of the Pacific Ocean, and while beaches abound in this area, SUP – stand-up paddleboarding – is a must.

pikappa / iStock via Getty Images Plus Tropical Rush, 62-620 Kamehameha Hwy A, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

BackyardProduction / iStock via Getty Images Plus Grab a rental from Tropical Rush, a surf shop known for its rentals and shave ice. Your journey will begin at the mouth of the Anahulu River near the Rainbow Bridge, where you can head inland to enjoy the quiet serenity of the river or into Waialua Bay and Haleiwa Harbor, where you will encounter waves and might spot a sea turtle or two! There’s nothing better than an afternoon spent on the water, and paddleboarding is one of our favorite activities!

Rentals are done by the hour, and we recommend a two-hour rental for maximum enjoyment. Last we checked, the cost was less than $20 per board for two hours of fun. Tropical Rush, 62-620 Kamehameha Hwy A, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Now that you’ve enjoyed the beautiful waters of Oahu on a paddleboard, it’s time to head to the beach and relax. No matter what your preferences, there’s a north shore beach with your name on it.

Kestutis Povilauskas / 500px via Getty Images

Our favorites are Haleiwa Beach Park for its close proximity to town, Laniakea Beach (also known as Turtle Beach, pictured above) to swim with sea turtles, and Papa’iloa Beach. Other further away beaches include Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach Park, and Kawela Bay. You might even want to take surf lessons at the iconic Banzai Pipeline. Hawaii’s beaches are all public, so all you’ll need to do is pop an address in your GPS and then find parking. Laniakea Beach, North Shore, HI 96712, USA

Hungry again? You’re in luck – there is no shortage of restaurants to enjoy right here in Haleiwa. If you love sushi, there’s no better spot than Banzai Sushi.

Banzai Sushi Bar/Facebook With traditional floor seating, Japanese lanterns, and lush greenery, the ambiance at this sushi hotspot will welcome you will open arms, and perhaps even transport you straight to Japan. North Shore Marketplace, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Banzai Sushi Bar/Facebook From seared ahi furikake served with microgreens and a shoyu dressing to tempura vegetables and a variety of other non-seafood appetizers, sides and everything in between, the food at Banzai Sushi Bar is sure to delight. North Shore Marketplace, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

No matter where you’re staying for the night, we suggest stopping at Sunset Beach for - you guessed it - a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Westend61 / Getty Images Located between Waimea Bay and Turtle Bay along Oahu’s north shore, Sunset Beach has been one of our favorite Hawaii beaches for as long as we can remember. Setting the sky ablaze in a colorful display, the sunsets witnessed here are truly second to none, and you’ll want to bring your camera. Sunset Beach Park, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Morning Two: Snorkeling And Hawaiian HistoryAfter you’ve woken up and enjoyed a cup of coffee and breakfast at your hotel or Airbnb, our morning of adventure will begin with some snorkeling.

bennymarty / iStock via Getty Images Plus Shark’s Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Shark’s Cove and Three Tables are some of the island’s most popular snorkeling destinations during the calm summer months – and many more adventurous swimmers journey between the two destinations.

bennymarty / iStock via Getty Images Plus They’re less than half a mile apart and the current allows for a beautiful journey along the coast. It’s easiest to bring your own gear or purchase some at Walmart, but North Shore Surf Shop and Surf N Sea both offer rentals in town – a half-day rental is less than $10 at Surf N Sea. Sharks Cove, Pupukea, HI 96712, USA

Next, we’re headed up the mountain for a history lesson at Pu’u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site.

nantela / iStock via Getty Images Plus Located on a hillside overlooking Waimea Bay, this heiau – an ancient Hawaiian temple – is the largest on the island, and might have been constructed as early as the 1600s. In the late 1700s, during a period of political upheaval, it is suspected that there was human sacrifice at the temple, perhaps to encourage war success. There’s no cost to enter, but the road winds up the mountain and features quite a few blind turns. Puu O Mahuka, Pupukea, HI 96712, USA

Afternoon Two: Gardens, Waterfalls, And BeachesAfter grabbing lunch at one of the nearby food trucks – Pupukea Grill and North Shore Shrimp Truck are popular spots – it’s time to enjoy a leisurely stroll and a dip in a waterfall swimming hole at Waimea Valley.

Daniel Ramirez/Flickr An area of historic cultural significance, the Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden is home to one of the most impressive collections of Polynesian plants in existence. The main trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is entirely paved with plenty of unpaved offshoots to check out along the way and leads to a stunning little waterfall where you can make a splash. Waimea Botanical Garden, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Daniela Duncan / Moment via Getty Images The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and visitors will have to pay a $6-20 entrance fee, but once inside, the stroll to the waterfall is quick and features a changing room, life jackets available for free use, and lifeguards on duty. Waimea Botanical Garden, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

If you’d like to spend some more time soaking in that signature Hawaiian sunshine, Haleiwa’s beaches are perfect – especially Ehukai. It’s the perfect pre-dinner activity.

Jacob Smith/Moment via Getty Images ?Ehukai Beach Park, 59-337 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Our weekend in paradise ends with dinner and a view at the Haleiwa Beach House.

Haleiwa Beach House/Website This casual spot features sweeping views of the Oahu coast, a stunning patio, a laid-back and quirky atmosphere, and mouthwatering food. Hale?iwa Beach House, 62-540 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Haleiwa Beach House/Website From standard burgers to classic seafood dishes and everything in between, there’s something for everyone at the Haleiwa Beach House – and don’t forget to order a colorful cocktail or one of 16 beers on tap to accompany your meal. If you want to enjoy a sunset, book a reservation in advance. Hale?iwa Beach, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

There’s truly so much to love about the small town of Haleiwa. So, tell us, what else do you need to know to start planning your trip and packing your bags? To discover more attractions nearby, check out these 17 can’t-miss destinations on Oahu’s north shore.

Kelly Headrick / EyeEm via Getty Images

In the Hawaiian language, “hale” translates to house and an “iwa” is a frigate bird, so Haleiwa means simply “home of the frigate birds.”

Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Anthony Quintano/Flickr

Haleiwa is a safe, sleepy small town best known for its creative vibe, Aloha Spirit, and magnificent surroundings. It is also a mecca for big wave surfers – especially in the winter months when massive waves crash against the shore.

John Seaton Callahan / Moment via Getty Images

Located just an hour outside of the bustling tourist mecca of Waikiki, Haleiwa is easily accessible when driving from anywhere on the island of Oahu. If you fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) from a neighboring island, the mainland, or beyond, visiting Haleiwa is as simple as grabbing a rental car from any of the companies at the airport and driving 40 minutes into town.

Google Maps

It’s easy to walk around the short stretch of Haleiwa Town, but you’ll definitely want to rent a car for this weekend – to experience the best of the North Shore, you’ll need to do a fair amount of driving. Our furthest destinations are 12 miles apart, and public transportation in this area is inconsistent at best.

There is never a bad time to visit Haleiwa. This north shore Oahu town is busiest during the month of July, and the best time to visit for optimal weather – and manageable waves – is April through June. Surfers flock to the area in the winter, but if you’ve never been surfing before, you might want to stay out of the water November through February.

Management/TripAdvisor

Set on 850 lush acres and overlooking a stretch of pristine beach and turquoise waters on Oahu’s breathtaking north shore, Turtle Bay Resort offers 443 island-inspired accommodations, from villas and cottages to guest rooms and suites.

Turtle Bay Resort, Kawela Bay, HI 96731, USA

Courtesy Of Turtle Bay Resort

Self-proclaimed as Oahu’s most experiential resort, there is so, so much to love about Turtle Bay Resort, including everything from live entertainment and ukulele lessons to kayaking, horseback riding, and sunset meditation. You might even want to spend an extra day here just to explore all of the amenities this luxury resort has to offer. Rooms range in price from $300 to more than $1,000 per night, so we understand if you’d prefer a local Airbnb instead.

Coffee Gallery Hawaii/Facebook

This cozy coffee shop has been named one of Hawaii’s premier coffee roasters, and as soon as you step inside your senses will be delighted by the smell of coffee roasting on the in-house Diedrich roasters by baristas who roast small batches of Hawaiian coffee each and every day.

Coffee Gallery, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy c106, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Their fresh artisan brews are delicious, but their lavender lattes are my absolute favorite. Order an acai bowl with your coffee and you have a scrumptious breakfast that will fuel your adventures all morning. Gorgeous artwork and cozy seating at The Coffee Gallery will make you feel right at home, and you’ll love browsing through an eclectic selection of coffee mugs, souvenirs, and coffee.

Haleiwa Store Lots/Facebook

Haleiwa Store Lots, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Sharon Hahn Darlin/Flickr

Camaron Shrimp Truck is popular for its scrumptious shrimp, but I personally love the Mexican flavors served at Surf N Salsa. In my experience, Hawaii’s food trucks are fairly stationary, so you’ll always find tasty food at these locations.

Surf N Salsa, 66521 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Matsumoto Shave Ice/Website

This little shop was founded as a small, family-owned grocery store in the 1950s and is now one of Oahu’s must-visit destinations, with more than 2,500 reviews on TripAdvisor alone. On a hot summer day, Matsumoto’s produces upwards of a thousand shave ices!

Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Matsumoto Shave Ice/Facebook

Featuring more than 40 flavors, and the ability to choose up to three flavors in each cup, as well as a variety of extras including condensed milk, mochi, azuki beans, and vanilla ice cream, the combinations are endless.

pikappa / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Tropical Rush, 62-620 Kamehameha Hwy A, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

BackyardProduction / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Grab a rental from Tropical Rush, a surf shop known for its rentals and shave ice. Your journey will begin at the mouth of the Anahulu River near the Rainbow Bridge, where you can head inland to enjoy the quiet serenity of the river or into Waialua Bay and Haleiwa Harbor, where you will encounter waves and might spot a sea turtle or two! There’s nothing better than an afternoon spent on the water, and paddleboarding is one of our favorite activities!

Rentals are done by the hour, and we recommend a two-hour rental for maximum enjoyment. Last we checked, the cost was less than $20 per board for two hours of fun.

Kestutis Povilauskas / 500px via Getty Images

Our favorites are Haleiwa Beach Park for its close proximity to town, Laniakea Beach (also known as Turtle Beach, pictured above) to swim with sea turtles, and Papa’iloa Beach. Other further away beaches include Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach Park, and Kawela Bay. You might even want to take surf lessons at the iconic Banzai Pipeline. Hawaii’s beaches are all public, so all you’ll need to do is pop an address in your GPS and then find parking.

Laniakea Beach, North Shore, HI 96712, USA

Banzai Sushi Bar/Facebook

With traditional floor seating, Japanese lanterns, and lush greenery, the ambiance at this sushi hotspot will welcome you will open arms, and perhaps even transport you straight to Japan.

North Shore Marketplace, 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

From seared ahi furikake served with microgreens and a shoyu dressing to tempura vegetables and a variety of other non-seafood appetizers, sides and everything in between, the food at Banzai Sushi Bar is sure to delight.

Westend61 / Getty Images

Located between Waimea Bay and Turtle Bay along Oahu’s north shore, Sunset Beach has been one of our favorite Hawaii beaches for as long as we can remember. Setting the sky ablaze in a colorful display, the sunsets witnessed here are truly second to none, and you’ll want to bring your camera.

Sunset Beach Park, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

bennymarty / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Shark’s Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

They’re less than half a mile apart and the current allows for a beautiful journey along the coast. It’s easiest to bring your own gear or purchase some at Walmart, but North Shore Surf Shop and Surf N Sea both offer rentals in town – a half-day rental is less than $10 at Surf N Sea.

Sharks Cove, Pupukea, HI 96712, USA

nantela / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Located on a hillside overlooking Waimea Bay, this heiau – an ancient Hawaiian temple – is the largest on the island, and might have been constructed as early as the 1600s. In the late 1700s, during a period of political upheaval, it is suspected that there was human sacrifice at the temple, perhaps to encourage war success. There’s no cost to enter, but the road winds up the mountain and features quite a few blind turns.

Puu O Mahuka, Pupukea, HI 96712, USA

Daniel Ramirez/Flickr

An area of historic cultural significance, the Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden is home to one of the most impressive collections of Polynesian plants in existence. The main trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is entirely paved with plenty of unpaved offshoots to check out along the way and leads to a stunning little waterfall where you can make a splash.

Waimea Botanical Garden, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Daniela Duncan / Moment via Getty Images

The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and visitors will have to pay a $6-20 entrance fee, but once inside, the stroll to the waterfall is quick and features a changing room, life jackets available for free use, and lifeguards on duty.

Jacob Smith/Moment via Getty Images

?Ehukai Beach Park, 59-337 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Haleiwa Beach House/Website

This casual spot features sweeping views of the Oahu coast, a stunning patio, a laid-back and quirky atmosphere, and mouthwatering food.

Hale?iwa Beach House, 62-540 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

From standard burgers to classic seafood dishes and everything in between, there’s something for everyone at the Haleiwa Beach House – and don’t forget to order a colorful cocktail or one of 16 beers on tap to accompany your meal. If you want to enjoy a sunset, book a reservation in advance.

Hale?iwa Beach, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Not Your Average Bucket List Podcast

Only In Your State’s podcast Not Your Average Bucket List takes a deep dive into Haleiwa, Hawaii, and everything it has to offer. Our hosts, Marisa Roman and Sara Heddleston, discuss what their “Perfect Day” in Haleiwa would consist of. From wildlife hiking trails to sleeping in a cottage by the ocean, take a look at the infographic below to get your own suggestions for the perfect day exploring this small town.

Not Your Average Bucket List

To discover even more about visiting Haleiwa, Hawaii, in a fun, easily-digestible manner, tune in to OnlyInYourState’s brand new podcast, Not Your Average Bucket List, where we talk all about this charming town. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Not Your Average Bucket List

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Address: Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA