'''Hale'iwa''' (Ha-lay-''eee''-va) is a small beach town on the North Shore of Oahu. It's the most built up of the towns in the region, has some of the better restaurants, and is generally the place to go if you're staying within 1/2 hour or so of here.

Get in

Hale'iwa is 32 miles from Ala Moana, 22 miles from Pearl City, 9 miles from Schofield.

By car

From Honolulu or Waikiki: Or if you have a car, take the H1 west to the H2 north, follow signs for the North Shore and you'll end up on the Kamehameha Hwy. Look for signs to Hale'iwa... the journey is about 40 minutes.

From Schofield Barracks Area: There is a sign on Highway 99 indicating where to turn to reach Hale'iwa.

From Waimea Bay: Head west on Kamehameha Hwy, and take a right turn at the sign for Hale'iwa.

By bus

From Honolulu/Waikiki, it's pretty easy to bus it instead of driving. Catch the Number 52 bus at Ala Moana Shopping Center, or the Number 55 "Kaneohe/Circle Island" and get off in Hale'iwa to stretch your legs. Help the planet, help reduce Oahu congestion and don't rent a car, catch the bus. You'll save money and meet real people who really live here.

Get around

The town is small, and best seen on foot.

See

Do

  • '''Hale'iwa Art Festival''', held each July, is a treat.
  • Buy

  • '''North Shore Chocolate Factory''', 66-470 Kamehameha Hwy, +1 (808) 637-3000. Handmade chocolates without preservatives. Large truffles, $2.50. Be sure to say hi to Jigs, the resident watchdog. JulieAnn and Dave can provide advice on local eats and activities.
  • '''Rainbow Bridge Gift Shop''', 62-620 Kamehameha Hwy, +1 (808) 637-7770. Located just across Rainbow Bridge and across the street from the Chevron Station. Beach towels, snorkel equipment, surf boards are just a few of the items for sale or rent here. Handmade Ukuleles can be found here. You might be lucky and find Pettra in the store. If so, Pettra sometimes plays a Ukulele and sings--a real treat.
  • Eat

  • Banzai Sushi. 1 (808) 637-4404. Tasty sushi in the heart of Hale'iwa.

  • Hale'iwa Joe's. 6-011 Kamehameha Hwy. 1 (808) 637-8005. A popular seafood grill in the heart of town.

  • '''Grass Skirt''', 66-214 Kamehameha Hwy, +1 (808) 637-4852. Open till 6PM. Popular with the locals, excellent food for the price. Three types of fish steak dinners (ahi, mahi, or ono) with rice, side salad and locally grown greens, $8.95. Or opt for a sandwich. Take-out is available.
  • Hale'iwa Eats. 6-079 Kamehameha Hwy. 1 (808) 637-4247. Really tasty Thai food, in a cute little roadside restaurant with a nice vibe and decent atmosphere. Be warned though, if you ask for spicy they'll give you Thai spicy.

  • Cholos Homestyle Mexican. 6-250 Kamehameha Hwy. 1 (808) 637-3059. Mediocre but popular, it's the place to be for dinner if you're lookin to get your tequila on.

  • '''Matsumoto's Shave Ice''', 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa +1 (808) 637-4827, [http://www.matsumotoshaveice.com]. The best place to get shave ice on the north shore. For a twist on this local favorite, try it with ice cream, azuki bean or both. Also a great place to pick up crack seed (preserved fruit candy), souvenirs or a signature t-shirt.
  • Drink

  • '''WikiWiki Java''' is near the 76 station on the right as you come into town.
  • Eat

  • Kava Roots. Right next to Foodland, for 7 bucks you can get a delicious Acai Bowl, with fresh bananas, granola, and honey.

    Get out

    From Hale'iwa it is 13.5 miles to Turtle Bay Hilton, 16 miles to Kahuku, 17 miles to Malaikahana and 19 miles to Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie.

  • '''Waimea Valley''' - Stunning botanical gardens and waterfall. 1 km stroll to waterfalls, reasonable prices for admission and lunch. Thursday and Sunday at 2 p.m., the Native Plant Tour is offered. Also look for Full Moon Walks and Historic Hawaii Living Tours.