Location: Haleiwa
Top Things to do in Haleiwa
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What to do and see in Haleiwa, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Haleʻiwa is a North Shore community and census-designated place (CDP) in the Waialua District of the island of Oʻahu, City and County of Honolulu. Haleʻiwa is located on Waialua Bay, the mouth of Anahulu Stream (also known as Anahulu River). A small boat harbor is located here, and the shore of the bay is surrounded by Haleʻiwa Beach Park (north side) and Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park (south side). Further west from the center of town is Kaiaka State Recreation Area on Kiaka Point beside Kaiaka Bay. As of the 2010 census, the CDP had a population of 3,970. It is the largest commercial center on the North Shore of the island. Its old plantation town character is preserved in many of the buildings, making this a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, visiting surfing and diving sites along the north shore.
Restaurants in Haleiwa
1. Sharks Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 590 reviews
Reviewed By WorldTravelers34 - Chicago
Our private tour guide brought us here and told us some detailed info about Sharks Cove and the Pupukea area. Sharks Cove has been rated by Scuba Diving Magazine as one of the "Top Twelve Shore Dives in the World". Located on Oahu's North Shore, this small rocky bay forms part of Pupukea Beach Park and boasts blue water and an impressive amount of sea life. The bottom is made up of large smooth boulders and coral heads forming small caves and ledges for marine life to hide. The walls of the surrounding cliffs provide calmer water attracting schooling surface fish.
Notes:
Make sure to bring water shoes or your feet will get cut up on the rocks/reef
There are tons of fish and most of the cove is pretty shallow, so you can walk around and just stick your face in to see the sea life. But be careful!!! There's tons of sea urchins in literally every crevice and they can be spiky.
2. Waimea Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 990 reviews
A popular surfing area located on the North Shore of Oahu.
Reviewed By Traveling007Texan - Houston, TX
We usually spend two weeks on the North Shore of Oahu every winter. When we go in December, we usually catch the Pipe Masters event at Pipeline. But, if you really want to see the BIG waves, visit Waimea Bay when the swell is right. Maybe, if you are really lucky, you will see The Eddie big surf championship. For the rest of the time, this is a swimmable beach with fun waves to body surf or bogie board. If you are brave enough, you can jump from the big rock on the far left of the beach with the locals. This is a very nice beach with limited but usually sufficient parking. Stop and check it out, you will enjoy a few hours there.
3. Pupukea Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
This location is great for children to swim.
Reviewed By Rodney B - Waukesha
Thus little park has parking, a restroom, and beautiful views of the ocean. There is done sand, but it is primarily a rocky shoreline with tide pools big enough to snorkel and swim in, including one called the queens bath. We spent a day just hanging out. Be careful climbing on the rocks when the surf is pounding. Great food right across the street.
4. Aweoweo Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Lem W - Anchorage
We decided to check out this beach after hearing that there were regularly turtles swimming there, and we were not disappointed. We walked up and almost instantly spotted one swimming off the end of one of the big pipes that frame the ends of the beach. We watched it pop up and wave its flippers for quite some time. Sounds like this is the case every day.
It was Saturday afternoon and the beach was quite busy--lots of locals having BBQs, playing basketball and on the playground equipment, etc. Still lots of open sand to claim though in the middle of the afternoon. The beach is pretty swimmable; there's a good stretch of sandy ocean floor that's good for kids and has gentle waves. Further out there is some good places to snorkel and swim with the turtles.
5. Sunset Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 770 reviews
Reviewed By WorldTravelers34 - Chicago
Our private tour guide brought us to this area and told us some detailed info about Sunset Beach Park and this area. Sunset Beach spans from Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) to Sunset Point, encompassing a dozen different reef breaks. This two-mile stretch of sand is considered one of the longest rideable surf spots in the world, and it’s also a venue for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November-December). Ehukai Beach is really nice. The sand is very soft, and the beach is big. The water can be a little rough. Watching the sunset here is one of the most exquisite places to do so as it sets over the beautiful mountain range to the west.
6. Laniakea Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 888 reviews
Reviewed By Mdecker17 - Calgary, Canada
We had a great visit at this stop to see the turtles. There was one baking in the sun and 2 swimming in the nearby water. We were nervous with the parking but found a spot. Lots of people.
7. Waimea Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Experience Hawaiʻiʻs Living Culture in Waimea Valley, deeply rooted in authentic Hawaiian History, Culture, Spirituality and Tradition. Waimea Valley is a world apart from Waikiki, be in the quiet of nature, beautiful flowers, rare plants, cultural sites and a beautiful waterfall for swimming.
Reviewed By Maui2014NMR - Colorado
We recently spent a few hours strolling through the "world class botanical gardens" at Waimea Valley. In addition to the beautiful waterfall at the end of the very easy walking trail, there are well-kept plants and trees to enjoy along the way. The Waimea Valley entrance is easy to locate and there was plenty of free parking. The admission fee is a little steep at $16.00 for an adult ($12.00 for a senior) but we felt it was a sight we didn't want to miss.
8. Haleiwa Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
Reviewed By Patricia H - Yorkville, Illinois
We were looking for a kids friendly beach and locals pointed us here . Sand was not very clean, and the background had some abandoned looking homes that just didn’t fit in the picture . Ocean had nice waves but that’s about all . Didn’t stay more than 5 minutes .
9. Turtle Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Susan Z
This is a wonderful stretch of beach on the island's windward side. There are volunteer's to answer questions and keep an eye out for vandals. We did not see any turtles on the day we stopped but the volunteer told us we missed several the day before. Parking is rather sketchy and beware you can be ticketed if you are parked along the road.
10. Haleiwa Alii Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By solotouristDallas_Tx - dallas, tx
Not as stunning as some other beaches - but still very pretty. Small beach on far side of park seemed calm & family-friendly. Main beach was not crowded & several people were out surfing. Would be a good place to cool down if spending time in Haleiwa. Parking adjacent to marina (weekday) was very easy. This beach is in town (turn @ 7-eleven/marina).
