Haleiwa: Oahu's Tourist Gem

Oahu’s Haleiwa town is the hot new destination for tourists to taste, shop and see. From its picturesque harbor, complete with sailing and fishing boats bobbing along, to its charming town square shopping center filled with nook and cranny niche shops and cafes, here are the highlights that make Haleiwa town hum. Ono Eats
Three square meals a day, and several snack breaks in-between still may not be ample opportunity to experience all the amazing eateries this town has to offer. Cruise into the locally owned and operated Coffee Gallery for your morning java fix—famous for roasting their own beans onsite and whipping up an eclectic mix of homemade baked goodies, smoothies and light breakfast items. Try the pumpkin cream cheese muffin—you can thank me later. For a bigger, more filling breakfast, Café Haleiwa caters to every taste to start your day, offering everything from eggs and bacon to pancakes and healthy yogurt granola bowls. Lunchtime is never overlooked here, as these folks know the morning has most likely been jammed full of sunlit activities working up appetites. For your noontime noshing, try Killer Tacos (Jack Johnson spottings here are common!), Konos, Grass Skirt Grill. or perhaps the most popular, Kua Aina Sandwhich—famous for its generously portioned and oh-so-ono ‘burgahs.’ For the vegetarians, try Beet Box Café—a natural and healthy café tucked into the back of local natural grocer, Celestial Foods. Evening sunsets on the North Shore are legendary, and taking in the view over dinner at Haleiwa Joe’s Seafood Grill is both locals’ and visitors’ first choice. You won’t find fresher fish anywhere else. Top the night off with endlessly flowing margaritas at Cholo’s before mixing it up karaoke-style with the night owls at Breakers Restaurant & Bar. Fun in the Sun
With all that good grub, you’ll need to burn off those extra calories with some killer workouts. Offering endless activities to get your body going, Haleiwa offers hiking trails just minutes away, idyllic SUP conditions straight from Haleiwa Harbor, surfing at Puena Point (rentals available two steps away at locally-owned Surf N Sea and even several picturesque, public parks to jump in the water or run around and toss the Frisbee with Fido. Shopping
For those shopaholics among us, Haleiwa boasts endless specialty boutiques catering to your every desire. Looking for a stylish sundress? Head to Oogenesis. How about a sexy little string bikini? Look no further than San Lorenzo. And finally, if art is more your affair, the charming mini-city has a collection of resident artists including Thommadro Gallery, as well as the world famous Wyland. by Andy Beth Miller