Haleʻiwa Town Center — Attraction in Oʻahu

This is one of those “the way it once was vs today” descriptions... Once, a sleepy village on the North Shore of Oahu, where you’d go to get a shave ice at this little shack/store called Matsumoto’s, the place is now bustling and way more tourists, but you can still get a great shave ice at Matsumoto’s for almost the same price as in the 1980s. They kept the same old building but added on and built around it, keeping the same Hawaiian style of “wooden clapboard” but the buildings are actually modern and sell jewelry, “Hawaiian Art” and other similar items. Promo T-shirts cost $25.00 and up but you may find a bargain close out here and there-maybe even at Matsumoto’s when you go to get a 1980s priced...

First important part about Hale’iwa Town Center and Hale’iwa in general is plan your visits. Check Google maps and see what time stores and restaurants open and close and what are the busiest times. I enjoy Hale’iwa in the evenings, 5 PM till closing time, around 8 to 9 PM. I park in the town center behind The Stone Fish where I enjoy a meal of Prime Rib. There are several restaurants within a few minute walk and the town is very well lite with decorative lights. With Hawaii your timing can create situations where you don’t get surveys because of the crowds to walking in and being served 10 minutes later. It’s all about the timing, especially...

We love Haleiwa. It's a rustic old Hawaiian town where life is a little slower than in the much bigger and busier Honolulu.

We visited 6 years ago and fell in love. I have to say that during our last visit in May of 2016, it was noticeable how much busier the town got. Tour buses are bringing people in for day visits. According to locals, the town is being marketed as old Hawaii without leaving the island of Oahu and is recommended as a day visit to those bored of the fast paced life of Honolulu. And seeing a giant big sea turtle just sun bathing on the beach...