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The Top Things To Do And See In Haleiwa, Hawaii

Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Kauai, Hawaii, USA | Photo by Trent Haaland on Unsplash

Haleiwa is a small town located on Oahu’s North Shore, widely (and wildly) known for its fierce surfing competitions. This charming town has acquired a bohemian personality, which is a reflection of both the artistic and surfer community intertwined here. We have a compiled a guide to the top things to do while in Haleiwa, the perfect place for those looking to find a respite from the touristy Waikiki Beach.

Wyland Galleries

Wyland Galleries feature the incredible tsunami glass sculptures by native Hawaiian David Wyland, as well as the beautiful murals of Robert Wyland. Wyland’s artwork reflects the immense and pure beauty of these islands and produces a moment of scenic tranquility through painting. Robert is from Hawaii himself and is known worldwide for his ‘whaling walls’, which depict images of whales swimming underwater in a tropical setting. The galleries to be found at Haleiwa also feature traditional paintings and even more unusual depictions of inanimate objects, such as skateboards or pieces of wood.

Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley has a long history, and has been considered by the native Hawaiians to be a sacred place for more than 700 years. Waimea stands for ‘The Valley of The Priests’, a title it gained back in 1090 when the ruler of Oahu gave the land to the kahuna nui. Take a walk through the world class botanical gardens or hike and explore the pristine waterfall area where swimming is not only allowed but strongly encouraged. Waimea Valley is a giant jungle beaming with wildlife and is a true paradise on Earth for nature lovers.

Sunset Beach Park

Sunset Beach Park is home to the finest sand and the biggest waves. In fact, this is the beach that is famous for its international surfing competitions during the winter season. The waves here can get so high they can reach more than 30 feet in total. The beach’s name derives from its incredible sunset views which are remarkably awesome during the warmer months. Come and enjoy the turquoise water in this serene beach away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.

North Shore surf lessons

What’s a trip to Hawaii without catching some waves? Enter North Shore Surf Lessons: the only Hawaiian-owned and operated surf school on the North Shore of Oahu. Lessons for people of all ages and skills make it the perfect place for beginners, families or those who are more advanced in their training alike. Since surfing might not be everyone’s cup of tea, North Shore also offers guided paddle-boarding lessons where customers will be able to feel a deeper connection to the Pacific Ocean as they glide under the famous Rainbow Bridge and get up-close-and-personal with the true stars of the island – sea turtles.

Dat Cajun Guy

While in Haleiwa, it’s essential to make a stop at Dat Cajun Guy’s food truck. Drawing inspiration from New Orleans and Creole cuisine, the owner here prepares unparalleled combinations of flavors that elevate comfort food and rivals what can be found in any upscale restaurant across America. It’s easy to fall in love with the food here, from the classic fried pickles to the shrimp po boy and the jambalaya. Dat Cajun Guy also provides customers with the option of getting their meal to-go or sit in, at a picnic table area in the shade.

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