Haleiwa town takes its name from one of the first hotels on Oahu. Today it would be difficult to even imagine this laid back surf village as a lively resort town but a century ago thats exactly what it was. Even before Waikiki had its first hotel the Haleiwa hotel was a popular attraction. The town that grew up around the hotel and plantations was quick to adopt the name of the hotel that started it all.
Waiemea Bay, Sunset Beach, and the infamous Pipiline, are all in easy walking distance of Haleiwa. The calm tranquil summer seas here are great for snorkeling, but dont let them fool you. When winter arrives the surf is up ! Haleiwa and the North Shore in general are home to several of the worlds most renowned pro surfers, as well as some of the biggest surf contests, including the famous Edie Aikau, in which any wave under 20 feet high doesnt count.
Art is alive in Haleiwa. Once you are tired out from the sea, take a stroll through some of the eclectic shops in haleiwa, if your lucky you might even catch a live glass blowing demonstration at one of two shops in the marketplace where demonstrations are frequently given.
