Haleiwa

There are rural villages nestled along mountain slopes, historic plantation towns frozen in time, and coastal communities with epic beach access all over the beautiful islands, but none are as incredible as Haleiwa. There is so much to love about this charming coastal community in the Aloha State, whether you visit for a day or a week. Haleiwa - population: 4,589 - was founded in 1898 when businessman Benjamin Dillingham opened a hotel on Oahu's north shore and named it Hale'iwa. It serves as the gateway to some of the world's best surfing beaches.

Haleiwa town, with its laid-back vibe and plenty of charm, is home to incredible beaches, art galleries galore, adorable shops, stellar vacation rentals, and more mouthwatering restaurants than you could possibly visit in a single trip. Haleiwa is a safe, sleepy small town known for its creative vibe, Aloha Spirit, and breathtaking scenery. It is also a haven for big wave surfers, especially during the winter months when massive waves pound the shore.

Haleiwa is easily accessible by car from anywhere on the island of Oahu, and is located just an hour outside of the bustling tourist mecca of Waikiki. If you fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport from another island, the mainland, or elsewhere, visiting Haleiwa is as simple as picking up a rental car from any of the airport's companies and driving 40 minutes into town. It's easy to walk around the short stretch of Haleiwa Town, but you'll want to rent a car for this weekend — to see the best of the North Shore, you'll need to do some driving. The most distant destinations are 12 miles apart, and public transportation in this area is at best inconsistent.