See our
aerial video of Haleiwa.
Oahu’s North Shore is known for its long stretch of beaches, the big wave surf that rolls in every winter, and a relaxed country feel. Haleiwa homes is located in the downtown area on the North Shore, but it couldn’t be further-removed from the hustle and bustle of
Downtown Honolulu and
Waikiki. There isn’t one towering office building, skyscraper or hotel to be found here. Traffic eases along Kamehameha Highway through town, which is lined with surf shops, beach boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Haleiwa is so laid-back that it’s fine to stop into almost every store and restaurant here on your way home from the beach!
Living in a home in Haleiwa is perfect for surfers and anyone looking for total beach living. It’s a short drive from world-famous beaches like
Waimea Bay and
Sunset Beach. There’s also direct access to the water for surfing, kayaking and paddling from Haleiwa (or Alii) Beach Park, which hosts a number of surf competitions including the
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Reef Hawaiian Pro. It’s also blessed with near perfect weather year-round. The sun is usually shining on Haleiwa and the temperature is usually in the mid -80s.
Haleiwa has a long history rooted in Hawaii’s plantation era. It was named a state historic district in the 1980s, so new construction has to follow the same plantation style design as the 34 historic buildings that have been designated as landmarks. These historic buildings are found throughout town and are home to businesses, restaurants and shops today.
Real estate in Haleiwa is comprised primarily of single family homes that fall into the plantation-style bungalow or beach cottage design. Though they may look quaint from the outside, many have beautifully remodelled interiors. This is not a very large area. Haleiwa homes are located along Kamehameha Highway, across from the beach park and boat harbor, or along the smaller streets that branch off of Kamehameha Hwy, on either end of the main section of town. Custom, multi-million dollar
beachfront homes can be found out of town, down Kamehameha Hwy toward Waimea Bay.
Because it’s so close to the North Shore beaches, the town gets a significant amount of traffic, especially during the weekends and throughout the winter surf season. However, during the week and once the sun starts to go down, the crowds clear out and Haleiwa becomes a quiet country town once again.
This town is a prime place to live, but it’s also a prime place to vacation. Visitors, like residents, love that it’s quiet and far away from Waikiki, the vicinity to amazing beaches and surf breaks, and the easy-going, bohemian vibe of Haleiwa. A home in Haleiwa is an excellent option if you’re thinking of buying a vacation home that can be rented out while you aren’t there. Many homes in Haleiwa also have a small studio, or ohana unit, on property, which can be rented out a short or long-term basis.
Haleiwa offers its residents options - in real estate, in land and water activities, in nearby beaches, in shopping and dining. If you’re a beach-lover who wants a small-town island lifestyle, a home in Haleiwa could become your personal paradise!
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