Things to see in Haleiwa
In Haleiwa, you can enjoy the historic surf-town streetscape alongside local favorites such as shave ice and huli-huli chicken.
Oahu’s northern coast is called the North Shore and is considered a sacred place for surfing. Haleiwa is the town that serves as the gateway to the North Shore.
Haleiwa still retains nostalgic scenery that evokes the good old days of America. Unlike the urban, lively atmosphere of Waikiki, time moves at a relaxed pace here.
Haleiwa is a town you can enjoy even if you are not a surfer. It has famous local establishments unique to Haleiwa, such as Matsumoto Shave Ice and Ray’s Kiawe Broiled Chicken.
Ray's Kiawe Broiled Chicken is open only on weekends, so if you are visiting Haleiwa for the first time, Saturday or Sunday is recommended.
Haleiwa’s main street is Kamehameha Highway (Kamehameha hwy). All the shops line this street.
Matsumoto Shave Ice
Matsumoto Shave Ice (M. Matsumoto Shave Ice) is an extremely famous shop in Haleiwa. There is always a line.
It began as M. Matsumoto Grocery Store, opened in 1951 by Japanese American Mamoru Matsumoto. The shop still sells original merchandise featuring its logo, which is popular as souvenirs.
This is a set called Ichiban Special, featuring shaved ice with vanilla ice cream, sweet bean paste, and shiratama rice dumplings. There are many flavors to choose from, and the photo shows coconut cream. Even the bowl is edible.
Island Vintage Coffee
This is the Haleiwa location of Island Vintage Coffee, which also has locations in Waikiki and Japan.
Enjoy Kona coffee at an affordable price. The acai bowls and food menu are also popular.
Liliʻuokalani Church
Liliuokalani Protestant Church stands opposite Island Vintage Coffee. Its substantial stone archway has a striking presence.
Ray's Kiawe Broiled Chicken
Ray's Kiawe Broiled Chicken is a famous spot for huli huli chicken. It is open only on Saturdays and Sundays.
The truck bed has been converted into a giant grill for huli-huli chicken.
You can choose between a whole chicken (Whole Chicken) and a half chicken (Half Chicken). The photo shows a whole chicken, but it is not meant to be eaten whole; it is properly cut into easy-to-eat pieces.
Essential Information About Haleiwa
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official travel information
- Find travel information about Haleiwa and the North Shore.
リンク先を開く（gohawaii.com）www.gohawaii.com
- 📍 Location
- Haleʻiwa, North Shore, Oʻahu, Hawaii, United States
- 🕒 Visiting hours
- Haleiwa is a historic surf town on the North Shore. If you plan to visit the shops, galleries, and restaurants along Kamehameha Highway, check each establishment's opening hours individually.
- 💶 Admission
- There is no admission fee to walk around the town itself. Food, shopping, tours, and other activities are charged separately.
- ⏱️ Recommended duration
- Allow approximately 2 to 4 hours to combine a walk around the town center with a meal and shopping. ⚠️ The length of your stay will vary depending on whether you also include meals, shopping, and nearby beaches or surf spots.
Getting to Haleiwa
Haleiwa is conveniently accessible by rental car. You can enter the parking lot from the south side of Island Vintage Coffee.
For example, driving from Ala Moana Center to Island Vintage Coffee (Haleiwa) takes about 48 minutes by heading north on the freeway the entire way. It takes longer than renting a car, but you can also take the public bus (TheBus) from Ala Moana Center.
Matsumoto Shave Ice is right next to Island Vintage Coffee. Ray's Kiawe Broiled Chicken is also on the same street, within a 5-minute walk. Kono's is also popular for its famous kalua pork.
Route buses
If you are not using a rental car, TheBus route 52 connects Haleiwa with the Ala Moana Center area via Wahiawā. It runs Monday through Sunday. Some services terminate elsewhere, so choose one that continues to Haleiwa and select your boarding and drop-off points based on your destination.
A Side Trip in Haleiwa
Malama Market, a supermarket next to Rays Kiawe Broiled Chicken.
It is Japanese-style white bread made in Hawaii. It reminds you that this type of bread originated in Japan.
This is Umaibo in packaging made for overseas markets.
This is McDonald's in Haleiwa. The sign fits in well.
There is also a Seven Eleven in Haleiwa.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Oahu: A guide to attractions, food, transportation, and a sample itinerary”.
