Mini Itinerary: Haleiwa

I love a good day trip, don’t you? Hopefully these mini itineraries will inspire you and give a really good starting point for your next trip here to Hawaii or to one of my other favorite destinations (hello Italy and Disneyland/Disneyworld areas particularly!). Where should we start? Ah, of course a “Mini Itinerary” series has to start with my home island Oahu and specifically the best spot on the island-the North Shore.

You’ll find a lot more chatter on this Hawaii blog that focuses on various spots on the North Shore, but for now let’s zero in on Haleiwa.

Haleiwa

Haleiwa is regarded as the “artistic and social hub of the North Shore”. An easy one hour drive (without traffic) from Waikiki, you’ll drive through the peaceful pineapple fields of Dole Plantation and approach the most incredible view of the sparkling blue ocean as you approach the charming town of Haleiwa. More on why we love the town later, for now, here’s a mini itinerary for a day trip to Haleiwa!

Morning:

Start your drive out to Haleiwa after 8 am, unless it’s a holiday or weekend. Much of the rush hour morning traffic will subside by around this time, making for a much more pleasant drive.

Once you arrive to Haleiwa, head over to Island Vintage Coffee in the Haleiwa Store lots for a smooth cup of pure Kona coffee, a latte (the Maui lavender latte is a great choice for something unique to the islands), or a decadent Mauna Kea coffee with a scoop of gelato and the perfect addition of Black Sea salt (hey it’s vacation, no one will know that you’re having ice cream first thing in the morning!). After that long drive, you might want a bathroom stop as well. Just around the corner, on the way to the (free!) parking is an easy to locate (and usually clean) restroom.

Now that you’re fueled up with caffeine, take advantage of that free parking and browse the local boutiques and shops by foot.

Afternoon:

Is it lunch time yet? There are lots of great restaurants along the main two lane road through Haleiwa town, but my favorites are the variety of food trucks. Giovanni’s shrimp truck (it’s all about the garlic shrimp scampi) is probably the most famous, though others swear by Jenny’s Shrimp Truck or Big Wave Shrimp Truck nearby. I’ll let you in on a little secret in a future post-there’s an even better garlic shrimp spot up on the North Shore! Or go for a couple of my tried and true favorites (all details available in our full itinerary-reach out to us on the contact form to have one created just for you!).

After lunch, explore the beautiful galleries lining the town. While you’ll find established spots like Wyland, the Clark Little Gallery is special to Oahu and my favorite in Haleiwa.

Time for a mid-afternoon snack to cool off? You need to get a bowl from Haleiwa Bowls for what is arguably (and in my humble opinion), the best acai bowls on the island. Whether you go with the classic Mana acai bowl, the Blue Magik with spriulina, or the creamy Paniolo, the fresh fruit and raw local honey will be a special treat.

Hopping back into the car, slowly drive over the historic Rainbow Bridge to get a few great photos and to watch the local kids jumping off the bridge into the water or the kayakers floating by. Turn into the large parking lot of Haleiwa Beach Park and walk out the beach (remembering not to leave any valuables in your car-super important for anytime you leave your parked car in Hawaii) to admire the beautiful scenery, take a family photo, and dip your toes in the sand as you let the refreshing blue water gently wash up over you.

Early evening:

Finishing off the day, head over to Haleiwa Joes around opening time for an early dinner (as well as choice seating options and minimal lines). Not sure what to order? You can’t go wrong with their fresh fish options though I always gravitate towards their very huge and very famous prime rib. Finish off with a Paradise Pie or lilikoi creme brûlée (a gluten sensitive option) and settle in for a relaxing drive back to your hotel.

After soaking in the charm of this sleepy surf town, you’ll have a new favorite memory of your time here on Oahu. We’re sure you’ll be back soon!

Sunshine and aloha! 🌺☀️

Hawaii Girl Life