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Haleiwa

Haleiwa, a North Shore community in the Waialua District of the Island of Oahu, is the largest commercial center on the North Shore of the Island. Its name has been derived from the Hawaiian words; ‘hale’ meaning ‘house’ and ‘iwa’ that is a ‘Frigate bird’. The town is named after ‘Haleiwa’, the first hotel built in this area by Benjamin J. Dillingham. Today, Haleiwa has become a popular tourist destination owing to its old plantation town character, which is preserved in most of the buildings in this area. The town also has some of the best surfing and diving sites along the North Shore.

Situated on the Waialua Bay, the mouth of the Anahulu River, Haleiwa can be reached via the Kamehameha Highway from Pupukea. The Haleiwa Beach Park is located to the north of the bay while the Haleiwa Ali`i Beach Park is to the south. The major attraction nearby is the Kaiaka State Recreation Area, situated on the Kaiaka Point, further west from the center of the town. Besides, a small boat harbor is also located near the Bay. The famous Waimea Valley Audubon Center is also situated in the town. This old town was also designated as a Historic, Cultural and Scenic District in the year 1984. The main street, a "shorts and slippers" kind of place, is lined by the aging storefronts.

Haleiwa also houses a nice selection of surf shops, art galleries, and eateries. The major tourist attraction in the town is the North Shore Surf & Cultural Museum. This museum was established in the year 1999 and is situated at the North Shore Marketplace. It holds a wide range of surfing memorabilia such as photographs, antique surfboards, and videos that provide an account of the history of surfing. Other main attraction is the Mastumoto Shave Ice, a place where you can enjoy a rainbow-colored snow cone with a scoop of ice cream and azuki beans. Haleiwa is also known for the Haleiwa Arts Festival, held every summer. This annual event features live entertainment, art demonstrations, story telling, and trolley tours. Haleiwa, however, is a sleepy little town along the North Shore and is far from the hubbub of Waikiki. This town has retained its unique charm and a simple, laid-back environment.

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