Sun, sand and surf in Haleiwa
Known for its world-class breaks and laidback vibes, Haleiwa is a 7th heaven for surfers. While it was once a plantation-era town, today it lures a mix of families, sun seekers and surfers. The city sits on Oahu's iconic North Shore and is a great place to get a taste of Hawaii's insatiable appetite for waves. Planning a surf break? From family-sized beach houses to compact condos, Haleiwa vacation rentals unlock access to this slice of Pacific paradise. Spend your rest days beach hopping along the coast, shopping at bohemian boutiques and devouring food truck fare.
Bite into Haleiwa's pineapple plantation
While sun and sand are top priorities, Haleiwa offers plenty for landlubbers. Just 10 minutes away is the pineapple-shaped Dole Plantation Maze. Venture inside and you'll find yourself lost in over 2.5 miles of paths lined with tropical plants. You can also tour the plantation, which is considered the birthplace of Hawaii's flourishing pineapple industry. Want to try your hand at strumming the state's signature instrument? Check out the Ukulele Store, which retails a dizzying array of the pint-sized guitars. Art lovers will swoon over local institutions like the Iwa Gallery, which showcases island-inspired works from across Hawaii.
Hang 10 at Haleiwa's iconic Sunset Beach
World-class breaks are Haleiwa's biggest draw, with most surfers making a beeline for Sunset Beach. If you're not keen to paddle out, the 2-mile stretch of sand is a fantastic place to top up your tan and admire the local talent. Thanks to a hungry population of surfers, Haleiwa offers plenty in the way of refreshments, with juice bars, seafood grills and vegetarian cafes on every corner. Haleiwa is also famous for its food trucks, which serve up hotdogs, Hawaiian shave ice and everything in-between.
Cheer on the pros at Haleiwa's Triple Crown of Surfing
Winter is high season in Haleiwa, when the Triple Crown of Surfing lures surfers from across the globe. The season kicks off with the Hawaiian Pro in mid-November. Haleiwa also hosts the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach and the legendary Billabong Pipe Masters. Want to catch the action? Just steps from the sand, Haleiwa vacation rentals offer front row seats to the best surf competitions on the planet. Crowds also soar over late April and early May. This is considered the "Golden Week" and sees many Japanese vacationers descend on Hawaii.
Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Haleiwa
Travelers enjoy Haleiwa for its sunsets, seaside and gardens. Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Haleiwa is a great spot to appreciate mother nature. Here are a few of the area's noteworthy sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Pearl Harbor (19 mi / 30.6 km)
- Haleiwa Aliʻi Beach Park (0.3 mi / 0.5 km)
- Laniakea Beach (2 mi / 3.2 km)
- Waimea Bay (4.1 mi / 6.6 km)
- Waimea Bay Beach Park (4.2 mi / 6.7 km)
- Waimea Valley (4.3 mi / 7 km)
Traveling to and around Haleiwa
The nearest airport is in Daniel K. Inouye Intl. Airport (HNL), located 21.5 mi (34.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you might consider flying into Kapolei, HI (JRF-Kalaeloa), which is 19.5 mi (31.4 km) away.
