Haleiwa, Oahu

Oahu is the most populated of the Hawaiian islands, with the state capital of Honolulu attracting millions of visitors each year. But just 30mi (48km) north of the city lies Haleiwa, which exists almost exactly as it did decades ago. The town was developed amid several large sugar plantations, which defined Haleiwa’s commercial and production industry. Now, the town is better known as the surfing capital of the world. Experienced and professional surfers go to Haleiwa for world-class waves, but there is fun to be had for all travelers in the pristine water and the locally-owned shops of this small town.