Winter is Coming and So Are The Waves
Oahu’s North Shore is abuzz in the winter because that is when the big waves come and surfers from all over the world converge upon this stretch of island paradise.
The main town to visit when you go to Oahu’s North Shore is historic Haleiwa (House of the Iwa Bird).
Haleiwa once served as a summer vacation area for wealthy visitors but today is an eclectic mix of local residents, tourists, and of course the surfers who come in all manner of characters – from elder legends to young groms ready to prove themselves in the Oahu’s giant winter waves.
A wonderful way to get aquainted with Haleiwa is to simply park at one end of the lovely little town and meader through the many shops and take in the history of this unique area.
Don’t forget to walk onto the Anahulu River Bridge and watch the stream flow as you reminisce about the rich history of this area.
The North Shore Surf & Cultural Museum (808-637-8888; 66-250 Kamehameha Highway) displays vintage surfboards, surfing trophies, aloha shirts, and other collectibles. You can also see some great surfing movies
Queen Liliuokalani Protestant Church (808-637-9364; 66-090 Kamehameha Highway) was built in 1961 but commemorates the summer home of Queen Liliuokalani, who donated a moon-phase clock that is now on display.
Haleiwa Beach Country Park / Haleiwa Alii Beach Park
Located alongside the Anahulu River, these two great parks provide a nice place for a picnic, relaxation, fishing, swimming, and surfing. This area was a primary set location for the popular television show Baywatch Hawaii.
Some great places to eat in Haleiwa include Haleiwa Joe’s Seafood Grill (808-637-8005; 66-011 Kamehameha Highway), where you can enjoy the view of Haleiwa Harbor, and Kua Aina Sandwich Shop (637-6067; 66-160 Kamehameha Highway) near the end of town where you can get a delicious burger and fries.
For a great cup of locally grown and fresh-roasted coffee check out the Coffee Gallery (808-637-5355; North Shore Marketplace).
When it comes to bakeries you can feast on fresh baked goods at Ted’s Bakery (808-638-8207; 52-024 Kamehameha Highway) as well as amazing pies. Surfer dudes often hang out at the Waialua Bakery (808-637-9079; 66-200 Kamehameha Highway) which serves a great sandwich and whips up some delicious smoothies.
Surf & Sea (808-637-9887; 62-595 Kamehameha Highway) in Haleiwa town is Oahu’s oldest surf shop and rents any type of water sports equipment you might desire, including water bicycles. You can also book snorkel tours and rent kayaks.
If you prefer to shop in higher end boutiques, visit the Silver Moon Emporium (808-637-7710) in the North Shore Marketplace for upscale shoes and clothing.
Another enjoyable stop in Haleiwa Town is the Haleiwa Art Gallery (808-637-3368; 252 Kamehameha Highway) which displays the original works of dozens of Pacific Island artists.
Some other attractions not far from Haleiwa Town include the Dillingham Airfield at Mokuleia, and the remote and wild Kaena Point.
Dillingham Airfield at Mokuleia
Though Dillingham Airfield (637-4551; 69-000 Farrington Highway) is just a small airport, it is ground central for Oahu skydiving as well as for gliders and scenic air tours.
You may want to just take a short 20-minute single person glider flight, or you can opt for longer flights including lessons.
Kaena Point
At the very end of Farrington Highway you can follow the shoreline for about one hour (fairly strenuous) until you reach Kaena Point. This seculded area is the westernmost point of Oahu, and the sand dunes here are said to be a leaping place for souls journeying to the world beyond.
This is a great hike to experience a part of Oahu most people don’t get to see, but make sure and come prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen, and also a good hat as the sun can be very strong. Keep an eye out for green sea turtles, and during the winter months look offshore for breaching humpback whales offshore.
The Triple Crown
A variety of world-class surfing competitions – including the Triple Crown of Surfing – take place on Oahu’s north shore every winter beginning in Novemnber. The contests attract enthusiastic crowds who cheer on the competitors. You may plan your vacation around one of these popular events to see the world’s best surfers “shred the waves.”
Then you can also tour historic Haleiwa Town and experience ground central of Oahu’s winter north shore surf scene, and experience a side of Oahu that is very different from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.